Kimber SIS Pro

[melissa5]

So, I liberated her from layaway around lunch time and then headed to the range. My first impression was that she is snappy with Speer Lawman ammo. When I shot the Colt Govt. model, I was shooting Atlanta Arms reloads (not so snappy). Then, my thumb kept hitting the extended slide safety and turning on the safety. Next, I had one extracted shell hit me just above the eyebrow and another shell popped me on the nose. I had a few malfunctions. I shot about 65 rounds and then the gun stopped feeding. Wouldn't feed from either mag (used Kimpro and new Wilson 47d). After I was done cussing the gun, I got one of the range employees to look at it. It just needed some oil. Then I shot 10 more rounds.

I'm feeling a little bit of buyer's remorse. I didn't have a bit of trouble with the Colt Govt. that I shot last week. Maybe I just need to break in the Kimber and get used to her. I don't know. If I'm not feeling the love by the time the gun show rolls around next month, she may be on the chopping block to finance a different 1911.

I'll post some pics after I clean her up a little bit.

[Catshooter]

That's a bummer. Could be a reason she was priced the way she was.

The first thing I would do is strip her down to the last part and clean every little nook and cranny. Reassmble with plenty of a good oil. I like Mobil 1 30 weight synthetic. Be generous with the oil, the 1911 is a wet system.

Then take her back to the range and try it all over again. Good luck!


Cat

[Bawanna]

Your still bonding and it's a new system and operation for you. Like catshooter said, clean and oil that baby and don't give up. If that thumb safety is extended too much you can get that swapped out to one less obtrusive.

When I shoot a 1911 my thumb rides on that safety holding it down. You might want to just look at your grip.

I'm feeling slightly lower than pond scum as I feel a little responsible for you taking this plunge. Fear not, if it doesn't work for you let me know. I'll buy it or help liquidate it if I can't.

It's far too early to give up on it.

[melissa5]

Your still bonding and it's a new system and operation for you. Like catshooter said, clean and oil that baby and don't give up. If that thumb safety is extended too much you can get that swapped out to one less obtrusive.

When I shoot a 1911 my thumb rides on that safety holding it down. You might want to just look at your grip.

I'm feeling slightly lower than pond scum as I feel a little responsible for you taking this plunge. Fear not, if it doesn't work for you let me know. I'll buy it or help liquidate it if I can't.

It's far too early to give up on it.

No,no Bawanna! I really liked the Colt Govt. model that I shot last week and I do want a 1911...just maybe not the one that I got. Don't worry about it. I had an offer on another forum to buy it for what I paid for it if I don't like it. So, I don't think I'll lose any money.

I'll shoot it some more with a different ammo and see how that goes.

[Bawanna]

No,no Bawanna! I really liked the Colt Govt. model that I shot last week and I do want a 1911...just maybe not the one that I got. Don't worry about it. I had an offer on another forum to buy it for what I paid for it if I don't like it. So, I don't think I'll lose any money.

I'll shoot it some more with a different ammo and see how that goes.

I'll second the offer to buy for what you paid for it knowing full well the beating I will get if it happens. You won't lose money on it, I can promise you that. Since we're cyber spouses I should get first dibs anyhow, don't ya think?
But since I'm poor and you got a standing offer I'll give them first dibs but DO NOT lose money on the deal.

I'm sensing hidden issues. Don't like the look, the feel, other than the hiccups? Open your mind and let me look inside. Your giving up too easy. I gotta know why?

[Dietrich]

Lawd have mercy, Ms.Melissa.Shame on you for cussin`.:D

[melissa5]

It wasn't as soft shooting as the Colt, but that just might be ammo related. I'll shoot it again in a few days with some Federal Champion and see if that makes a difference. Or, I might just like the full size the best. Don't worry about it. It'll all come out in the wash.

I gave her a good cleaning and applied some oil. Now for the pics. She's got a few scratches, so I won't feel bad if I put some on there. From what I was told, she spent most of her time riding around in the dash of a truck.

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/5130/dscn2038i.jpg

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/4688/dscn2039h.jpg

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/9964/dscn2040j.jpg

[TucsonMTB]

So, I liberated her from layaway around lunch time and then headed to the range. My first impression was that she is snappy with Speer Lawman ammo. When I shot the Colt Govt. model, I was shooting Atlanta Arms reloads (not so snappy). Then, my thumb kept hitting the extended slide safety and turning on the safety. Next, I had one extracted shell hit me just above the eyebrow and another shell popped me on the nose. I had a few malfunctions. I shot about 65 rounds and then the gun stopped feeding. Wouldn't feed from either mag (used Kimpro and new Wilson 47d). After I was done cussing the gun, I got one of the range employees to look at it. It just needed some oil. Then I shot 10 more rounds.

