Author Topic: Kimber Rimfire 1911 (Read 822 times)

Doc T · « **on:** February 13, 2006, 06:47:17 AM »

This is a little off forum subject, but I figured this would still be the best place to ask. Does anyone have any experience with one of these? There is a used one at my local gunshop that is calling my name. Accuracy? Reliability? Thanks.

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** February 13, 2006, 10:13:14 AM »

There was one thing that turned me off about it: The gun weighs about a pound less than a 45 caliber 1911. The attraction to me with the conversions is that I want to shoot a gun that's as close to my 45 as possible. Changing the weight that much makes it a different gun altogether.

See if Cenier (sp?) or Marvel make conversions that are closer in weight to the 1911.

Of course, if you want to get a 22 handgun without buying a whole new gun, then it probably doesn't matter which one you get.

For my money, the Marvel is the best of them, even though there is a 6 week wait time. Cost is about the same as the Kimber, but theres a big difference in quality. Marvel is the standard by which the other conversions are judged.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #2 on:** February 13, 2006, 12:35:47 PM »

I know of 2 of them and there both jamamatics!

rbwillnj · « **Reply #3 on:** February 14, 2006, 02:13:14 AM »

I own three Kimbers, but I think the Kimber rimfires are junk.

I also think that the combination of a Kimber 22 Conversion on a Series II Frame is a bad combination. The firing Pin safety mechanisim that extends above the frame to actuate the safety in the slide can do a real number on the aluminum slide if the grip safety is depressed while you are trying to disassemble the gun.

Savage · « **Reply #4 on:** February 14, 2006, 02:44:16 AM »

I have a Ceiner unit for my Kimber Custom Target Stainless series l. It works great, reliable and extremely accurate. The only problem I have with it, is the cost of extra magazines.
Savage

Questor · « **Reply #5 on:** February 14, 2006, 03:39:31 AM »

Savage:

I ordered a Marvel and they charge $40 for a spare magazine. The kit comes with one magazine. Cost was $370 for the conversion kit and a spare magazine because they had a December Special when I ordered it. Haven't got it yet. but the guys in my bullseye league think very highly of the Marvels.

I'm glad your Ceiner is good. How does the weight compare with a 45 caliber 1911? Marvel says theirs will be a few ounces lighter than a 45. Does your conversion help you shoot the 45 better?

Savage · « **Reply #6 on:** February 14, 2006, 04:52:20 AM »

Questor,
The Ceiner upper is an aluminum alloy, much lighter than the stock upper.
I bought it to shoot NRA falling plates. I like to have 8 mags for this so I do not have to reload mags durring the relay. The mags are $30 a copy! That doubles the cost of the conversion. I did quite well (for me) using this gun, but it messed with my concentration having to constantly reload magazines each string. At that time I was shooting the Kimber in a couple matches a month in the .45 configuration, and didn't shoot it enough in .22 to tell if it made a difference. I paid $180 for mine with two mags, so don't guess I got hurt. Now days the Kimber stays in .45, and I am back to the Rugers for the falling plates. The conversion usit is in the safe somewhere, haven't seen it in quite somtime. The Marvel is supposed to be top of the line in the conversion kits. I'm sure you'll enjoy shooting yours!
Savage

Doc T · « **Reply #7 on:** February 15, 2006, 11:14:26 AM »

I decided to take a chance and buy it. I got it used for $500 so I figured I could get most or all of my money back if I didn't like it. All I can say is that I am sure glad I didn't listen to any of you guys. I shot one magazine of Rem subsonics and it jammed 2 out of 10. I switched to high velocity stuff (Mini-Mags, Super X, and Rem Goldens) and fired 150 rounds with ZERO malfunctions. Slow-fire, double taps, empty the whole magazine as fast as you can, from a sand bag, two handed, one handed, solid bullets, hollow points, it didn't matter. Best group was 3/4" at 50ft. I've already drawn blood with it, too. After the shooting session, I went riding on my 4-wheeler. I sent an armadillo to varmint heaven. I'm happy. Now I need more magazines.

Questor · « **Reply #8 on:** February 15, 2006, 03:19:17 PM »

That's a pretty good price for a conversion with a frame included. What kind of frame is it?

Doc T · « **Reply #9 on:** February 16, 2006, 05:49:21 AM »

It isn't a conversion. It is their dedicated rimfire 1911. The frame and slide are aluminum with a steel barrel. Total weight, if I am not mistaken, is only 26oz., about the same as a PPK/S. It has adjustable sights and a 10rd mag. I think I am going to get use this one a good bit. I am going back to the dealer I bought it from and order another magazine today.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #10 on:** February 16, 2006, 08:19:41 AM »

Glad you got a good one. One recomendation though is to stick with the coper jacketed bullets. The leads dont run for crap through them.

Questor · « **Reply #11 on:** February 17, 2006, 05:10:10 AM »

Great! It sounds like you got something you really like. That was a good price too.

Savage · « **Reply #12 on:** February 17, 2006, 08:54:38 AM »

Ahh, you got the pistol! I thought you were talking about the conversion kit!! Which model did you get, Custom, Target, or Matte Target?
The look like a cool pistol!!!
Savage

Doc T · « **Reply #13 on:** February 18, 2006, 04:02:43 AM »

It is the solid blue Target Rimfire. Bought a new mag for it yesterday. That was a little pricey, but so be it. If I were buying new, I would have gotten the two-toned model. Buying used can be chancy but the dealer I bought it from and I have a good working relationship (in other words, I am a good customer) and I knew he would back it up. It had obvioulsy been shot, but when I first shot it, it was 3" to the right and about 18" (yes eighteen) low at 50 feet. It amazes me that people will spend that kind of money on a pistol with adjustable sights and never sight it in. Then they trade it in thinking that they bought a "lemon". His loss, my gain.