Kimber 1911 break in question

[diveRN]

I broke in my Ultra Carry II with my own 230gr FMJs, about 800 in the first outing. I load relatively light too, just shy of a mid-range powder charge.

Apart from a dozen or so Tulammo rounds, it has reliably eaten and cycled everything I've fed it. I didn't put a hollow point through it until after I'd fired 2,500 or so of ball ammo and it eats JHPs just fine.

A recommendation: If you experience any misfeeding, get some Wilson Combat mags. I haven't had any issues with the Factory Kimber mag that came with the gun, but I've read tons from folks who have.

[Cali_RSV]

I received 2 Wilson Combat mags in the mail the other day. So I have a total of 3 mags now. I noticed the Wilson combat mags are damn nice. The mag follower doesn't bind or compress awkwardly. It slides smoothly with the magazine. I haven't messed with the Kimber one yet since I don't get it until tomorrow. but compared to say my 226R mags, they are a hell of a lot nicer in finger compression operation at least :P

[Fherot]

My $525 RIA didn't need a break-in... I hate that concept.

[INFAMOUS762X39]

I broke in my Ultra Carry II with my own 230gr FMJs, about 800 in the first outing. I load relatively light too, just shy of a mid-range powder charge.

Apart from a dozen or so Tulammo rounds, it has reliably eaten and cycled everything I've fed it. I didn't put a hollow point through it until after I'd fired 2,500 or so of ball ammo and it eats JHPs just fine.

A recommendation: If you experience any misfeeding, get some Wilson Combat mags. I haven't had any issues with the Factory Kimber mag that came with the gun, but I've read tons from folks who have.

Thanks for sharing. I've put the same number of rounds of ball ammo through my Kimber TLE, all flawless. Going to run various JHP through her this weekend for the first time.

I personally prefer/trust Tripp Cobra Magazines.

[redcliff]

My formula for "breaking in" tight 1911's with minimal ammunition expenditure and failures:

1. Use quality magazines like Tripp Research, Chip McCormick or Wilson ETM's.
2. Hand cycle the firearm 500 times while watching tv. Pull the trigger each time and cycle the thumb safety on and off occasionally.
3. Set your extractor tension properly before ever firing a single round. Very few 1911's have proper extractor tension from the factory; they're often too tight which induces drag and causes failures to feed.
4. Wipe down the critical wear points and relube before firing.

[POLICESTATE]

I broke mine in with a combination of 250 factory FMJ and 250 of reloads from Load-X also FMJ. 230 gr.

[Cali_RSV]

This is my first 1911. How does one determine the proper extractor tension and how is that adjusted typically on a 1911? I guess I can google it but since we're on the topic.

[jonzer77]

This is my first 1911. How does one determine the proper extractor tension and how is that adjusted typically on a 1911? I guess I can google it but since we're on the topic.

http://blog.wilsoncombat.com/uncategorized/checking-the-extractor-tension-on-your-1911/

I also recommend:

http://www.brownells.com/books-videos/books/gunsmithing-books/handgun-gunsmithing-books/jerry-kuhnhausen-the-colt-45-automatic-prod13805.aspx

and/or

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/193148/the-us-m1911-1911a1-pistols-and-commercial-m1911-type-pistols-volume-2-a-shop-manual-book-by-jerry-kuhnhausen

[Cali_RSV]

http://blog.wilsoncombat.com/uncateg...-on-your-1911/

I also recommend:

http://www.brownells.com/books-videos/books/gunsmithing-books/handgun-gunsmithing-books/jerry-kuhnhausen-the-colt-45-automatic-prod13805.aspx

and/or

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/193...rry-kuhnhausen

I love this forum. Thank you!

[bsim]

"Don't call us about any problems until round 501"

Yup.

[Cali_RSV]

So beautiful I almost don't want to shoot her. Almost... lol

Cell phone pics:

[Artema]

Jeez. You're making me want one so bad with those pics.

[HPGunner]

My formula for "breaking in" tight 1911's with minimal ammunition expenditure and failures:

1. Use quality magazines like Tripp Research, Chip McCormick or Wilson ETM's.
2. Hand cycle the firearm 500 times while watching tv. Pull the trigger each time and cycle the thumb safety on and off occasionally.
3. Set your extractor tension properly before ever firing a single round. Very few 1911's have proper extractor tension from the factory; they're often too tight which induces drag and causes failures to feed.
4. Wipe down the critical wear points and relube before firing.

I agree with this guy ^^

Except I probably don't hand cycle it 500 times, but the rest of his points are on par to making sure your 1911 runs well.

I've got the same Kimber and it's a pretty gun. I added an Ed Brown mainspring housing and some VZ Operator II's

[jdben92883]

Loose 1911's are like loose girls...neither require a break-in if you like it sloppy.

My $525 RIA didn't need a break-in... I hate that concept.

[squiddo]

MAN they are purty