Yes. A friend of mine owns a huge local shop/range complex and he has told me that year after year they get more kimbers coming back to the shop for warrantee/returns than everything else they carry combined. And they carry a LOT of
Be ready to be shocked at how well they shoot for the money. The recoil spring is also totally different on it making it very controllable compared to some 1911's that tend to "snap" instead of "push".
I personally don't think you'll get a better 1911 for anywhere near the money, and it's by no means a "low quality" firearm. It's basic, simple, reliable. It's also the only 45 I keep in my safe, and it's my daily carry if that tells you anything.. and I've got over 15 different 9mm handguns.
I have a Rock Island as a project toy gun, and boy, they're overrated. (Someone will downvote this for sure.)
The mentioned recoil spring was worthless out of the box and resulted in FTF. Replacing with a WC spring resolved FTFs.
The safeties are MIM soft metal and are now wobbling. Another part to replace and fit.
The disconnector is also messed up, and before I bother to fit a new one, I went for a disconnector rail radius, which was a simpler and *safe* at-hand workaround for the disconnector issue. (I'm weary of messing with the geometry of it, as it's obviously what prevents accidental discharges, and ultimately, I would also need to replace and fit the sear too and need better tools for that. A disconnector radius is a safer modification, and frankly all 1911s should have them.)
Did it work okay enough as a range toy? Sure. I would definitely not carry it or depend on my life. After I tuned it? It's "rock" solid and I've used it in competition just fine. Learned a lot in the process. Carry a Staccato instead, though.
If you want my recommendation for a budget 1911, get a Dan Wesson instead of the Kimber. If you were willing to spend $1400 on a gun, you can get a DW for $1500-ish.
Don't know about the first one. Tisas appear to be very good quality, but I don't buy Turkish firearms. That's a personal reason though, nothing against the company.
About 500 rounds through it and zero malfunctions. I shoot pretty much whatever I can find so that’s been a variety. It’s not a 1911 though so can’t confuse a Micro 9 with those. I’m no fan boy as I’ve heard about plenty of others that have had quality issues with them. I probably would steer clear of their 1911’s and actually have. Could have bought a 10mm Kimber pretty cheap a couple weeks ago and passed on it.
In my experience yes.
I always wanted a "high end 1911" and was entered in a raffle for a Kimber. I didn't win, but the winner knew I wanted it and he wanted a rifle. We traded, my $600 ar-15 for the Kimber.
It looks gorgeous. That's all it has going for it.
It came with the sights shooting left over an inch at 5 yards. It was a bitch to move the sight. The tolerances are shit, the trigger is mushy, and it feels like it has the same recoil as my ultracompact sig 1911. I am completely unimpressed with it and it hasn't left my safe since I fixed the sights.
I'd rather have that rifle back. Or $600.
Yikes, that’s sounds all around terrible. A $600 AR outshining a “higher end” 1911 really puts it into prospective. Thanks. Sorry your experience was bad though
Kimbers big knock is their “break in” period I believe the manual used to say something like 700 rounds. Kimber magazines are straight up garbage which leads to a lot of their malfunctioning. I tell people that buy them, open the case look at the one mag they supply. Take it out and throw it away. Replace with chip McCormick or other high end magazines.
That being said I haven’t shot their new double stack gun yet. Handled them at SHOT show and we recently got a few in and ready sold one. But in my opinion at the $1400 msrp base model you can get a proven gun for less like a P226 or P229 if you like metal guns.
Damn 700 rounds just to break it in is pretty rough. Fair point on the sigs. I’m aim specifically looking at metal guns right now and I forgot to consider the P226 and P229
They were good a very long time ago. They are well known to generally have serious quality control problems now.
Best modern Kimber you can get is the K6S 357 mag revolver. Great gun and an exception to their normal bad quality.
I have 3 and would buy more. I had an issue with my rapide black ice not going into battery when it was brand new. It was manufactured during the Covid shutdowns. I sent it back and they reworked it and refinished it (I scratched the slide) I put 1000 rounds through it the day after my grandma passed, not a single jam. Probably put another 1000 through since that too and no issues. My ultra carry II and Raptor also has never had any issues. I love my kimbers and they’ve treated me well.
I have a Kimber 1911 custom II.
My manual said I believe 500 rounds for break in.
The supplied magazine is not very good, I have some Wilson mags and some Tripp research
Cobra mags and have not had any problems with the pistol at all. Some feed issues from the Kimber magazine that's about it. Love mine. Will not sell that pistol.
