Kimber Quality Decline?

[BuckTurgidson]

Kimber makes beautiful pistols. But I've seen a number of posts on various gun websites that claim Kimber build quality has declined. Those who make this claim don't bother to explain why. So I ask you wonderful fellahs, has the quality and/or reliability of Kimber 1911 pistols taken a dive and if so, why exactly?

[Greg-Dawg]

Rusty barrels due to oxidation...I've seen it multiple times.

[Noobert]

Probably because of the economy, and companies start finding ways to cut costs

[BuckTurgidson]

Rusty barrels due to oxidation...I've seen it multiple times.

Sure, I've seen rusty barrels, in a number of guns. But why would this be a quality issue rather than the result of poor maintenance?

[BuckTurgidson]

Probably because of the economy, and companies start finding ways to cut costs

Right. What exactly are the cost cutting measures?

[Mr. Meeseeks]

MIM parts, is usually what most 1911nistas complain about. I've had a personal experience with a MIM firing pin stop on a Springfield GI, and yeah it sucked- cracked down the center after 500+/- rounds and lots of dry firing.

I used to rent an early model Custom II at my local pistol range, man that thing was sweet.

[BuckTurgidson]

MIM parts, is usually what most 1911nistas complain about. I've had a personal experience with a MIM firing pin stop on a Springfield GI, and yeah it sucked- cracked down the center after 500+/- rounds and lots of dry firing.

I used to rent an early model Custom II at my local pistol range, man that thing was sweet.

Ah, thanx for that specific infomation! Now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

[Ascout]

Have a CDPII "custom shop" gun. Only "cheap" part on it is the plastic "A1" backstrap, but that's more for weight.

Most forgiving .45 with regard to ammo I've ever fired. Digested 9 of 10 commercial and personal reload types with only FTF on MagTech, which I don't care for anyway.

Very accurate for a 3" barrel.

[JanG]

i have a warrior II with 600 rds and i have yet to experience any problems with it. it's probably just purists and snobs that complain about mim or other "cheap" material parts. take care of the gun and it should take care of you. i try to shoot it as much as i can so i can find faults within the 1 year warranty

[Mr. Meeseeks]

Glad I could help, it really depends on where the MIM part is used. I personally don't really care if a pistol has them or not, but in that particular case it was in a high stress area like the firing pin stop, so it was kind of ridiculous, however it was an easy part to replace.

Ah, thanx for that specific infomation! Now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

[glockman19]

The only reason you hear that is because they make and sell more 1911's than any other manufacturer.

Of my 5 Kimbers I only had minor issues with a Pro Carry II, after contacting Dennis @ kimber it was sent in and since I've gotten it back has run flawlessly.

Check out the m1911 forums for more info:

http://forum.m1911.org/forumdisplay.php?f=21

[Rhatical]

Not based on my experience with a 9 month old Eclipse Custom II - has been outstanding!

[PingPongBob]

Here's six pages for you.

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=117851

[erratikmind]

Love my new Kimber Stainless Target II in 9mm. I have shot 500 flawless rounds since getting it last Saturday. This blaster is very accurate, to say the least.

[Prowler]

Thousands of rounds through my Tactical Custom ll, never failed.