I haven't heard a lot about Kimber information wise. What I have heard about Kimber is that everyone seems to want one. I know nothing about these pistols, but it seems like I must have one. Can ya'll explain why this is such a great pistol to own?
Also, I haven't seen many and have no idea what different models there are. If you have one, post a pic with a description.
but you should know these guns to have an extremely high
reputation for quality in design, metallurgy, tolerances for fit and finish,
coupled (naturally) with resulting accuracy and reliability.
Of course, you should expect to pay a price premium.
I advise you to check their website and/or catalog as differing models
do come and go.
If you are willing to pay you will not be disappointed.
I too have heard nothing but good things in regards to Kimbers, all kimbers, but have yet had the opportunity to shoot any. I too WANT ONE! It, along with many others is/are of course on my wish list.
__________________ "My next door neighbors two dogs have created more shovel ready jobs then Obama has." - Gary Johnson
Great firearms from what I've heard if you have the $$$. Saw a 1911 a while back in the local gun shop for $899.00. Not sure if that's the going rate or not since his prices are sometimes a bit high. One thing that did strike me as a bit odd was that even with the steep price tag the weapons are only shipped with one magazine.
I've heard mixed things about Kimber, though I haven't shot one myself. The two complaints I hear most often are that they aren't always reliable out of the box and the magazines they ship with are garbage.
The magazine issue isn't a huge deal since you can just replace them, but when you're paying a premium you shouldn't have to. Kind of like buying a Corvette if it came with 4 donut tires.
The reliability issue stems from the tight tolerances they build them with. Kimber mandates a 400-450 round break in period with factory ball ammo. Most people I've heard of have had some problems durring that break in period only to have the problems dissapear at some point durring the break in. Many pistols have some breaking in issues, so it's also not a huge deal.
Using one for a carry pistol can be pricey. Kind of stinks that you have to run though 450 rounds of ball, then 100-150 rounds minimum of premium carry ammo just to get to the point where you know a pistol is reliable enough for carry. That will run you a few hundred dollars. Then add in a few Wilson Combat mags to replace the crappy factory ones for another $120 and a carry rig and you've spent what a new Glock or XD runs just to get it to carry condition.
Their one year warranty is also a downside when compared to the lifetime warranty offered by others.
As I said, I haven't shot a Kimber. I have shot several 1911's from other manufacturers. Springfields seem to be popular where I live. I've owned 2 Springfields (5" loaded and Compact Loaded) which were totally reliable right out of the box. I've also shot their TRP model and was very impressed. Add in a lifetime warranty and the fact that their high end 1911's have all the bells and whistles of the Kimber and I don't see myself getting a Kimber anytime soon.
If you are looking for reliability to price ratio a Springfield is the way to go. mine shot great and straight out of the box. my Kimber Ultra had a very disappointing outing and is now waiting shipping to the factory for double fire problem. I will say it shot straight, laser sighting off slightly, never got to adjust, now i will wait 6-8 weeks while the craftmanship is put in it and returned to me.
