Kimber??

[SnWnMe]

My 10mm kept locking open with rounds still in the mag.

My old Pro Carry won't run on factory mags.

Both were easy fixes (to me).

[fullspeed1]

Loved my Custom II, In my opinion the best bang for the buck. It was a rock solid shooter without a single malfunction. I put over a couple of thousand rounds of my hand loads through it with no problems. Vey well put together, Tight, Smooth like butter and not a single rattle with all the creature comforts in a modern 1911.

[negolien]

Love my Custom II paid $649 before taxes or fees. Runs 100% in IDPA and have had 0 issues as a carry gun as long as you don't mind the weight and profile of a large weapon.

[trigger hippie]

OP,

Actually, I was *just* in your situation a month - looking at a Custom II or other quality make .45s under $1000 - and I jumped and bought it. Here's my impressions -

First, have you considered a Sig 220 or the HK USP-FS 45? Both can be had for about $800 - $900 before shipping/taxes. Both are double action/single action, which can be off-putting for some (or essential for our brothers in uniform). The Sig is a nice, high quality piece; the USP is an absolute beast as far as reliability and out-of-the-box accuracy. I've read (though haven't seen myself) that the USP is the only gun that actually advises that in order to get a round out of the barrel, you should *shoot another round into it*. A stunt like that would kill my Kimber and/or me, I'm pretty sure. I found the trigger pull on the Kimber to be the winning point for me; it's a straight-back pull (not a hinged trigger), consistent, glass-rod crisp and leagues ahead of the trigger feel and ergonomics of either competing gun for me.

With the Custom II, there are so many customization options that it's dizzying. I've spent at least $500 on my gun already: added TFO nightsights, Kimber carbon-fiber grip, extended slide stop, ambi-safety; I have, in the mail, a Wilson BulletProof firing pin, firing pin stop, extractor, sear, disconnector and hammer. The result will be a pistol that will end up costing about $1500, but more customized to me and my likes and dislikes than an equivalent $1500 pistol from Wilson or Baer or whoever. Find a good gunsmith to work with you and advise you on mods and you can really create a personalized weapon for yourself. I was a big fan of old Detroit steel (worked on a '68 light block v8 Mustang for a while) and learning about and working on the Kimber makes me feel right at home. This gun is not so much just a weapon as it is a hobby - even an avocation - with a payout in terms of the ability to unleash a lot of high violence on demand.

Good mags will make a big difference with your gun. I'd suggest steering clear of the cheaper $20 - $25 Chip McCormick mags starting out; buy yourself one of those 3 Wilson Combat magazines + 250 rounds ammo packages from Brownells and you'll be out to a fine start.

Concealability-wise, there are a lot of options to make a 1911 government disappear - I found a Galco Royal Guard II IWB holster and a rather large Maxpedition Fatboy Versa tactical manpurse ("SATCHEL!! IT'S A SATCHEL!!") that completely and effectively conceal the weapon should it ever become necessary. It's a flat, longish gun that can conceal well with setup and forethought.

Give the Kimber a few shots at a rental range before you decide, for sure. Good luck -

[nevil]

I have one of the first gen Customlls and have had it for over 10years. I bought new and love it. I think you will really like it.

[negolien]

you posted your two cents jesse move on... Plenty of Calgun members own this exact firearm and love it. Many members own other Kimbers and love em. Hard to find a 1911 of equal for the price point.

[OMGofWar]

the Kimber Custom II was my first Govt.-size 1911. i liked it a lot and it shot really well, but ended up selling it recently -- not because it wasn't a great gun, but because i wanted to use the money to step up to a Kimber TLE/RL (which technically isn't all that different from the Custom II). since you're on a budget, it's really tough to beat a Kimber at that price point. obviously though, if you can increase the budget a little bit, your options will open up.

[nocomply25]

loved mine but i sold it. Its a good fun to shoot but was downsized to a 9 for other reasons. To be honest if i was going to buy another 1911 i would save the money and get a nighthawk or other high end custom built ones.

[sd_fox_racer]

love my custom II, had that rust issue i took care of it, shot 150 rounds threw it today no jams

[DArBad]

I have a Custom II and for the money and what you get, its the best bang for the buck. I've never had an issue and I shoot steel cased ammo through it.

+1 to this. My Kimber Custom II is very reliable.

[Neptune]

Save up for a Springfield TRP.

Hilton Yam, the "10-8" guy, doesn't think too highly of Kimber:

http://10-8performance.blogspot.com/2010/07/kimber-warrior.html

John Harrison, one of the most in demand 1911 pistolsmiths won't work on them:

"To assure your satisfaction, work will only be done to 1911 pistols made by Colt, Springfield Armory, Les Baer, Ed Brown, Nighthawk, Wilson Combat, SVI and STI forged steel frame pistols"

This. I've seen tons of basket case Kimbers.

Save up and get a TRP and you'll never be let down. It's an awesome platform, and Springfield Armory backs their stuff for life with a Customer Service Department that is the best there is, no competition. I've got some awesome stuff, but my TRP is my favorite.



__

[Rhatical]

Excellent gun, best buy for the money in that price range by far.

[LovingTheYear1911]

And SA has no issues with their 1911's? Seems like every other thread is about how great SA customer service is and how would people know? Cause their SA broke on them. Sorry but I will stick to my USA made 1911's.

[johnny_boy02]

I have had 2 kimbers with 0 issues. I regret selling one of them. I only had one small issue of a badly machined grip bushing. I sent Kimber a email and asked for a single bushing. They sent like 4 sets.

I would pick one up for $750 without a second thought.

[JMP]

I have a Kimber Custom II and the USP Compacts. You've chosen wisely. If you have a budget of $800, by all means get the Custom II. With Kimber, you get high diminishing returns with each dollar you spend. You pay a lot more for extra external features that don't really affect the way the gun shoots. If you want value, get the Custom II. If you want something showy, get a shiny 1911 with colorful patterned grips. I think the $1200+ Kimbers are a rip off. If you want the real deal, pay $3,000 and get a custom job; that's what I am going to do for my next 1911.