Suppressors Reliability of Kimber??

[barnes12]

Came across this article today, a Law Enforcement group in N.C seems to have had some problems with them. Anyone know anything about this or have any issues with theirs?

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/02/07/2039969/costly-ale-guns-fail-get-traded.html

 

[Glock45]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

I moonlight at a gunstore to help out. One of the awesome benefits is there is a range attached(indoor pistol) and I get to shoot many guns.

I have shot everything from essentially "generic" 1911's to $4k customs from SV, STI, etc. MOST of them are flawless guns. 1911's seems to need a bit of break-in time, some more than others.

I've owned Kimbers in the past, and my Tactical Custom II was an awesome piece! Served me well. I never had to experience the Customer Serv side of Kimber, but some that pass through the store say it isn't good. *NOT* my experience, just hearsay.

 

[Jeffvn]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

I still have and use a lot a series I classic custom; it runs like a champ and eats anthing I try to feed it. I use it as my "class" 1911, for defensive pistol classes. I had a very early Series II Gold Combat with internal extractor, it was stunningly accurate and ran like a champ too. I still regret getting rid of it.

JeffVN

 

[firedavis]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

I have an Kimber Eclipse Pro Carry and I had alot of issues with it FTE and FTF. I sent it back to Kimber and they polished everything and put new springs in it and now it runs like a champ. Havent had an issue since. Really pissed me off after spending almost a grand on the pistol. Customer service overall was good but pissed me off they wanted me to pay shipping. I just said "I just dropped a thousand dollars on virtually a pretty paper weight and you want me to spend more money so it will work properly?" they paid for the shipping. Besides that it has been great firearm very accurate and I trust it as a CCW now.

 

[Jeffvn]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

Even with my earlier post, I would not consider a Kimber with an external extractor.. they just had too many problems, but a series I yeah I would get another one for sure.

Jeffvn

 

[Derrick300]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

Had a Warrior about 5-6 years ago and it functioned with no problems, but have read lately there QC is slipping.

 

[ggmanning]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

I have a Custom Classic I and an Ultra II that is about 3 years old. They have been flawless. I do know of folks having trouble with Kimber and you read about issues on the net but mine have been reliable. I prefer the Series I and they can be found used at decent prices. My series I runs right up there with my Wilson CQB and Springfield Target as far as reliability and accuracy.

 

[chris223]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

I have a custom eclipse and have no issues to date but I am still breaking it in.

 

[signal5]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

I have a tactical custom II with an external extractor and have never had problems with it. It used to be my IDPA gun and saw alot of use. I havent shot it much in the last 2 years. But I never had 1 malfunction in many thousands of rounds.

 

[notquiteright]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

Couple of LE types have noticed the kimber requires more maintenance than the Glock, M&P, XD and the like. They seem to baulk at some handloads the other pistols eat with gusto.

When a group of us get together and shoot its the kimber that has the most issues.

When they run they run well. But they can be a bit diva compared to the ugly ducklings and have a much smaller mag cap than the uglier pistols.

Still they are the Armanti of pistols.

 

[Sgt. 0811]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

I have a Kimber tattical II Ultra. The Plunger tube separated after the first use, and it would not feed hollow points.. Shipped it in for repair (had some issues with thier customer service, FYI it was terrible) got it back and it's been great ever since. I love the gun, but I wouldn't buy another one.

 

[300WSM]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

haven't always heard the best things about kimber QC. hersay so take it with a grain of salt

 

[nw911guy]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

I've never personally had a problem. Ive owned 4 over the years.

 

[Jim_D303]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

Kimbers have been problematic for years...basically after they left the West Coast.

Any Kimber that has "Yonkers" on the frame, I'd pass on. The Clackamas guns are worth damn good money though...very well built guns.

Kimber sustains themselves by selling pretty guns to people who never really shoot them. That's why they ship guns that are slapped together with the wrong slides stops in them. They (Ron Cohen) figured out that it was more profitable to fix the few guns that people complained about (the ones who actually shot them) than it was to build them properly at the factory.

I, and many others, have been saying it for years. Better late than never though...skip em.

 

[Buckeye Scott]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

I have a Kimber Custom Eclipse. Never had a problem with it and the only thing I would trade it for in about the same price range is a TRP. As to the post that Kimbers take more maintenance then glocks, xd ect. I would wonder if that is because it is a 1911 and that is the nature of the beast.

 

[JSF]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

I have had a Kimber CDP II for about 4 years now. Put a couple thousand rounds through it and no failures. Guess I am just lucky.

