Author Topic: Kimber? (Read 1151 times)

GRIMJIM · « **on:** June 09, 2007, 01:38:29 PM »

I am doing a side job right now and when it's all said and done I will have some spending money. Most of it will go for bills and such but I will have a little over one thousand dollars to play with. I have been wanting a kimber ever since I tried my friends at the range.

My question to you is do I get the kimber or would my money be better spent on another gun? I am looking at the raptor 2. Around me they are going for a little over $1,000 plus tax.

If you have suggestions here are my criteria:
Blued or black, preferably a nice shiny finish ( don't like the two tone guns)
full sized 1911
45 acp

Thanks for the help,
Jim

Ken ONeill · « **Reply #1 on:** June 09, 2007, 09:58:58 PM »

Since 1960 so many 1911's have passed through my hands that I ought to be embarrassed...but I'm not. If I were buying another one today, it would have to be a Kimber Target, with adjustable sights, in .45ACP of course. Mine would be stainless.

Savage · « **Reply #2 on:** June 10, 2007, 06:49:55 AM »

Regrettably, I let my Kimber Custom Target SS slip away. I WILL have another!
Savage

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #3 on:** June 10, 2007, 09:20:52 AM »

Got to agree ive got an original match target blued and its a sweet gun!!

crabo · « **Reply #4 on:** June 10, 2007, 10:39:31 AM »

I've had a number of 1911s that have been worked over extensively. The next one I buy will probably be an STI with the Kimber close behind. It will just depend on the deal at hand when that time comes.

The STIs are great guns and well worth a look.

www.stiguns.com/

Craig

rockbilly · « **Reply #5 on:** June 10, 2007, 11:17:53 AM »

A while back I picked up a Kimber .45 Super Match at a very reasonable price, the only problem, the gun had feed problems, it was about as dependable as a Bryco. I am sure that was the reason the former owner got rid of it, I thought I could correct the problem, but after tinkering with it myself to no avail, it went back to the factory. About 9-10 weeks later I got it back, it continued to have problems.

While I was waiting on the .45 to be returned I bought a Combat Carry in .40. This one was bought new, it too had jam/feed problems after about 200-250 rounds. It went back to the factory, when returned it still had problems.

They took up space in the safe for a while, then I got rid of them. I traded the .45 for an early Colt Python, about 98% that appeared to been fired very little. I also got some cash in the trade. The .40 was sold for just a few dollars less than the total purchase price. I then purchased a Sig P 245 to serve as a carry gun. The Sig has never missed a beat.

I know there are good Kimbers out there, but after two bad ones there will be no more for me, unless it is one heck-of-a good deal. You get what you pay for, but I also think they are a little overpriced.

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #6 on:** June 10, 2007, 12:40:02 PM »

crabo, I really like the legend but they're a bit out of my price range. I've only got about a grand to play with here.

crabo · « **Reply #7 on:** June 10, 2007, 05:16:47 PM »

Check out the Trojan. I had one for a while. The only reason I didn't keep it was because I already had a great 5" .38 super with all the goodies. That may be my next one..... I love that you can now buy a gun for $1000 that used to cost you $2000

Heavy C · « **Reply #8 on:** June 11, 2007, 05:09:38 AM »

GRIMJIM:

You can't go wrong with Kimber for the money. At this point I own three. My most recent was their most basic model which I'm using for a project gun - it will soon be chambered in 460 Rowland. The STI's are most certainly nice, but expensive.

Good luck!

Old Griz · « **Reply #9 on:** June 11, 2007, 05:53:45 AM »

I know I'll probably get flamed for this

but here goes anyway. I have heard too many negative comments about Kimber to pay that ridiculous price for one. Over rated and over priced. (Oh, I can hear cocked-n-locked safeties going off everywhere!)

I think Rockbilly had the best idea. I'd much rather have a Python. And if I wanted an accurate, dependable .45, I'd get either a Sig, or a . . . dare I say the G-word? . . . yes I dare — Glock. And if I just had to have a 1911, I'd go Springfield. Kimber is like a Jaguar—looks great, drives great, but stays in the shop too much.