I'm feeling a little bit of buyer's remorse. I didn't have a bit of trouble with the Colt Govt. that I shot last week. Maybe I just need to break in the Kimber and get used to her. I don't know. If I'm not feeling the love by the time the gun show rolls around next month, she may be on the chopping block to finance a different 1911.

I'll post some pics after I clean her up a little bit.
Sounds like it needs more lubrication and the extractor may be too tight. Both are easy to do yourself. Visit http://www.m1911.org/technic_forum.htm for a lot of posts that cover common issues, including testing and adjusting your extractor tension. Trust me, that is usually what gets you bopped in the face by ejected shells and is the most common cause of poor feeding. Admittedly, too relaxed a grip can also cause hits to the head. If you visit the Kimber specific forum on m1911.org, you will find frequent posting from new shooters with tight extractors on new guns from Kimber. :rolleyes:

New or newish 1911's usually run best "wet" with lubrication, particularly on the rails, barrel hood, bushing and barrel lug/slide lock area.

Hang in there. You can lick this easily . . . but, yeah, a lot of Kimber bargains appear because relative newbies don't know how easy it is to get them running. Once it starts to run right, it will keep running pretty much forever. :D

[melissa5]

Lawd have mercy, Ms.Melissa.Shame on you for cussin`.:D

It was being a very bad gun at the time! :o

[Dietrich]

Well,she looks lovely to me.I hope you get things worked out to your satisfaction.

[Bawanna]

Good pictures once again Melissa. Good use of mother nature for a back, your trademark for sure.

I can almost visualized that baby following a session with the bead blaster. I do like stainless and shiney, I used to be a subtle, tactical, dark kind of guy but not any more.

I like it just the way it is and like you say with a few dings already you don't have to cry when you make the first one. Kind of like a used pickup truck.

Ammo would most definitely be a factor and I doubt the commander size over the full size would make much difference. Maybe you should try some of that not so snappy reload stuff you ran thru the Colt? Although I've shot alot of Speer Lawman and didn't find it uncomfortable or snappy.

I'm torn between lobbying for it to have a new home in Washington or helping it acquire your love and admiration. I know it can be done. Perhaps a little tuning might be needed but I know she'll run.

[melissa5]

Thank you for the kind words about my pics. I try to snap pics outside because of getting better light.

Admit it! You want my gun! LOL!

Another difference between the Kimber and Colt were the sights. I think I like the Colt sights better. I know my target was better with the Colt.

[Bawanna]

Admit it! You want my gun! LOL!

Ok. I admit it. Course to me theres only two gun categories. The guns I own and all the rest that I plan to own.

So our priority today is getting you pleased and happy with it if that's possible.

[crazymailman]

Very nice pistol!

[Bawanna]

Very nice pistol!

Admit it you just want her new gun. That makes two of us so far.

[TheTman]

That's a nice gun Melissa. Kimber requires something like a 500 round break in, and perhaps the former owner never got around to that. Hard to think a guy wouldn't shoot something he paid a good sum of money for, but a lot of people have more money than common sense. I think once you two bond a little you'll like it a lot.

[melissa5]

That's a nice gun Melissa. Kimber requires something like a 500 round break in, and perhaps the former owner never got around to that. Hard to think a guy wouldn't shoot something he paid a good sum of money for, but a lot of people have more money than common sense. I think once you two bond a little you'll like it a lot.

Thanks! I've decided that I'm going to shoot it as much as I can afford to shoot it for the next month and see if we bond.

[TucsonMTB]

It wasn't as soft shooting as the Colt, but that just might be ammo related. I'll shoot it again in a few days with some Federal Champion and see if that makes a difference. Or, I might just like the full size the best. Don't worry about it. It'll all come out in the wash.
I apologize that my enthusiasm (and other's) inspired you to buy a pistol you are not immediately happy with. :(

Your observation that a full sized (therefore heavier) "Government" model with a 5" barrel is softer shooting is certainly correct. But, with the bull barrel and sophisticated recoil assembly the 4" (Pro size) should be nearly as soft or at least acceptable, with a healthy recoil spring.

That said, your observation about ammunition choices is also valid. Lighter (185 grain bullets) Speer Lawman shoots noticeably softer than the stuff with more common 230 grain bullets. If you can find 185 grain from any manufacturer at a good price, you might consider buying a few boxes. The lighter recoil is one of the reasons 185 grain ammo is a favorite of IDPA competitors who shoot lots of rounds in action contests and want as light a recoil as possible to speed up their followup shots.

