Picked up my new Kimber

[HarleyDave]

TAM, you're in trouble with my wife on this one. I want one of these for my Kimber, so I told her about the 25.00 with no problem, but when I research it further, the tool you have is for the 3" and not the 4 or 5" so as I went into further with the options timing etc I now must spend $128.00 to have the same option so she said, "do what you want to do" which means, "all you do is spend money" but I told her how hard I work so she said go ahead, "if you really want to" I said, yes and please I want to, so I plan to order. To your knowledge is that correct that the tool you have for 25.00 will not work on the 4" Super Pro Carry and that I have to spend more of which I chose option 3 which is a little more costly? Just curious and need a soon answer, so I can order. Appreciate it.

[Frobert]

I know that I do not need the Takedown tool from Kimber for a full size pistol, but has anybody used the Kimber Bushing Tool? I did not get one with mine but have read a few reviews about it and it seems like it might be helpful for a new 1911 owner to field strip the gun. Any thoughts?

[HarleyDave]

frobert. it is a small hex wrench, very tiny but take a look at this website and tell me what you think of this? http://www.1911ultratool.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm going to get one for my Kimber. Or, can go to the Kimber website and look for takedown wrench = 5 for $ 6.79.

Let me know what you think?

[Pawpaw]

I know that I do not need the Takedown tool from Kimber for a full size pistol, but has anybody used the Kimber Bushing Tool? I did not get one with mine but have read a few reviews about it and it seems like it might be helpful for a new 1911 owner to field strip the gun. Any thoughts?

I haven't felt the need for a bushing wrench, but if I did I would probably go for one of these: http://www.m1911.org/ezine/Pocketsmith3_frame.htm

[G.A. Heath]

I know that I do not need the Takedown tool from Kimber for a full size pistol, but has anybody used the Kimber Bushing Tool? I did not get one with mine but have read a few reviews about it and it seems like it might be helpful for a new 1911 owner to field strip the gun. Any thoughts?

The bushing wrench only comes with the guns with a full length guide rod, the Super Carry uses a standard length guide rod IIRC.

[The Annoyed Man]

TAM, you're in trouble with my wife on this one. I want one of these for my Kimber, so I told her about the 25.00 with no problem, but when I research it further, the tool you have is for the 3" and not the 4 or 5" so as I went into further with the options timing etc I now must spend $128.00 to have the same option so she said, "do what you want to do" which means, "all you do is spend money" but I told her how hard I work so she said go ahead, "if you really want to" I said, yes and please I want to, so I plan to order. To your knowledge is that correct that the tool you have for 25.00 will not work on the 4" Super Pro Carry and that I have to spend more of which I chose option 3 which is a little more costly? Just curious and need a soon answer, so I can order. Appreciate it.

The Ultra tool will not work on 4 & 5 inch 1911s. It's for 3" guns only. Sorry. I didn't realize that the 4" tool was that expensive.

[HarleyDave]

TAM no problem, just teasing with ya. I'm trying to order the option 3 buying all complete and shipping to me but there is no way to do it. I sent them an email earlier today but no response. You don't have a phone number for them do you? Love the idea and ease too much to pass it up, so momma is OK with it. She loves me..... thanks for sending me the webpage it sells itself.

[Frobert]

So... I feel like an idiot. While at a friends house learning how to field strip my 1911 we found the Bushing tool in the case. Realizing that the guide rod is so short, does anyone know if it can be changes to a full length guide rod?

I will follow up with a range report as soon as I get a chance to shoot.

[G.A. Heath]

It can be changed to the full length version, just be sure to change the plug as well. The only real question is why would you want to change it out in the first place? A full length guide rod does nothing a standard GI style guide rod doesn't do. To be perfectly honest I prefer the GI style guide rod over the full length version and would convert my guns with the full length units, except I can not justify spending any money (No matter how little) on something that will do absolutely nothing.

[HarleyDave]

frobert and for TAM...here is the email response I got back from Mr. Ketchum of 1911 takedown tool that I had mentioned on your post. Well worth it to check it out and TAM has one as well.