 

[ggmanning]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jim D</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Kimbers have been problematic for years...basically after they left the West Coast.

Any Kimber that has "Yonkers" on the frame, I'd pass on. The Clackamas guns are worth damn good money though...very well built guns.

Kimber sustains themselves by selling pretty guns to people who never really shoot them. That's why they ship guns that are slapped together with the wrong slides stops in them. They (Ron Cohen) figured out that it was more profitable to fix the few guns that people complained about (the ones who actually shot them) than it was to build them properly at the factory.

I, and many others, have been saying it for years. Better late than never though...skip em. </div></div>

I agree the early guns are better but all of the Clackamas stamped guns were made on the East coast but stamped as so because of some ATF red tape with the purchase of Kimber. There were only about 7000 IIRC and the series I Yonkers guns are regarded as the same quality. Clackamas denotes a temporal stamp and not where it was made. A series I Yonkers and Clackamas gun could have been made the same week on the same line.

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

As long as there isn't a II on it a Kimber's gtg.

 

[Jim_D303]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As long as there isn't a II on it a Kimber's gtg.</div></div>

The current guns like the Warrior and the SIS are excellent exceptions to that. Kimber's problems extend past the Swartz mechanism.

 

[eleaf]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: notquiteright</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Couple of LE types have noticed the kimber requires more maintenance than the Glock, M&P, XD and the like. They seem to baulk at some handloads the other pistols eat with gusto.
</div></div>

That will be true with virtually any 1911.

 

[eleaf]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

I have a Stainless II and a Super Carry Pro.

After the break in, they have both functioned flawlessly.

If you're looking at a full size, take a look at the Doublestar. It's AWESOME, and a lot of gun for the price. No MiM and uses match trigger and barrel, as well as super high quality aftermarket parts for sights, mag release, safety, etc.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/58661

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jim D</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As long as there isn't a II on it a Kimber's gtg.</div></div>

The current guns like the Warrior and the SIS are excellent exceptions to that. Kimber's problems extend past the Swartz mechanism. </div></div>

Warriors and SIS's are not II's and not marked/mrketed as such.

There are decent II's out there, but enough out there that have the "have you broken them in with $300 worth of ammo, oh they still don't run 100%" that I don't consider them a good bet.

 

[fasteddie565]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

Jesus, call the FBI, someone must have kidnapped Downzero (Just kidding)

I have owned over a dozen kimbers and had the full spectrum of good and bad issues here.

First, every new kimber I buy, I forego the break in period by using fast Eddie's New Kimber break In Process. This is patented so don't tell anyone how it works.

1. Field Strip the Pistol in a safe manner.
2. Put a dab of the old Colgate white toothpaste on the rails and a touch inside of the slide. not much, about a pinheads worth every inch and a half or so.
3. Reassemble the pistol.
4. With opposing force from each hand, work the slide back and forth about 150-200 times. You can do it with just the slide and frame, but the whole action being intact makes for a better workout and is safer on the fingers. The toothpaste should start to get a bit dark. if you have a coating or finish on the frame or slide, you should start to see some very slight ware marks in the finish.
5. Wipe off what tooth paste you can, add a few more fresh dabs and give it another 150-200 cycles.
6. Disassemble and throughly clean the toothpaste off, lubricate and reassemble.

I started doing this with a pro Raptor II. It ran a bit rough FTF properly, mostly. It ran like a scalded ape humping a singer sewing machine. Now I do it to them all.

Ref the customer service, I think Kimber downgraded their quality and forget to offset that with upgraded customer service. I have had some harsh word with them (Over the Raptor mentioned above) If you search here, there have been some good experiences with the Kimber CS, more recent than in the past. I read a post on another forum where a guy sent in his pistol (cannot remember the model) that was damaged by water in a fire. Kimber refinished the whole gun for free.

I do agree with series II vs Series I. Most of my Kimbers have been series II. I just recently sold all of my series II Kimbers to buy all three Super Carry pistols. Even with that said, I did have some issues with the Ultra that required a few passes with a file on the slide stop as it was being grazed by a round nose bullet and would lock the slide back. It and its larger Brothers all now run great. I am in the Market for a Gold Combat with a rail right now.

So here is some humble experience from someone who has been through the gambit of Kimber issues, good and bad. FWIW, My thanks to you guys that qualified your opinions with your level of experience with the brand.