Here's hoping you come to like this pistol as much as we foolish guys thought you would. ;)

[melissa5]

OK, no more apologizing by anyone! :smash:

[TheTman]

I apologize for not apologizing. :D

[melissa5]

I apologize for not apologizing. :D

You just couldn't resist, could you? LOL!

[melissa5]

Well, I've solved the problem with the Kimber. I took it back to Clydes and sold it to an employee that wanted it yesterday (didn't lose any money). Then I bought a Colt MK IV/Series 70 in govt. size. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles like the Kimber SIS Pro, but I love the way it shoots and that's what matters the most to me. I shot it with 230 gr. Atlanta Arms and didn't have a single failure. I love my prancing pony! I'll post some pics when I clean off the memory card in the camera.

[Bawanna]

Darn thats the shortest gun relationship I recall ever hearing about. Guess it wasn't meant to be.

The Colt Series 70 is a rock solid super gun. It's great as is or a great platform to add the bells and whistles that you really want. I think most people put way more stuff on than they really need but I'm a simple person in mind and body so the simpler the better.
Also drive a Ford so I know that every accessory is another recipe for failure.

I'll just sit here quietly and wait for the pictures. I'm beside myself with anticipation.
I loved that SIS but Colts rock. Does that make me a 2 timer?

[melissa5]

Frankly, I don't think I want to add anything to it. Well, Bawanna grips, but I think it's perfect just the way it is. My hand is not so big and meaty that I have to have a beaver tail.

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/5245/dscn2041p.jpg

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/7172/dscn2046k.jpg

[Bawanna]

Is that brand new? 100 years of service on the side on a Series 70? I figured Colt along with everyone else would have a commemorative but didn't realize they'd do a series 70. How cool is that?

That thing is drop dead gorgeous. You had to have dropped considerable more money to bring that bad girl home.

What a beautiful thing she is too. My oh my!

I'd say probably sights some day, the short original trigger is good for small hands, you don't need a beavertail either with small hands, they do look cool but looks awesome without also.

The grips is a given although those aren't bad either. Just noticed no prancing pony in the grips?

No ambi safety, I like that too.

Looks like the same bush where the SIS resided yesterday for the photo op.

[melissa5]

Is that brand new? 100 years of service on the side on a Series 70? I figured Colt along with everyone else would have a commemorative but didn't realize they'd do a series 70. How cool is that?

That thing is drop dead gorgeous. You had to have dropped considerable more money to bring that bad girl home.

What a beautiful thing she is too. My oh my!

I'd say probably sights some day, the short original trigger is good for small hands, you don't need a beavertail either with small hands, they do look cool but looks awesome without also.

The grips is a given although those aren't bad either. Just noticed no prancing pony in the grips?

No ambi safety, I like that too.

Looks like the same bush where the SIS resided yesterday for the photo op.

Yes, brand new. Add $120 to the price of the Kimber, but I know it is well worth it. Same bush for the left side, different bush for the right side. The only thing I would like to have on there is checkering on the front of the grip, but it really doesn't NEED it. Let me stress that this gun is awesome just the way it is.

[Bawanna]

Boy do I feel dumb, that is most definitely a different bush for the right side.

That was a pretty sweet deal. Shiney and brand new and all yours and you love it. What else could possible matter.

They do make a little metal add on piece that fits under the grips and around the front strap. It looks and feels like front strap checkering for less than 10 bucks. I've used them off and on. They do seem to move once in awhile, they fit well but seem to shift. I agree that once you've tried a gun with front strap checkering its tough to go without.

I also see an arched main spring housing on the back, if your hitting well your probably fine, if your hitting high thats easy to swap out for a flat one and the gun will point a little lower. Your probably good as is. I agree, don't mess with success.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=16409/Product/1911_AUTO_CHECKERED_FRONT_STRAP

[Bill K]

Wow, that Colt Govt. is sweet looking. Did you look at or consider any other 1911s? Interested on how you decided on the Colt with so many options out there.

Thanks,
Bill K.

[melissa5]

Wow, that Colt Govt. is sweet looking. Did you look at or consider any other 1911s? Interested on how you decided on the Colt with so many options out there.

Thanks,
Bill K.

Thanks! I rented a Colt at the range and loved it. Mistakenly thought that all 1911s would shoot about the same. Several people recommend Springfield Armory and that's what I had intended to buy before being side tracked with the Kimber. So, I ended up with the Colt because I couldn't image anything being any better. I still can't. This gun is awesome!

