Does Kimber suck?

[cmgee67]

The general consensus on Kimber that I have gathered, is either you love them or hate them. There isn’t much middle ground when I hear people talk about that brand. For the most part it seem their guns are accurate and high quality. Then again I see them needing extensive break ins and sometimes finicky with ammo. For the price point I personally would go with a Springfield or a Ruger. That’s just me. Having only shot one Kimber ever, I will say that it was a great shooter and most accurate. Since I don’t own one and never have, I don’t really have a big dog in the fight of comparing and contrasting. Just my minimal handling and shooting experience with them. I have always thought the raptor was a handsome gun. I think the slide serrations and grip serrations are very cool. Anyways, I would love to hear what experiences you have had or known others to have had with Kimber.

[03Lightningrocks]

The general consensus on Kimber that I have gathered, is either you love them or hate them. There isn’t much middle ground when I hear people talk about that brand. For the most part it seem their guns are accurate and high quality. Then again I see them needing extensive break ins and sometimes finicky with ammo. For the price point I personally would go with a Springfield or a Ruger. That’s just me. Having only shot one Kimber ever, I will say that it was a great shooter and most accurate. Since I don’t own one and never have, I don’t really have a big dog in the fight of comparing and contrasting. Just my minimal handling and shooting experience with them. I have always thought the raptor was a handsome gun. I think the slide serrations and grip serrations are very cool. Anyways, I would love to hear what experiences you have had or known others to have had with Kimber.

I have owned three Kimbers. One in each length. All Raptors. The four inch was persnickety about ammo so I tried a Wilson combat mag in it. No more issues. Overall they were accurate and good shooters. I would likely buy one again.

[LTUME1978]

I have two of their bolt action 22 rimfire rifles that I bought new more than 20 years ago and they are great. Some time after Obama was elected (and a couple of years after Kimber changed owners, I bought the Super Carry Pro (4" barrel). Nothing but problems (feeding, ejection, they forgot to stake the plunger tube, finish coming off, etc.). Kimber would not let me send it back until I had 800 rounds through it (they could not believe it was as bad as I said). At 800 rounds, I insisted that it go back. It was so bad that they offered to replace it or refund my money. I took the money and bought a Springfield. I now have the Springfield (TRP) and a Dan Wesson Valkyrie. They are both great pistols. I do know people that have Kimber 45s that they like. I have no idea what the new ones are like now.

[abom2]

I like Kimbers. Never had any problems. Of course I have only owned or fired the 1911 patterned Kimbers. Then again, I tend to like 1911 patterns. Of course I was started with a 1911 and Colt Military Revolver as a kid, 1911's in the service, and so on.

[RPBrown]

I’ve had 2 Kimbers and both spent more time at the factory than at my house. I won’t own another one.
However, I know people that have them and never had an issue.
I guess if you get a good one it’s a real good one but if you get a bad one it’s real bad

[carlson1]

The older Kimbers in my opinion were great, but I would not buy anyone made past 2006.

Call me my friend and I will help you get a real 1911. Wilson’s Combat X Tac.

[cheezit]

The older Kimbers in my opinion were great, but I would not buy anyone made past 2006.

Call me my friend and I will help you get a real 1911. Wilson’s Combat X Tac.

Sorry Carl,
A real 1911 says Colt national match and they are blue in color.

[carlson1]

Sorry Carl,
A real 1911 says Colt national match and they are blue in color.

That is just so wrong my friend.

[03Lightningrocks]

I have two of their bolt action 22 rimfire rifles that I bought new more than 20 years ago and they are great. Some time after Obama was elected (and a couple of years after Kimber changed owners, I bought the Super Carry Pro (4" barrel). Nothing but problems (feeding, ejection, they forgot to stake the plunger tube, finish coming off, etc.). Kimber would not let me send it back until I had 800 rounds through it (they could not believe it was as bad as I said). At 800 rounds, I insisted that it go back. It was so bad that they offered to replace it or refund my money. I took the money and bought a Springfield. I now have the Springfield (TRP) and a Dan Wesson Valkyrie. They are both great pistols. I do know people that have Kimber 45s that they like. I have no idea what the new ones are like now.

Now that you bring it up, I had forgotten about the 800 round break in. That was what they initially told me to do with my four inch when it wouldn't feed properly. I almost choked when they told me that. Fortunately, buying a couple new magazines corrected the issue. When they told me the 800 round break in period, I asked about the spring replacement recommendation period. I think I also did some buffing on the feed ramp of that gun. They did get on my wrong side with that gun. I forgot all about that mess. It has been more than 10 years ago now. My next .45 purchase may very well be a Colt. I had a series 80 gold cup that never flinched. Not once!

[AndyC1911]

Personally, I trust a 1911 from the Phillippines more than I would a Kimber.

[aaangel]

Personally, I trust a 1911 from the Phillippines more than I would a Kimber.

same here! but i’m biased (born and raised in the )
STI Spartan, made by Armscor PH

[RPBrown]

Personally, I trust a 1911 from the Phillippines more than I would a Kimber.