Kimber 1911's are bad?

[@culversofgallatin3933]

If you’re trading a gun in to a dealer, you were getting screwed worse than a car lot

[@johnnywhite468]

I've had the same problem with my kimber over and over, I keep shooting it until all my ammo is gone.

[@bermo61]

What barrel length do you have?

[@acoow]

That dealer must be reading too many KZbin comments.

[@amclean1948]

Your local gun guy is full of you know what, a Kimber is a darn good gun .

[@totaldla]

That so-called dealer wasn't too sharp.

[@davidinghram2494]

That guy doesn`t know the business. Running off customers is a recipe for fail. Find another guy.

[@ericschneider7294]

No matter what it is, I've decided in life to be a "end user". No resale or trade. It all dies with me lol!

[@George-qx2yq]

@David Chatterton same here, I see guys buying and flipping stuff like the very next day after buying it and that could never be me lol

[@danielschroeder2390]

Kimber makes a good gun. Love mine Find new gun shop

[@normandegeorge6526]

Yep ! I always get the raw end of the deal anyway.

[@chriskidder8771]

Says the guy with a liberty safe.

[@EliteManMonkey]

Based

[@ms.annthrope415]

Some people swear by them, some people swear at them. Thats the definition of low quality control. Inability to make the same thing at exactly the same way repeatedly.

[@joelee5067]

My Kimbers are bad ass! They go boom when I pull the trigger and never go boom when I don't. They are extremely accurate and I'll buy more!

[@sttvoyager1727]

I've owned many 1911's including multiple Kimbers (at least 15). I've NEVER EVER owned one that didn't run like a sewing machine. I'm certain there are some people that have had bad Kimber's. I can tell you from personal experience that I have had to send Wilson Combat 1911's back to the factory because they didn't run right out of the box. I'm not stating they are the same, but if you bought that 1911 from that shop owner and he didn't give you decent market value, I would stop buying from him and just start using gunbroker.

[@andreawhalen4142]

Newer kimber isn't your daddy's kimber from what i'm hearing, especially when close friends have sent them back for issues and got jerked around so much they just sold em when they got them back. I think modern QC about everywhere is getting worse, not picking on kimber i just see alot less truly good customer service anymore from companies that used to be rocks. I couldn't believe what has come of Remington guns for example, it's flat depressing to see what subsequent generations do to companies. It is the higher volume of lemons out there that points to the issue, and i mean from stihl to toyota to big storied history firearms companies. Years ago you could have dropped a savage rifle off a cliff and they would have fixed or replaced it and sent you a gift for example, drop that same savage rifle today bro.

[@RickyJr46]

Andrea, my new Ultra CDP II had to go back to Kimber after repeatedly locking up during its first range session. Kimber turned it around in two days (!) and it's working like a charm since then. I would honestly give them an A+ for service - not only for correcting the problem, but getting it back to me far quicker than the original two to four week estimate.

[@bermo61]

My guess is that the store owner was getting short barreled 1911 Kimbers returned. Those pistols are problematic especially with Kimbers very tight tolerances. But 4.25-5” models should run great as your experiences show.

[@isaack5601]

​@@andreawhalen4142My kimber micro 9 purchased in 2023 is a great micro 1911.

[@larryholdercoolsolutionsllc]

Never had an issue with my kimbers

[@Rob-xj3xh]

My dealer will not even put them in his showcase.

[@isaack5601]

​@@Rob-xj3xh Lol, seems like a bit of a hard head. My micro 9 is great and serves its purpose enough to make that seem a bit ridiculous

[@stevenm4743]

I love my Kimber, its beutiful, accurate, and has been 100% reliable.

[@JustMe-ku6rk]

I have three Kimbers and have never had a problem with a single one. Not even a jam of any kind.

[@danmarcell3167]

I've got a Custom II and it eats more expensive 1911s

[@danmarcell3167]

@shade231 I've never had a problem and you should contact Kimber

[@conduit242]

Yep, literally thousands of rounds through mine and zero problems. Half ass gun shop.

[@FernandoGarcia-qe3oc]

Steven M I have 2 Kimber and have had no problems.

[@jimmycapps7263]

I bought my Kimber in 2011 and carry almost every day and she hasn't missed a beat...