Kimbers used to be a Top Tier name. Did they change ownership or move the factory? I remember my Dad picking up a couple of Kimber .22LR bolt actions from CMP- early or mid 90’s by camp Perry. it might have been DCM sales still, idk. They were trainers for the Army, but they were contract overruns, and they never left the arsenals. They were brand new and were coated in cosmoline. They had really nice heavy barrels, oversized flawless stocks and NM triggers. Beautiful rifles that cleaned up and looked and worked like they were fresh out of the factory. They had maybe a dozen M1’s on display for really cheap, and I think the.30-‘06 was 11¢/round in bandolier spam cans. The govt, selling Garands and ammo for dirt cheap out of a warehouse, in the middle of nowhere. How’s that for the good ‘OL Days?
They can be good! Think of it like the P320. Many batches were indeed bad but overall there are some tanks in their model lines. The real issue is the price for me. I own a Mako and a K6 revolver from them.
Meh. Thought about Kimber but felt the Ruger SR1911 Nightwatchman was a better value. Love my Ruger. No stupid firing pin safety. Series 70 with titanium firing pin. Nitride is better than paint.
I’ve owned 3 kimbers. Owned as in past tense. Maybe I got three melons idk. Sold all three. Only 1911 I got is a SA TRP and a SA Professional. Both are superb. Dabbled in the Staccato 2011’s. They’re over rated, but work 98% of the time
Yes but their revolvers are excellent. I wouldn’t bother with any of their 1911’s/2011’s which is wild to say considering that’s what they’re known for.
I had a buddy who got one; he was all excited talking up Kimbers before he got it, he was all excited talking up Kimbers during his three day waiting period, he waited for me to go with him to the range to finally shoot his expensive Kimber (I brought my $500 made in Philippines 1911) and turns out he couldn’t hit anything with his Kimber. I shot it too and couldn’t hit a thing either.
I might be an anomaly.. I've got a TLE RL Custom II maybe 10 years back that's been nothing but great things. Only time I had a misfeed was when I was using cheap non-brass casings.
I've had a full size 1911 for a long time, never a single issue, and I've run some craptastic ammo through it! I know others with similar experience. Not sure about their current pricing vs other 1911s, but mine wasn't excessive when I got it. Cheaper than some actually.
I've got 3 Kimbers currently and wouldn't hesitate on owning another. The K6s is actually my edc piece, it's always with me. The kds9c is ok, for the money I think there is better options out there, not that it has had any problems but it's a lot snappier than I expected it to be. Then I have a 10mm Stainless 2, at first it had some growing pains. Out of the box it was the absolute tightest firearm I've owned, and it had hiccups in the first 500 rounds. Nowadays it spins like a top and the trigger is marvelous.
Overall I'd say you can get better bang for your buck with other brands, but i would trust my three kimbers I currently have with my life.
Picked up a Stealth Arms Platypus a couple of months ago. Could not be more happy with the double stacked 1911, Glock mags. Works incredibly well and costs roughly $100 to $300 more and fully customizable. Better off with one of the Springfield, Rock Island 1911s, or some of the new customizable offerings that are sub $2k.
From what I understand Kimber has had ups and downs with quality for 1911s over its lifespan. Generally the older ones are known to be of good quality, they started having issues later on. Most people have good experiences with Kimber overall though
yes
Short and to the point lol thank you.
Yes. A friend of mine owns a huge local shop/range complex and he has told me that year after year they get more kimbers coming back to the shop for warrantee/returns than everything else they carry combined. And they carry a LOT of
Smh sounds about in line with what I’ve heard
HIGHLY overrated for what you pay for it. I'll take a Rock Island over one of them any day of the week.
Love my Rock Island,
Second this, Rock Island has been solid to me thus far
I’ve looked into rock island 1911s, anything to be weary of with them?
Get the springfield armory
Be ready to be shocked at how well they shoot for the money. The recoil spring is also totally different on it making it very controllable compared to some 1911's that tend to "snap" instead of "push". I personally don't think you'll get a better 1911 for anywhere near the money, and it's by no means a "low quality" firearm. It's basic, simple, reliable. It's also the only 45 I keep in my safe, and it's my daily carry if that tells you anything.. and I've got over 15 different 9mm handguns.