 

[nw911guy]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fast eddie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It ran like a scalded ape humping a singer sewing machine. Now I do it to them all.</div></div>

Am I the only one that sees joke potential here? Lol

Anyways, now that you mention. I had a stainless custom series 1 gun years ago. It ran fine. But the blast media was apparently quite course as cycling the slide felt like someone had dumped sand in the gun. My solution was a few quick passes on the slide rails with a black hard arkansas stone.

 

[nmmi9100]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

I only had one of the early Ultra Carry Kimbers. Stainless slide, aluminum frame. Serial number less than 500. It wouldn't feed reliably with anything but ball.

I've heard they've got that fixed but I sent my down the road. Next 1911 I get will be commander size.

-David
Edgewood, NM

 

[CrazyDonkey]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

Had an Ultra Carry II that i got in 2006(used), never had one problem with it and it fed anything I had.

I currently have a TLE that was bought at the same time(new), that has not had one problem besides the original magazine spring going weak, this one also feeds anything I give it.

 

[prairiefire]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

I have had an ultra carry II, pro carry II and a Gold match II - no problems whatsoever over the past 3 years. I know these aren't the high end Wilson, Baer type guns, but they shoot like lasers and have been very reliable for me.

 

[samuraiwarrior23]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

I have a Custom and an Eclipse in 10mm and both function flawless.

 

[SmokeRolls]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

I have a early edition Classic Stainless Gold Match series 1 made in Yonkers and this is one of the finest 1911's I have ever had the opportunity to shoot.
Accuracy and consistancy is fantastic at 25 yards and 50 yards measured.
The fit on this one is very tight and so it needs to be cleaned about every 300 rounds but I just break it down and clean and very lightly lube and it cycles so sweet(Like greased lightning).
I'm guessing that I have around 3,000-4,000 rounds thru it (give or take) but I never really counted how many rounds I put thru it.
Around 2,000 rounds (I'm guessing)I replaced recoil spring and firing pin spring with Wilson combat spring kit and they have been a perfect addition.

I sent the Kimber back to factory to sweeten up the trigger and it breaks soooo crisp! Like a glass rod breaking.
I added a Kimber extended magwell to smooth out the mag change.
I would love to have a Volkman, Les Baer, Edd Brown or even a Wilson combat... but with how well this Kimber operates, it makes me wonder if I actually would have an improvement.
I thought about even sending it off to Volkman to refine it even greater.
......SmokeRolls

 

[Jim_D303]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jim D</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As long as there isn't a II on it a Kimber's gtg.</div></div>

The current guns like the Warrior and the SIS are excellent exceptions to that. Kimber's problems extend past the Swartz mechanism. </div></div>

Warriors and SIS's are not II's and not marked/mrketed as such.</div></div>

That was my point, they're not series II guns, and they're still no good.

 

[mcm308]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fast eddie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Jesus, call the FBI, someone must have kidnapped Downzero (Just kidding)

I have owned over a dozen kimbers and had the full spectrum of good and bad issues here.

First, every new kimber I buy, I forego the break in period by using fast Eddie's New Kimber break In Process. This is patented so don't tell anyone how it works.

1. Field Strip the Pistol in a safe manner.
2. Put a dab of the old Colgate white toothpaste on the rails and a touch inside of the slide. not much, about a pinheads worth every inch and a half or so.
3. Reassemble the pistol.
4. With opposing force from each hand, work the slide back and forth about 150-200 times. You can do it with just the slide and frame, but the whole action being intact makes for a better workout and is safer on the fingers. The toothpaste should start to get a bit dark. if you have a coating or finish on the frame or slide, you should start to see some very slight ware marks in the finish.
5. Wipe off what tooth paste you can, add a few more fresh dabs and give it another 150-200 cycles.
6. Disassemble and throughly clean the toothpaste off, lubricate and reassemble.

I started doing this with a pro Raptor II. It ran a bit rough FTF properly, mostly. It ran like a scalded ape humping a singer sewing machine. Now I do it to them all.