[@tomgoodwin9161]

I have a Kimber. One of my oldest and dearest friends has one that he loves and I jhave shot it myself and it seems to be one I could live with. So I bought a brand new Kimber lightweight frame .45caliber "NIGHT PATROL" pistol. Took it out to test fire and right off, it would not chamber Winchester white-box hardball ammo. Tried numerous times, no luck. I suspected the extractor. Feeling like a jerk; there I was, standing in knee deep snow like a big dumb buffalo with an $800.00 pistol that won't work from BRAND NEW. Repaired to the shop. Pull the extractor and I find it is a 9MM Luger extractor. I had handy a series 70 Colt Government model I have owned for 32 years that has never malfunctioned. I borrow the extractor, install it into the Kimber slide and the gun starts to run. Three magazines later I go inside, field strip it and I see that after 22 rounds the POT METAL FRAME has three spots worn through the finish (probably spray paint) and looks like shit. I call the Kimber company and talk to some young woman who swears that every gun that leaves the factory is test fired. EVEN WITH A 9MM EXTRACTOR, which will not work. Then she tries to tell me how the thing works and how to disassemble it. I have been using a 1911 since I was shooting at folks in Vietnam in 1966. There was no offer of a new extractor, no offer to send the pistol in for repair, nothing. Just a lecture from a youngster the age of my grand daughter. I sent them a standard form business letter which was not answered. I will just replace the frame with a new aftermarket alloy frame and take the loss. You want a KIMBER? Hell, it's your money.

[@mooregood2009]

I had sent my Kimber TLE 11- RL, into the manufacture for some modification. They took care of me with a quick turn around. When the gun came back, I had a custom trigger job done. Wow !! This gun is super smooth and highly accurate. I'm super happy with mine.

[@ferretwithagun9886]

Trade him Taurus G2’s for all his kimbers . They sale like hot cakes. He’s probably the guy who had a kimber solo and tried to run 115 grain ammo in it without reading the manual. Now all limbers are bad to him.

[@DavidV4444]

Avoid that dealer - I own 3 Wilson’s and 2 Dan Wesson’s and my Kimbers are Just fine’

[@goldenbanjo197]

I just got a Dan Wesson 1911 custom commander bobtail. First gen.

[@spiderflytying4921]

@@donovanchilton5817 I'm puzzled by the MIM parts sentiment thru various posts. MIM parts are used in the aerospace industry and many are classified. Hard to believe they would use an inferior product.

[@122razer]

The dealer would say to high end guns wilson and dan wesson could not give high trade in value for them unless you are trading it for say machine gun.

[@toddbray8756]

It depends on the stresses on the part. And Kimber was using MIM parts when the technology was new and wasn’t good.

[@mikeprice3705]

​@@toddbray8756That would be tough since MIM technology has been widely used since the 1920s and Kimber wasn't founded until 1979. MIM parts have been widely used and found to be as strong and reliable as forged or machined parts in many industries - including the firearms industry - since long before Kimber was founded. Virtually every firearms manufacturer uses MIM parts. There's nothing whatever wrong with them. Commercial aircraft have been loaded with critical MIM parts for decades.

[@maxstatic]

You need a different dealer

[@MountainManKnives64]

As with most gun shops, the guns they have for sale are a great deal and yours are junk. He lost a sale, you saved money.

[@christinaandjeremycollins2347]

I recently bought a kimber pro carry II and it's an amazing piece of equipment! The magazine's suck so anyone who buys one, I would recommend picking up some wilson combat magazines for it. Other than that kimber really upgraded their firearm where the old issues of 1911s are no longer issues.

[@paulsimmons5726]

Kimber is one of the top selling 1911 guns on the market, they wouldn't be able to sell that many units if their firearms were basement quality. My wife owns an Ultra Carry and a Solo, both guns shoot any ammo loaded, enough said. Neither pistol has ever given any problems.

[@andog6092]

Yeah bro your out if your mind. The Ford focus was one shitty car. Yet there are tons sold

[@ms.annthrope415]

They make lots of pretty guns, pink, blue, purple, rose gold, etc. Blingy goods that is eye catching. They also promote the Kimber Custom myth as they don't have a custom shop or produce guns made at custom fitted level. They also get lots of good advertising.

[@theoneandonlybumpus2862]

@Dale Ross … and your mom. 😂

[@DrivenA111]

@@andog6092That’s because it’s cheap. Kimber is expensive.

[@Iceaxehikes]

I had a gun store employee yell "Colt sucks" so everyone in the store could hear it. They are people with opinions. Should they voice them loudly.. probably not. Of course the owner of the store has every right to refuse to purchase any firearm same as a customer can refuse to buy. There is so much hot air in the gun community.

[@alcherry8494]

I own a newer production Custom II and have to say it is impressive , the fit/finish is excellent and has a great trigger. Most importantly it functions 100% and is my most accurate .45acp to date (have and have had many). I'm no fanboy of any one manufacturer and this is my only Kimber to date ( generally when carrying it is a compact version of the M&P series )but consider this 1911 to be well worth the money, LOOKS GREAT! SHOOTS GREAT!

