Kimber Classic Stainless LE

[Bill O. Rights]

Well, I just stumbled across a rather interesting 1911 this evening........ (and no, I don't have any pictures--sorry). It's a Kimber Classic Stainless LE 1911 .45acp, in as-new condition, in the plastic hardcase. It's rather unique in that, no only is it stainless, the 'fixtures' (trigger, safety, beavertail/grip safety, etc.) are all in black. Personally, I think it looks pretty cool. It also has the black neoprene grips. It would appear to have been manufactured and purchased in about 1997 or so.

I checked a couple of other sites and it would seem that these were a limited production item (possibly only 600 made), due to they're being unpopular because of the black parts mentioned (which again, I think are trippy looking !). I don't know this to be fact, and that's why I'm here------ does anyone actually KNOW about this particular model ? I don't mean to be curt, but I'm not looking for guesses nor speculation here. If anyone has FACTUAL KNOWLEDGE concerning this rather oddball pistol, I'd be most grateful for your input. I checked Gun Broker and GunsAmerica and couldn't find anything comparable. The gentleman inherited it from his late father who bought it new, and it still looks new. He's asking $700.

Thanks for any solid input----- much appreciated. All the best and GOD bless. (^_^)

[ptusa]

Yes I have some things to share...

Oh wait, you requested "FACTUAL KNOWLEDGE"...never mind.

[davegar1]

Call kimber with serial # and they'll give you the scoop.

[DArBad]

Or post this question in the 1911 Forum in the Kimber Subforum. There is a guy there that is a wealth of knowledge about Kimbers, he goes by the name of " Kruzr ". He is also known to show up in this forum every once in a while.

[Bill O. Rights]

Thanks for the input, Y'all. I bought it this evening and hope to take it out in the next couple of days. (^_^)

[railroader]

Thanks for the input, Y'all. I bought it this evening and hope to take it out in the next couple of days. (^_^)

You got a nice kimber for a good price. That is a series one pistol. You are really going to like it. I have a Custom Classic I picked up in 1997 and it still runs great after thousands of rounds.

[Bill O. Rights]

Ok, Fellow Gunnies, here's the Update :

It sounds funny, but the guns I'm 'supposed to buy' seem to come to me, I don't go looking for them..... therefore, I had no choice but to go ahead and give this one its new home. I checked with two knowledgable / reputable shops with whom I've had deaings for several years and both confirmed that the 'retail' (gun-store) price would be about $700, and one gentleman stated that due to current circumstances, the 1911 market is somewhat soft right about now, as most folks are wanting 'tactical/modern sporting rifles' instead, and are spending their money for those and such. Bottom line : I made an offer of $600 and the seller and I both walked away happy and as new friends. (^_^)

I finally got a chance to take it out yesterday, and as was expected, this is a peach !! It's accurate, soft shooting and just generally a true pleasure to fire. Of course, the Chip McCormick 'Shooting Star' magazine functioned perfectly, but the surprise was that I have one marked "Colt 45 Auto" which fed all rounds just fine, but didn't hold the slide open after the last round, and was a bear to eject fully (I don't know this to be of actual Colt manufacture, but it has the name on it; shiny white metal, but possibly not stainless). Conversely, a 'generic' blued 'cheapie' from Sportsmans Guide functioned altogether as well as the factory one ! Dang this thing is a great shooter !!!

Since this was a test for functionality I ran a fairly diverse cross-section of rounds through it------ 230 gr. hardball, of course, but also lead semi-wadcutter reloads, round-nose lead reloads as well as several hollowpoint loads (Remington Golden Saber, Corbon, Speer, Winchester Silvertip, and of course, my dedicated carry load, Federal HST*)------ all functioned and fired without a hiccup. Interestingly, the brass from the HST all landed in a very small pile in one spot, whereas all other brass scattered all over the place. One other curious note: the brass seemed to have a bit of 'blow-by' down one side of the case (all of the brass cases).... is this characteristic of Kimbers, and do they have a 'generous' chamber for reliability, or - ? I looked carefully and didn't see any sign of case swelling or distortion.

*As a side note : A couple of years ago I did a fair bit of research, even having email conversations with a very nice, knowledgable gentleman from ATK, and have since exclusively carried Federal HST in all of my semi-auto centerfire handguns. There are other great loads (such as the ones mentioned above), but you could then buy 50 rd. boxes for about the same price as 20-25 rd. boxes of other defensive ammo. Of course, the performance factor was of the utmost importance in my choosing HST. For the record, here's what I carry : 9mm 147 gr. , .40 S&W 180 gr. and .45acp 230 gr. , all standard velocity. The official from ATK stated that with today's technology and bullet design, the only reason they even offer +P is that they have a market for it. Frankly, for another 50fps or so, I just didn't see the practicality. Also, and of real consideration------ should one have to actually use his/her defensive weapon "In The Gravest Extreme", a prosecuting attorney and probably jury would most likely look less favorably at the term '+P' than they might 'standard velocity'. Just a thought.

Anyway, there's the current scoop ! Now for a confession : This is my first personally-owned 1911. Surprised ? If you knew how many firearms I currently own (and have owned) you'd find that hard to believe. I've shot them, 'smithed' them and such, and have a great Ruger P97DC which I dearly love, but just never had a 1911 fall into my lap. I kinda think this is a good way to come into the fold........ sort of starting off with a BANG !! LOL GOD bless------ Bill O. Rights (^_^)

P.S.: Thanks to everyone for your input, and L-2 for your advice.

[trigger945]

Congrats! Great first one, glad you are enjoying it.

[jimmythebrain]

So you transferred the gun at a dealer that has a gun range?
Most of us sorry saps are stuck in a 10 day waiting period after we purchase a pistol.

Glad you found a first generation Kimber. They have great triggers.

[Kruzr]

The Stainless LE was a 1998 limited edition (LE) run of 700 pistols made for Gander Mountain stores. Over the years, Kimber has made limited editions for their major distributors.

It is essentially a Classic Stainless with blackened parts. Rumor was that Kimber had issues with the stainless parts but had frames and slides ready to go. They used the black oxide parts and made the "limited editions." Some were made with target adjustable sights and were marked Stainless Target LE.

[WieDonE]

[tacticalcity]

+1 Broke my heart man. I was so excited I started drooling before I even clicked the button.

[Bill O. Rights]

Ok, ok.......

I get the hint........ y'all want pix !!! I don't have any to post as of now, but you'll find some on the 1911 Forum that show the same gun exactly. Go to the Kimber section, then in the search window, type Kimber Classic Stainless LE, and on page 8 (last time I was there) there's an older post with some pix. (^_^)

[trigger945]

^^^Lol. That doesn't count!

[Bill O. Rights]

Okay, Tech-Masters :

I found a thread (sticky) telling how to photograph my guns (although I took the pix before I read it...), but nowhere do I find any info on how to load the pix I've taken to display here. I'll admit that I'm a bit of a caveman when it comes to such things. Hey, at least I got some photos and have them on my computer to post here when I find out how !! (^_^) Thanks.