Opinions requested on a Kimber

[RFT]

Would there be a noticable difference between a Kimber and other less expensive guns, for someone who wants home defense, sometime carry and fun at the range?

 

[maxcoen]

Would there be a noticable difference between a Kimber and other less expensive guns, for someone who wants home defense, sometime carry and fun at the range?

Are you just talking 1911's or all pistols? If 1911 I will say yes their fit finish and performance are well worth the price.

 

[maxcoen]

I looked at allot of 1911s when I was shopping for mine. I just thought the feel was the best of all the others. (even the colts) I had some FTF problems the first few trips to the range but since I hit the magic 500 rounds through it I have not had one prob. I am sure some more experienced Kimber owners will chime in shortly.

I think every collection needs a 1911 to be complete.

 

[spanky_27]

every one ive shot has never gave me any problems. i own a kimber compact custom and a springfield full size i dont have any problems carying either one. the kimber is a little higher in price than the springfield but i would trust both to keep me and my family safe.

 

[RFT]

Hate to sound stupid but the desire to know is greater, what does FTF mean?

 

[Kingrat]

FTF = failure to feed, and on the 1911 front i just got a dan wesson cbob for $925 + tax, its a very good quality 1911 for a little cheaper than the springfields or kimbers so do your own due diligence there

 

[calcot7]

There is something about the silky smooth action, crisp trigger and perfect balance that set Kimber apart from other, comprobaly priced 1911's. Not to mention the match grade features that come standard on their pistols.

 

[RFT]

Appreciate the input.

Went to our local gun shop to check out a Kimber. However, they told me they're boycotting Kimber because of a chronic barrel rusting problem. Says the last 30 or 40 Kimbers have had this issue. They'll do special order only. He showed me several on display that had corrosion. Looked nasty, they're not small isolated spots. Kimber claims its a store related climate problem. But none of the other guns have that issue. I don't think its the store either, its a nice place that feels like it has good climate control.

Other than finding an older production piece, I'll be looking at others like the Dan Wesson and Springfield.

Have another basic question. What makes a 1911 a 1911, vs another semi-auto like the Glock, which appears to have the same core mechanical design?

 

[NateIU10]

A Glock and 1911 have nowhere near that same mechanical design, besides a firing pin hitting a primer. Glock's are striker-fired, 1911s are hammer. No external safeties on a Glock (besides the trigger step). They're two totally different animals.

 

[unforgiven1203]

bought my Kimber Ultra carry II about a year ago it is a great gun! accurate easy to carry and easy to shoot well. mine shot fine right outta the box. I paid about 750.00 for it and I love it.

 

[glockguy07]

A Glock and 1911 have nowhere near that same mechanical design, besides a firing pin hitting a primer. Glock's are striker-fired, 1911s are hammer. No external safeties on a Glock (besides the trigger step). They're two totally different animals.

Agreed, one is reliable (glock) the other is not (1911s)

 

[JByer323]

Agreed, one is reliable (glock) the other is not (1911s)

Yeah. That advice. It's dead on.

 

[NateIU10]

Agreed, one is reliable (glock) the other is not (1911s)

Yeah. That advice. It's dead on.

While I agree that 1911s can be 100% reliable, and a Glock can malfunction, as a percent of firearms sold, I'd have to agree that overall, Glocks are more reliable than 1911's.

 

[esrice]

Have another basic question. What makes a 1911 a 1911, vs another semi-auto like the Glock, which appears to have the same core mechanical design?

Hahaha, they are NOTHING alike, as Nate has pointed out.

You can read up a bit here:

M1911 pistol - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Glock pistol - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[RJW]

Have several Kimbers....no problems with any right from the box. My Raptor II had over 2500 round through it.

 

[Thrash1982]

I own a Custom II and CDP Ultra II the only problems I've had with either were a few FTFs with the Custom on some handloads with the bullet seated to deep and a few during break in with the CDP with Novak mags. Both work just fine.

 

[cox7215]

well I also have both, kimber and glock, and to be honest, I really like the springfield 1911's i really like the compact...

 

[clt46910]

I have a Kimber Eclipse Pro Target II and a Glock 19. Not a problem with either. Both completely reliable. I like the Kimber much better then the Glock.

 

[wtfd661]

I have a Kimber Tactical Ultra II and a Glock 26, both are great guns. Like my Kimber the best though, but when I need to carry and not worry what might happen to the gun (environmental conditions, traveling, etc.) I grab the Glock (just not the same emotional attachment to it I guess). Got my eye on a Springfield XD 45 compact now (along with a lot of other guns, man I got to stop looking).

 

[GJ1981]

Agreed, one is reliable (glock) the other is not (1911s)

Lets see how my math is these days

My Glock 17 - 2 stove pipes at the last range outing
Glock 23 - FTF twice in the first magazine of break in
Glock 30 - Broke slide stop at round 19
Glock 21 - Frame cracked approx round 450, returned to factory

Springfield Professional - Zero malfunctions
Nighthawk Talon II - Zero malfunctions
Damn my unreliable 1911's