If you could get just one Kimber 1911...

[AJBert]

as a shooter, not a safe queen, what would it be? Just found out I can get one at a pretty good discount but really don't know much about all of the different models. I do know I want it to be a shooter, in .45 ACP and full size. I also prefer blued over shiny and not into OD, desert tan or lilac. Wood grips, too.


You know, kinda like the 1911 was originally designed? I really don't want the model that costs the most just because it costs the most. I also don't want the cheapest for the same reason. Guess I'm looking for the most bang for the buck in a Kimber.


Appreciate any help and all replies.*


*With the exception of Jocko's unreasonable fear of anything over 9mm.

[b4uqzme]

I never really looked at the Kimber website before so, thanks. They make a lot of beautiful 1911s so have fun checking them out. I suspect they are all of similar quality. Just get the one with the looks and features that speak to you. Do you have the chance to shoot or handle any?

These two stood out for me:

http://www.kimberamerica.com/1911/custom-shop/gold-combat-ii

http://www.kimberamerica.com/1911/custom-shop/classic-carry-pro

But I am certainly not an expert and definitely not shopping for a $2000 1911. I would need one heck of a discount. :D

[ltxi]

An Ultra Carry II in 9mm.

I already have three or four Kimbers, including a UC, in .45.

[GLOCKROCKER]

I really like the Raptor II. The blued model meets all of your criteria and I've always thought those grips were bada$$. I own a Kimber Compact Stainless II and love it. I shoot it better than any other handgun I own. I originally bought it for carry, and do on occasion, but I prefer DA triggers and no thumb safetys for carry. I have a buddy that has the full size raptor in stainless and it's an awesome shooter as well. My second pick would be the Royal II - a little pricey but darn sexy IMO. I don't think you can go wrong with any Kimber - just pick the one that "trips your trigger".

[Bawanna]

I like the master carry full size. I like a bobtail, front slide serrations and no ambi safety. A detective at work has a Custom Carry Commander size which is a good one.

Always like the Raptor too. Too many choices.

[jeepster09]

I like the Master Carry also only in comander size.

http://www.kimberamerica.com/1911/master-carry/master-carry-pro

[Bawanna]

Me too. The commander size is a good one for carry, nice compromise. I like a steel frame but unless your shooting competition or just tons of rounds the aluminum or alloys should hold up fine.

[jeepster09]

I REALLY LIKE my S&W sc eSERIES. I prefer it over a Kimber.

[Bawanna]

Yup, I held one at the gun show last week, pretty nice. I wasn't gonna muddy the waters for AJ. Id have othe first choices too.

[gb6491]

as a shooter, not a safe queen, what would it be? Just found out I can get one at a pretty good discount but really don't know much about all of the different models. I do know I want it to be a shooter, in .45 ACP and full size. I also prefer blued over shiny and not into OD, desert tan or lilac. Wood grips, too.


You know, kinda like the 1911 was originally designed? I really don't want the model that costs the most just because it costs the most. I also don't want the cheapest for the same reason. Guess I'm looking for the most bang for the buck in a Kimber.


Appreciate any help and all replies.

I have a Custom TLE II and really like it. It's a step above their current base gun, the Custom II. In addition to what the Custom II offers, the TLE sports a checkered front strap and night sights. Love the checkered front strap:hippie:

As a personal preference, I replaced the stock rubber grips with some made of micarta;
http://i55.tinypic.com/x5624n.jpg
Later on, I replaced the extended thumb safety (again, personal preference):
http://i41.tinypic.com/2rhbqdv.jpg
A few notes:
The "II" designation in a Kimber model name denotes that model has a "Swartz (Series II) firing pin block (http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/tech/SII_FPB.jpg)".

Many Kimbers come with a carbon steel barrel that is left in the white (no finish). Quite a few folks have complained of these rusting. I cold blued mine right after purchasing it and have not had an issue (I also maintain it regularly).