So here is some humble experience from someone who has been through the gambit of Kimber issues, good and bad. FWIW, My thanks to you guys that qualified your opinions with your level of experience with the brand. </div></div>

Welp... I just did the "Fast Eddie" break-in on my never fired Tac Entry II.. WOW, I could not believe the final result! The toothpaste turned into a nasty brown/black crud both times. Thorough cleaning and lube... Like Butter !!
Can't wait to fire it this weekend. Thanks Eddie

On another note.. Everyone hates the series II because of the schwartz safety. I have NEVER heard about or read any problems with it. If you got that big a hard-on about it, the guts can be pulled and wala'.. What do you got ? JMO, Kimber is the best bang for the buck for the less then 1500.00 bunch.
I read in another thread that the Kimber is good for throwing lead down the range but if your life depended on it, Nighthawk. Thats a crock of shit! I wonder what the average failure rate is for a Kimber? I mean.. if you got it and feel the need to dump 3-4G into a 1911, thats great! Some of them surely look nice! My Kimber will do the same thing as your whatever... It's just a tool 1st and a toy 2nd

 

[Jim_D303]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mcm308</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fast eddie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Jesus, call the FBI, someone must have kidnapped Downzero (Just kidding)

I have owned over a dozen kimbers and had the full spectrum of good and bad issues here.

First, every new kimber I buy, I forego the break in period by using fast Eddie's New Kimber break In Process. This is patented so don't tell anyone how it works.

1. Field Strip the Pistol in a safe manner.
2. Put a dab of the old Colgate white toothpaste on the rails and a touch inside of the slide. not much, about a pinheads worth every inch and a half or so.
3. Reassemble the pistol.
4. With opposing force from each hand, work the slide back and forth about 150-200 times. You can do it with just the slide and frame, but the whole action being intact makes for a better workout and is safer on the fingers. The toothpaste should start to get a bit dark. if you have a coating or finish on the frame or slide, you should start to see some very slight ware marks in the finish.
5. Wipe off what tooth paste you can, add a few more fresh dabs and give it another 150-200 cycles.
6. Disassemble and throughly clean the toothpaste off, lubricate and reassemble.

I started doing this with a pro Raptor II. It ran a bit rough FTF properly, mostly. It ran like a scalded ape humping a singer sewing machine. Now I do it to them all.



So here is some humble experience from someone who has been through the gambit of Kimber issues, good and bad. FWIW, My thanks to you guys that qualified your opinions with your level of experience with the brand. </div></div>

Welp... I just did the "Fast Eddie" break-in on my never fired Tac Entry II.. WOW, I could not believe the final result! The toothpaste turned into a nasty brown/black crud both times. Thorough cleaning and lube... Like Butter !!
Can't wait to fire it this weekend. Thanks Eddie

On another note.. Everyone hates the series II because of the schwartz safety. I have NEVER heard about or read any problems with it. If you got that big a hard-on about it, the guts can be pulled and wala'.. What do you got ? JMO, Kimber is the best bang for the buck for the less then 1500.00 bunch.
I read in another thread that the Kimber is good for throwing lead down the range but if your life depended on it, Nighthawk. Thats a crock of shit! I wonder what the average failure rate is for a Kimber? I mean.. if you got it and feel the need to dump 3-4G into a 1911, thats great! Some of them surely look nice! My Kimber will do the same thing as your whatever... It's just a tool 1st and a toy 2nd</div></div>

I have a friend (acquaintance is probably more appropriate) who broke 2 different series II assemblies.

Met a handful of other people who experienced failures as a direct result of that assembly too.

Removing safety devices from firearms is something NUMEROUS people refuse to do, for firearms that may be used for carry. It's not that the guns are less safe, it's the concern with how it looks in court to someone who doesn't know guns (the 12 people who weren't smart enough to know how to get out of jury duty).

What proof do you offer that "Kimbers are the best bet under $1500"? Any reputable 1911 trainers recommending them right now?

I've worked for Kimber dealers long enough to know that that's not true. What does your experience with Kimber consist of?

 

[chris223]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

Couple of LE types have noticed the kimber requires more maintenance than the Glock, M&P, XD and the like. They seem to baulk at some handloads the other pistols eat with gusto.

When a group of us get together and shoot its the kimber that has the most issues.

When they run they run well. But they can be a bit diva compared to the ugly ducklings and have a much smaller mag cap than the uglier pistols.

I agree as far as using it as my edc over my g19 I doubt I would
As much as I dislike my glock I can not complain about reliability with it

 

[frankythefly]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

I have plenty of friends who have kimbers and know of one that has ever had an issue with one. I have measured chamber dimensions(or attempted too) on many different .45 acp pistols and every 1911 no matter what the make was had an extremely tight chamber/dimensional correct chamber. The glock, xd, and sig(220) had real sloppy chambers. The benefits of having a loose chamber is better reliability with different ammo types, however these pistols usually suffer accuracy.. The three most reliable pistols that I have been issued have been in order the sig 226(M11),glock(19,23), and the M9(I know everyone hates this one but if you have good mags). Of the above 3 and shooting 1000s of rounds through each over the past 10 years I have had 3 failures to feed one from the glock(iraqi issued glock) and the other 2 was from the m9(stove pipes).

