New Kimber 45acp accuarcy in shooting

[sasu]

This is what I like to see from a pistol for IPSC/USPSA competition, 2" at 25 yards shot from sandbags. Some pistols are good only for 3-4" groups, though. If a pistol shoots more than 4" at 25 yards, it needs attention, as this S&W did (the factory barrel was not properly fitted resulting in 6" groups, so I had a new Ed Brown barrel installed, now it shoots 2" groups with cheap factory ammo).

[Savage]

sasu.
You shoot USPSA with a 4" single stack? Nice group, and welcome!
Savage

[Jim_Ole_Timer]

I did just a little research on the adjustable sights that you suggested. My gun is not adapatable to an adjustable sight without machinging of the slide. I haven't yet figured out which front blade would be needed to correct it either, but will work on that.

Also I was looking on the Kimber web site. It says that you need a a sight pusher to install any front or rear sight. Pic is as the bottom of this link  http://www.kimberamerica.com/shop/search.php?xSearch=sight+pusher

I called Kimber yesterday and they told me that if the sights are off to just send them the slide and they would repair it under warranty. I'm just a little leary to do that yet. The gun was purchased through a local Cabela's dealer and they would be the ones to return it for warranty work. What do you guys suggest? Should I do it or not?

[Jim_Ole_Timer]

Ummm, one more thing. Is there a good directions for taking down the gun and removing the trigger assembly for cleaning and lubing some where?

[Jim_Ole_Timer]

This is what I like to see from a pistol for IPSC/USPSA competition, 2" at 25 yards shot from sandbags. Some pistols are good only for 3-4" groups, though. If a pistol shoots more than 4" at 25 yards, it needs attention, as this S&W did (the factory barrel was not properly fitted resulting in 6" groups, so I had a new Ed Brown barrel installed, now it shoots 2" groups with cheap factory ammo).

Very impressive indeed. I could have done this 20 years ago, but not sure anymore. My shoulders are like an ole woman's and can't hold a gun still. Kinda looks like I'm waiving a metal flag of surrender   

[Savage]

Jim,
A quick search should net you all the disassembly instructions you need, including videos. I'm pretty sure the adjustable Novak sight will fit the dovetail of your Kimber. If you go with the Bomar, you'll need to have a smith mill the cuts in the slide. If you have a series ll, you'll have the "Swartz" safety spring and plunger under the rear sight to deal with when you remove the sight. I intentionally left mine out on my Series ll Kimbers. A sight pusher is nice, but after loosening the allen screw I have been able to drive the sight out with a punch and hammer. If you are not comfortable with this, it's pretty inexpensive to have a gun smith do it.
Savage

[Jim_Ole_Timer]

Thanks Savage for all your help, by the way, my mother's maiden name was Savage, and I am part Indian   

I'll check out what you said, but I'm not sure where to get the Novac sight and am very much interested. I tried looking at Brownell's site but its all a little confusing, besides they have instructions for reworking the slide which if I'm not mistaken they say is necessary.

My Kimber is the Custom Carry ll (Full sized not compact) with Lazer grips. Fixed rear sight with no white dots.

Do you use a jig when adjusting your sights or just lay it on a block of wood? I did try adjusting the rear for windage but you really have to whack it, and yes I did loosen the set screw   

[Savage]

Jim,
I don't have a good solid bench vice, so usually I "C" clamp the slide to my deck rail, (Using a block on wood to prevent slide damage) and give her a good whack. I know that makes some cringe, but it works without damaging the slide. Be sure and scribe a witness mark inside the rear sight dovetail to check how much you move the sight. It's kinda trial and error. I'd have a sight pusher if they would work on different types of guns, and weren't so darned expensive!
Savage

[Savage]

Here's a Novak style adjustable sight that fits your existing dovetail. It's made by MMC. I have their sights on a CZ and Glock, they work well for me.
Savage
http://store.ptnightsights.com/index.php?p=product&id=20&parent=4

[Jim_Ole_Timer]

Thanks bunches for posting that sight combo. When I get caught up on my winter bills I will probably be ordering one for me and one for my sons Sig. Just what I want. But do you know what the professional installion fee of $15 is for? Is that if you send in your slide to them to install or what?

I'm hoping for decent weather tommorow so I can shoot again.. I'm going to try the BE more seriously and start by benching it, might also try Unique as that is one that the Lyman manuel recommends, but I'm guessing the BE will be best by all your recommendations and what I've read.

I found some videos on you tube about gun disasemmbly but still need to save them to my hard drive and then write out the instructions. Once I learn it I can throw them away.

By the way if any of you are looking for a great gunsolvent that works on any powder I can tell you what I use. Its something I picked up from my riflle competition and has been confirmed doing a god job with a bore scope.

[Savage]

But do you know what the professional installion fee of $15 is for? Is that if you send in your slide to them to install or what?


Yep.
Savage

[Wildman Jack]

Jim,
I'm more of a lurker than a poster. Trying to learn and glean everything I can. But I do know that Kimber wants you to shoot 500 rounds thru that pipe before it's broken in. I'm planning on getting one as soon as the funds allow due to the amazing accuracy of the gun right out of the box. I fired a buddies and out of 15 rounds only 3 were in the 10 ring all the rest were in one ragged hole in the x. Please , understand I'm not bragging but the gun totally amazed me. I used to shoot a Giles when I competed many years ago and this thing is almost as good..
Just my 2 cents...
Jack

[Jim_Ole_Timer]

Thats some pretty good shooting Jack. I used to be that good 30 some years ago, but I doubt I will ever see that again. Yeah I intend to shoot a little more before sending it in. I have about 300 through it so far.

My 200 Gr semi wad cutter mold finaly came in and I molded a few hundred on saturday, but the weather has gotten pretty tuff for shooting now, so it may be a few weeks.

[docmagnum357]

I have also wondered just what size groups a person should be able to shoot, and I can never get a straight answer.  i seldom see others shoot better than me, but that is not the point.  I want to know where my personal best might be.  I often shoot better offhand groups than i do rested groups, especially with my Cz75.  I understand it is something to do with the very tight barrel to slide, loose slide to frame fit od these, and Sig pistols.  Is that true?

[Jim_Ole_Timer]

I got a chance to shoot again yesterday, first time in months   

I loaded 4.6 grains of Bullseye on top of a 200 grain Lyman semi wad cutter, I cast my own.

It shot much closer to point of aim, maybe even right on. I ended up with a little over a 2 inch group at 30 yards. My eyes aren't  the best anymore, and my hands are shot, but the recoil with this load was acceptable. I'm all through with those high power blue dot loads, too hard on me and the gun. I don't even have to chase my brass very far now.   

My group had almost no vertical, and about 2 inches windage, me I'm sure.

I need to buy some more metal jacketed bullets for a good break in though, but I think I'm happy with it. Might have to adjust the windage a tad.

I'm thinking now I will move the load to 4.8 grains, and depending on how it shoots maybe try 4.9 grains.

I haven't had much time for reading here in a long while, but what other powders and load combos do you guys use with sucess. Seems like I remember someone telling me to try some Winchester powder? Got any load date please?