[@90W7]

Al Cherry I have a eclipse custom II myself, zero issues and a beautiful quality handgun.

[@robertburrell3645]

Al Cherry

[@everettwilliams31]

My custom 2 is 100% also, my pro carry will not run any JHP without gigging into the ramp, so I run the Ruger ARX & it's 100%, it loves the stuff.

[@everettwilliams31]

But I'm not gonna trade, like the guns so they got a home, Ive found Im never satisfied no matter what, so it a vicious cycle if you let it be, and costly.

[@joshuas6015]

I have a RIA 1911 pattern in .40 that shoots whatever I point it at. Love it because I have a few thousand rounds of .40 on hand at any given time as compared to .45 which I don't have any. Had a double stack one in 9mm/22 TCM that shot just as well, but traded it because I just didn't take it out much. I am now the proud owner of a semi-auto .308 with a lifetime warranty and a 1 MOA guarantee. Everyone and their brother is trying to capitalize on the 1911 market right now, so prices are down. This is the time to get a 1911 for value later on once the 10mm 1911 phase passes or trade now before prices dip further if you can't wait.

[@glennsparks919]

"Sorry Matt, I don't sell Kimber." ". . . . But let's talk about this here's hi point carbine awesomeness on the wall. Lemme tell you somethin' about Hi-Point."

[@Sir-Hash-A-Lot]

Best comment on here lol

[@boblees1216]

That’s funny I’ve got a hi point hand gun and a hi point rifle I throw them in my tackle box when we go fishing. And they always shoot might be ugly but I’ll put them up against any gun out the lol

[@glennsparks919]

@@boblees1216 I ain't putting a Hi-Point in my would be survival, camping scenario by any means lol, but hey "Don't fix what's not broken." You feel like it can stand the test of time by all means, run it.

[@targetaps]

That's what my dealer turned in to. All he sells is plastic now. 😔

[@eastkyhunter6294]

Prolly find another gun store and don't buy nothing there again

[@ajacks8007]

Your gun shop is a joke

[@zarinkai2927]

Here in Colorado, most gun shops in my area dont have Kimbers on the shelf . They all tell me they're terrible. This belief is widespread for a reason.

[@FernandoGarcia-qe3oc]

Ajacks80 I agree with you. That gun shop is all about them.

[@trevorbraden5448]

@LazerDog Laz shoot mine every weekend for years never had one problem......

[@Sir-Hash-A-Lot]

@@zarinkai2927 those people are just biased

[@Sir-Hash-A-Lot]

@LazerDog Laz you just suck

[@Kalroy]

I've got a Kimber Custom II. Never had a problem with it. Between my Sig, M&P, and Glock it is my favorite range gun. It's my second choice for carry (the Glock is my first) because I'm fat and it's not.

[@glennhowse3312]

That gun shop will go out of business. I've had 3 Kimbers, all were great.....

[@benbarry1330]

Glenn Howse no Kimber is not popular & doesn’t sell fast

[@benbarry1330]

Glenn Howse that gun shop is going great if it sells m&p & glock they’ll do a trade in for those

[@Testimentsnow]

@@benbarry1330 hey buddy every comment on here would say your wrong and full of shit

[@JD-tn5lz]

I've had two Kimbers. Got rid of them. Unreliable to almost the point of being operator dangerous. Poor machining compared to DW or even Colt.

[@philboom9136]

Damn, if I would have witnessed it, I would have bought your kimber right then and there in front of the dealers face. Kimber's my favorite. LOVE my Kimber warrior.

[@bermo61]

If I had been there we could have had a bidding war for it. Bet that would really show the store owner, he screwed up! Lol.

[@a1nelson]

Same

[@GSUnit21]

Do you still feel the same about your Kimber Warrior? I literally am about to pick one up. I know they’re pretty scarce, would love to hear your thoughts after owning one for so long? Should I jump on it??

[@jeffschall3784]

I've had pretty much all 1911 brands and the one i prefer is my kimber, the others i had are now gone and i have no regrets and im about to buy another kimber in my opinion they are the best and their customer service is the best.

[@andreawhalen4142]

You got lucky, i can introduce you to more than one that are now kimber haters.

[@camachopocket2933]

My kimber’s been a complete diamond I mean solid, great looking, always gets attention at the ranges, and smooth as a Cadillac. I hope you haven’t been back to that dealer again. Salute take care...

[@roberthall2539]

Hope that shop went out of business..

[@commonsenseintellectual5769]

Bought a kimber 1911 .45 after testing out multiple brands. My grouping is sick at 30 feet compared to other guns that I fired both 9s and 45s. This thing is a beast.