 

[nw911guy]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

My major bitch about Series II Kimbers is that its far too easy to ding up the back of the slide when reassembling them. For those that have them, they should probably detail strip the bottom end once in a while and clean out the plunger hole in the frame. Detail stripping however, is not something the average gun owner knows how to do.

The Schwartz safety also makes reassembly (after detail stripping the frame) a bit of a PITA.

Lastly, and one of my major peeves about firing pin safeties in 1911s in general is that I do not know of a single accidental discharge that can be attributed to a lack of a firing pin safety. I'm aware of the theory that it can happen but have never heard of a single documented case of a 1911 firing after being dropped on a hard surface. So, to me, its waste of time and money to fix a problem that didn't exist to begin with. I did hear one custom builder actually managed it after dropping the gun (loaded with just a primed case) 6 some odd stories. I would submit that is way beyond anything that is likely to happen.

 

[Red_SC]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

I heard once of a LEO who went to qualify, and couldn't get his Kimber to go bang. Turns out when reassembling somehow he'd managed to shear the little finger on the Swartz safety that extends above the frame. That's just a secondhand story, but I could see it happening.

I replaced the extractor on mine with an Ed Brown Hardcore, and it interfered with the Swartz safety. Rather than fit it, I removed it. Somehow it's managed to avoid going off by itself so far.

 

[3PER]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

Colts and Kimbers are what you show your friends.

Glocks are what you show your enemies.

I have an Ed Brown Kobra Carry I love to show off and wear to BBQs. I shoot it every once in a while. It shoots great. But it's basically a safe queen. My edc is a Glock. I shoot the piss out of my Glocks. I have several. They shoot great. I trust my life to Glock, to Kimber, not so much. YMMV.

 

[nw911guy]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 3PER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Colts and Kimbers are what you show your friends.

Glocks are what you show your enemies.
</div></div>

Wow, better tell MEU/SOC that. As if Glocks never break *eyeroll*.

 

[mcm308]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jim D</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I have a friend (acquaintance is probably more appropriate) who broke 2 different series II assemblies.

Met a handful of other people who experienced failures as a direct result of that assembly too.


What proof do you offer that "Kimbers are the best bet under $1500"? Any reputable 1911 trainers recommending them right now?

I've worked for Kimber dealers long enough to know that that's not true. What does your experience with Kimber consist of? </div></div>

Can you describe exactly what the failures were?

I stated in my post that the best bang for the buck under 15 was just my opinion. The Tactical Entry II comes with the bells and whistles on it already and can be had for under 1300.00 TYD! That's tough to beat..

After 2 years of testing 4 brands, LAPD swat chose the Kimber Custom II for the sidearm of choice.. Hmmm, maybe they should put them in the drawer and just use Glocks...

 

[nw911guy]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mcm308</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jim D</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I have a friend (acquaintance is probably more appropriate) who broke 2 different series II assemblies.

Met a handful of other people who experienced failures as a direct result of that assembly too.


What proof do you offer that "Kimbers are the best bet under $1500"? Any reputable 1911 trainers recommending them right now?

I've worked for Kimber dealers long enough to know that that's not true. What does your experience with Kimber consist of? </div></div>

Can you describe exactly what the failures were?

I stated in my post that the best bang for the buck under 15 was just my opinion. The Tactical Entry II comes with the bells and whistles on it already and can be had for under 1300.00 TYD! That's tough to beat..

After 2 years of testing 4 brands, LAPD swat chose the Kimber Custom II for the sidearm of choice.. Hmmm, maybe they should put them in the drawer and just use Glocks...

</div></div>

Now, for the majority of cops, I have no doubt that a Glock is a better option

.

Anyways, LAPD and Tacoma PD both selected their guns I think 4 or 5 years ago where that NC LE agency sounded like it was about a year and a half ago. That's plenty of time for QC to go out the window.

 

[Oregonlaw76]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

Ive owned three and were very reliable. Also had a very positive experience with their costumer service 7 years ago or so. That being said, a friend had one fail (cracked frame) and had a very bad experience with their costumer service about 6 months ago. Also, a local agency went to them and had problems and had to swap them out.

 

[jeep505090]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

tag

 

[freedive10]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

Yet to have a problems with my Kimber. Hope I did not jinx myself.

 

[bama110]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

i have shot probably 7000+ thru my Kimber custom with the only issues where caused by my reloading. i would recomend to anyone to purchase.

