WHICH BARREL?

[Guest]

I am the owner of a full size Kimber Eclipse Target and I am currently looking to make some changes. Like I said it is a Target and it shoots real well but I would like to make some changes for home defensive purposes. What should I be concentrating on? And when it comes to barrels there are so many choices it's hard to know which to go with. Advice would be appreciated. oz

[imported_Stevie]

Why change it? If it functions good, and you shoot it well, leave it alone. Spend the money on more ammo to practice. Buy some good hollow points, it it still functions, leave it alone. If you are a lefty, then a ambi safety maybe all you need. Of course this is my opinion only.

[bear]

Changing barrels for home defensive purposes is not the way to go.

First work out how you're going to store it, or how would you have access to the weapon in a home defense scenario.

Then practice bringing it it bear from that storage spot.

Practice malfunction drills, such as failure to eject, etc. USE DUMMY AMMO for this!

Practice shooting at the range with the target close in, try it in low light, and without using the sights. Try it left-handed and right-handed, and both-handed.

Also would help a lot if you try out the next IDPA match near you. You will learn a lot, I gaurantee you.

This gun needs nothing, it's ready to go.

[CraigC]

For home defense purposes, all you're looking for is reliability. It MUST work every time. The ability to keep all of your shots in the diameter of a quarter lies with the shooter more than the gun.

The only thing I'd suggest is adding a good flashlight, like a SureFire. You need to be able to identify your target.

[Guest]

You know that is not the first time I heard that and yes it makes sence. But because I am new to the 1911 world I do so much research and I do it because I enjoy it! Weapons and gunsmithing is fascinating to me. But as I research I run into so many different oppinions on what is best. What I hope for is as I learn I will soon be able to have my own opinion on what's best. I enjoy my weapon and at the same time I want it to be at the ready if the time ever comes that I need to protect my wife and little girl. Thanks for your advice I will give it some thought. oz

[rkt88edmo]

Buy ammo and buy training, have fun!

[gunnm619@aol.com]

I have a Kimber Eclipse as well. Why in the world would you want to change the barrel out? What good would that do. Do you even know the barrel is already match grade and custom fit to your gun, which is why you payed that high of a price for a kimber. Buying a new barrel would mean custom fitting it into the slide, which means you can not use your fitted match grade stock barrel ever again. Sure defeats the purpose dont you think. And in the end youll have a gun that shoots just the same.

If anything, change the sights if you are strictly useing it as a home defense gun. Adjustables are not made for that, night sights and snag free is what you need.

[Guest]

Well I'm glad for you that you are having such a wonderful experience with your Eclipse but unfortunately that has not been the case for me. I put 1100 rnds through it so far and I have not yet had one range experience that has been enjoyable. It has already been back to Yonkers and returned (looking like HELL!) even after having the new kimpro finish put on it. I would name the problems I'm having but I don't have enough time in my day for that. But I will say that one of the changes that Kimber did make on the return to me was giving me another match grade barrel. Makes me wonder what was wrong with the first. That along with faulty slide stops and thumb safties that follow the mighty Kimber name is why I opt to make changes. I love the way it looks now (afetr giving it a DETAIL cleaning but it obviously takes more than looks when it comes down to protecting your family.

[gunnm619@aol.com]

Well if your having so many issues with it, why dont you get a entirely new gun altogether. Like I said I own a Kimber and love it to death but it isnt the almightly one that ends all guns. Now I understand where your coming from, you never mentioned any type of problems. Also, for home and family defense, id spare no expense in protecting them. What ever is going to protect them would have to be 100% rock solid reliable. Alot of 1911s are known to unreliable...its much like a classic muscle car. It is a hobbist gun. Tight tolerances is for accuracy and for range , tight tolerances also means they are highly sensitive leading to something going wrong. I say get something that the police or military has issued, that way you know it has been battle proven, going from hell and back.

[CraigC]

Originally posted by xGONZOx:
I say get something that the police or military has issued, that way you know it has been battle proven, going from hell and back.

The 1911 was issued to military for what, 70+ years? Two world wars, Korea, Vietnam: I'd say that's battle proven.....

[Guest]

I couldn't agree more that's why I just bought a sig P220ST. I took it to the range for the first time yesterday and it put out 200 rnds to include hollow points with no problem what so ever. I like the comparison that you made with classic cars and 1911's how very true that is. I guess in retrospect I had the wrong expectations of my 1911 when I bought it (newbe) but I do indeed love it how couldn't I they are the best weapons ever made even if they are stuborn at times. I can truly say this will not hinder my love for the 1911 pistol I look to get another as soon as my wife isn't paying attention. Thanks for your feedback it's cool to blow of steam with someone who knows.

oz

[gunnm619@aol.com]

Originally posted by CraigC:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by xGONZOx:
I say get something that the police or military has issued, that way you know it has been battle proven, going from hell and back.

The 1911 was issued to military for what, 70+ years? Two world wars, Korea, Vietnam: I'd say that's battle proven..... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Im very well aware of that. The thing is, those are USGI 1911s. Not made to be highly accurate or target guns. Most manufactured 1911s(as well as 1911 parts) that are produced now, are no where near battle ready and reliable as compared to any USGI 1911. Take for instance my friends $1000 Colt 1911 fresh out the factory...first time to the range and the thumb safety breaks off. Kimbers as well have MIM components, which is frowned upon...but hey I havent had a problem yet so im a happy camper.

==========

Originally posted by ozzman45:
I couldn't agree more that's why I just bought a sig P220ST. I took it to the range for the first time yesterday and it put out 200 rnds to include hollow points with no problem what so ever. I like the comparison that you made with classic cars and 1911's how very true that is. I guess in retrospect I had the wrong expectations of my 1911 when I bought it (newbe) but I do indeed love it how couldn't I they are the best weapons ever made even if they are stuborn at times. I can truly say this will not hinder my love for the 1911 pistol I look to get another as soon as my wife isn't paying attention. Thanks for your feedback it's cool to blow of steam with someone who knows.

oz

HAHA Hey the Sig P220ST is a awesome gun. Guess what I keep loaded by my bedside for home defense, a Sig P220ST. LOL. The Kimber Eclipse stays locked away in a case. That is funny, we both have the same great taste in guns.

[Guest]

Hey gonzo I'm interested in hearing about your Eclipse and how it treats you. Things like ammo, lube, maintenence, any problems with FTF / FTE that kind of thing. My main problems were the ones I named until I put in a 18 recoil spring now it shoots like new. Any info would be appreciated.

oz