[@timhallas4275]

A couple years ago I figured out that my S&W model 19 .357 magnum revolver was something my wife and children would never use, and so I decided to trade it in. I had been looking at some 9mm and .380 pistols that my wife would be far more likely to practice with and use in self defense. My local gun shop refused to accept this collectable gun in a 1 to 1 trade for a used Bersa pistol that he had priced at $325, figuring he could easily get $400 for the revolver. He offered to sell me the Bersa for my gun plus $100. I said, " I can't believe that you think that used Bersa is worth more than a S&W model 19." As I was putting the gun back in the box to leave with it, he offered to sell it for me for a 10% commission fee. I said "That might work. He asked me how much I want to sell it for.... I said $400. He called me the next day, 10 AM... "Your gun sold for $400." I picked up my money (less 10%) and he asked me if I still want the Bursa?" I looked him right in the eye and said, "I'll give you $250 for it." That was my victory dance.

[@Catgat37]

You should have priced it higher.

[@timhallas4275]

@@Catgat37 $400 is the average price for S&W model 19.

[@Catgat37]

@@timhallas4275 I guess it depends on the exact model. But they selling for quite a bit higher on gunbroker.

[@timhallas4275]

@@Catgat37 That's where I got the $400 price from. There was one at $600, but it was in absolute mint condition and had original wood grips. Mine had worn finish and replacement grips.

[@bullgravy6906]

Imagine if you'd sold it this year instead. the P&R model 19s are going for $1000+

[@kennethrosenberg3873]

If my own local shop is typical, the higher end guns don't move as rapidly, which means the dealer would be tying up his money for longer than he wants. I do not trade in anymore. I list on Gunbroker and use the $$ from the transaction towards my next firearm.

[@kenbrown1847]

The only problem I've had in close to thirty years with either of my Kimber's (3) was the factory mags. Use Wilson mags and you're good to go . I think it's the guys selling their 1911s for 3k and up who are bashing the more affordable competition.

[@davegutenech7188]

I won't ever get rid of my Kimber, or Colt.

[@fuzzypaws17]

I have a number of Kimbers and what I found was they ship it with the worst mags. After I got the top of the line mag never had another problem.

[@BC-Hates.blacks]

I agree the 8 round factory mags have flaws. Got myself cobra mags by Tripp Research & never had any problems.

[@mikesowder2597]

Para single stacks work well for me

[@djmysticalone321]

Yes there mags are crap I run Wilson Combat

[@FernandoGarcia-qe3oc]

fuzzypaws17 I hear you. There mags are ok but by no means great. I bought Wilson, Cobra mags all are excellent never had anther problem with Kimber. Excellent pistols.

[@travisodr6393]

Bought my Kimber Custom II a year or so ago. About 800 rds through it both with stock mags and Wilsons. From reloads to hollow points and no issues to date.

[@lalbright4473]

No problems ever with my Kimber TLE Ultra II. Everybody has an opinion, just like a butt hole.

[@mountainman.4478]

I have 4 kimber 1911s and 2 colt 1911s. All have had around 3000 rounds through them. Their nail drivers. Awesome weapons.

[@jim-rb3sn]

WOW! Very proud owner of my Pro TLE/RLII and I have sent it back to Kimber and they are amazing to work with! What all guns should be right! Let me guess he loves Hi-Point!

[@kimberboucher4680]

My name is kimber I’m named after this gun I’d say I’m pretty good

[@joejones6968]

I have a Kimber 1911 .45 Eclispe, and Im very Happy with it, It was very expensive, but Kimbers are badass!!! Keep your Kimber. Trade your Glocks, S&W, Or Sig's, Even Ruger. But Keep Your Kimber!!

[@mikebelcher6692]

Eclipse r beautiful

[@vincealince_SRT]

Lol go to a real gun shop!

[@markh.2899]

Indeed!

[@benbarry1330]

VinceALinceAble SRT that is a real gun shop those guns won’t sell fast obviously I wouldn’t do a trade in either you got a Glock or m&p perfect those will sell fast & I’ll double my money fast you do know a gun shop is a business right ?

[@scotty815]

that gun dealer a bozo

[@p.l.fanning3447]

Just bought a Kimber Ultra Carry ll (matte black). Beautiful Yonkers, New York made weapon. Reliable, accurate, compact & powerful. Never had an issue... Lasting love. 🤷‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️ 🔫😎

[@hasgunwilltravel6840]

If it was made in 2019 it was made in Troy. Frame was made in New York. Also I would have handled your gun in the plant.

[@ebayseller37922]

I had one that would FTF but after I adjusted the extractor and lightened the spring, worked great.