 

[fasteddie565]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mcm308</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fast eddie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Jesus, call the FBI, someone must have kidnapped Downzero (Just kidding)

I have owned over a dozen kimbers and had the full spectrum of good and bad issues here.

First, every new kimber I buy, I forego the break in period by using fast Eddie's New Kimber break In Process. This is patented so don't tell anyone how it works.

1. Field Strip the Pistol in a safe manner.
2. Put a dab of the old Colgate white toothpaste on the rails and a touch inside of the slide. not much, about a pinheads worth every inch and a half or so.
3. Reassemble the pistol.
4. With opposing force from each hand, work the slide back and forth about 150-200 times. You can do it with just the slide and frame, but the whole action being intact makes for a better workout and is safer on the fingers. The toothpaste should start to get a bit dark. if you have a coating or finish on the frame or slide, you should start to see some very slight ware marks in the finish.
5. Wipe off what tooth paste you can, add a few more fresh dabs and give it another 150-200 cycles.
6. Disassemble and throughly clean the toothpaste off, lubricate and reassemble.

I started doing this with a pro Raptor II. It ran a bit rough FTF properly, mostly. It ran like a scalded ape humping a singer sewing machine. Now I do it to them all.



So here is some humble experience from someone who has been through the gambit of Kimber issues, good and bad. FWIW, My thanks to you guys that qualified your opinions with your level of experience with the brand. </div></div>

Welp... I just did the "Fast Eddie" break-in on my never fired Tac Entry II.. WOW, I could not believe the final result! The toothpaste turned into a nasty brown/black crud both times. Thorough cleaning and lube... Like Butter !!
Can't wait to fire it this weekend. Thanks Eddie

On another note.. Everyone hates the series II because of the schwartz safety. I have NEVER heard about or read any problems with it. If you got that big a hard-on about it, the guts can be pulled and wala'.. What do you got ? JMO, Kimber is the best bang for the buck for the less then 1500.00 bunch.
I read in another thread that the Kimber is good for throwing lead down the range but if your life depended on it, Nighthawk. Thats a crock of shit! I wonder what the average failure rate is for a Kimber? I mean.. if you got it and feel the need to dump 3-4G into a 1911, thats great! Some of them surely look nice! My Kimber will do the same thing as your whatever... It's just a tool 1st and a toy 2nd </div></div>

Remember its patented so don't tell anyone. let us know how she shoots.

 

[pre64marksman]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

I have a 62XX serial Clackamas Kimber. I agree that Yonkers marked guns were made at the same time as Clackamas marked Kimbers as mine has the thicker script logo though the logo size is smaller than a lot of later Yonkers guns. I've heard it said the earliest Clackamas marked are imidiately recognizable from the thinner scripty logo, yet I've seen Yonkers marked guns with the same super thin scripty logo too! The really desirable series 1 Kimber would be the Clackamas marked classic stainless, not very many clackamas marked stainless guns were made! Anyways the early series 1s are the ones to own. When it comes to the latest and greatest series II, I would buy a Taurus 1911 before I would buy even the most expensive contemporary series II Kimber!!(actually I've heard good stuff of the Taurus not to put it down) Holy crud Kimber's QC is one of the worst in American firearms history! They've gone completely predatory now and treat dealers like crap!
If you find a series 1 they are good to go but stay the hell away from series II especially the newest ones, the more highend it is the more money wasted. Let me re-phrase as to not get flammed. If anyone owns a highend series II and has nothing but good shooting and reliability from it, you did good, but you are also lucky. So many have had serious QC issues! I've heard it stated this way, "all gun companies turn out a lemon now and than but Kimber seems to own an orhard!"

I possibly will be selling my Clackamas Kimber as I think I want to get a Dan Wesson CCO. CZ-Dan Wessons are what Kimbers used to be, actually better but also priced higher. The earlier Dan Wessons were more blocky but the newest ones are real classy

 

[JoeSmith]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

Several deployments ago, one guy took 2 downrange and had nothing but FTF/FTE with numerous mag brands including Wilson Combat. Despite 'break-in' and parts swapping, nothing could get them to run. Ironically, 65 year old WW2 M1911A1s functioned just fine as did Herr Glocks masterpiece and the HKs. Heck, even M9s did better than the Kimbers.

 

[Hawk45]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

Have an origial (pre-II version) Custom Compact that has always been 100% reliable with everything I've given it.

 

[pre64marksman]

Re: Reliability of Kimber??

Anyone have a stainless clackamas??