Kimber Ambi Safety Quality?

Joshua M. Smith · 07-17-2008, 07:12 PM

Hello,

I ordered a Kimber ambidextrous thumb safety. I'm left handed, and this will be replacing an STI ambi thumb safety on my carry weapon.

It was a tossup between King's and Kimber due to a unique design feature shared by both, and King's has been supplying the military and are constantly out of stock, so Kimber it was.

It's due to arrive tomorrow.

My question to you all is this: Have you experienced any problems related to the Kimber ambi safety, and if so, what was the nature of the malfunction and approximate round count?

Thank you,

Josh <><

TKH · 07-21-2008, 08:00 PM

I have 5 Kimber's (2 Custom II's, a TLE RL II, a Warrior and a Pro CDP II). All but the Warrior have ambi-safety's installed by the factory. The Custom II's are approaching 10k rounds between them, the Pro CDP II is carried a ton and somewhat abused. I've never had problem 1 with any of them.

Romey · 07-22-2008, 12:22 AM

Top notch

Joshua M. Smith · 07-22-2008, 03:20 AM

Compared to the STI safety, it feels and looks cheap. I had to take a lot of flash off and smooth down rough spots to keep it from binding. I also had to take the slop out of the joint.

BUT! It's on now, and is performing well. MIM parts will fail early on if they're going to fail, but flipping it on and off 100 times as well as 50 rounds or so through the gun didn't reveal any further flaws.

I really wish I could have gotten a King's as the concept is great IMO, but Kimber's execution leaves something to be desired.

I'm keeping the STI safety as a backup, but with a light spring on this one I don't think it will fail.

Thanks,

Josh <><

gandog56 · 07-22-2008, 02:08 PM

I would have to do quite a lot of trimming for an ambi since all my 1911's sport Crimson Trace Laser Grips.

Joshua M. Smith · 07-22-2008, 03:58 PM

I met a new friend at the gunstore. He's a 'Nam vet, and I'm 30. He had just gotten a micro semi-custom Kimber, whatever those are called.

He's hell with a rifle but not good with a handgun. Nobody taught him to lean in and such, and he was still using outdated techniques. When I get to shoot with him (have my own range so I don't use the gunstore's a lot) I show him different ways that I've been taught, mainly Weaver and modified isosceles. The main thing was to have him lean into the gun and not be afraid of it. Still, he was unhappy with his accuracy.

Went in to look at new sights and the owner had a pair of Crimson Trace grips. We worked together and figured out that we could take just enough off of the right side grip while keeping everything on the Kimber intact (friend didn't want the ambi safety chopped).

I, personally, have taken my pistol's left paddle down to GI size and have kept the right side intact.

I'm a lefty and, while the left side is still there for emergency purposes, I didn't want it catching on anything. CT grips are worthless to me as my support hand blocks the laser beam.

If I ever have to go the laser route (doubtful as I see close up well enough to prefer GI sights) I'll have to install a guide rod laser, or install a rail (doubtful I'd do that either...).

Josh <><

gandog56 · 07-22-2008, 06:05 PM

I never even thought about a lefty's support hand blocking the beam. The problem with a guide rod type is you can't adjust them. A pistol with a rail would be a better option.

Joshua M. Smith · 07-22-2008, 10:37 PM

Yeah, but the rail is harder to conceal.

I wouldn't be using it for match grade accuracy; I figure that if I'm close enough to see the lil' red dot, the bullet would it somewhere within an inch of it.

Like I told my friend when he was upset that he couldn't use the laser at 20yds: It's for close in when you don't have time to index your sights.

Mi hope is that he'll use the laser enough that he'll develop muscle memory for point shooting. I can't imagine seeing that dot when someone pulls a knife.

Bad breath distance = draw and shoot 2x from the hip, back up and move laterally while bringing gun up. Support hand meets strong hand at stomach level, bring to chest level, index sights, fire 3x, bring to eye level (far enough to run or need full sights), fire 2x & reload (if you've not already, mandatory here, 1 round in the gun). At least this is how I practice, and it's served me well enough in real life.

The trick though is to index using muscle memory, and I think that's where laser's "shine."

Josh <><

gandog56 · 07-23-2008, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshua M. Smith

Yeah, but the rail is harder to conceal.

I wouldn't be using it for match grade accuracy; I figure that if I'm close enough to see the lil' red dot, the bullet would it somewhere within an inch of it.

Like I told my friend when he was upset that he couldn't use the laser at 20yds: It's for close in when you don't have time to index your sights.

Mi hope is that he'll use the laser enough that he'll develop muscle memory for point shooting. I can't imagine seeing that dot when someone pulls a knife.

