Kimber Raptor

[WWDHD?]

I saw a Kimber Raptor 2 (blue) today at a local GS. I really liked the finish and the machine work on it (scales). I even liked the stock grips and the sights were ok (could do with out the nightsights). Does anyone have any experience with the Raptor? How does the blue finish hold up? Long term durability? How would a Raptor compare to a Springfield TRP? Did a quick search here and mostly found stuff from the marketplace section. Thanks.

[XVIga_Rob]

The Raptor is the same as the TLE or custom II, just the cosmetics are different. Love my TLE! Next 1911 will be a stainless Raptor
As for how it compares to a TRP, well it's all in who you ask. Personally, I don't care for magwells, or the TRP's overly aggressive front strap checkering. Plus, springfields just seem thick & bulky to me. I'll take a Kimber over a Springer anyday.

[WWDHD?]

I was looking for a Springfield Loaded when I stumbled upon the Raptor. I know the SA TRP is a very well regarded pistol but costs just a bit more than my budget. I'm a bit leery of Kimbers simply because they have a rep for putting out a few to many lemons mixed in with lots of brilliant pistols.
Still I was impressed with the look and feel of the Raptor. Is it just a pretty face or is it a good quality gun? The GS guy said it was from the "Custom Shop", what does that mean?

[sffred]

Kimber would be my choice! I believe SA frames are made in brazil now? I think

[SgtMerc]

The Raptor is the same as the TLE or custom II, just the cosmetics are different.

I own a Custom II, and from trying out the Raptor in the stores, it seems to have better grip to the slide serrations.

I have wondered how that tackiness would be affected by a light film of oil. Any Raptor owners that can give their opinion?

[SgtMerc]

Are those the famous nutter butter grips?

The raptor doesn't have peanut grips. You're thinking the Kimber Warrior and Desert Warrior.

I believe Kimber calls Raptor grips "snakescale" or something to that effect, and they're made of zebrawood. (I didn't even know that zebras grew on trees.)

[Cyc Wid It]

I would put the Raptor in the same class as a SA loaded...

[SamayouSamurai]

save the money and put aside more money for another year and buy Ed Brown Cobra Carry...
I have a TRP. I like it but it's a bit big. I'm buying Ed Brown Cobra Carry next.

[glockman19]

I have the 3", 4" & 5" Kimber Raptors...IMHO, the finest firearms comming out of the custom shop.
There is a member selling one in the marketplace.

[fremont lapua]

I have the raptor ultra 2 and I like it. I also like the scale serrations better then the traditional checkering.

[BlackDrop50]

8000 rounds with only regular spring changes. No failures past break in period.


My Raptor feels tighter and more accurate than the TRP I rented right before I bought the Raptor.

[dholla]

My Raptor runs like a top, pretty much my go to for single stack and range fun.

[WWDHD?]

Sounds like mostly good opinions about the Raptor. Sure is a great looking gun. I think if I find one for a decent price before I find an SA Loaded stainless I'll jump on it. I knew the 1911 experts here would have the info I needed.

[WWDHD?]

I visited another local gun shop and they told me that they have a Kimber Raptor 2 (blue, Gov size) coming in to them "sometime" but they don't know when. Their price is pretty good (lower than Bud's who is out of stock anyways). The GS said they're a "Master Dealer" and should get some priority over other dealers.
So what do you guys think: Should I put down a 50% deposit and hope for the best or am I walking into a bear trap? A few weeks or a month I think I could tolerate but much more than that I think I will really be kicking myself for getting into this. Does the "Master Dealer" thing really mean anything? Thanks for the advice.

[LovingTheYear1911]

I would get the Kimber over a Springfield anyday. I cant imagine paying 1000 plus for a gun made in Brazil, sorry. I'd rather have my money stay here in the States.

Get the Raptor, its a beautiful gun and don't read too much into the internet horror stories. After all, its the internet.