The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: patrick_ford on December 15, 2008, 08:31:55 PM
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Hey Guys,
I came into a little bit of money and it has made me re-think my gun buying schedule that I had enforced upon myself since getting out of college a couple years ago. I had always thought that when I get my 1911, it would have to be some landmark time like when I turn 40 or something. Well, it turns out that I actually could buy a 1911 a little ahead of schedule. :)
I have always had my eye on Kimbers over others, I have no working experience with many 1911s, but Kimber seems to be a good company. For my uses, I like the looks and the price of the Custom II, definitely with night sights and a set of walnut grips. Rails and ambidextrous controls don’t seem that necessary to me for this particular gun.
It would probably be a nightstand gun as well as a winter carry gun.
Can anyone tell me why or why shouldn't I consider this gun to be my next? Are there any others that look this good and are in the price range that could be considered better?
Thanks,
Patrick
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kimbres are good quality guns, any way you go... i prefer the pro carry myself but thats just me. i am a bigger fan of the springfield 1911 but personal preference. the kimber is high quality, standard round for a .45 1911, last a life time and then some... i dont think you could go wrong with it. if you have the money i would suggest night sights if its gonna be a nightstand gun, keep a tactical light around as well, spare mag's are good ideas too. but other people have more experience with 1911 than me. i read about em is all. got one of my own, but hardly touch it.
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Patrick,
I bought my first 1911 this summer, a KIMBER CUSTOM II!!! It's a very solid 1911 and I am very happy with it. Got one with nite sights, but no rail. ENJOY! I've only run factory ammo through it to date with no malfunctions. ;D
-Tex
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New member here . I've had a Custom 11 for several years and it shoots great ,never had any problems with it. Have fired 1" group from a casual rest at 50 ft. before . Consistent 2" groups the norm at 50'. Using 230 JHP. Umc 100 rd. from Wally. ;D
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Sounds like you're on the right track. I think everyone needs at least one good 1911. I personally do not own a Kimber, but would like to, as many here speak good things about them. I do own Colts, Springfield, and had a Rock Island. They are all good guns too and would serve you well. Any good quality 1911 will last a lifetime +.
Good luck.
Also, welcome to the newbies. ;)
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Peg there you go giving the better half ammo. to limit the inventory. ;D ;D ;D ;D 8)
Sounds like you're on the right track. I think everyone needs at least one good 1911. I personally do not own a Kimber, but would like to, as many here speak good things about them. I do own Colts, Springfield, and had a Rock Island. They are all good guns too and would serve you well. Any good quality 1911 will last a lifetime +.
Good luck.
Also, welcome to the newbies. ;)
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Peg there you go giving the better half ammo. to limit the inventory. ;D ;D ;D ;D 8)
Sorry. :o
Maybe I should have said "At least one of EACH BRAND of 1911".....that better? :D
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+10
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Good 1911's are like Lay's potato chips.
Post pics, and good shooting.
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I have had Kimbers for many years. I have a Gold Match full size and two lightweight compacts. A custom and a CDP with the meltdown treatment.
The custom was the least expensive and the best bargain. Darn thing shoots almost as good as the $1200 Gold Match.
Total reliability and stellar accuracy has been my experience.
The only downside is that a 1911 takes a bit more work to take apart for cleaning. but they will operate well for a long time before they require a tear-down, if you are unable to follow normal maintenance schedules.
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Patrick, I think you will be happy with the Kimber. I got this Target II a couple weeks ago with shooting Single Stack for USPSA this year. Added a Dawson Precision fiber optic front sight and a Smith and Alexander steel mainspring housing with magwell, to make it a bit more shootable.
I love walnut on stainless, but a dark gun loves lighter stocks. These are some maple burl I whipped out in about 6 hours. May consider learning how to checker at some point but I like them as is for now.
Have fun!! Some porn...
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f14/swoodward1013/kimberuspsa003.jpg)
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f14/swoodward1013/kimberuspsa001.jpg)
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f14/swoodward1013/kimberuspsa004.jpg)
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f14/swoodward1013/kimberuspsa002.jpg)
Addict ;D
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Looking good, addict. I was going to ask if that was maple. Now I don't have to.
