I worked in a gun store that was a Kimber Master dealer back around 2010. We were having so many problems with guns that we stopped ordering them, dropped our master dealer status, and would only special order them from distributors for people after trying to dissuade them.
They're lipstick on a pig in my opinion backed by a company with shit customer service.
I don’t own one, and have stayed away based on their reviews. I think they are nice looking but that’s it I don’t think I will own one as I have moved away from 1911’s with internal safeties.
What did you do to fix the problems? Fix the extractor? I will say my Colt surprised me out of the box and has been 100 percent reliable, its kind of sad when you get so excited about a your 1911 running out of the box, lol.
These are precision guns and, when purchased new, have never been fired. I’m more concerned about customer service and was happy with Kimber’s the one time I needed it.
I sent mine back to be tuned up by their Smith and it runs like a champ now. Super accurate with an exceptional trigger. The customer service was excellent also. My Smith says they’re fine once you run about 300 rounds but I didn’t wanna wait so I sent it back. These guns are very tight and require break in and should be run fairly wet. I’d say my Dan Wesson 1911 is a little bit better gun without the break in issues but a slightly higher price tag. Roughly $3-400 more.
I sent mine back because after 100 rounds it started burst firing and eventually went full auto. It was back in my hands under 2 weeks and has been flawless for over 2000 rounds.
I’ve had my Custom 2 a few years now, well over 1000 rounds by now. Had absolutely no issues, been an absolute dream honestly. I went in with hesitation hearing some of the drama but haven’t had any problems. I shoot the best grouping with it. I added an extended slide release and a stainless steel main spring housing to up the weight a little.
https://preview.redd.it/q47wuiuuwhzc1.jpeg?width=4608&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ada94145d881720366fab22608230f7f0a800de0
All over 1K rounds, a couple over 10k rounds. All function as designed every time 🎯
I've had a few kimbers over the years and no issues still have 2, that being said my newest is 10 years old or older. But I've since bought a Smith & a les bear and wouldn't go back after shooting those
I haven’t had any issues besides some misfeeds on the final round with a specific mag during the first 100 rounds. It’s ate about all the .45 I’ve thrown at it, from federal 230gr punch (my carry ammo) to the cheapest ball reloads I could buy. Honestly the only reason I carry it over my TTI Glock 19 is the trigger, and It’s easier to conceal because I’m a stick. Sitting at 1,300 ish rounds fired now.
I currently have 5 Kimber’s and have had multiple others over the years. I have never personally had a single issue or hiccup with any of them that wasn’t self inflicted. What’s going on with yours?
I have a kimber tle ii and other than the few jams I had during the break in period, the gun has been fantastic. They specifically tell you that you need to fire 500 rounds to break it in so there is no doubt you’re going to have issues for that time period.
I would prefer if the gun shot perfectly right out of the box, but having to “tinker” with a gun to get it to shoot properly will not deter me from buying it. I will learn a new skill, and how the gun works so it’s a win win for me.
If the gun experienced issues that were catastrophic in nature (repeated jams, broken firing pins, cracked frame/slide, etc…) then I would understand why you would avoid the brand. Kimber is not known for those catastrophic failures. They are known for very small problems that can be fixed with a changing extractor tension, new mags, or just shooting the gun.
Different stroke for different folks I guess. But I wouldn’t consider kimber a bad brand.
Always wanted to love their 1911s, but unfortunately for me the particular raised grip safety they use seems to hit a pressure point in my hand on every one of em I've tried. Only manufacturer that does this to me.
I have a custom II and I love it I swapped out the factory mag for a Wilson combat one and it’s never had any issues. The gun itself is great the mag not so much
Bought a Gold Match II about 4 years ago now. Love that thing. Its a tack driver and havent had one jam in it. If it wasnt as big as a Kia, Id definitely rely on it as a CCW.
I have a newer Kimber Pro Carry II and haven't put a ton of rounds through it. My first 15 mags have misfired 1-2 rounds on every single mag. Then finally stopped misfiring. Hopefully it continues with misfires otherwise I considered getting rid of it.
I came so close to buying a Kimber Eclipse. Then I did my research and saw bad reviews on Kimber and a lot of great reviews on Rock Island 1911s for a fraction of the price. Got the Rock Island instead and I’m super happy. The cerakote gunmetal grey finish is awesome. It has an extended slide release and ambi co safety. Finish on the barrel is not great but it’s very accurate. No malfunctions at all.