Bad breath distance = draw and shoot 2x from the hip, back up and move laterally while bringing gun up. Support hand meets strong hand at stomach level, bring to chest level, index sights, fire 3x, bring to eye level (far enough to run or need full sights), fire 2x & reload (if you've not already, mandatory here, 1 round in the gun). At least this is how I practice, and it's served me well enough in real life.

The trick though is to index using muscle memory, and I think that's where laser's "shine."

Josh <><

I can see my laser at 20 yards in direct sunlight. But it's especially good indoors or in darker conditions. I was practicing hip shooting with the laser the last time I was at the range. Never brought the gun much above waist level and was plastering the target semi rapid fire. Lasers do have their use. But you're right, for a carry gin the grip or guide rod options are the way to go.

Joshua M. Smith · 07-23-2008, 02:09 AM

Huh, I couldn't see the laser from 20 yards... not surprising, my eyesight isn't the best. But this gent couldn't see it either.

I got to checking the laser guide rods after I answered above, and they cost almost as much as the base gun that I built up did. I think I'll stick with the old fashioned methods for now...

Josh <><

gandog56 · 07-23-2008, 11:34 AM

Well, if it works...don't mess with it.

Joshua M. Smith · 07-23-2008, 02:47 PM

Yup.

Josh <><

gandog56 · 07-23-2008, 09:49 PM

Did I ever tell you my nephew is Joshua K. Smith?

Joshua M. Smith · 07-24-2008, 03:08 AM

No, you didn't. What's the K for?

I have a friend from college named Joshua M. Smith, and there's another one who goes to the same doctor as I do. It's a clerical nightmare for them.

Josh <><

gandog56 · 07-24-2008, 11:54 AM

Kenneth

07-17-2008, 07:12 PM	#1
Joshua M. Smith Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Wabash IN Posts: 351 Trader Rating: (0)	Kimber Ambi Safety Quality? Hello, I ordered a Kimber ambidextrous thumb safety. I'm left handed, and this will be replacing an STI ambi thumb safety on my carry weapon. It was a tossup between King's and Kimber due to a unique design feature shared by both, and King's has been supplying the military and are constantly out of stock, so Kimber it was. It's due to arrive tomorrow. My question to you all is this: Have you experienced any problems related to the Kimber ambi safety, and if so, what was the nature of the malfunction and approximate round count? Thank you, Josh <>< __________________ Is it better to live by a corrupt society's standards rather than face persecution for not doing the same? This is the dilemma we now face. We must hold fast to our convictions as we confront this dilemma. Knowing one's self goes a long way in the crisis. - Me, Standup Philosopher

07-21-2008, 08:00 PM	#2
TKH Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Colorful Colorado Posts: 65 Trader Rating: (0)	I have 5 Kimber's (2 Custom II's, a TLE RL II, a Warrior and a Pro CDP II). All but the Warrior have ambi-safety's installed by the factory. The Custom II's are approaching 10k rounds between them, the Pro CDP II is carried a ton and somewhat abused. I've never had problem 1 with any of them. __________________ Work sucks, I'm going to the range...

07-22-2008, 12:22 AM	#3
Romey Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 447 Trader Rating: (0)	Top notch __________________ Romey High Country Knives http://www.highcountryknives.com

07-22-2008, 03:20 AM	#4
Joshua M. Smith Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Wabash IN Posts: 351 Trader Rating: (0)	Compared to the STI safety, it feels and looks cheap. I had to take a lot of flash off and smooth down rough spots to keep it from binding. I also had to take the slop out of the joint. BUT! It's on now, and is performing well. MIM parts will fail early on if they're going to fail, but flipping it on and off 100 times as well as 50 rounds or so through the gun didn't reveal any further flaws. I really wish I could have gotten a King's as the concept is great IMO, but Kimber's execution leaves something to be desired. I'm keeping the STI safety as a backup, but with a light spring on this one I don't think it will fail. Thanks, Josh <>< __________________ Is it better to live by a corrupt society's standards rather than face persecution for not doing the same? This is the dilemma we now face. We must hold fast to our convictions as we confront this dilemma. Knowing one's self goes a long way in the crisis. - Me, Standup Philosopher