My particular pistol has a carbon steel slide with a black oxide finish and a blackened stainless steel frame. The finishes on these parts show wear at different rates. I've read of similarly built Kimbers.
http://i42.tinypic.com/etd6it.jpg

If you want a nice blued one look at the Royal II (http://www.kimberamerica.com/1911/custom-ii/royal-ii) :)

Regards,
Greg

[CharlieW]

Kimber has way too many choices, but mine is a Pro Carry HD II in 38 Super -- basically a stainless Commander size in 9mm Magnum :-) Runs well, accurate, and fun to shoot!

[knkali]

I have a Custom TLE II and really like it. It's a step above their current base gun, the Custom II. In addition to what the Custom II offers, the TLE sports a checkered front strap and night sights. Love the checkered front strap:hippie:

As a personal preference, I replaced the stock rubber grips with some made of micarta;
http://i55.tinypic.com/x5624n.jpg
Later on, I replaced the extended thumb safety (again, personal preference):
http://i41.tinypic.com/2rhbqdv.jpg
A few notes:
The "II" designation in a Kimber model name denotes that model has a "Swartz (Series II) firing pin block (http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/tech/SII_FPB.jpg)".

Many Kimbers come with a carbon steel barrel that is left in the white (no finish). Quite a few folks have complained of these rusting. I cold blued mine right after purchasing it and have not had an issue (I also maintain it regularly).

My particular pistol has a carbon steel slide with a black oxide finish and a blackened stainless steel frame. The finishes on these parts show wear at different rates. I've read of similarly built Kimbers.
http://i42.tinypic.com/etd6it.jpg

If you want a nice blued one look at the Royal II (http://www.kimberamerica.com/1911/custom-ii/royal-ii) :)

Regards,
Greg


I Have the TLE II non railed in stainless. I love shooting it and it is a great gun BUT I would not get stainless again. It is showing some spots of rust. VERY small pin point stuff but there. Besides a well worn blued 1911 is like a great staeak or a fine wine. It just looks right.
YOU MUST GET A PAIR OF BAWANNA"S HANDLES or you aint got sheet.(damn smilies not working still) OH their full sized bobtailed flavors are working for me if I had to do it over. A blued, full size, bobtailed Kimber chambered in .45ACP. Perfection in a 1911.
http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc402/kahrp40/IMG_20120827_172945.jpg (http://s1210.photobucket.com/user/kahrp40/media/IMG_20120827_172945.jpg.html)

[chrish]

As much as I think the carry models are just bad*** looking...I'd never carry a 1911 for a number of reasons. Weight. Manual safety. Weight.

Anyway, a 1911 for me would be a range gun. In that vain, the question as posed is unanswerable. Which Kimber if you could have only one? Well, ONE of EACH full size model.

[TucsonMTB]

http://home.mindspring.com/~justsomeguy/Inv_Target_Left_Sml.jpg

My first 1911 was a Kimber Stainless Target II. It still brings a smile to my face every time I shoot it. Cheap they are not, but they cost less than many others.

We have other 1911's and they are arguably fancier, but this gun is still about as good as they get. Oh, and it still looks just like the picture after many years and several thousand rounds. Hard to beat!

Oh, and Mr. Crish is right. These are NOT the best carry guns. But, I suspect you already knew that. ;)

Oh, and Greg nailed it regarding front strap checkering. I now have some grip tape on mine. But, if money were no object . . .

[Bawanna]

Au Contraire weedhopper. I carry my Cbob every day. Don't get no better. Good holster on a good belt and forget about it.

[TucsonMTB]

Au Contraire weedhopper. I carry my Cbob every day. Don't get no better. Good holster on a good belt and forget about it.
Yeah, well . . . some people are more capable than I am. :o

Hey, I do pocket carry a nice fire breathing Kahr PM40. This might be a good time to put on your Kahr hat and remember that not everyone has practiced enough to be comfortable with the manual of arms for a 1911.

Admittedly, I am good with cocked and locked and have fired several thousand rounds through various 1911s. So, the thumb safety comes off automatically. I do occasionally carry mine, mostly while on my bike, but not nearly as often as you. That's why I bought a Kahr.

