If you read my last range report on the Kimber Super Carry Pro HD you'll remember that I had some continuing concerns about this weapon's reliability due to the number of "failures to feed" I experienced throughout my first two outings.
Well, I'm happy to say that two simple and inexpensive changes have completely fixed the failure to feed issue as you can see in my range log below:
Range Outing #3
Super Carry Pro HD / Wilson 47C-HV Mag / WWB 230 FMJ (Q4170)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
45) No failures
46) No failures
48) No failures
49) No failures
50) No failures
51) No failures
52) No failures
53) No failures
54) No failures
55) No failures
56) No failures
57) No failures
58) No failures
59) No failures
Super Carry Pro HD Reliability Modifications
I believe that all the failures to feed that experienced in my first two outings can be traced back to one simple design flaw; the Super Carry Pro HD simple operates too fast with the factory recoil spring and with standard magazine springs. Once I changed out the factory recoil spring for Wolff's Improved XP Recoil Spring and started using the Wilson Combat 7-Round, Heavy Duty Magazine (47C-HV) my FTF issues cleared up instantly.
Wolff Gunsprings
I now use Wolff's recoil springs in all my 1911s after several friends that shoot IDPA with me demonstrated how one pound of additional spring force could affect the "felt recoil" of any 1911. Once I installed the extra power recoil spring in my Super Carry Pro HD I immediately noticed the difference. I just wish Kimber would pay attention to little details like this.
Wolff Gunsprings - Improved XP Recoil Spring for Kimber Pro Models $7.89
Wilson Combat Magazines
I've always loved Wilson's 47D magazines and have found them to be far superior to Kimber's factory magazines and to their KimPro Tac-Mag with its Teflon coated follower. The nylon follower used by Wilson Combat is simply a much better design. I run Wilson's new Elite Tactical Magazine in my Custom II, Wilson's 47 OXC in my Ultra and now Wilsons 47C-HV in my Super Carry Pro HD. It's amazing how the little things make such a big difference.
Wilson Combat - 7-Round, Heavy Duty / +P Magazine (47C-HV) $37.95
Kimber Tactical Bump Grip Safety
I hate the standard (no bump) grip safety sold on 99% of all Kimber 1911s but love Kimber's Tactical Bump Grip Safety that they offer online. I've changed out the grip safety on three Kimber 1911's so far and just wish Kimber would bite the bullet and make this standard on all models.
Kimber - Tactical Bump Grip Safety $34.95
Kimber Night Sights w/ Cocking Shoulder
I applaud Kimber's decision to offer night sights with a cocking shoulder on the Super Carry Pro HD but the white paint job leaves a lot to be desired.
New ETC Grips
The bobtail on the Super Carry Pro HD requires a slightly different cut grip that a normal bobtail. Luckily, the folks at VZ Grips have already figured this out and will contour their grips to fit the Super Carry Pro HD at no additional cost. My favorite grip is the Elite Tactical Carry in Black Cherry and as you can see, it looks great on this firearm and fits perfectly.
Conclusions
The Super Carry Pro HD is a fine weapon for anyone that prefers an all-black, all steel 1911 to carry concealed. The KimPro II black finish and "Carry Melt" machining makes this one fine looking firearm. The 4" bull barrel shoots more accurately than I ever will and with a few minor tweaks (recoil spring, new magazines) this weapon is perhaps the finest 1911 Kimber offers.
Well, I'm happy to say that two simple and inexpensive changes have completely fixed the failure to feed issue as you can see in my range log below:
Range Outing #3
Super Carry Pro HD / Wilson 47C-HV Mag / WWB 230 FMJ (Q4170)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
45) No failures
46) No failures
48) No failures
49) No failures
50) No failures
51) No failures
52) No failures
53) No failures
54) No failures
55) No failures
56) No failures
57) No failures
58) No failures
59) No failures
Super Carry Pro HD Reliability Modifications
I believe that all the failures to feed that experienced in my first two outings can be traced back to one simple design flaw; the Super Carry Pro HD simple operates too fast with the factory recoil spring and with standard magazine springs. Once I changed out the factory recoil spring for Wolff's Improved XP Recoil Spring and started using the Wilson Combat 7-Round, Heavy Duty Magazine (47C-HV) my FTF issues cleared up instantly.
Wolff Gunsprings
I now use Wolff's recoil springs in all my 1911s after several friends that shoot IDPA with me demonstrated how one pound of additional spring force could affect the "felt recoil" of any 1911. Once I installed the extra power recoil spring in my Super Carry Pro HD I immediately noticed the difference. I just wish Kimber would pay attention to little details like this.
Wolff Gunsprings - Improved XP Recoil Spring for Kimber Pro Models $7.89
Wilson Combat Magazines
I've always loved Wilson's 47D magazines and have found them to be far superior to Kimber's factory magazines and to their KimPro Tac-Mag with its Teflon coated follower. The nylon follower used by Wilson Combat is simply a much better design. I run Wilson's new Elite Tactical Magazine in my Custom II, Wilson's 47 OXC in my Ultra and now Wilsons 47C-HV in my Super Carry Pro HD. It's amazing how the little things make such a big difference.
Wilson Combat - 7-Round, Heavy Duty / +P Magazine (47C-HV) $37.95
Kimber Tactical Bump Grip Safety
I hate the standard (no bump) grip safety sold on 99% of all Kimber 1911s but love Kimber's Tactical Bump Grip Safety that they offer online. I've changed out the grip safety on three Kimber 1911's so far and just wish Kimber would bite the bullet and make this standard on all models.
Kimber - Tactical Bump Grip Safety $34.95
Kimber Night Sights w/ Cocking Shoulder
I applaud Kimber's decision to offer night sights with a cocking shoulder on the Super Carry Pro HD but the white paint job leaves a lot to be desired.
New ETC Grips
The bobtail on the Super Carry Pro HD requires a slightly different cut grip that a normal bobtail. Luckily, the folks at VZ Grips have already figured this out and will contour their grips to fit the Super Carry Pro HD at no additional cost. My favorite grip is the Elite Tactical Carry in Black Cherry and as you can see, it looks great on this firearm and fits perfectly.
Conclusions
The Super Carry Pro HD is a fine weapon for anyone that prefers an all-black, all steel 1911 to carry concealed. The KimPro II black finish and "Carry Melt" machining makes this one fine looking firearm. The 4" bull barrel shoots more accurately than I ever will and with a few minor tweaks (recoil spring, new magazines) this weapon is perhaps the finest 1911 Kimber offers.