Kimber question

WEC · #1

Hi all,

Hate to sound like a noob, but I wanted to make sure before I go ahead with a purchase.

I'm thinking of buying a Kimber Classic Gold Match Stainless. I found a pretty good deal, but I just had some questions about the internals.

Now I know that all of the "Type II" Kimbers have the Schwartz safety and started out with the external extractors. I also have read that Kimber was having so much trouble with customers returning guns that were having FTE problems that they're starting to fit these returns and manufacture their II lines with internal extractors again.

My question is... if it's labeled a "Classic" does that mean it was manufactured when Kimber made the switch to type II? I don't recall seeing many "Classic xxx" before that. Personally, I just bought an Eclipse Pro II and have had no problems with the external extractor. The Schwartz safety is a little annoying when assembling the slide and frame, but I just keep my hand away from the grip safety and it's usually no problem.

Any feedback appreciated. Thanks!

-Will

HighVelocity · #2

If it doesn't have the II at the end of the name like your Eclipse then it does not have the schwartz safety.

I cannot say for sure if there is a Classic Custom II but I haven't seen one. I've only seen Stainless Custom II and Custom II.

KinnyLee · #3

I don't think there are Custom Classic II 1911s. It's only Custom II. So this probably means that Custom Classic is a series 1 pistol without the Schwartz safety and internal extractor.

longtooth · #4

Agree also.

WEC · #5

I'm aware that if there is no II then there is no Schwartz safety. I guess what I'm curious about is how recently the gun was manufactured. I want to say the Type II's were first introduced about 3-4 years ago... Maybe they made some non-Schwartz guns after the II's came out and dubbed them "Classics." That's really what I was wondering.

Thanks for the reply, HV!

KinnyLee · #6

All Series II pistols have Schwartz safety, but not all Series II pistols have external extractors. Some of the early Series II pistols have internal units.

Now a days Series I Kimbers are in higher demand than Series II. If you see a Series I or pre-Series II unit for a good price, I suggest you snatch it up.

WEC · #7

Thanks for all the replies. I guess the best thing for me to do is call the seller and ask him.

Another question: can anyone with a Kimber Warrior verify for me that it does not have a Schwartz safety? I've heard conflicting reports. Thanks!

KinnyLee · #8

The Kimber Warrior is the only production Kimber 1911 without the Schwartz safety. It also has an internal extractor. Other than the rail, it is as close to the original Browning design as you can get.

Seadawg and Txinvestigator both have Warriors and they can confirm this.

WEC · #9

Kinny comes through in the clutch! It's because we share the same alma mater, I know it.

KinnyLee · #10

Haha. I'm just trying to tell you what I know. I've always like the Warrior. There will probably be a future purchase on a Warrior.

txinvestigator · #11

Whats the issue with the Kimber "may the schwartz be with you" safety? It is a function of the grip safety, and has ZERO effect on the trigger.

The warrior, in fact, does not have it.

WEC · #12

I think the biggest beef among Kimber owners is that during reassembly after cleaning, if you happen to nudge the grip safety, that little head bobs up and makes it difficult to put the slide back on the frame. And then there are the unfortunate people who wear down the push rod so that it never engages the firing pin block.

I personally was one who would turn the frame upside down to reattach it with the slide. That's when gravity would do ts job on the push rod and made things a little difficult for me. Since then, I've had to adjust the way I reassemble my Eclipse, and I'll probably maintain that method with any future 1911's I own.

But you're right - it should have no effect whatsoever on the trigger. That is, of course, unless the push rod is bent, worn or broken. Ouch.

txinvestigator · #13

WEC wrote:I think the biggest beef among Kimber owners is that during reassembly after cleaning, if you happen to nudge the grip safety, that little head bobs up and makes it difficult to put the slide back on the frame. And then there are the unfortunate people who wear down the push rod so that it never engages the firing pin block.

I personally was one who would turn the frame upside down to reattach it with the slide. That's when gravity would do ts job on the push rod and made things a little difficult for me. Since then, I've had to adjust the way I reassemble my Eclipse, and I'll probably maintain that method with any future 1911's I own.

But you're right - it should have no effect whatsoever on the trigger. That is, of course, unless the push rod is bent, worn or broken. Ouch.

I have no idea what a "push rod" is, unless we are talking engines with pushrods.

I never take my guns any further apart than field stripping. I have found that my CDP with the drop safety goes back together EASIER than my Warrior without.