[TheTman]

That's a nice looking gun too Melissa, glad you had a good time shooting it. A nice pair of Bawanna's grips would look mighty fine on that. Only other thing I might add would be a Shok-Buff, a little rubber washer that goes around the back end of the guide rod to reduce frame battering from hot loads. Not a necessity, specially if you don't shoot hot loads. If it doesn't group well, might add a Dwyer Group Gripper Kit from Bill Wilson. It's a full length guide rod with a spring to force the barrel up into the locking lugs in a consistent manner so that the barrel is in exactly the same place for each shot. I doubt if the Colt needs it. It tightened up the groups on my Sprinfield Armory 1911, but that was the least expensive stainless steel 1911 Springfield sold at the time, a real plain jane model. Went from 4 inch groups down to 2 inch groups shooting off a sandbag at about 20 yards. I don't shoot at the 20 yard mark much these days, too hard to see the target with my eyes focused on the front sight. In my younger days I used to be a pretty good shot. Now I'm barely average. Guess that comes from growing up on a farm and having full access to the gun cabinet once I turned 12, after my dad showed me how to hande them safely and how to shoot. I sent a lot of varmints to varmint heaven, and we had a lot of pheasants and doves to eat in the fall. Didn't like rabbit or squirrel meat so they were safe. Never hunted deer either for some reason. Too much of a pain to dress them out and drag em home I guess.

[TucsonMTB]

Awesome!

2011 is certainly the right year to buy a Colt commemorative.

Unmolested, that pistol should hold its value well and be great fun to shoot. :biggrin1:

Congratulations!

[melissa5]

Awesome!

2011 is certainly the right year to buy a Colt commemorative.

Unmolested, that pistol should hold its value well and be great fun to shoot. :biggrin1:

Congratulations!

Thanks, Tucson! I was about to sell my Glock 30SF and go all 9mm, but this gun has renewed my love of the .45.

[Catshooter]

Thanks, Tucson! I was about to sell my Glock 30SF and go all 9mm, but this gun has renewed my love of the .45.

Wow! That was a close call! ;)


Cat

[Bawanna]

Melissa, I found a couple pictures of my officers size Para with one of those add on front straps. It works well, feels good. It does leave a wear mark if you take it off and it does sometimes feel like it shifts around. Drives my son crazy, doesn't bother me much.
They also have them in blued to match. Just in case your considering them. Whole lot cheaper than getting it checkered but not the real thing either.


http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n538/hopke5/MVC-008L.jpg



http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n538/hopke5/MVC-001L.jpg

[melissa5]

Melissa, I found a couple pictures of my officers size Para with one of those add on front straps. It works well, feels good. It does leave a wear mark if you take it off and it does sometimes feel like it shifts around. Drives my son crazy, doesn't bother me much.
They also have them in blued to match. Just in case your considering them. Whole lot cheaper than getting it checkered but not the real thing either.



Thanks, Bawanna! Those are some good looking guns!

I wonder if you could put something between the add on and the gun to keep it from leaving a wear mark? Maybe some kind of double sided adhesive padding.

[melissa5]

What do you guys/gals use to aid in putting the slide stop back in without scratching the gun? That little pin that you have to push in is tricky.

[TucsonMTB]

If you are going for function, rather than decoration, skateboard grip tape works well. :)

Mine came from Home Depot, in black, originally intended for use on stair steps, etc. A narrow piece run down the center of the fore strap works great and does not look clunky, even on my stainless guns. It should almost disappear against the dark finish on your Colt Centennial and will not leave any evidence it was ever there upon removal.

Grip tape is kind of fixture among the IDPA shooters here where summer matches can be pretty sweaty. Still, the checkering looks very nice on my Dan Wesson, the only one of our three 1911's that has it. ;)

That's not the royal "our". My wife shoots them as well or better than I. In fact, the Kimber Ultra Stainless II is officially hers . . . sort of. Actually, since Arizona is a community property state, they are all hers. :D

Life is good!

[TucsonMTB]

What do you guys/gals use to aid in putting the slide stop back in without scratching the gun? That little pin that you have to push in is tricky.
Some people use a playing card and make a cutout so they put it place around the shaft and then pull it out after insertion.

I have experimented with Scotch Magic Mending tape, which is just OK. Eventually, it gets pretty easy, but you need to get past those first several dozen insertions unscathed so, tape (masking tape should work) or card stock is in order at first. :)

[TucsonMTB]

You can also file a notch in the slide release itself to help guide it in.

http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr85/logpics/SLIDESTOP.jpghttp://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr85/logpics/slidestopinstall.jpg

[Bawanna]

I love the skateboard tape or if you could get another plain hunk of that traction grip material that would work great. Would look nice too.