Clothing and circumstances usually dictate my choice. Right now, I have a wimpy, 5-shot, .38 special revolver in the pocket of my chino shorts. How bad is that?! ;)

Did I mention that our "winter" has been over for a couple of month now? :p

[100percent]

I you only have 'one' 1911, it 'has' to be a 45ACP and full size.

Any Kimber with the 'II' notation has an extra safety built into the firing pin. If you are buying a new one, skip that designation.

[Acasper708]

Meh. There's better things out there.
I don't like the Kimber koolaid!

[340pd]

I have owned a Ultra Carry CDP II for a number of years. Great firearm with no issues. It is my go to carry gun for work over the last four years. That said, in the + $1000 price range there are a lot of great options. Sig and Jeepsters S&W jump into mind.

As well as we are on the higher end 1911 topic, I also own an Ed Brown Kobra Carry. Is it worth the $2500+ price tag? In my mind, it is not that much more of a standout considering you could purchase two very nice 1911's for that price.

BTW, I installed a shortened right side safety lever on this gun and for me it was a great improvement. Much less protrusion.
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/gnystrom_photos/c05731fa-8b8b-456f-a751-04824fa45b50_zpsbd5573e9.jpg

[chrish]

Au Contraire weedhopper. I carry my Cbob every day. Don't get no better. Good holster on a good belt and forget about it.

Yea, it's a personal preference thing regarding the manual safety. I would just personally never get comfortable w/ one on a handgun. Not enough to carry it confidently anyway.

On the weight issue. I'm well aware some folks can pull it off. My heaviest firearm is my CZ P-01 and my prior owned Sig P250 compact. Both around 26-27oz. Those are at my limit on weight. Had/have a 'good' kydex holster for both. I'm sure a 'better' high end OWB leather would have been more comfortable and more concealable. But it came down to the weight and my build and how my britches and belt ride. Even with a good belt, it was on the border of comfort w/ either of the afore mentioned firearms. And keeping it up (no pun intended). I still occasionally run my CZ, but very infrequently.

But a nice 1911 range gun is on my list, just quite a ways down. The Kimber models are on the top of the 1911 shopping list along w/ a couple of the Sig models (nightmare or xo black).

http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/1911-nightmare.aspx
http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/1911-xo-black.aspx

[berettabone]

I'll try not to rain too much on the parade..........since I hate grip safeties..........I would skip Kimber, and get me a 1911A1 Colt.

[Bawanna]

I have owned a Ultra Carry CDP II for a number of years. Great firearm with no issues. It is my go to carry gun for work over the last four years. That said, in the + $1000 price range there are a lot of great options. Sig and Jeepsters S&W jump into mind.

As well as we are on the higher end 1911 topic, I also own an Ed Brown Kobra Carry. Is it worth the $2500+ price tag? In my mind, it is not that much more of a standout considering you could purchase two very nice 1911's for that price.

BTW, I installed a shortened right side safety lever on this gun and for me it was a great improvement. Much less protrusion.
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/gnystrom_photos/c05731fa-8b8b-456f-a751-04824fa45b50_zpsbd5573e9.jpg

I could probably get 5 nice 1911's for 2500 bucks. That being said I'd still love to get a nice Ed Brown or a Wilson some day.

[340pd]

I thought the same before I bought the Brown. One of our customers brought in a new Wilson Sentinel last week. Nearly a grand over the Ed Brown. That gun was flat out beautiful. Stop me, somebody please stop me. I need help.

[ltxi]

I could probably get 5 nice 1911's for 2500 bucks. That being said I'd still love to get a nice Ed Brown or a Wilson some day.

I've kinda given up on ordering out a Wilson. I'd maybe/likely buy one if I ran across one that was close to what I'd spec out. But Wilson's right now delivery times for what I want exceed my expected remaining lifetime.

Then there's the reality that for what I "need" a Kimber CDP in 9mm with a couple of minor tweaks is a true 80/20, perfectly/more than adequate piece.

It's kinda like with my daily driver vehicles. I've long had a BMW budget and Honda Accord tastes. Which, I guess, is why I could still afford BMWs (and Wilsons) in retirement if I really wanted.