Hey Rockbilly, is it one of those beautiful Royal Blue Pythons, or stainless?

OK Kimber fans! Have at me. This is all just for fun anyway, and I'll still love ya!

Wheelguns rule!

Savage · « **Reply #10 on:** June 11, 2007, 06:34:53 AM »

No flame here, Griz! We all have our likes and dislikes about individual platforms. I try to form my opinions based on my own experiences rather than what I read on forums or second hand information. I find redeeming qualities in most every firearm I try. I have a pretty good representation of most major manufacturers. My experiences with Kimbers has been great. I have owned three, and currently own two. For some unknown reason I let the Custom Target SS slip away, my bad. Wouldn't be too surprised if there were a few more in my future.
Savage

Heavy C · « **Reply #11 on:** June 11, 2007, 11:06:45 AM »

Quote from: Old Griz on June 11, 2007, 05:53:45 AM

I know I'll probably get flamed for this but here goes anyway. I have heard too many negative comments about Kimber to pay that ridiculous price for one. Over rated and over priced. (Oh, I can hear cocked-n-locked safeties going off everywhere!)

I think Rockbilly had the best idea. I'd much rather have a Python. And if I wanted an accurate, dependable .45, I'd get either a Sig, or a . . . dare I say the G-word? . . . yes I dare — Glock. And if I just had to have a 1911, I'd go Springfield. Kimber is like a Jaguar—looks great, drives great, but stays in the shop too much.

Hey Rockbilly, is it one of those beautiful Royal Blue Pythons, or stainless?

OK Kimber fans! Have at me. This is all just for fun anyway, and I'll still love ya!

Wheelguns rule!

A Jag huh? Well, so be it. All I know is that the three that reside in my safe (one of which is my carry gun) are proven performers and will chew anything I feed them. So mine look great, shoot great and no trips to the shop. I agree with Savage in that every gun brings something to the table. I also like wheelguns, but whether they rule or not depends on the application. My money will still be on Jags I mean Kimbers - yeah that's it.

terry · « **Reply #12 on:** June 11, 2007, 01:04:17 PM »

Two weeks ago I was with my old lady at the best gun store in state looking at 45cal 1911's with her Dad for his Birthday. I had a chance to view Kimbers,STI,Springfield and many others in stock that day.They stock hundreds of pistols! He got a Kimber TLE II 4' with laser grips, but I still can't get that Raptor pro II 4" out of my head. To be honest I am really not a 1911 kind of guy but that pistol was a jewel! I couldn't beleive he didn't what it the money was the same I think the laser thing had him blinded. It was cool I guess. As far as Kimber and a broken gun goes I bought a brand new Kimber Rifle and the bolt was tight after firing. I sent it back and within 2 weeks I had it back with one ofthe best piece's of wood I have ever seen on a rifle. It's so fancy and figured it almost looks fake. They took good care of me!

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #13 on:** June 12, 2007, 01:34:27 PM »

Yeah Terry, same with me. I saw the raptor and wanted one instantly. I prefer the full size though. This is probably the last time I will get to purchase a 45 in this price range and wanted to make sure I was buying a quality gun not just a cool one.

terry · « **Reply #14 on:** June 13, 2007, 09:17:38 AM »

I don't think any Kimber 45 would be considered to be Junk. There may or may not be better 45's out there it's all about the money a guy has to spend. My local gun store is a Kimber dealer but he never has many pistols in stock being a small store. The ones he sales most guys tend to love them. Springfield makes a nice 45 for the money also nothing wrong with them. I think alot of guys get into the Chev vs Ford thing with different brand 45's. Fact is most of the ones made today are all pretty well made as far as going out to shot. Some are pretty,some are ugly, others are tricked out vs basic. Find the one you like and go with it. If you deside you don't like it down the road sell it and buy another. Most guns do hold value pretty well.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #15 on:** June 15, 2007, 03:17:10 AM »