07-22-2008, 03:58 PM	#6
Joshua M. Smith Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Wabash IN Posts: 351 Trader Rating: (0)	I met a new friend at the gunstore. He's a 'Nam vet, and I'm 30. He had just gotten a micro semi-custom Kimber, whatever those are called. He's hell with a rifle but not good with a handgun. Nobody taught him to lean in and such, and he was still using outdated techniques. When I get to shoot with him (have my own range so I don't use the gunstore's a lot) I show him different ways that I've been taught, mainly Weaver and modified isosceles. The main thing was to have him lean into the gun and not be afraid of it. Still, he was unhappy with his accuracy. Went in to look at new sights and the owner had a pair of Crimson Trace grips. We worked together and figured out that we could take just enough off of the right side grip while keeping everything on the Kimber intact (friend didn't want the ambi safety chopped). I, personally, have taken my pistol's left paddle down to GI size and have kept the right side intact. I'm a lefty and, while the left side is still there for emergency purposes, I didn't want it catching on anything. CT grips are worthless to me as my support hand blocks the laser beam. If I ever have to go the laser route (doubtful as I see close up well enough to prefer GI sights) I'll have to install a guide rod laser, or install a rail (doubtful I'd do that either...). Josh <>< __________________ Is it better to live by a corrupt society's standards rather than face persecution for not doing the same? This is the dilemma we now face. We must hold fast to our convictions as we confront this dilemma. Knowing one's self goes a long way in the crisis. - Me, Standup Philosopher Last edited by Joshua M. Smith; 07-22-2008 at 04:01 PM.

07-22-2008, 02:08 PM	#5
gandog56 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Montgomery, IL. Posts: 3,440 Trader Rating: (0)	I would have to do quite a lot of trimming for an ambi since all my 1911's sport Crimson Trace Laser Grips.

07-22-2008, 06:05 PM	#7
gandog56 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Montgomery, IL. Posts: 3,440 Trader Rating: (0)	I never even thought about a lefty's support hand blocking the beam. The problem with a guide rod type is you can't adjust them. A pistol with a rail would be a better option.

07-22-2008, 10:37 PM	#8
Joshua M. Smith Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Wabash IN Posts: 351 Trader Rating: (0)	Yeah, but the rail is harder to conceal. I wouldn't be using it for match grade accuracy; I figure that if I'm close enough to see the lil' red dot, the bullet would it somewhere within an inch of it. Like I told my friend when he was upset that he couldn't use the laser at 20yds: It's for close in when you don't have time to index your sights. Mi hope is that he'll use the laser enough that he'll develop muscle memory for point shooting. I can't imagine seeing that dot when someone pulls a knife. Bad breath distance = draw and shoot 2x from the hip, back up and move laterally while bringing gun up. Support hand meets strong hand at stomach level, bring to chest level, index sights, fire 3x, bring to eye level (far enough to run or need full sights), fire 2x & reload (if you've not already, mandatory here, 1 round in the gun). At least this is how I practice, and it's served me well enough in real life. The trick though is to index using muscle memory, and I think that's where laser's "shine." Josh <>< __________________ Is it better to live by a corrupt society's standards rather than face persecution for not doing the same? This is the dilemma we now face. We must hold fast to our convictions as we confront this dilemma. Knowing one's self goes a long way in the crisis. - Me, Standup Philosopher

07-23-2008, 02:09 AM	#10
Joshua M. Smith Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Wabash IN Posts: 351 Trader Rating: (0)	Huh, I couldn't see the laser from 20 yards... not surprising, my eyesight isn't the best. But this gent couldn't see it either. I got to checking the laser guide rods after I answered above, and they cost almost as much as the base gun that I built up did. I think I'll stick with the old fashioned methods for now... Josh <>< __________________ Is it better to live by a corrupt society's standards rather than face persecution for not doing the same? This is the dilemma we now face. We must hold fast to our convictions as we confront this dilemma. Knowing one's self goes a long way in the crisis. - Me, Standup Philosopher

07-23-2008, 11:34 AM	#11
gandog56 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Montgomery, IL. Posts: 3,440 Trader Rating: (0)	Well, if it works...don't mess with it.

07-23-2008, 02:47 PM	#12
Joshua M. Smith Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Wabash IN Posts: 351 Trader Rating: (0)	Yup. Josh <>< __________________ Is it better to live by a corrupt society's standards rather than face persecution for not doing the same? This is the dilemma we now face. We must hold fast to our convictions as we confront this dilemma. Knowing one's self goes a long way in the crisis. - Me, Standup Philosopher

07-23-2008, 09:49 PM	#13
gandog56 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Montgomery, IL. Posts: 3,440 Trader Rating: (0)	Did I ever tell you my nephew is Joshua K. Smith?

07-24-2008, 03:08 AM	#14
Joshua M. Smith Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Wabash IN Posts: 351 Trader Rating: (0)	No, you didn't. What's the K for? I have a friend from college named Joshua M. Smith, and there's another one who goes to the same doctor as I do. It's a clerical nightmare for them. Josh <>< __________________ Is it better to live by a corrupt society's standards rather than face persecution for not doing the same? This is the dilemma we now face. We must hold fast to our convictions as we confront this dilemma. Knowing one's self goes a long way in the crisis. - Me, Standup Philosopher

07-24-2008, 11:54 AM	#15
gandog56 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Montgomery, IL. Posts: 3,440 Trader Rating: (0)	Kenneth