From Richard Ketchum of 1911 Ultra tool...
show details 6:32 AM (55 minutes ago)

David, I am out of stock on the modified guide rods but have scheduled to machine a batch next week, probably Thursday or Friday (18-19) and should have them ready to ship Monday or Tuesday (22-23). The reason I do not have a shopping cart on my site is I do not want to be paid until I have one ready for immediate shipment, machinery scheduling sometimes may delay shipping for two to three weeks and I do not want my customers to pay for something and then be wondering if it will ever ship.

As soon as I have one ready to ship I will send you a PayPal invoice for $128.92 + your order #, and your order will ship Priority mail (2-3 day) as soon as the invoice is paid.

Thank you
Richard Ketchum (6 AM - 6 PM CT)

[Skiprr]

Personally, I bought ONE OF THESE for my Kimber Ultra, and I keep it with my other "gun tools." I still have the original takedown tool in the case, but this other one is easier to use.

+1 If you own a short-barrel 1911 that requires a take-down pin, these little things are better'n sliced bread. Some folks don't use any tool at all; they use both hands and manually keep the guide-rod spring depressed. I'm not one of those folks. Tried it once and only once: seems to me you need six fingers, and a third hand wouldn't hurt.

Takedown and reassembly was the only thing about my little Ultra CDP that I didn't like (well, I've often threatened to remove the ambi-safety, but that's a different matter) until I picked up a "1911 Ultra Tool" early this year. A simple and brilliant solution to an annoying problem.

I haven't felt the need for a bushing wrench...

It really kinda depends on the gun, I think. On some, the barrel bushing can be turned easily by hand; on others, not so much. I have three pistols with barrel bushings so tight that they need to be tapped in and out. I suppose they could be turned by hand if someone had really tough fingers and a massive amount of hand strength, but for non-superhumans a bushing wrench comes in very handy.

BTW, Frobert: Very nice gun! I like that Kimber is now offering bobtail versions. With a standard-height grip, it makes concealment easier.

[Pawpaw]

I haven't felt the need for a bushing wrench...

It really kinda depends on the gun, I think. On some, the barrel bushing can be turned easily by hand; on others, not so much. I have three pistols with barrel bushings so tight that they need to be tapped in and out. I suppose they could be turned by hand if someone had really tough fingers and a massive amount of hand strength, but for non-superhumans a bushing wrench comes in very handy.

Thanks. I did not know that.

I have three 1911s and only the 5" RIA has a bushing. It is very easy to take down by hand. It almost always has a Kimber 22LR conversion slide on it, so I seldom do the standard take-down.

Still, I like the look of that 1911 multi-tool.

[PBratton]

TAM,

I bought one of these on your suggestion earlier and have to say: It's the best accessory I've ever purchased!

If you have a Kimber that requires the take-down pin, give this tool a try.

TAM, well I've got the new Kimber super carry from custom shop that I purchased last month and it still does require the tool I think. When I've disassembled it, whole two times, there is a small whole where I insert the tool. Am I doing something wrong.

I think we are getting some mixed signals here. First off "Custom Shop" guns are not the "Custom" sized models. Kimbers "Custom" sized model has a 5 inch barrel like a "Government" sized colt. The custom sized guns that have a full length guide rod will come with a bushing tool to make take down easier, but it is not required. The "Ultra" (3 inch barrel) and "Pro" (4 inch barrel) sized models will most often require a tool for take down. If you loose the Factory Kimber tool just take a paper clip and bend the tip of it and you have another tool.

Bingo. You're right. I was confusing "Custom Shop" with "Custom Size." And like I said, a paper clip will fix the problem.

Personally, I bought ONE OF THESE for my Kimber Ultra, and I keep it with my other "gun tools." I still have the original takedown tool in the case, but this other one is easier to use.

Here's how it works:
[youtube][/youtube]

[HarleyDave]

PBratton. yep, great tool. My problem is that I have the Kimber Super Carry pro 4" so yes I'm going to buy but cost is $128.00 if you just want to purchase, which I am, or you could send them yours but you'd be out of a gun for up to 45 days or you could purchase one from Kimber and send to help then he will machine it. These other two options are not quite as costly but I'm going with the most expensive, not that we have money, but that it is more convenient to do it this way in my situation. But you are quite right this is a great tool for kimber.
Sorry for the long explanation.