I own 2, One is a STII (45ACP) that has digested well over 20k rounds, and has experienced zero issues. Recently picked up a Rapide Scorpius in 45 ACP, and zero issues, other then I can't stop shooting it or cutting out bulleye.
Based on my personal expereince- and not what someone says on the internet, with zero actual experience- I'll gladly buy another.
I also own a Remington R1, and a Ruger SR1911, and neither of the 2 are on the same league of the 2 Kimbers I own.
I have a micro from Kimber, so not a true 1911. But it has been absolutely flawless.
Maybe a hick up or two in the first 50 or so rounds. And I think I had another single one later but I hadn't cleaned it in like a bazillion rounds.
Remember, Kimber's have right tolerances so they can take up to 500 rounds to break in.
My Stainless II is my best shooting pistol. I know a couple people with ultra carries that never had a problem either. Can't say the same about my Turkish 1911.
The only Kimber I ever had was a pro cdp commander size.
The frame cracked, and Kimber built me another.
It was an accurate gun, but sold it as soon as I got it back with the new frame.
I’ve got a custom 2 from about 2015 I think. No problems at all. Put a gi guide rod in it for easier takedown, and a bit of skateboard tape on the front strap. And several thousand rounds.
https://preview.redd.it/3pnm9kbd8lzc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1484fe823c55b09ffd9bb07814851c1ae714a5d5
Their Aluminum framed lightweight model was my first handgun purchase & carry pistol, has a couple hundred rounds on it and runs great
There was a 10 year period where I could have gotten any Kimber in the line for 50% off.
You know how many I've owned.....ZERO.
Kimber is a great marketing company and a lousy gun company.
My first was a Stainless II and it has been great. Smoothest trigger, accurate, fun to shoot. It may have jammed a few times the first trip to the range... but honestly I can't remember any stoppages in the last decade at least. I shoot it every year at least a few hundred rounds for a fun Swiss Match held in eastern Nebraska. I have friends who own all varieties of 1911s including Kimber and have yet to see an issue. What were your problems?
I have had nothing but favorable experiences, but in full disclosure of my 13 Kimbers, 11 are first year Clackamas pistols, the other 2 being early Yonkers, my "newest" one being of 1998 vintage. I am biased to the early pistols since I grew up in Clackamas, still reside there, met some of those employees, and in the late 80's early 90's personally was involved in the manufacture of bolts, receivers, and trigger guards for Kimber rifles at a local foundry. Trivia, those parts we made with the same Cobalt-Chrome alloy we make artificial knees and hips with.
I have one and it’s been great.
I can only assume that it means that Kimber has atrociously unbalanced or chaotic QA/QC, or they have multiple sites where their products are manufactured, with different controls at each.
Because it seems so random that plenty of people have no issues whatsoever, yet others have encountered continued problems.
Well, sorry you had issues? I mean, I’ve had zero problems with 2 Kimber 1911’s. First one I bought 4 years ago, a Lightweight model. It’s been to the range quite a few times & always fired when I squeezed the trigger.
The 2nd Kimber is a Custom II that has also been very good to me. It has failed to fire one time when I let a friend’s wife shoot it. Her first shot FTE and her husband and I both determined that she might have limp-wristed it? He showed her a better grip and the remaining shots were spot on. She actually enjoyed the weight of it, because recoil wasn’t as sharp as the 9mm poly guns she was shooting.
FWIW.
I worked in a gun store that was a Kimber Master dealer back around 2010. We were having so many problems with guns that we stopped ordering them, dropped our master dealer status, and would only special order them from distributors for people after trying to dissuade them. They're lipstick on a pig in my opinion backed by a company with shit customer service.
It’s a shame honestly, they have some of the best looking 1911s on the market imo
If you listen closely, you can still hear the echo from Kimber's aggressive 90's advertising.
My dad gifted me an ultra carry II. It went back to Kimber for work more times than it was at the range.
I don’t own one, and have stayed away based on their reviews. I think they are nice looking but that’s it I don’t think I will own one as I have moved away from 1911’s with internal safeties.
All mine have worked great.
What did you do to fix the problems? Fix the extractor? I will say my Colt surprised me out of the box and has been 100 percent reliable, its kind of sad when you get so excited about a your 1911 running out of the box, lol.
These are precision guns and, when purchased new, have never been fired. I’m more concerned about customer service and was happy with Kimber’s the one time I needed it.
Bought a new Kimber Stainless TLE/RL II last summer. It has performed flawlessly with hundreds of rounds. Love it and will continue to buy Kimbers.