Like Tucson said it don't leave a wear mark if you remove it and it don't shift around like my little fake cheese grater. I keep forgetting that suggestion and I'm gonna try and get me some of that material and do it before I forget it again.

I love the front strap checkering on my Cbob and it kind of spoils me for the others. My son's new Springfield could use some too. I better get a full sheet.

[melissa5]

Great information, Tucson! Thank you!

Maybe your wife will let you keep one if you two divorce. :eek:

[TucsonMTB]

Nope! Divorce won't work. We don't even argue. We tried arguing once about the third week we were married and were both so bummed out, we gave up on it.

More likely I would be the unfortunate victim of a terrible accident involving 8 rounds of .45 ACP. A classic case of accidental discharge. :eek:

Yep! I am careful around SWMBO. Sort of . . . :D

Thanks for the kind words! Life is good!

[melissa5]

Nope! Divorce won't work. We don't even argue. We tried arguing once about the third week we were married and were both so bummed out, we gave up on it.

More likely I would be the unfortunate victim of a terrible accident involving 8 rounds of .45 ACP. A classic case of accidental discharge. :eek:

Yep! I am careful around SWMBO. Sort of . . . :D

Thanks for the kind words! Life is good!

I'm glad. I never saw my parents argue. :)

[melissa5]

I think I just scored a good deal on eBay...a used Mitch Rosen Premier for the Colt. It is for a commander size, but I'll see how it fits. The price was attractive enough that I had to give it a try. If it doesn't fit right, I can resell it and not lose money.

http://spinstage.http.internapcdn.net/Spinstage/userdocs/skus/p_100001823_2.jpg

[Bawanna]

I'll cross my fingers for ya Melissa but looks to me like you'll have 1/2" of barrel with no place to go. I think the bottom is curved in but open. It might allow some opening so the barrel could stick out the bottom.
Might be enough margin to handle it too but I'm not terribly optomistic.
Good looking holster, hope it works.

If your wanting something mostly for range you might try a Blackhawk Serpa. It's not leather sadly (I do like leather) but it has a lock you hit with your trigger finger to release the gun. Very secure and cheap, like 30 bucks or so. It's a great training aid also as it forces you to index that trigger finger to release the gun and hence keep it indexed along the frame.
There's one version that comes with a paddle and a belt loop. I much prefer the belt loop.

[melissa5]

I was thinking that it would stick up out of the top of the holster a little more, but opening up the bottom a little is a good idea. Really, the only time I would carry it is to meet and greets to show it off. Or, I could buy a 9mm 1911???? LOL!

[Bawanna]

Yeah, some sort of Commander size to fill that leather is the answer.

You really don't want it to stick out the top, just not secure and you'd lose that trigger coverage.
You can go the other way just fine. Get a full size holster and the commanders or officer model sizes will usually fit just fine.

Remind me to be extremely polite at your meet and greets???? I don't think I know what that is but I don't get out much.

[melissa5]

Yeah, some sort of Commander size to fill that leather is the answer.

You really don't want it to stick out the top, just not secure and you'd lose that trigger coverage.
You can go the other way just fine. Get a full size holster and the commanders or officer model sizes will usually fit just fine.

Remind me to be extremely polite at your meet and greets???? I don't think I know what that is but I don't get out much.

LOL! I'm a member of a local forum and we set up picnics, OC lunches, and other stuff where members can meet/greet each other.

Seriously, I've got 3 Glock 9mms and two of them could be sacrificed for a 9mm 1911. I think I'm addicted now.

[Bawanna]

Wow that sounds like it would be a fun time. I met Spider Tattoo at our gunshow a couple times but hes the only forum member I ever laid eyes on directly. He works security there and followed me around the whole time I was there. I think he thought I looked suspicious?

[melissa5]

Wow that sounds like it would be a fun time. I met Spider Tattoo at our gunshow a couple times but hes the only forum member I ever laid eyes on directly. He works security there and followed me around the whole time I was there. I think he thought I looked suspicious?

He was jealous of your manly mustache. ;)

[Bawanna]

Maybe so, maybe so. He had a shaved head and nary a whisker. Poor guy.

[melissa5]

Well, you were right Bawanna. The holster absolutely will not work. The trigger is not even close to being covered. So, if someone needs a really nice Mitch Rosen for a commander size, I'll have it posted for sale in a few minutes.

[Bawanna]

Sometimes I hate myself when I'm right. Fortunately it doesn't happen very often.