Kimber questions.

[kozumasbullitt]

Is there something wrong with Kimbers? I see people on this forum making fun of them but I wanted to know if that is just joking or if there is a real problem. I am looking for a compact 1911 and really like the Kimber tactical pro II and wanted to check here before I order one. I am also open to other 4" suggestions but my criteria is....
4" barrel
Not stainless in finish
45acp

thanks for the help.

[powderedtoastman]

I've never had any issues with my Kimber Custom II. It's my facorite pistol, extremely accurate, and fits my hand like a glove. It's a bit heavy being all steel, I'm just not a fan of alloy/aluminum frames.

[CSACANNONEER]

My Pro CDPII has been my go to carry gun for years. I've also shot a little IDPA with it. When I worked at a range, I would shoot between 250-1000 rounds a week through it. So, it's proved itself to me. Also, Kimber's customer service is GREAT! The people who Kimber bash are either totally ignorant, just into the Ford vs. Chevy thing or are comparing them to guns which cost over twice as much.

BTW, I don't shoot my Kimber Classic a lot so, I'm actually better with my Pro CDP! Go figure? I like the alloy frame and melt down a lot.

[POLICESTATE]

There were some reports of problems with some of the Kimbers with external extractors. As for their current pistols they seem pretty much fine. Mine is a Custom II TLE II with internal extractor.

If you buy crappy reloads during the break-in period you may have some problems. I'm breaking mine in with factory ammo, 300 rounds so far and no problems at all.

Also when you get a new one, don't take it from the counter to the range, clean it first. The stuff they put on it at the factory feels sticky to me, it's more to protect that lubricate.

[kozumasbullitt]

That's what I figured. I have another issue... Where is a good place to check kimbers out? Most dealers in the bay area have slim pickings.

[walter]

budsgunshop is where i got my tle for about 920

[Black Majik]

There's really nothing wrong with Kimber. Their reputation went to the dumpster when they were using their proprietary external extractor, which simply put, was a piece of crap. They have now gone back to internal extractors. Some also prefer 1911s without a firing pin safety, Kimber uses a Swartz safety activated by the grip safety. Issues with the Swartz safety can be that it isn't timed correctly, or once you field strip it, the pushrod protudes too far from the frame that you cannot put the slide back on.

Otherwise, people just like to hate on Kimber. They use a lot of MIM parts, "Dennis" is seen a lot in quotes from their CS, and their basic black oxide finish wears really easily. I'm guilty of poking fun at Kimber a lot of times, but I'm a Kimber owner and enjoy shooting mine.

However, if you're looking for a "commander" size 1911, I would look for a true commander length 1911, such as a Colt, Smith & Wesson or Dan Wesson. Not only that, the Tactical model has a alloy frame, so you're limited in magazines that don't chew up your feed ramp.

Of course, everything I've mentioned is on a YMMV basis. Just some thoughts to consider.

[zman]

Is there something wrong with Kimbers? I see people on this forum making fun of them but I wanted to know if that is just joking or if there is a real problem. I am looking for a compact 1911 and really like the Kimber tactical pro II and wanted to check here before I order one. I am also open to other 4" suggestions but my criteria is....
4" barrel
Not stainless in finish
45acp

thanks for the help.

You meant Mimber? They only have a one year warranty and the service is hit or miss according to some. I do have a Mimber and it has gone back once for faulty adjustable rear sights.

[POLICESTATE]

That's what I figured. I have another issue... Where is a good place to check kimbers out? Most dealers in the bay area have slim pickings.

I checked a couple out at Bay Area Gun Vault, then went over to Reed's and they had exactly the Kimber I was looking for so I bought it. They're not cheap guns.

Your best bet is just call around and ask the various places if they have any Kimbers in stock, they may or may not give prices but they'll at least tell you what models/finishes they have in stock.

[kozumasbullitt]

There's really nothing wrong with Kimber. Their reputation went to the dumpster when they were using their proprietary external extractor, which simply put, was a piece of crap. They have now gone back to internal extractors. Some also prefer 1911s without a firing pin safety, Kimber uses a Swartz safety activated by the grip safety. Issues with the Swartz safety can be that it isn't timed correctly, or once you field strip it, the pushrod protudes too far from the frame that you cannot put the slide back on.

Otherwise, people just like to hate on Kimber. They use a lot of MIM parts, "Dennis" is seen a lot in quotes from their CS, and their basic black oxide finish wears really easily. I'm guilty of poking fun at Kimber a lot of times, but I'm a Kimber owner and enjoy shooting mine.

However, if you're looking for a "commander" size 1911, I would look for a true commander length 1911, such as a Colt, Smith & Wesson or Dan Wesson. Not only that, the Tactical model has a alloy frame, so you're limited in magazines that don't chew up your feed ramp.

Of course, everything I've mentioned is on a YMMV basis. Just some thoughts to consider.

Can you suggest specific models? I want to narrow it down to things I can handle at a dealer and I like to go in as a well informed buyer. I will probably end up ordering from buds but I would like to handle my choices first (I would buy from a dealer if the price was fair and the service was good).

[Black Majik]

If you want a commander size 1911, there is the Colt XSE, Smith Wesson 1911PD (a.k.a. Scandium Commander) , and Dan Wesson's CBOB (although bobtailed). As much of a fan of Kimber I am, I don't really trust anything shorter than their fullsize 1911s, at that point I believe you're taking a gamble whether the gun runs or not.

[kozumasbullitt]

I checked a couple out at Bay Area Gun Vault, then went over to Reed's and they had exactly the Kimber I was looking for so I bought it. They're not cheap guns.

Your best bet is just call around and ask the various places if they have any Kimbers in stock, they may or may not give prices but they'll at least tell you what models/finishes they have in stock.

Yeah BAGV does not quote prices and they rubbed me the wrong way the last time I was in there... I wanted a UBR and they had them priced at a ridiculous price (I want to say in the 300s) and was not interested in earning my buisness (didn't want to deal). I bought 3-4 guns there and would expect more from them, I ended up getting the ubr that day from Aimsurplus for $200 and change.

[TWoods450]

I don't get the not quoting prices over the phone, is it to get you into their store? When I bought my XD I called around to find a store that had the model I was looking for in stock, one shop told me they did (Guns Fishing & Other Stuff in Fairfield) but wouldn't tell me how much they wanted, Triple A in Vallejo had it in stock and quoted the price over the phone so they got my business that day.

[Artery]

My only problem is that the barrels aren't stainless. Mine developed the slightest bit of surface rust, easily dealt with with some steel wool, gun oil, and more careful handling.

My kimber is my favorite pistol I own. Its a fullsize Tactical II and I like it so much I frequently use it as a carry gun.

[greyfell]

That's what I figured. I have another issue... Where is a good place to check kimbers out? Most dealers in the bay area have slim pickings.

The Last Gun Shop, in Napa, is a Kimber dealer, and (I'm told) has a fair selection.