[Pointblank]

I have five Colts and they all work great. I don't see how Kimber charges what they do.

[jocko]

No way, give me a kel teck 45 any day. U can buy 300 of them for the price of one Brown 1911. I know quality when I see it. Just sayin

[Barth]

I've rented one of these several times.
It's nice.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VbUA3K3BKQg/UDRqyiC5TsI/AAAAAAAABd8/EyEQZgUFcbM/s1600/Kimber+Model+Super+Carry+Custom--45ACP--5inch-8shot--Carry.JPG

[jocko]

isn't that a kel tek super carry model PT109? Just sayin

[Barth]

isn't that a kel tek super carry model PT109? Just sayin

It has FTF every-time I've rented it.
So they my be related.

[gb6491]

I have five Colts and they all work great. I don't see how Kimber charges what they do.
I don't either, considering that my TLE II (with night sights and front strap checkering) cost less then my bare bones, stainless Colt Government Model.
Regards,
Greg

[AJBert]

Guess I've got a bit of research to do as I kind of expected the replies to be all across the board. As for the reason of a Kimber, I can get one brand new for half the cost. I can't get a Colt for other than full price.


I've got my K40 as a carry gun, already have a SA Mil-Spec 1911 that I'm thinking of getting someone to make me a special set of grips and then retiring it. Some of you know of a member on here that makes kind of special grips??? I've heard he wheels around pretty good and wields a pretty big stick in the PNW.


So, with this opportunity of half off on a Kimber I'm looking for a range gun, pure and simple. The only problem I can perceive is...


convincing the wife I need yet ANOTHER firearm. And not just another one, but one that I already have.

[Bawanna]

Half the cost is a pretty darn good reason to get a Kimber and also a pretty good wife argument to let you get one.

My choices remain the same and I kind of sensed your reasoning.

Far as that PNW stick wielding dude, I heard he's about as handsome and manly as they come. Hell of a swell fella and no ego to speak of.

Why don't ya send him a PM and tell him what your dream grips would look like.

I have it on good authority that his wife is in Sweden till May and he can do whatever the hell he wants pretty much. His bench is pretty much clear and its suppose to rain all weekend. Quality bench time for sure. He's trolling looking for a possible short term affair but that ain't gonna happen.

Can't recall his name but he answers to most anything.

[chrish]

No way, give me a kel teck 45 any day. U can buy 300 of them for the price of one Brown 1911. I know quality when I see it. Just sayin



Who fell asleep? Isn't somebody suppose to be watching him?

[mr surveyor]

I have my ultimate choice of the Kimber line in a '97-'98 model (best guess the folks at Kimber could make on the manufacture date) Compact Stainless. I bought it in '06 or '07as a "trade in" from a former leo that had the trigger tweaked to about 2.5 lbs. It's still the most accurate and comfortable handgun I own, but I no longer carry it due to the trigger. Once I get a few other guns "Barbie Doll'd" the way I want them, the Kimber is going to get a new spring (probably set around 4.5 lbs) and new Trij sights.

[b4uqzme]

I can get one brand new for half the cost. .

Dibs on the other half...:)

[Pointblank]

Aren't Springfields made in the Philippines?

[gb6491]

Aren't Springfields made in the Philippines? Nope:):D;)
http://tiltingsuds.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/brazilian-woman-with-brazil-flag-at-world-cup-soccer.jpg
http://tiltingsuds.wordpress.com/2010/06/01/boxes-of-beer-world-cup-edition/

[mr surveyor]

I thought my last Springer (which will probably be my "last") was made in Croatia (XDS45)


but ... the Brazilian babe was worth the look :)

[Southerngunner]

My Kimber is a Tactical Ultra II and it is a fantastic shooter and a great
carry gun. I know without pics it doesn't exist but I don't like the way photobucket is set up so until I find a site that I trust I guess I'm S.O.L.:cool:

[b4uqzme]

Just get to talkin'. That 30 posts comes pretty quick (for some of us) ;)