So ya want a Kimber , i had one liked it , had a colt also , when money got tight i had to sell one , it was back when Kimber was getting started ! The colt was a custom shop gun it was when colt was getting stopped ! So the Kimber left !
Always regretted letting it go !
Well the other day while at a local plumbing trade show there was an offer that you could get a new Kimber for the purchase of certian products and i needed the product , so now both sons and myself will have a Kimber !
Kimber is a good gun , some may need adjusting ,most don't . You may or may not like a Kimber but they have put more 1911 style gunS in shooters hands that were " upgraded " than anyone , and alot of them are not their guns !
They set the standard 15 years ago and everyone else either fell in line or died ! I am old enough to remember when you got a 1911 then had work done to make it what you wanted it to be ! Kimber changed all that !
I to like a python , but if it were so great where is it ? In its day it was the best , but not good enough to maintain sales ! Think about it in a market where people pay $ 2000.00 for a 1911 . the python couldn't make it at $ 1000.00 !
GLOCK ? come on if a Kimber is a jag , a glock is a Renault station wagon ! Its claim to fame is cheap reliability !
The 1911 has been billed as a experts gun , all the rest claim to be user friendly , but seem to change as sales drop , the 1911 sales are increasing , no small part due to Kimber , Even S&W had to join the 1911 crowd to compete !

superjay01 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 19, 2007, 04:09:57 PM »

I have kimber target model and love it. You can't go wrong with one for sure. It's accurate as all get out, good lookin what more can you want in a gun.

jaybird · « **Reply #17 on:** June 19, 2007, 11:17:07 PM »

I have a Kimber Custom II, and I will never get rid of it. It is the only Kimber I have ever owned, but there will definitely be more in my future.

williamlayton · « **Reply #18 on:** June 21, 2007, 01:27:50 AM »

I vote for the STI-Trojan or the SIG.
I own both in some different flavors and none have been back anywhere.
Colt is always a good choice and it is not a copy of anything---they are better than most folks advertise.
Blessings

Savage · « **Reply #19 on:** June 21, 2007, 02:05:15 AM »

Mornin' William,
I'm beginning to think you like the Trojan! Can't fault you for that. They are a quality product. However, Kimber and Springfield bring a lot to the table, and both have models that are priced a bit under the STI. I have not been dissapointed with either, well, there was that Springfield Champion that shot a couple feet low at 25yds.

Savage

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #20 on:** June 21, 2007, 03:54:41 AM »

shot a new Kimber last night , nice ! night sights are nice !

Revolver Nuts · « **Reply #21 on:** June 21, 2007, 09:38:19 AM »

I have a Kimber Raptor II and a Pro CDP II. They both take anything I feed them.
The only problem I had was with the Raptor II. Every once in a while the slide would fail to close with a round headed up towards the chamber. I called Kimber and they said it may be the slide release. They sent a new one and now it takes everything I feed it without fail, even when dirty.
They are both very accurate guns, especially the Raptor II, not to mention great looking pieces.
Revolver Nuts
NRA Lifer

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #22 on:** June 24, 2007, 04:06:22 AM »

Okay I did it. I bought the full size raptor, pick it up on Tuesday, can't wait to shoot it.

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #23 on:** June 24, 2007, 04:30:38 AM »

A bit late to chime in but here goes. I'd have held off, saved a bit and gone for a Les Baer. I haven't been too awfully impressed with the Kimbers lately after hearing of some negative stuff from owners. Specifically about poorly constructed parts/materials parts I think it was. Seems thier quality has dropped a bit. Kimbers I think get the nod because of their look more than anything as they do have many diferent styles to thier 1911's. Hopefully yours wil; be an exception and work great.

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #24 on:** June 24, 2007, 12:46:59 PM »

blkhawk73, I hope so too. My friend just bought an entry model and it shoots great, hopefully I'll have the same luck with mine. You know how the inter net goes, you hear mostly from people that have problems and not so much from people that are happy. I don't know when I'll get another opportunity to do a side job and have that much money to play with, if I could have saved I think I would have went for the sti legend.