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Patrick, I think you will be happy with the Kimber. I got this Target II a couple weeks ago with shooting Single Stack for USPSA this year. Added a Dawson Precision fiber optic front sight and a Smith and Alexander steel mainspring housing with magwell, to make it a bit more shootable.
I love walnut on stainless, but a dark gun loves lighter stocks. These are some maple burl I whipped out in about 6 hours. May consider learning how to checker at some point but I like them as is for now.
Have fun!! Some porn...
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f14/swoodward1013/kimberuspsa003.jpg)
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f14/swoodward1013/kimberuspsa001.jpg)
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f14/swoodward1013/kimberuspsa004.jpg)
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f14/swoodward1013/kimberuspsa002.jpg)
Addict ;D
Don't practice checkering on "nice" wood, you will hate yourself if you mess up a nicely figured peice. The smooth ones came out nice.
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Very nice work, Addict. I'm looking for 'the right' chunk of maple for a set myself.
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Go for the Kimber! I'm not a huge 1911 fan. However, someday when I can afford one I think I will buy a Kimber. Out of all the 1911's I've seen and shot.. the Kimbers always got my attention. They are smooth man.. smooth.. 8)
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I am also a newbe here. Hi I think you should get your Kimber. I would like one but I just like to buy too much ammo for my other guns to go shooting and I made the choice to get a Llama instead. I also got a sholder holster to carry it in. That works better for me since I am in a wheelchair. I am also buying a WW2 Arginteinein Colt .45 that they made w.o. a grip safety at all. Any 1911 .45 Colt or viriety that you take basic care of will outlast us all and be enjoyed by us and our kids and in my case my grandkids who are now asking me "Grandpa take us out with you will ya".
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I just got my first 1911, a Kimber Stainless Raptor II. I got it because I thought the Kimber was the best value for the money (with a really nice trigger and barrel, not to mention their beautiful stainless finish).
Like with anything else, if you can rent one or borrow one to check it out first, it's a good idea. What one person loves, you may not like at all.
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Gentlemen,
I would like for you all to meet a new friend of mine. I apologize for the delay, but I was waiting for the grips to arrive before I posted anything. Meet my Kimber TLE II:
(http://home.roadrunner.com/~patrickford/kimber03.jpg)
This is the best shooting gun I have ever owned. It has also brought my wife around to wanting a 1911 of her own. :)
Thank you for all the advice,
Patrick
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Sweeeeet!!!!! ;D
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Very nice Patrick, very nice. I think my next 1911 will probably be a Kimber......someday. ;)
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Looks great Patrick! How about a range report?
Addict
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I have put about 600 rounds through my Kimber since I picked it up just before Christmas. It has digested everything from Blazer, Remington, Winchester, Black Hills, 185-230gr HPs, RNs and +Ps to boot. She really likes 5.0gr of Bullseye under a 230gr Rainer RN. I think I'll give some Oregon Trail 230gr RN lead bullets a try.
I can routinely break clay targets (stationary of course) at 30-40 yards. I hope that my .44 special Blackhawk will perform as good. I might have to start taking my 1911 with me hunting... :)
Thanks for everything guys,
Patrick
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Addict, you wouldn't want to ruin a beautiful set of grips with checkering, would you?
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I have put about 600 rounds through my Kimber since I picked it up just before Christmas. It has digested everything from Blazer, Remington, Winchester, Black Hills, 185-230gr HPs, RNs and +Ps to boot. She really likes 5.0gr of Bullseye under a 230gr Rainer RN. I think I'll give some Oregon Trail 230gr RN lead bullets a try.
I can routinely break clay targets (stationary of course) at 30-40 yards. I hope that my .44 special Blackhawk will perform as good. I might have to start taking my 1911 with me hunting... :)
Thanks for everything guys,
Patrick
I have an old Colt Series 70 Gov't Model that I built up many moons ago that really loves that same load of 5.0gr of Bullseye under a 230 gr RNL. If I do my part it'll make one ragged hole in a target.
Happy Shooting.
8)
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I have had mine for a few years and it is one of the most accurate and reliable 1911s I have fired right out of the box. I have to say it is a very good value also compared to a lot of other 1911s.
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Very nice lookin' piece, devzal. I like the grips, also.
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Thanks PegLeg45, the grips are made out of holly and look better than in the picture.