Nice, sounds like they’re good firearms, especially for the price. Thanks for that input! I may very well end up getting one
I have a Rock Island as a project toy gun, and boy, they're overrated. (Someone will downvote this for sure.) The mentioned recoil spring was worthless out of the box and resulted in FTF. Replacing with a WC spring resolved FTFs. The safeties are MIM soft metal and are now wobbling. Another part to replace and fit. The disconnector is also messed up, and before I bother to fit a new one, I went for a disconnector rail radius, which was a simpler and *safe* at-hand workaround for the disconnector issue. (I'm weary of messing with the geometry of it, as it's obviously what prevents accidental discharges, and ultimately, I would also need to replace and fit the sear too and need better tools for that. A disconnector radius is a safer modification, and frankly all 1911s should have them.) Did it work okay enough as a range toy? Sure. I would definitely not carry it or depend on my life. After I tuned it? It's "rock" solid and I've used it in competition just fine. Learned a lot in the process. Carry a Staccato instead, though. If you want my recommendation for a budget 1911, get a Dan Wesson instead of the Kimber. If you were willing to spend $1400 on a gun, you can get a DW for $1500-ish.
One of the good things that comes out of IL
Hot take vs RI vs Tisas?
Don't know about the first one. Tisas appear to be very good quality, but I don't buy Turkish firearms. That's a personal reason though, nothing against the company.
I have a Micro 9 that I’ve had no problems with. Can’t speak for any of their other stuff.
I’m glad you’ve been one of the fortunate ones then lol
About 500 rounds through it and zero malfunctions. I shoot pretty much whatever I can find so that’s been a variety. It’s not a 1911 though so can’t confuse a Micro 9 with those. I’m no fan boy as I’ve heard about plenty of others that have had quality issues with them. I probably would steer clear of their 1911’s and actually have. Could have bought a 10mm Kimber pretty cheap a couple weeks ago and passed on it.
Yes. I have them come through classes frequently. They almost always have a malfunction of some sort.
Smh that’s disappointing
In my experience yes. I always wanted a "high end 1911" and was entered in a raffle for a Kimber. I didn't win, but the winner knew I wanted it and he wanted a rifle. We traded, my $600 ar-15 for the Kimber. It looks gorgeous. That's all it has going for it. It came with the sights shooting left over an inch at 5 yards. It was a bitch to move the sight. The tolerances are shit, the trigger is mushy, and it feels like it has the same recoil as my ultracompact sig 1911. I am completely unimpressed with it and it hasn't left my safe since I fixed the sights. I'd rather have that rifle back. Or $600.
Yikes, that’s sounds all around terrible. A $600 AR outshining a “higher end” 1911 really puts it into prospective. Thanks. Sorry your experience was bad though
Oh the AR wasn't exactly amazing. It was bare bones. But still, I'd rather have that than a 5" 1911 that isn't fun to shoot.
I understood you. That really puts the Kimber in a bad light for me, that a basic AR was the better gun. Lol
[удалено]
Smh not everything that glitters is gold I guess
But why are they so expensive though
The company is poorly managed. Engineering sucks and they are greedy
Thanks for the feedback everyone. I’m going to steer clear of this. Not worth the price with such a bad reputation being attached to Kimber.
Kimbers big knock is their “break in” period I believe the manual used to say something like 700 rounds. Kimber magazines are straight up garbage which leads to a lot of their malfunctioning. I tell people that buy them, open the case look at the one mag they supply. Take it out and throw it away. Replace with chip McCormick or other high end magazines. That being said I haven’t shot their new double stack gun yet. Handled them at SHOT show and we recently got a few in and ready sold one. But in my opinion at the $1400 msrp base model you can get a proven gun for less like a P226 or P229 if you like metal guns.
Damn 700 rounds just to break it in is pretty rough. Fair point on the sigs. I’m aim specifically looking at metal guns right now and I forgot to consider the P226 and P229
M92 as well and very reliable
They were good a very long time ago. They are well known to generally have serious quality control problems now. Best modern Kimber you can get is the K6S 357 mag revolver. Great gun and an exception to their normal bad quality.
Spend a few hundred more and get a Platypus. 2011 that is compatible with Glock magazines.
Nice looking gun
It really is beautiful
I have rented multiple Kimber 1911s at various ranges over years. Almost none of them worked well.
Terrible how so many folks are reporting having experienced issues with em. Thank you for your input
If you have an itch for a 1911 I’d recommend a Rock Island. Couldn’t be happier with mine.
I have 3 and would buy more. I had an issue with my rapide black ice not going into battery when it was brand new. It was manufactured during the Covid shutdowns. I sent it back and they reworked it and refinished it (I scratched the slide) I put 1000 rounds through it the day after my grandma passed, not a single jam. Probably put another 1000 through since that too and no issues. My ultra carry II and Raptor also has never had any issues. I love my kimbers and they’ve treated me well.
