Kimber Eclipse Custom II Problems

[automatikdonn]

I bought a Kimber Eclipse Custom II and every three or four rounds it fails to feed. It's still wrongfully imprisoned and the gun shop told me to wait the rest of the 10 days, and fire more rounds through it, and if the problem continues then send it in to kimber. Despite two employees firing the gun and they both saw that there was a problem.

Is this typical of Kimbers?

Should I get the gun store to send it in now, while its in the clink anyways?

This is my first 1911, but I have talked to other people about it and they have all said this is a ridiculous problem that should be handled right now!

$1400 dollars is no small sum of money, and I expect my gun to work every time, every round....


Please no haters, just looking for some solid advice.

[Cyc Wid It]

Should really test different mags first, especially since some 1911's are finicky when new and take a bit to break in. Also, Kimber's customer service is hit or miss at best.

[B Strong]

I bought a Kimber Eclipse Custom II and every three or four rounds it fails to feed. It's still wrongfully imprisoned and the gun shop told me to wait the rest of the 10 days, and fire more rounds through it, and if the problem continues then send it in to kimber. Despite two employees firing the gun and they both saw that there was a problem.

Is this typical of Kimbers?

Should I get the gun store to send it in now, while its in the clink anyways?

This is my first 1911, but I have talked to other people about it and they have all said this is a ridiculous problem that should be handled right now!

$1400 dollars is no small sum of money, and I expect my gun to work every time, every round....


Please no haters, just looking for some solid advice.

I'm no hater, I'm just two-for-three w/ Kimbers.

I still own two, the lemon went back to Kimber, still wasn't right when it was returned, and I sold it here on Calguns with full disclosure to the buyer.

Do not waste ammo - try good quality mags with one more box (50) of ammo. If it doesn't run with mags known to be good, contact Kimber and ship the thing back.

Good luck, and please report back.

[puropuro]

Couple checkpoints:
1)Did you fieldstrip, clean, and lube when you first got it?
2)Try Wilson Combat Mags.
3)You're shooting regular ball ammo, right?

The gun needs a couple hundred rounds of ball to break-in.

[automatikdonn]

I did try different mags, but they were all made by Kimber. I did fieldstrip the gun and lube it well. I was shooting flat tip not ball, but it makes no difference. The round comes out of the mag just fine and just gets bound up about 3/4 of the way into the chamber...

[automatikdonn]

B Strong, Kimber didn't give you a new gun. Their warranty dictates that they will replace anything that malfunctions for a period of one year.... I would have been PI$$ED...


If the problem continues and Kimber bones me I will roll video of it, and put it on youtube. Then have my lawyer send Kimber a nice letter to them, and I will have to get results that way.

Thanks for the advice guys

[Millions-Knives]

My Kimber required a few hundred rounds of break-in. It fires 100% after about the first 300 rounds. It eats anything now from Ball, HP and SWC. But I'm leery about their factory magazines. I use Cobra and Chip McCormick shooting stars. But I don't recall it jamming so frequently.

Once you get your gun. You're welcome to check mine out and compare and see if there are any obvious differences.

I shoot a Kimber Gold Match II.

[Tack]

I had a problem with a used Raptor when I used range reloads and off brand mags. It runs fine with Chip McCormick mags.

Get good mags and if it doesn't run then it has to go back to Kimber.

[drdren]

automatikdonn,

Hang in there. i agree with several of the posts. My break-in period was consistent with the manufacture's literature. Now my eclipse custom 2 functions perfectly. I was freaked out too during the break-in period because I spent a grip for my first firearm /1911. However, mine had ftf's 1 in every 10 rounds and not every 3 or 4 rounds. Mine steadily improved throughout the first 300 rounds. 1 in 10 improved to 1 in 15 then 1 in 20 then none at all. If it doesn't improve at all within 200 rounds consider speaking to Kimber.

If you are in los angeles, hit me up and we'll go to the range.

I had trouble with 1 of 3 kimpro mags. 2 work fine. I wouldn't waste any more money and would buy Wilson Combat. I have never heard of, or read of anyone complaining about those mags.

[JanG]

kimber's owners manual does mention a break in period of 300-500 rds

[GW]

Check for lumps/snags etc. on the feed ramp I run a Q-Tip up the ramp and see what sticks.
And as said before shoot 300 or so thru it and see if that settles matters

[automatikdonn]

Thanks for all of the help...


I will be running another couple hundred rounds through it soon... Hopefully its just part of the break in.

[glenbear]

Reply on Kimber Eclipse II 10mm

First.. I really like my Eclipse II , but it did have to go back to summer camp at Kimber because of FTF/FTE
Customer service has been just fine for me.
I have approx 250 + rds down the pipe. Took it out last week and ran 50 rounds of DoubleTap 200gr flat nose through it to be consistent and eliminate ambiguity. First two mags (factory kimber) no problems, next mag first three FTF (different shooter chip mcormick 9 rd mag)) then no problems after that. It is FINICKY about ammo. Doesn't like generic Miwal HP, Hates Winchester Silver tip (nearly throws up), tolerates Buffalo Bore HP, seems to tolerate Hornady HP pretty well. Seems to like DoubleTap the best so far. Next trip going to repeat with the DoubleTap 180gr match. I have heard that they are (and can confirm by feel) super tight till you get a good 500 + rds through it. A unique experience for sure. My 1076 smith eats anything you feed it (but it is broken in)

Otherwise love the gun and the feel and the looks. Barrel bushing is a pain tho.

[GW]

And don't ya just love that finish on the Eclipse?

[railroader]

I did try different mags, but they were all made by Kimber. I did fieldstrip the gun and lube it well. I was shooting flat tip not ball, but it makes no difference. The round comes out of the mag just fine and just gets bound up about 3/4 of the way into the chamber...

What kind of ammo are you shooting? You say flat tip but does ball ammo feed. Is the ammo reloads and what is the bullet profile of this ammo? This all makes a difference. Some really short profile wadcutters will give guns fits plus if they are reloads and if they aren't made correctly you can have issues. If they are reloads take the barrel out of the gun and try inserting the rounds into the barrel one at a time. They could should go in and out of the barrel smoothly. If they don't the gun won't run right.