Opinion on Kimber 45

[Yukon1]

I have been looking at the Kimber Tactical II but I am concerned about a feeding problem. I have read on the internet where they have had to replace the Kimber magazines with another brand to address this problem. What is the reliability of this weapon and is the change in brand of magazines necessary. Thanks for information...

 

[halfmileharry]

Don't worry about Kimber. Buy, shoot, enjoy, feel safe.
Mags are the weak spot in any gun.
My kimbers will feed empty brass. All have been 100% reliable out of the box.
I have or have had over 20 Kimbers with ZERO problems.

 

[Hillbillyblood]

A person at work had one of these for sale so I did some research. Found the same thing you are finding.

What concerned me is he only had it for about a week.? Said it hurt his hand.

For the cost of a Kimber there are plenty of choices IMO look an ye shall find

 

[Colt556]

I own several Kimbers in 45 and 38 Super. They all shoot well and I've never had any issues. I use a hodge podge of Wilson, Colt, McCormick and Kimber mags in them all.

 

[wtfd661]

Kimber has far out sold every other 1911 manufacturer for the last decade so they must be doing something right.

Never have had an issue with my three Kimbers, but find a 1911 that fits you and has the features your looking for.

Anything from Colt, Kimber, Springfield, Dan Wesson, etc will do you fine.

What ever you decide make sure to post some pics, cause we love us some 1911 porn

 

[Sedanman]

I have a ultra carry II tactical and it has never had a misfeed even with the Kimber magazines.

 

[themadmedic]

My Kimber needed a bit of tweaking of the fit of the bushing, but I haven't had any magazine related issues with it.

 

[ultra...good]

" I read on the internet once...."

Funny how much BS follows those 6 little words.
What you tend to find on the internet are a few complaints that get repeated over and over and sometimes distorted. Remember the telephone game from kindergarten?
Good to see here that you are getting some honest, straight forward feedback.

Here's some more that can be blown out of proportion, not about a Kimber though;
I bought a Springfield Armory 1911 and from the first day it had feeding issues and the slide would not lock back on the last shot.
Took the gun home, cleaned and oiled it, not a problem since.
Leave off that second part of the story, and now it sounds like Springfield makes junk. I will tell you that they do not make junk. Now the LGS that sold me the gun, that was another story. No wonder why they are no longer in business now.

 

[Ryninger]

I miss my Custom II horribly. My Pro CDPII broke my first time out. The MIM ejector pin snapped. I had to pay for shipping to get it fixed for a new pistol bought through a dealer... Sold it, and haven't looked back or at another Kimber for that matter. Since then and doing more research I agree with the Just as nice or nicer 1911 for same $$$ or less.

Good luck with whatever you choose, the 1911's are addictive!

 

[SmokinSigs357]

Proud owner of a Raptor that needed absolutely ZERO tweaking as is a dead nuts bullseye shooter!

 

[dyerwatcher]

If you are set on a Kimber I recommend one from their Custom Shop. Not much more money, just a little more attention to detail. Kimber builds some nice guns, but I will not purchase another one. Many great options to choose from. Sig, STI, Springfield, Dan Wesson, Colt..........

 

[Harleyrider_50]

IMO.......they over-rated,over-hyped,and grossly over-priced........but at's jus' me.......take a top o' the line Springer,Colt,or DW over it anyday.....YMMV......

OR.......spend a lil' more than the most x'pensive 'Kimber' I've seen.....and get sumthin worth the $$$ ya spend in that range......at'd be a Wilson....

 

[halfmileharry]

I have been looking at the Kimber Tactical II but I am concerned about a feeding problem. I have read on the internet where they have had to replace the Kimber magazines with another brand to address this problem. What is the reliability of this weapon and is the change in brand of magazines necessary. Thanks for information...

I've got a NEW IN BOX that's never had the mag loaded or slide pulled back.
You're welcome to "Bust the Cherry" on it.
I'm in INDY almost every day and you're more than welcome to shoot it and see for yourself.
I bought a nice used Wilson around Thanksgiving at a great price. It's over $2500 new. My Kimber Customs aren't but 1/3 the price and shoot just as nice. Is the Wilson a better gun? I read on the internet they are better. Just shooting the damned guns side by side I haven't found the $1600 advantage yet. When I do I will post it on the internet though.

 

[Liberty1911]

I bought a Kimber Tactical Custom II a couple of weeks ago. First range trip was 115 flawless rounds from 3 different manufacturers. I used the stock mag and a Wilson mag.

 

[trailrider]

I haven't shot but a few different 1911's but my Kimberly custom ii is a fine shooting, fine feeding gun.
You know what they say...opinions are like *******s. There are good and bad experiences with any brand. Internet rants are just that...take them with a grain of salt.

 

[SERparacord]

Just buy a Kimber, put in the Ed Brown parts and you are good to go.

 

[Notavictim646]

I had a Kimber tactical pro that had an external extractor which failed and caused me a ton of trouble (I don't think the newer ones have this). I don't recommend this particular configuration. I also had one of the firing pin blocks (MIM) break in a stainless TLE that I owned. This turned my pistol into a (very nice looking)paperweight. It was VERY difficult to replace it as well. Even though I am sure that 99.9% of them are fine, I am not sure I would carry one for Personal Protection. Once a failure gets between your ears; it's kinda hard to shake it.

 

[Rovindal]

Love a mine. Never had a problem. Had a kimber ultra carry II as my first handgun when I turned 18. Ended up buying a pro carry then a custom then a couple more. Love them

 

[warren5421]

I have never owwned a Kimber but a friend did. We both liked it alot but it turned into a Monday built 1911. After paying to put Ed Brown parts in it he could have bought a Colt with the same Ed Brown parts in it for less. He still has it and it's still a great gun just has insides from Ed Brown. The new Kimber's are good guns but you can get better 1911's for not much more. I want to get an STI 2011 10mm some day. I think the STI 1911's are better made than Kimber and are less money.

 

[Manan]

If it is bothering you, consider a Colt Defender. Similar specs. 100% reliable.