Kimber 1911's

[Stevenwnash]

Greetings everyone,

This is my first post on here and i've searched around for a post on this topic, With no luck.

I've been thinking about getting a kimber TLE II 1911 for some time now. I have a few things running through my head about them. One stainless steel vs steel with their blueing. I want a strong solid gun that isn't gonna show it's age, that's why i'm only wanting steel. but i'm a bit worried about blue coat wearing off and having to recoat it. I just like the black look over the plain silver. I've heard kimbers are one of the best mass manufactured guns you can get.

What i'm really asking is for some people that own kimbers that have hands on experience with them give me the pros and cons with their gun, Or if it's not worth the money i'm paying. Either for a different/better manufacture.

This will be my first owned 1911, My father has owned a springfield for many years and it's a gun I grew up shooting. Always loved the model. I just want one to call my own.

Thank you,
Steven

[zdragon52]

this is my KimberCII...
there are others like it but this one is mine.

By zdagon52 at 2012-01-13

[ralphd]

i'm truly pro kimber,so take my post with a grain of salt. i own 3 1 stainless,and 2 blued. i am partial to the blued ones, but they will show wear with time,as will all blued guns. keep in mind that the kimbers need between 300,and 500 rounds of 230 hard ball to break them in. read the ownwers manuel,and it will tell you so. all 3 of mine were absolute bears untill they broke in. most went about 250 rounds,and settled down the stainless custom target went almost 500. the break in thing can be a little pricey,so keep that in mind when you make your choice. i can't be more pleased with all 3. these 3 at least are extreamly reliable,and shoot better than i can hold.

[Dan S. Defense]

I've owned several Kimbers that were heavily used. Two full size (Gold Combat II Stainless, Raptor Stainless II) and one sub compact (CDP II). I found them all to be well built, reliable and accurate. In addition, the 'out of box' features made it ready to go as a carry gun. I have nothing but good things to say about them.

As for wear, every finish will show its age after a while and it's simple enough to have the firearm refinished again. The Gold Custom II got itself a Creakote finish that lasted beyond my ownership and kept the gun looking new. I beat the daylights out of my Wilson Combat, sent it back to be refinished and it came back looking new. When my Baer SRP showed lots of wear, I sent it to Robar to be refinished in NP3 Plus. That particular finish seems very hardy and makes the gun easy to clean. There's goodness in getting firearms new coats :-)

I reviewed two of the Kimbers, and there's a nice picture of the Creakote finish too. You can find the reviews here: http://rationalselfdefense.com/Firea...ures_Page2.htm and a high resolution picture here: http://rationalselfdefense.com/Free_...stom_Paint.htm

I hope this helps,

[Siklid]

Good questions and good answers, I too have had questions about Kimber... tis thread has helped quite a bit so far...

[Rustin]

I had a kimber but I got rid of it. It was certainly well built, but it wasn't my style. The only gripe I had with the gun is the finish. Not only did it wear way too easily, but if I carried it while I rode my bike, there would be surface rust all over the thumb safety side of the slide, mostly in the hard to reach serrated parts.

[Illusive Man]

I have a Compact CDP II. Today I put some rounds through it, and now have about 600 rounds without a flaw. The gun is beautiful and goes bang everytime I squeeze the trigger. Today I had a failure, but it turned out to be the magazine I was using. Cleared the problem and went right back to shooting. I believe that my Kimber was worth every penny I paid for it and would not hesitate to purchase another.

[kermitz]

I have 3 Kimber's which have been very reliable. My only complaint is that their finish wears to quickly. Their bluing is decent, but their Kimpro finish chips and flakes way too easy.

[mortum]

My TLE II is fairly new - I only got 400 rounds through it but... I don't mind finish wear at all. I think, it gives some character to the gun. Rust is the other matter but if you take care of your gun, you can avoid that.

[Stevenwnash]

Thank you for all the answers guys, very helpful. I'm leaning towards the 4" stainless. I've just always like the blued look. would another company blue their gun if kimbers wears so easy? Or if there a nice and strong blueing out there? I'm planning to take damn good care of the weapon. I just don't want it to rust or start to chip.

[Dan S. Defense]

Yes, other folks will refinish the Kimber for you and with so many choices, I'm sure you'll find something. I'd suggest you give the Kimber finish a good run, before redoing it, since you may find it works for you (e.g. good holster that keeps the gun away from skin and sweat).

I recommend you visit Robar's site and read about the different options they offer. They've done lots of work for me and they are top notch folks, with excellence that in my mind is second to none.

Regardless, best wishes with your new Kimber. I'm sure it will be fun to select, pick up and use. Shoot it often, take good care of it, get quality ammo and it will be there for you (if you do your part). Then, when (if) you wear off the finish, research a new coat.

[Prowler129]

I have a Kimber Tactical Custom ll and it's been an extremely reliable gun. Thousands of rounds through it with no gun-related failures. It is my go-to pistol. You'll be happy with a Kimber

[Ugly-Jeep-Truck]

I've got a Desert Warrior that is my first Kimber. Very accurate and seems well put together. I put some hogues on it to improve grip. Light is a surefire X300. ImageUploadedByTapatalk1336252076.606667.jpg

[BYJO4]

I prefer the looks of stainless and it is easier to clean plus you can keep it looking virtually new. I have 2 stainless Custom II Target models in 45 & 9MM. They are both accurate and fun to shoot. I also have the Kimber 22 conversion kit that I use on my 45. I really enjoy the 1911 platform.