Should I talk my son out of a 3" Ultra Raptor?

[submoashooter]

I absolutely love my Pro CDP II and trust it enough for everyday carry, but my son is dead set on the shorter barrel of a ultra Raptor! Is he making a mistake as to reliability? Are there any issues from those that own the shorter barreled Kimbers besides a shorter sight radius?

[SISKIMBER]

Stay away from those short barrels.....Heard nothing but problems with all these "tiny" aluminum frame weapons.

[Rick McC.]

I have an Ultra CDP II that's totally reliable; but it took a good bit of work to make it that way.

Others report no problems with the three inch models, but statistically; the shorter you go; the increased likelihood of functional issues.

My favorite carry 1911's are Commander sized (4 1/4") 1911's.

I believe that's the best blend of "carryability" and reliability.

Rick

[drb1515]

Not totally true, mine has had issues but nothing major. I like my 3" Ultra Covert, I carry it and prefer in over my M&P.
I do like full size guns for shooting, so it really depends on what your using the weapon for and how it feels in your hand. My 2 cents.

[Onegoodshot]

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=285247
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=270622


Kimber has figured out the Ultra pistols. Colts still have issues with the less than Commander size, but they are getting better too. Your son should decide for himself.
About 15% of owners have "issues" with Ultra size 1911's. That is same as the percentage of handgun owners that don't trust the 1911 type for personal defense.




Run you own poll

[Onegoodshot]

Originally Posted by SISKIMBER

Stay away from those short barrels.....Heard nothing but problems with all these "tiny" aluminum frame weapons.

[Monkeyshine]

Originally Posted by submoashooter

I absolutely love my Pro CDP II and trust it enough for everyday carry, but my son is dead set on the shorter barrel of a ultra Raptor! Is he making a mistake as to reliability? Are there any issues from those that own the shorter barreled Kimbers besides a shorter sight radius?

My ultra has been 100% reliable and totally accurate despite the shorter sight radius.

[smolck]

Originally Posted by submoashooter

I absolutely love my Pro CDP II and trust it enough for everyday carry, but my son is dead set on the shorter barrel of a ultra Raptor! Is he making a mistake as to reliability? Are there any issues from those that own the shorter barreled Kimbers besides a shorter sight radius?

Wonder if he'd take a look at the officer framed 4" barrel versions?

[Hoss648]

My CDP ultra is nothing but trouble still havent got it right, I would say stay away. My 4 inch pro carry is better. I wish I had never bought the cdp but I do love it carries really nice in a galco summer comfort holster. If i could just get it to run. It is out of warranty so I am out of pocket on everything. I am doing one more range run and if it still isnt working it goes on gun broker.

[OrlandoRealtor]

Ultra Stainless Raptor here, more than 1200 rounds shot, not a problem at all. I highly recommend one!

[supervel]

Never again.Have a 3.5",eats recoil springs,not reliable.Will try a CCO with 4.25" next time.

[USMC0321]

Mine seems to work just fine. Never had any issues.

Happy Shooting,

BDT

[UNBROKEN]

Over 2K rounds through my Ultra...flawless as can be and still on the original recoil springs even.

[submoashooter]

Thanks for the comments especially to "onegoodshot" for the links - I knew I'd get a few unfavorable responses, but that is true with all makes/models... I still think he will like anything he buys with Kimber, just hope he doesn't have any issues.

[fmpnd]

God I hope I don't jinx myself here, but I bought an Ultra CDP II last December and I've shot it at the range every week for 5 months and it's my EDC and I haven't had any issue that wasn't user error (every once in a while when I go to cock it and lock it at night when I'm trying not to wake my wife, I am a bit too gingerly with it and I 'limp-wrist" it and it fails to load - then I simply rack it correctly and all is good).

I do hate to see these threads where so many others report having issues/problems though because I am thinking of carrying my 4" Stainless Pro TLE II and letting my wife carry the Ultra CDP II, so I do not want to give her a gun that has a higher probability of failure.

Rick McC, if you don't mind me asking, what work did you do to your 3" Kimber to make it work the way you wanted?

Frank

[Sandhills Write]

I have five Ultras. All are super reliable. If he wants an Ultra, I say let him buy one.

[mountiangofer]

I have the ultra raptor II and no problems what so ever. Many rounds through and carries nice.

[Christo]

Originally Posted by SISKIMBER

Stay away from those short barrels.....Heard nothing but problems with all these "tiny" aluminum frame weapons.

Well said.
Get the Pro Raptor 4" barrel. Mine has been perfect from day one.

[Rick McC.]

fmpnd:

PM sent.

Rick

[MIST]

Ultra CDP II here. Another vote for totally flawless reliability and performance.

[OrlandoRealtor]

FYI Polls done on this forum

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthre...highlight=poll


http://forums.1911forum.com/showthre...highlight=poll


http://forums.1911forum.com/showthre...highlight=poll

Poll on all Kimber Reliability
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthre...highlight=poll

[john45]

I just picked up an Ultra TLE II last night. I have not shot it yet, took it home, field stripped it, cleaned and oiled it. Will shoot it tonight. If I didn't feel comfortable with one I would not have bought, it will be for summertime carry too.

[19112474me]

DO NOT TALK HIM OUT OF IT! i have one :-D and i love it.its my favorite gun! i've never had as single burpp with it. its amazing he and you will love it!

[Geared4me]

I have about 1000 rounds through my Ultra TLE II and it is very reliable and accurate. Mine has very tight tolerances and does like to be oiled, I learned this when I gave Frog Lube a try. With the Frog Lube it shot fine for fourty rounds but then I started getting some ftf problems. I stopped shooting and cleaned off the frog lube then oiled it back up with my usual M-Pro 7 and it has been back to flawless ever since.

[DArBad]

]

Originally Posted by submoashooter

I absolutely love my Pro CDP II and trust it enough for everyday carry, but my son is dead set on the shorter barrel of a ultra Raptor! Is he making a mistake as to reliability? Are there any issues from those that own the shorter barreled Kimbers besides a shorter sight radius?

Let that be your guide.