what's the deal with Kimber's FPB

[rm1911]

In the market for another 1911 45. Really liking the Kimber Custom II. it's right in the price range, held one a couple of times and feels great. Great reviews, etc. Kimber guns are great. it's a 1911, so it's not like I don't know about how to shoot them and I don't need to see if a 1911 is for me. I figure I can get a quality 1911 and I'm good to go with it. But they added a firing pin block to the II models.

I love my 70 series colt. hated the changes with the 80 series. damn lawyers!!! last thing I need is a bunch of small, non-essential parts in a 1911. JMB already created perfection, it don't need any "improvements".

I'm thinking now I'll just SSE an STI spartan V instead.

so what's the deal with it?

[Kruzr]

FWIW, they added it in 2001, it isn't something new.

[LovingTheYear1911]

Welcome to the world of guns.

[pklin1297]

I have a Kimber 1911 series II right now. I drifted out the rear sight, took out the block and the Schwartz safety parts from the frame and now I have a Kimber 1911 series I which was my very first handgun. Quick and painless.

I also have a STI Spartan IV 9 mm right now... I discovered that a commander sized 1911 is one of my favorite handguns after I got it, and shooting the 9 mm out of a 1911 platform is just... Well, you have to experience it for yourself. The fit and finish is good but not on par with my Kimber circa 2005 given the Armscor + STI components. There are some machining inconsistencies in the frame and slide. The gun is very accurate and reliable however, and fun!

If you want to SSE the STI, my suggestion would be to upgrade to the STI Trojan at least, which pricing wise is not far from the Spartan. My Spartan was about $850 out the door.

[XDJYo]

There are other non-firing pin 1911's out there. A Springfield Range Officer (will need to be SSE'd) is an excellent pistol or a Loaded which is on the roster.

Happy shooting and be safe.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[trigger945]

That's how Kimbers are made now. You can probably have it removed by a smith if it really bothers you and you are set on Kimber.

If you are not set on Kimber and would like a 1911 without the FPB, Springfield Armory is a good bet. Or if money is not tight, a Baer.

Good luck!

[rm1911]

what's the deal with Kimber's FPB

Welcome to the world of guns.

Let's see. My first handgun I purchased ppt was long before this ****hole state required us to do ppt's through a ffl. I was shooting my friends AR's back when there were only colt's and they really were AR15's. I owned an honest to god hk91 BEFORE roberti-roos. I shipped it to friends in free territory. My dillon square deal b is over 25 years old. I remember the 94 clintonista regime ban and still have primers, powder, and mags from that panic. I bought c&r over the counter from dealers with no paperwork at all. And buying rifles without dros.

In fact I remember handgunning before the plastic craze. When there were no Austrian plastic squirt guns.

I was decades before the word tactical was ever used.

Did I make my point?!?

Anyways, due to life and lots of things I did less shooting and now that my boys are older and getting into shooting I'm planning on getting back into it a lot more and be able to pass on all my toys to them.

So forgive me for not being a chilton manual for every gun. So I don't read and memorize every manufacturer's brochures. Like I saiid, I remember the 80's series because I remember the 80's. I'm not a gun guru. I don't know all the tech specs.

I don't like extra gizmos and crap in my pistols. Especially 1911's. Just wanted feedback.

[Rob7.62]

Its a schwartz safety system I hear you on not wanting all the BS on your 1911 but I haven't had any issues with it myself. On the plus side it is American made which to me means a lot. Heres a schematic on the FPB

[stormvet]

I own an early manufactured series II CDP Pro. I bought it new in April 2001, so it is one of the first batch of series II Kimbers. That gun has been nothing but outstanding from day one. I have sense bought two more series II Kimbers and have not had any problems. I also have a series I that is just as reliable.
I should note that all mine are internal extractors, so can not comment on the few years when Kimber tried the external extractors. Because of my first hand great experience with the series II over a thirteen year period I never bought into the Internet hate of the series II, would I reather they not have a FP safety. Yes, but my first hand experience has proven to me it is not an issue.

[3S16]

Well put rm1911.