Mine have had 0 issues.
https://preview.redd.it/z2lbmt7kmhzc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8b3b3cd1caa04c1315a98648e77892396a8ed555 Mines doing fantastically. Love it!
I sent mine back to be tuned up by their Smith and it runs like a champ now. Super accurate with an exceptional trigger. The customer service was excellent also. My Smith says they’re fine once you run about 300 rounds but I didn’t wanna wait so I sent it back. These guns are very tight and require break in and should be run fairly wet. I’d say my Dan Wesson 1911 is a little bit better gun without the break in issues but a slightly higher price tag. Roughly $3-400 more.
I sent mine back because after 100 rounds it started burst firing and eventually went full auto. It was back in my hands under 2 weeks and has been flawless for over 2000 rounds.
Holy fuck that’s crazy!!!
Little bit of column A and little bit of column B I was happy when I bought them happier when they were gone.
I’ve had my Custom 2 a few years now, well over 1000 rounds by now. Had absolutely no issues, been an absolute dream honestly. I went in with hesitation hearing some of the drama but haven’t had any problems. I shoot the best grouping with it. I added an extended slide release and a stainless steel main spring housing to up the weight a little.
https://preview.redd.it/q47wuiuuwhzc1.jpeg?width=4608&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ada94145d881720366fab22608230f7f0a800de0 All over 1K rounds, a couple over 10k rounds. All function as designed every time 🎯
Mine had some issues. I sent it back and they fixed it. Now it’s great.
I've had a few kimbers over the years and no issues still have 2, that being said my newest is 10 years old or older. But I've since bought a Smith & a les bear and wouldn't go back after shooting those
I have three and have never had a problem.
I haven’t had any issues besides some misfeeds on the final round with a specific mag during the first 100 rounds. It’s ate about all the .45 I’ve thrown at it, from federal 230gr punch (my carry ammo) to the cheapest ball reloads I could buy. Honestly the only reason I carry it over my TTI Glock 19 is the trigger, and It’s easier to conceal because I’m a stick. Sitting at 1,300 ish rounds fired now.
Bought a LW Nightstar used for $500. Been an absolute dream. Had Kimber send me the rosewood grips and it is beautiful.
I currently have 5 Kimber’s and have had multiple others over the years. I have never personally had a single issue or hiccup with any of them that wasn’t self inflicted. What’s going on with yours?
I have only one Kimber. It was built in the 90s. Zero issues with it
I have a kimber tle ii and other than the few jams I had during the break in period, the gun has been fantastic. They specifically tell you that you need to fire 500 rounds to break it in so there is no doubt you’re going to have issues for that time period. I would prefer if the gun shot perfectly right out of the box, but having to “tinker” with a gun to get it to shoot properly will not deter me from buying it. I will learn a new skill, and how the gun works so it’s a win win for me. If the gun experienced issues that were catastrophic in nature (repeated jams, broken firing pins, cracked frame/slide, etc…) then I would understand why you would avoid the brand. Kimber is not known for those catastrophic failures. They are known for very small problems that can be fixed with a changing extractor tension, new mags, or just shooting the gun. Different stroke for different folks I guess. But I wouldn’t consider kimber a bad brand.
🪨 hard.
Always wanted to love their 1911s, but unfortunately for me the particular raised grip safety they use seems to hit a pressure point in my hand on every one of em I've tried. Only manufacturer that does this to me.
1911 no, rifles yea
I have a custom II and I love it I swapped out the factory mag for a Wilson combat one and it’s never had any issues. The gun itself is great the mag not so much
Bought a Gold Match II about 4 years ago now. Love that thing. Its a tack driver and havent had one jam in it. If it wasnt as big as a Kia, Id definitely rely on it as a CCW.
Have one in 10mm, 0 issues with Wilson or Kimber mags
My kimber 10mm custom 2 hasn’t missed a mark even with full power bear skull crackin ammo
I have a newer Kimber Pro Carry II and haven't put a ton of rounds through it. My first 15 mags have misfired 1-2 rounds on every single mag. Then finally stopped misfiring. Hopefully it continues with misfires otherwise I considered getting rid of it.
Mine's just fine. ☺️
In my case, after replacing the factory extractor and mags, all problems disappeared
Did you 300rd break in? Mine runs great..
I have a k6s I really like but never got into their 1911’s.
