Anyone shoot both Kimber Solo & PM9?

[Rainman48314]

Curious about your impressions, especially grip ergonomics, trigger pull and feel and weight.

I was going to get it but waits just seemed too long. Two local shops each had 22 guys lined up with deposits ahead of me. I like the Solo manual of arms. My other guns have short triggers and thumb safeties. I liked the melted look of the Solo as well.

[O'Dell]

When I recently replaced my stolen 1911's I bought a Springfield, a SIG and an STI. I never considered a Kimber because of two friends who had problems with Ultra Carry II's and then the Factory wouldn't really help. Both sold them at a loss and won't ever look at a Kimber now. I have heard the CS is some better now, but I didn't want to take the chance.

[mr surveyor]

I handled a Solo at a gun show last month, and the feel, fit and finish were excellent. I also like the mechanical concept Kimber has incorporated into the Solo, but I would wait for the second generation to (hopefully) work out the bugs on the new concept. I do own one Kimber... a Compact Stainless, but in terms of Kimber years it's an antique made in '97-'98, and solid as a rock.

If the Solo was a certain to perform pistol, given the funds I would jump on it.


surv

[jocko]

Here is my take on the solo, It is a 90% precocked single action gun, I think they even tell a person it is single action, althought striker fired. ONE MUST HAVE THE SAFEY ON WITH THAT GUN OR IT WILL GO BANG. It is a nice gun small enough to be pocketable but hat tyirgger systme turns me off. It should shoot he eyes out of a target ass it is aclosse to a single action as u can get. Had they had a similar trigger system to the kahrs I wouldhave given it a good look but for me it just cannot be a pocket gun, I fear that safey not styi9ng on, as most asny pocket holsterain't gonna cover that safety lever and I just don't trust a 10% trigger pressure and a boom thing happening. It might be a jim dandy but at my age, I really like the loong trigger system. Almost like walkingaround with a J frame cocked..

[gb6491]

...I do own one Kimber... a Compact Stainless, but in terms of Kimber years it's an antique made in '97-'98, and solid as a rock...
surv
I have a TLE II that I bought last year and it too has been rock solid. The only thing I could fault on it is that I found out the frame is blackened stainless steel while the slide is oxide finished carbon steel. That will limit my choices if I ever need it refinished. Otherwise, it's one of the best 1911s I've owned. I've only dealt with their customer service once. That was to find a part for an out of production gun (BP Ten II) and they went out of their way to find the part.

BTW, I've handled a Solo and found the trigger very similar to Kahr's Elite trigger in regards to smoothness, travel, and weight of pull.
Regards,
Greg

[melissa5]

That whole cocked and locked thing is not something I want to deal with, but the Solos are nice looking. Also, they are a little wider than the PM9.

[enrico]

Rainman, I too had the rear chance of holding a Solo (two-tone) and a PM (black) at the same time and Solo is a nice piece of work hands down. I was on the fence at one point between the two and the deciding factor to go with a PM was that the Solo is an S/A (not pocket friendly for ME) and it’s a new model not fully debugged and did not want to do Kimber a favor of being a debugger for them. While I was still on the fence I heard that the CM was coming out and that did it. A practically bug free PM at a lower cost, duh. Yes the Solo is gorgeous and the ergo is tops but did not feel like being on the Solo forum dealing with frustrations unless it was a gen-2 model (reminds me of early Ferrari’s). I might have gotten lucky with the Solo and had a perfect piece but this is Murphy's world.

NOT trying to sway you it’s my story...:typing:

[jocko]

I think it wasone of the major gun writers who stated the kimber solo os 90% precocked. I cannot prove that one way or the other, other than kimbers add sates single action, that would I think bring light touch and short stroke. Course I also thought my Smith M & P after I got it back from davide Bowie was a very hairytrigger to.

[gb6491]

I think it wasone of the major gun writers who stated the kimber solo os 90% precocked. I cannot prove that one way or the other, other than kimbers add sates single action, that would I think bring light touch and short stroke. Course I also thought my Smith M & P after I got it back from davide Bowie was a very hairytrigger to.
jocko,
Here's a video that demonstrates the trigger on the Solo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ooy48WzhZv4
Regards,
Greg

[jocko]

basically a dead trigger until the last part which snaps it off, actually no real cocking of the striker, just more releasing of the striker

[DKD]

I have two Kimbers both in 45 ACP. A all steel 4" Pro Raptor and an alloy framed 3" Ultra raptor carry piece. Both have been flawless and are two of my favorite hand guns. I also have the 22 cal conversion for which works great as long as you use high velocity LR ammo. That conversion only works on 1911 4" or 5" frames.
I also love both of my Kahrs a PM9 and a PM45. I can't speak for others here as their experiences are what they are, but as for my experiences, I have had zero issues with my Kimbers and as such wouldn't hessitate should I even feel the need for another.

[72guy]

http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/defensive-carry-guns/122886-thinking-about-kimber-solo.html
http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/defensive-carry-guns/121245-kimber-solo-carry-review.html

not good

[Rainman48314]

Rainman, I too had the rear chance of holding a Solo (two-tone) and a PM (black) at the same time and Solo is a nice piece of work hands down. I was on the fence at one point between the two and the deciding factor to go with a PM was that the Solo is an S/A (not pocket friendly for ME) and it’s a new model not fully debugged and did not want to do Kimber a favor of being a debugger for them. While I was still on the fence I heard that the CM was coming out and that did it. A practically bug free PM at a lower cost, duh. Yes the Solo is gorgeous and the ergo is tops but did not feel like being on the Solo forum dealing with frustrations unless it was a gen-2 model (reminds me of early Ferrari’s). I might have gotten lucky with the Solo and had a perfect piece but this is Murphy's world.

NOT trying to sway you it’s my story...:typing:

Since I already have the PM9, I hope to be able to wait until the Solo is proven and more readily available. If I ever buy, it will be once factory night sights are available. The SA with safety doesn't bother me. As I would only carry in a IWB holster. I have a p238 setup that way now. Its the second one I've owned. The first had a smoother 6.5# pull, my replacement unit is over 8# and less smooth. The Sig is a true SA as it is hammer fired not striker fired. Shoots great though.