Question about Kimber 1911 and magazine issues.

[PistolPete75]

I just purchased a Kimber Tactical Custom II which has an aluminum frame. I've been lurking around some other forums, and they say that alot of Kimbers are having FTF and FTE issues. I was wondering what experience do you guys have with your Kimbers, especially for the recently purchased ones.

I also purchased a CM Tactical 8 round magazine, and again some people are saying that the metal follower may damage the aluminum frame. I decided to go with the Tripp Reseach follower and spring kit. Has anyone on this forum put one of these Tripp Reseach kits in their CM 8 round magazine?

I'm just a little worried, that it won't perform to my standards. My friend recently purchased a Custom TLE/RL II and has numerous FTF issues. My bro in law has a Springfield 1911 and has numerous FTF issues also. Hope mine does not follow this path.

I've learned to really appreciate the 1911 for it's crisp trigger pull and accuracy. I just want a real reliable and accurate 1911 pistol. This is my main concern. Any advice to reaching this goal is appreciated.

[Kruzr]

If a 1911 is having FTF or FTE issues, there is usually a reason and a fix. Magazines and extractor tension are the two biggest causes of problems in 1911's (not to mention the operators.)

Don't worry about problems unless you experience them.

The "magazine" damage to alloy framed 1911's is due to the split follower magazines. When the magazine is empty, the bottom part can stick out beyound the magazine body. When you put it in the gun, that part hits the frame under the ramp and causes nicks. It's cosmestic damage but it's damage nonetheless. This can happen with any split follower magazine that doesn't have the foot on the front of the follower to keep it from rocking forward.

I've used Wilson followers and springs in Kimber mag bodies but not the Tripp ones.

[EastBayRidge]

I bought a Custom II a bit less than a year ago. Initially it had FTF and FTE issues - took it back to the dealer, who took a look at it and said the (internal) extractor was much too tight. They loosened it a bit and since then it's run flawlessy, including factory loads and handloads. Finicky, but worth it.

[Miltiades]

Wilson magazines work well

I also have an aluminum frame Kimber, the Pro CDP model. I have used Wilson magazines right from the start with this Kimber, and they have a plastic follower. I have not had any problems with either scratching of the aluminum feed ramp or feeding into the chamber from the magazine. The gun runs 100% reliably for me, and I have put about 1500 rounds through it. I have used a variety of ammo, both FMJ and HP.

I have one factory Kimber magazine that came with the gun, and didn't like the appearance of it so I put it aside and have used the Wilsons exclusively. I had previously had good results with the Wilsons on several Colt 1911s, and own a number of these magazines. They cost a little more than stock, but show a high level of quality in their construction.

[PistolPete75]

I don't understand why Kimber would issue magazines that might damage the frame, but I will most definitely upgrade my magazines to Wilson or Tripp.

[1911su16b870]

I run Wilsons in my four Kimbers and have never had any problems. I've been very fortunate with mine.

[Franksremote]

All of my Kimbers run 100%. Never a FTE, sometimes a FTF due to a mag being out of spec. Smooth ejection of an empty magazine is a simple test as it will hang when the lips end up too wide. I've used just about every mag out there and have settled on CMC powermags 10rd and CMC 8 rounders for SS and haven't really run into problems with any of them jsut like the way that the CMCs feel and fit. My Eclipse Custom II has over 10k rounds through it this year alone and other than adjusting mags now and then, works on demand. They eat whatever I feed 'em.

[PistolPete75]

All of my Kimbers run 100%. Never a FTE, sometimes a FTF due to a mag being out of spec. Smooth ejection of an empty magazine is a simple test as it will hang when the lips end up too wide. I've used just about every mag out there and have settled on CMC powermags 10rd and CMC 8 rounders for SS and haven't really run into problems with any of them jsut like the way that the CMCs feel and fit. My Eclipse Custom II has over 10k rounds through it this year alone and other than adjusting mags now and then, works on demand. They eat whatever I feed 'em.

good to hear Frank, I was also worried that the montana gold bullets wouln't feed right. I bought two cases of the 200gr JFP. What oal do you use for your .45 acp? And where is the best place to order Clay's powder?

[Thrillbilly]

I got my Raptor II about 2 weeks ago. I have now put 500 rounds through it and have had no issues with it. I have used the mag that came with it as well as a 10 rd mag in it with zero issues. I too read about issues with Kimbers on various forums but as of yet I have not witnessed any with mine.

[Cardinal Sin]

If you have an alloy frame then dont use the split followers as they can, with time, leave a dimple in the feed ramp. Use solid types like Wilsons. I Have a steel frame 1911 so I use anything that I can get my hands on.

[Kruzr]

If you have an alloy frame then dont use the split followers as they can, with time, leave a dimple in the feed ramp. Use solid types like Wilsons. I Have a steel frame 1911 so I use anything that I can get my hands on.

The "dimple" is below the feed ramp at the top of the rear of the front strap.

[Doctor Suarez]

I have a Gold Match II with the dreaded (but in my case, flawless external extractor.)

I have one Chip McCormick power mag with a Tripp research upgrade kit in it. Have not experienced any failures, though it does only hold 7 rounds and loading/unloading the mags is a more strenuous affair than one would hope.

Yet despite the fact that it's very difficult to unload the Tripp-upgraded mags by hand, the Kimber seems to have no problem with it.

[Cardinal Sin]

The "dimple" is below the feed ramp at the top of the rear of the front strap.

I've seen it below and on the lower portion of the feed ramp

[///D]

I still have the provided mag in heavy rotation w/ the rest of them (Chip and Wilson) using my Custom TLE/RL II w/ no problems. I also have the external extractor that has given me 0 problems as well. These 2 items seem to be the most problematic w/ everyone else but after 1500+ rounds, not one issue.

[gregshin]

remember to break in your 1911 with 500 rounds first and don't limp wrist either. i have a kimber team match II with external extractor tjat i use for competitions with mags being dropped in the mud, sand, concrete, etc and the gun keeps on ticking