Best Bare Bones Kimber 1911

[dhl]

Hello,

Would someone please tell me which Kimber model is the most reliable basic 1911 they make. I don't like a lot of bells and whistles just basic, reliable and accurate.

Thank you,

Joe

[Black Majik]

That'll be the Custom II, but it still has a lot of bells and whistles for the money. Extended thumb safety, beavertail grip safety, fixed sights, full length guide rod, beveled mag well, and front cocking serrations.

Great value though.

[rorschach]

+1

When LAPD SWAT wanted a new pistol, they chose the Custom II, with the stipulation that frontstrap checkering and night sights be added. The LAPD SWAT Custom II was born. This exact pistol was later marketed to civilians as the TLE II.

[Aluisious]

I have a TLE II and it's great. Accurate, tight fit, no frilly BS, reliable (with Wilson magazines). You'll be happy with one.

[dhl]

Thank you for the reccomendations.

[hkfooey]

I have a TLE/II RL and love it... only thing is cost... over $1200 with tax.

I would love to get a regular Custom II - last time I saw it at Reeds for sale $550 - should have bought it...

[Dump1567]

Just out of curiosity, why not a Springfield and avoid the Swartz safety system? There was just a good thread on the SA Mil-Spec.

[Aluisious]

Just out of curiosity, why not a Springfield and avoid the Swartz safety system? There was just a good thread on the SA Mil-Spec.

Because Kimbers are pretty good and I've never heard of problems with the grip safety actuation? Not saying it's the best in the world, but it's damn good. Good enough for LAPD SWAT and good enough for me.

[shooten]

Yep. TLE II. My Uncle, a cop, hit a 2 inch group at 25 yards with mine. I need more practice.

[railroader]

Get the kimber custom or the target which has adjustable sights. I have have both a custom 1 and a gold match 1. Both shoot great and the custom actually has a slightly better trigger. Mark

[HK fan]

sounds nice but the LAPD SWAT guns have all been rebuilt several times and tuned and tweaked

[Dump1567]

Because Kimbers are pretty good and I've never heard of problems with the grip safety actuation?

Well not that I was responding to you, but it sounds like you need to start doing some research.

Here's a little something I found for you, but since you've never had problems, I'm sure you know best.

This is from Hilton Yam a very respected gunsmith and SWAT team leader.

Firing pin safeties typically fall into the Colt Series 80 pattern which are actuated by the trigger (Colt Series 80, Para Ordnance, Sig GSR) and the Swartz style safety which is actuated by the grip safety (Kimber, Smith & Wesson). Of all the firing pin safety mechanisms on the market, the original Colt Series 80 - in a Colt - is the most reliable of them all. The platforms utilizing the Swartz safety are a less than ideal choice across the board due to the inherent reliability problems of the design. The Swartz safety is extremely sensitive to the fit of the grip safety to the frame and the timing of the grip safety's trigger blocking arm. Tolerance issues can also lead to a Swartz safety that will time properly when the grip safety is depressed a certain way, and time differently when depressed a different way. This will typically be a product of loose fit of the grip safety to the frame tangs and/or loose fit of the thumb safety shaft through the grip safety. It is possible to have the grip safety timed such that the trigger will be able to release the sear well before the firing pin safety plunger has been moved far enough to clear the firing pin. Problems with improper timing of the Swartz safeties can lead to a situation where you get a "click" when you wanted a "bang." That's a serious problem. Unless department policy mandates a firing pin safety, I would choose a 1911 without a firing pin safety. It is possible to have a drop safe 1911 without the firing pin safety, and given the potential reliability problems with a poorly executed system, the perceived risk of drop safety is outweighed by the real risk of a failure to fire.

[chris]

i have the royal II and i have to say i love it. great pistol.

[Kruzr]

sounds nice but the LAPD SWAT guns have all been rebuilt several times and tuned and tweaked

Actually, they are stock Kimbers and have had normal maintenance. The safeties have caused no problems.

Kimber has used the Swartz safety for over 5 years now. The bugs have been worked out and other than internet hype, there is no problem with them.
I've seen and shot a lot of Kimbers over the last 5 years and I've never seen a real Series II problem.

Hilton Yam is a good smith but keep in mind he also recommends sending him your brand new Springfield Pro so he can make it right........

[calshooter]

I have a TLE/II RL and love it... only thing is cost... over $1200 with tax.

Just FYI, there is a new TLE II on gunbroker for less than $850.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=60988170