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Kimber 1911s...
kidthatsirish
Member Posts: 6,985 ✭✭✭
You either love um or hate them?[:p]
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not a 1911 it is a solo 9mm to small[V]
I still think they're neat.
What's not to like...
I have a Wilson, I bought it used, I paid twice what Jeannie paid for one of her Kimber's. I have had it 9 years, I've not ever had a problem, not had to replace any parts. In my humble opinion, Kimber is over priced, for what they claim to be, you can a more reliable 1911 for less money.
That is just my opinion.
W.D.
Of all the 1911s I have owned, which is quite a few my favorite is my RIA FS Tactical. It is a workhorse and I would not sell it for the $425 I paid for it. It is a gun I can use and abuse guilt free and it plenty accurate enough for self defense.
Forgive my ignorance...what is 'MIM'? (Made in Mexico?)
much cheaper and faster to manufacturer, but not as strong or durable as milled parts. A prime example of price is the difference between a 870 Express and 870 Police Magnum...the Express' fire control is made with plastic and MIM parts and the Police Magnum's fire control is made with milled parts. Which is part of the $100-200 price difference.
I have had 2 5" Kimber 1911s. I sold the Classic and I have missed it. It was flawless.
I just trade a scope for a Kimber Gold Match an older one that had less then 100 rounds through it and it is very nice and so far 100%
I am always amazed how people buy Kimber conceal guns which requires a minum of 250 rounds before it can be carried as if that is how it should be.
If Rock Island can make an officer that works out of the box Kimber should (And yes, I have a RIA officer and it is 100%)
A 5" Kimber particularly an older one with milled parts is a good gun but the smaller I simply do not trust
Does anyone know the SN point they switched to MIM parts? Or, did they use MIM at all when the built in NY?
"Fools learn from their own mistakes. I learn from the mistakes of others"
Otto von Bismarck
[:)]
Forgive my ignorance...what is 'MIM'? (Made in Mexico?)
The Ruger 1911s work perfectly as well. Sometimes carry the Commander.
Have had them for around 10 years, and alternate between them as a carry piece.
Had a couple of failures in the first 100 rounds or so, but that has been 10 years, and no problems since.
Brad Steele
Along came their GM, Ron Cohen, and his idea to maximize profits by cutting every corner possible. This is when those MIM internals started showing up.
Kimber soon began a slow decline and became just another hit/miss quality clone, but their prices stayed as if they were still a higher end gun.
History then began to repeat itself...
Cohen managed to get himself hired as SIG's CEO 5 years or so ago and is now in the process of destroying their standing as a respected firearm manufacturer. Their Classic Series pistols that have always been so highly regarded are now also filled with MIM internals - and I'm seeing parts break like never before.
Nowadays when people approach me for advice on purchasing a SIG I tell them to buy an older type that's in good shape and replace all it's springs. The cosmetics might not be as good, but as a carry gun it's actually better than what you'll get NIB.
As I said, same story as Kimber. [:(]
I don't really have any opinions on the Kimbers. My buddy bought one a while back but hasn't shot it yet. On the other hand I get my new Para Ordnance .45 tomorrow at a third of the price of the Kimber.
I really want to know what you think if it.
Please post when you have some feedback.
Trinity +++
How do you know if your Kimber has MIM parts on it?
Second that.
C'mon TXS we want details, dates etc or SN changes or if it was built in NY are those GTG 1911s etc etc.
Are you saying Sigs have MIM parts now?
"Fools learn from their own mistakes. I learn from the mistakes of others"
Otto von Bismarck
IMHO MIM is going to be in all firearms made for profit eventually if not already.
Are you saying Sigs have MIM parts now?They've been using MIM internal components for several years now.
It's not a definitive cutoff, but if you have a rail framed SIG Classic it probably contains them.
It's quality seems great. I have never had a problem with it, and it shoots great.
I still don't know if it has MIM parts, but I'll check it close like some here have said.
Trinity +++
I like the two Kimber 1911s I have, but agree with many of the comments in this thread. They had a run of so-so quality and if you purchased during that period you may have had some issues. Mine run fine and have been reliable. I also have a SA TRP which cost about the same but in my opinion is a better pistol.
+1
How you doing David?[;)]
Gimme my prewar, wartime, and 1950's - made stuff, LOL. [:)] It was all made when you got your money's worth.
My Sigs 226 239 perfect no fte's my 229 and mosquito plenty of fte sent 229 back to the factory, they talked me into a trigger job on the srt (made a wonderful trigger) but still have fte's
Which reminds me its been more than 3 wks since I left a message on Bo's answering machine, havent heard back
As I mentioned earlier all gun makers are going to be using MIM parts, so you better hope the QC goes up. MIM in itself isn't so bad.
As I mentioned earlier all gun makers are going to be using MIM parts, so you better hope the QC goes up. MIM in itself isn't so bad.
Agreed, and like a lot of things new, it's automaticly no good because it's just not old school. I agree there's some issues right now, but it'll come around. In 10-15 years the conversation will go something like this: Gun owner: "I want a forged(whatever)part." Parts guy: "Why the hell would you want that?" Gun owner: "My Pappy says all that MIM stuff is junk." Parts guy: "Look, that was 10-15 years ago. MIM has come a long way in that time. Yeah sure, I can get your forged part, but it'll cost 6-8 times what a MIM part will cost, and last half as long."
Seems they dropped the term "Classic" at some point on these.
It is a deep blue that seems to be patina-ed or maybe they came this way?
Interestingly the slide is electro-penciled to the frame on the inside
Original owner shot 50 rounds through it and kept it as a nightstand gun.
Didn't think to ask how old it was when I traded for it
]
"Fools learn from their own mistakes. I learn from the mistakes of others"
Otto von Bismarck
Can someone who knows Kimbers relative to era tell me about this Classic Gold Match?
Seems they dropped the term "Classic" at some point on these.
It is a deep blue that seems to be patina-ed or maybe they came this way?
Interestingly the slide is electro-penciled to the frame on the inside
Original owner shot 50 rounds through it and kept it as a nightstand gun.
Didn't think to ask how old it was when I traded for it
]