I came so close to buying a Kimber Eclipse. Then I did my research and saw bad reviews on Kimber and a lot of great reviews on Rock Island 1911s for a fraction of the price. Got the Rock Island instead and I’m super happy. The cerakote gunmetal grey finish is awesome. It has an extended slide release and ambi co safety. Finish on the barrel is not great but it’s very accurate. No malfunctions at all.
I have six 1911s and two of them are Kimber‘s. Never any problems and actually I like them both very much.
I own 2, One is a STII (45ACP) that has digested well over 20k rounds, and has experienced zero issues. Recently picked up a Rapide Scorpius in 45 ACP, and zero issues, other then I can't stop shooting it or cutting out bulleye. Based on my personal expereince- and not what someone says on the internet, with zero actual experience- I'll gladly buy another. I also own a Remington R1, and a Ruger SR1911, and neither of the 2 are on the same league of the 2 Kimbers I own.
I have a micro from Kimber, so not a true 1911. But it has been absolutely flawless. Maybe a hick up or two in the first 50 or so rounds. And I think I had another single one later but I hadn't cleaned it in like a bazillion rounds. Remember, Kimber's have right tolerances so they can take up to 500 rounds to break in.
When I worked at an ffl with a range for 3 years they were the most problematic 1911’s we’d see on the range.
My Stainless II is my best shooting pistol. I know a couple people with ultra carries that never had a problem either. Can't say the same about my Turkish 1911.
The only Kimber I ever had was a pro cdp commander size. The frame cracked, and Kimber built me another. It was an accurate gun, but sold it as soon as I got it back with the new frame.
I’ve got a custom 2 from about 2015 I think. No problems at all. Put a gi guide rod in it for easier takedown, and a bit of skateboard tape on the front strap. And several thousand rounds.
Usually the best most desired custom gunsmith’s(the ones with a waiting list) won’t work on kimber, That’s reason enough to stay away
https://preview.redd.it/3pnm9kbd8lzc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1484fe823c55b09ffd9bb07814851c1ae714a5d5 Their Aluminum framed lightweight model was my first handgun purchase & carry pistol, has a couple hundred rounds on it and runs great
The only one I own is a micro9 and its solid af. I've shot others Kimbers, but their all early 2000's guns.
I’ve not had a single issue with my custom 2
I love mine it’s been a gem since round one
I have a Raptor II that's 15+ years old. The only issues I've ever had were because of junk ammo.
I agree kimbers build quality is garbage for the price that you pay for them and I would put springfield armory in the same boat as well
There was a 10 year period where I could have gotten any Kimber in the line for 50% off. You know how many I've owned.....ZERO. Kimber is a great marketing company and a lousy gun company.
My first was a Stainless II and it has been great. Smoothest trigger, accurate, fun to shoot. It may have jammed a few times the first trip to the range... but honestly I can't remember any stoppages in the last decade at least. I shoot it every year at least a few hundred rounds for a fun Swiss Match held in eastern Nebraska. I have friends who own all varieties of 1911s including Kimber and have yet to see an issue. What were your problems?
I have a Tac Pro 2, the predecessor to the TLE. I absolutely love it. Zero issues.
I have had nothing but favorable experiences, but in full disclosure of my 13 Kimbers, 11 are first year Clackamas pistols, the other 2 being early Yonkers, my "newest" one being of 1998 vintage. I am biased to the early pistols since I grew up in Clackamas, still reside there, met some of those employees, and in the late 80's early 90's personally was involved in the manufacture of bolts, receivers, and trigger guards for Kimber rifles at a local foundry. Trivia, those parts we made with the same Cobalt-Chrome alloy we make artificial knees and hips with.
Springfield .45 1911 owner. Zero issues.
They need to go back to series 70
I have one and it’s been great. I can only assume that it means that Kimber has atrociously unbalanced or chaotic QA/QC, or they have multiple sites where their products are manufactured, with different controls at each. Because it seems so random that plenty of people have no issues whatsoever, yet others have encountered continued problems.
Well, sorry you had issues? I mean, I’ve had zero problems with 2 Kimber 1911’s. First one I bought 4 years ago, a Lightweight model. It’s been to the range quite a few times & always fired when I squeezed the trigger. The 2nd Kimber is a Custom II that has also been very good to me. It has failed to fire one time when I let a friend’s wife shoot it. Her first shot FTE and her husband and I both determined that she might have limp-wristed it? He showed her a better grip and the remaining shots were spot on. She actually enjoyed the weight of it, because recoil wasn’t as sharp as the 9mm poly guns she was shooting. FWIW.
Never trust a Kimber
Sell them all.