Just came over from GlockTalk

[Civilian]

New to this forum, came over here to learn something about Kimbers. Thinking a TLE II may be in my future in the next 6 months or so.

Don't want to buy it only to hear later: "didn't you know not to buy that model, it has a chronic problem with [fill in blank] ."

Glock 23 will still be my carry gun, but I've wanted a 1911 for a long time. Given its price, the TLE II looks like a good choice. Of course, like the hot chick with no date to the prom, you've got to ask "what's wrong with her?"

[Brass Balls]

Welcome to 1911 Forum, Civilian.

I can only offer one data point and that's a positive one. The TLE/RL that I purchased a couple of years back, soon after the model came out, has been trouble free with a nice trigger and pretty darn accurate.

[Yo Han]

Welcome to the forum! The TLE is a great gun for the money if you want those options(night sites & front strap checking) I have 2 friendss at the range that own em and they love them. One external and the other with internal extractors. Personally, I would find a used or a old stock with internal extractor if feasible.

The G23C was my first handgun and a good one. Think a Kimber CDP Ultra will take it's place soon.

Good luck with your decision! My Kimber is my first 1911 and it's is a fine gun... my favorite so far and a start to a horrible addiction I believe

Yo Han

[Shootalot]

I too currently carry a Glock 23 but will be switching to my Kimber Pro CDP II as soon as my holster arrives.

The biggest concern I've been hearing with the Kimbers is the external extractor. The full sized Kimbers seem to be having less of an issue than those with barrels of less than 5 inches.

Many are not having extractor problems with the external but those whose pistol won't properly extract are sometimes having a difficult time getting it fixed right.

I also have a full sized Kimber with the external and it has always worked great. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones.

My Pro CDP II has the internal extractor and that factor is the one main reason I purchased it. It is as reliable as my Glock and I fully trust my life with that weapon.

My question is this though, why is your Glock going to still be your carry gun?

[Doughboy18718]

I too came over from GT to do some searching after i bought my UCII. My primary carry was a G32, now i carry my UCII more than i thought i would. I love both of my primary carries, but its soooo hard to decide which to carry when.

[Civilian]

My 23 will still be my carry gun primarily because it's smaller and lighter. On top of that, though, I'm used to it, I've trained with it and I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be carrying a 1911 "cocked and locked." I know, it's just a mental thing, but seeing that hammer back ... just doesn't look safe, I guess. I'm sure that seems pretty goofy to you 1911 veterans, and the lack of an external safety may strike you as infinitely more nerve wracking, but it's all what you get used to.

That said, I'm sure I'll get used to it and I'm also sure I'll carry the Kimber at times. Right now, though, the plan is to keep the 23 as #1 Son.

[Shootalot]

Originally Posted by Civilian

My 23 will still be my carry gun primarily because it's smaller and lighter. On top of that, though, I'm used to it, I've trained with it and I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be carrying a 1911 "cocked and locked." I know, it's just a mental thing, but seeing that hammer back ... just doesn't look safe, I guess. I'm sure that seems pretty goofy to you 1911 veterans, and the lack of an external safety may strike you as infinitely more nerve wracking, but it's all what you get used to.

That said, I'm sure I'll get used to it and I'm also sure I'll carry the Kimber at times. Right now, though, the plan is to keep the 23 as #1 Son.

Depending what model of 1911 you choose, it may or may not be smaller OR lighter than your 23. My Pro CDP II has a slightly shorter slide than my Glock 23 and slightly longer grip. Weight wise I think they are pretty close to the same as the CDP has an aluminum frame. The 1911 is much thinner though allowing for better concealment which is one of the reasons I want to leave my Glock in the safe, at least during the warmer summer months.

The Cocked and Locked thing is something that seems cloudy at first but when you get used to the idea of a thumb safety AND a grip safety the picture becomes much clearer. I've put at least 2000 rounds through my two Kimbers in the last couple of months and feel very comfortable with them. I don't think I've shot 2000 rounds total with my Glock 23 in the two years I've owned it.

I felt they same way at first but my 1911's are soooo much more enjoyable to shoot than my Glock's that I usually only take the 1911's. Well, this is not quite true. Until my holster for my CDP arrives I take the Glock 23 to the range too. It rides along on my hip and says there while I shoot the Kimbers.

[Nismo]

As good as the Glocks are, it's hard to get excited about the ugly ducklings. As I'm sitting here typing this, my Kimber is on the desk next to me... damn, it's sexy!

[tpdtom]

Originally Posted by Civilian

My 23 will still be my carry gun primarily because it's smaller and lighter. On top of that, though, I'm used to it, I've trained with it and I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be carrying a 1911 "cocked and locked." I know, it's just a mental thing, but seeing that hammer back ... just doesn't look safe, I guess. I'm sure that seems pretty goofy to you 1911 veterans, and the lack of an external safety may strike you as infinitely more nerve wracking, but it's all what you get used to.

That said, I'm sure I'll get used to it and I'm also sure I'll carry the Kimber at times. Right now, though, the plan is to keep the 23 as #1 Son.

Shootalot already covered what I was going to say , but still....a longer and higher 1911 feels more comfortable to carry IWB .

Did you ever hear the old story about the Veteran Texas Ranger and the rookie ? They were going on a raid and the Vet had his 1911 strapped on , cocked and locked of course . The rookie said , "Hey, that gun's cocked ! Isn't that dangerous ?" To which the Vet answered, "You damn betcha !"...Tom

[Hutch01]

Originally Posted by Nismo

As good as the Glocks are, it's hard to get excited about the ugly ducklings. As I'm sitting here typing this, my Kimber is on the desk next to me... damn, it's sexy!

Isn't that the truth.

I had to go outside and "throw up" the first time I saw a Glunk!

Finally, had the courage to go in and check the trigger. I dry fired it once and then dropped it on the counter vowing never to contaminate my hands and fingers again.

Good 1911 SA triggers are about as good as it gets....

[Ronin45230]

Originally Posted by Civilian

New to this forum, came over here to learn something about Kimbers. Thinking a TLE II may be in my future in the next 6 months or so.
Don't want to buy it only to hear later: "didn't you know not to buy that model, it has a chronic problem with [fill in blank] ."
Glock 23 will still be my carry gun, but I've wanted a 1911 for a long time. Given its price, the TLE II looks like a good choice. Of course, like the hot chick with no date to the prom, you've got to ask "what's wrong with her?"

My advice:

1) Get a 45 and enjoy ! (but I'd go with a Baer, used if you're on a budget)
2) Don't sell the Glock (you'll be glad you kept it....).
3) If you decide to go with Kimber, consider holding out for an internal extractor (pre series 2 if possible)

I LOVE 45s, and always will, at the same time, my cloice for serious use is a Glock 17. No Flames please