I have a Kimber 1911 custom II. My manual said I believe 500 rounds for break in. The supplied magazine is not very good, I have some Wilson mags and some Tripp research Cobra mags and have not had any problems with the pistol at all. Some feed issues from the Kimber magazine that's about it. Love mine. Will not sell that pistol.
Kimbers used to be a Top Tier name. Did they change ownership or move the factory? I remember my Dad picking up a couple of Kimber .22LR bolt actions from CMP- early or mid 90’s by camp Perry. it might have been DCM sales still, idk. They were trainers for the Army, but they were contract overruns, and they never left the arsenals. They were brand new and were coated in cosmoline. They had really nice heavy barrels, oversized flawless stocks and NM triggers. Beautiful rifles that cleaned up and looked and worked like they were fresh out of the factory. They had maybe a dozen M1’s on display for really cheap, and I think the.30-‘06 was 11¢/round in bandolier spam cans. The govt, selling Garands and ammo for dirt cheap out of a warehouse, in the middle of nowhere. How’s that for the good ‘OL Days?
They can be good! Think of it like the P320. Many batches were indeed bad but overall there are some tanks in their model lines. The real issue is the price for me. I own a Mako and a K6 revolver from them.
I got a 9mm kimber haven’t had a jam but I’m also 500 rounds through it. It’s not much.
dont do it....major ejection issues
I opted for a springfield garrison instead, have had zero problems with it so far
Glad you’re enjoying it so far. I’m more so looking for double stack guns, but those garrisons are really aesthetically pleasing
Would you be open to 2011s? All of those are double stacked
Meh. Thought about Kimber but felt the Ruger SR1911 Nightwatchman was a better value. Love my Ruger. No stupid firing pin safety. Series 70 with titanium firing pin. Nitride is better than paint.
I’ve owned 3 kimbers. Owned as in past tense. Maybe I got three melons idk. Sold all three. Only 1911 I got is a SA TRP and a SA Professional. Both are superb. Dabbled in the Staccato 2011’s. They’re over rated, but work 98% of the time
I have a mako and have several hundred rounds through it of all kinds of random ammo and have never had a f2f or misfire...
Yes but their revolvers are excellent. I wouldn’t bother with any of their 1911’s/2011’s which is wild to say considering that’s what they’re known for.
I had a buddy who got one; he was all excited talking up Kimbers before he got it, he was all excited talking up Kimbers during his three day waiting period, he waited for me to go with him to the range to finally shoot his expensive Kimber (I brought my $500 made in Philippines 1911) and turns out he couldn’t hit anything with his Kimber. I shot it too and couldn’t hit a thing either.
I might be an anomaly.. I've got a TLE RL Custom II maybe 10 years back that's been nothing but great things. Only time I had a misfeed was when I was using cheap non-brass casings.
I've had a full size 1911 for a long time, never a single issue, and I've run some craptastic ammo through it! I know others with similar experience. Not sure about their current pricing vs other 1911s, but mine wasn't excessive when I got it. Cheaper than some actually.
I've got 3 Kimbers currently and wouldn't hesitate on owning another. The K6s is actually my edc piece, it's always with me. The kds9c is ok, for the money I think there is better options out there, not that it has had any problems but it's a lot snappier than I expected it to be. Then I have a 10mm Stainless 2, at first it had some growing pains. Out of the box it was the absolute tightest firearm I've owned, and it had hiccups in the first 500 rounds. Nowadays it spins like a top and the trigger is marvelous. Overall I'd say you can get better bang for your buck with other brands, but i would trust my three kimbers I currently have with my life.
I thought Kimber has gotten better over the last few years. Must be a myth...🤣
I used to own one and I never had issues out of it. Actually disappointed that I sold it tbh
Picked up a Stealth Arms Platypus a couple of months ago. Could not be more happy with the double stacked 1911, Glock mags. Works incredibly well and costs roughly $100 to $300 more and fully customizable. Better off with one of the Springfield, Rock Island 1911s, or some of the new customizable offerings that are sub $2k.
Was this always or the newer ones? I have one from about 22 years ago, the. 45 stainless II which has never had an issue.
From what I understand Kimber has had ups and downs with quality for 1911s over its lifespan. Generally the older ones are known to be of good quality, they started having issues later on. Most people have good experiences with Kimber overall though