Which Kimber Raptor?

[beavdha]

I've pretty much narrowed down my search for a .45 acp and it looks like I will get a Kimber Raptor II but which one - the ultra or the Pro?  I am looking at it for concealled carry - but kind of would like to shoot it informally on the range.  Would the Pro be a better choice and is it conceallable?  I know the ultra would be since it has a 3" barrel - just wondering if the 4" is that much more difficult to conceal?
Thanks in advance for any replies. 

Don

[Lloyd Smale]

heres my take on it the 3 inch gun is no doubt easier to conseal but its more because it has a smaller grip frame then a smaller barrel. I have both sized guns and most of the time when i carry its a a commander sized gun. I just like them better and if your going to use it as a plinker too theres almost no decision to make youd want the 4 inch gun. if you want the best of both worlds buy one of the kimber cdps with the officers grip frame and the commander barrel. IMO its the best out of the box carry gun made anywhere.

[beavdha]

Thanks Lloyd,  on the CDP  that is an alloy frame correct?  Years ago ( like maybe 15 years ago) I was told to stay away from alloy frame autos  - Do the kimber alloy frames hold up?  I'll take a look at the website on the CDP  - is there a specific model that it's called?

[Lloyd Smale]

my alloy framed commander has probably 20000 rounds through it with no wear. I think if a guy wanted a gun that he was going to shoot the crap out of, like one you would be using for competion shooting a steal frame would be the way to go. But for the average guy thats going to shoot say 1000 rounds a year out of one an alloy frame is just fine. One trick to the alloys is to make sure you use a magazine like a wilson that has a composite follower the steal followers chew up the aluminum guns. I cant figure why kimber even puts a steal follower in the mags they provide with the gun. The 4 inch short framed cdp is callled the compact cdp   http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/cdp/compactcdp.php Dammed,  looking at that add makes me cry about parting with mine.

[jhm]

Loyd< How is a steel follower hard on the allow frames, I am trying to see in my mind how the steel follower is contacting the frame??  JIM

[beavdha]

I decided on the Raptor Pro II.  The gun club said it would take about 7 - 10 days to arrive.  Gotta make sure I have the money scraped up and set aside for it.  Now for a holster - any concealed holsters out there for the raptor pro that anybody has advice on?  Would small of back be better than say a high ride type? 
Thanks for the info Lloyd.  I did handle the officer's model style and for some reason the grip just didn't feel right.  Could all be in my head though.

[Lloyd Smale]

they dont feel as good as a full sized to me either but they do conseal easier.

[DC]

Aluminum frames have been around for a long while.  Years ago I had a Colt Commander which had the aluminum frame.  I shot the snot out of it for three years or so with no visible wear.
The Kimber aluminum frame will wear as well a steel frame gun INHO.  I have a friend that has a Tacticle Pro, (4" barrel?).  He has put thousands of rounds through it and it is still tight, extremely accurate and reliable. 
As far as hearing that you should stay away from aluminum frames, it is not true. 
D

[beavdha]

Picked up my Raptor last night.  Really nice!  I like the barrel length on the Pro and the grip fits really well.  The only down side - it comes with just one clip!  For the price you would think you would get at least one more - if not two.  Oh well, ordered a few more from Kimber.   I hope to shoot it this weekend.