[@anthonybruno4424]

I have two kimber’s , a two tone custom ll .45 and a stainless micro 9 and both guns have been absolutely flawless now for well over 3000 rds each in fact I just ordered replacement recoil springs for both guns yesterday because I feel it’s getting to be time to replace before I start having issues. I also have had zero issue with the factory magazine that cane with each gun, I had heard the factory mags with the 1911 was a source of issue and so far has not been the case with mine. I have to admit that I was affected by the internet kimber bashing before I owned either, I have colts and Springfield 1911’s but always steered away from kimber, then I won the two tone custom II at a gun bash awhile back and once I had it in my hand and started looking closely at it I saw that fit and finish was very very nice and so I started shooting it and have had zero issues, my dad bought a micro 9 and after shooting his I became a fan and went and bought one and have also been very pleased with it. The haters talk out of the butts a lot of times I believe, same with palmetto state armory haters, I’ve got 4 palmetto rifles and have had zero issues with them as well, it’s all about knowing what makes a gun good or bad and realistic comparison between price points and features and what those features actually get you in the end.

[@brucebangeman8627]

I too have had no problems, I have a stainless II, target II, camp guard, two in .45 acp, one in 10MM, they all run great, a friend that totally believe in rock island armory, talked me into getting one , so I bought a 750.00 target version, first thing I did was call my gun smith to have him look at it, could not in anyway cock, slide was locked up, after 4- hours of honing, working slide, and 100.00 later, I can at least shoot it, I hope in time it works out the bugs, because it is very accurate, so I guess what I’m saying some days peanuts, some day shells. Nobody is perfect, but a bit more QC, might be nice.

[@Kornholeeoo]

You're gonna find people like that. I've owned at least 8 Kimber 1911s over the years. I've owned the 5", the 4" and now the 3" models. Never had one issue or malfunction with any of them. I currently own a Colt which I've worked on so much to get it to shoot reliably that it is now just a truck gun. It stays in the truck while I'm out and about. I don't leave it in the truck at night, but it is usually in there if I'm in it. But the Kimber is on my hip. Now it goes without saying that I only use Wilson Combat magazines in all my 1911s. Duh. But there are just people out there that have caused so much hate over the Kimbers that people believe it now. Sure there are going to be some bad guns in a batch from time to time, but I've had more trouble with S&W and Colts that my personal carry choice has been a Kimber for the past 10+ years. Now the micro guns and that Solo they made, wouldn't touch them ever again. Won't buy one for my loved ones either. But the true 1911 Kimber guns I've owned and shot were, and are, extremely reliable and all have been tested and shot numerous times without a single failure. That is a statement there, to me at least. I will say that now, I only buy the Custom Shop models. I've had a few assembly line models in the past, but in my research on the Custom Shop models, I was told by Kimber, years ago, that the Custom Shop guns are not assembly line guns. Each gun is fitted and put together by one person to it's completion. I'm assuming that is still the process today as I just bought 3 of them not long ago and I've shot them all and they are flawless in function and fit. I did get a great deal on a used Kimber once. Dude said it stove piped so much that he just wanted to get rid of it. I bought it, took it to the range, tossed the Kimber magazine in the garbage can and used Wilson Combat magazines in it, and never had one stove pipe malfunction in over 10,000 rounds. I change out the recoil springs every 1,000 to 1,500 rounds on most of my guns but that particular gun, never changed anything on it. Just shot the crap out of it until I sold it. Just as I bought it. Made a profit on it too. Never a malfunction and that gun was not a Custom Shop gun. So are Kimber guns the best on the market? Not my call. But I like them. And I always tell people, pick a gun you like, one you can shoot well with and hit what you intend to hit. Then get you some high-quality personal defense rounds and have a nice day.

[@Kornholeeoo]

Won Honglo Sorry for the late reply. Just saw this. The CDP II is great. The Raptors are great. I like the Master carry guns too but I’m not sure they are custom shop guns now. Just have to check the website. I’ve had 2 CDP II guns. One 4 inch and one a 3 inch and those are the best shooting guns I’ve ever shot. Period! I’ve shot high dollar guns but none performed any better than the CDPs. I do like my Raptor ultra, but the CDP shot straighter out the box. Still does.

[@Kornholeeoo]

Won Honglo I have the blued seracoated Raptor and I love it. But being honest the CDP shot better. First mag at 10 yards had all bullet holes touching. I’m an ok shot, but that was a record for me. My raptor shoots almost an inch to the left at 50 yards. But at 10 yards it’s good too. But I still haven’t gotten 7 shots touching like with the CDP. The CDP is still on target at 50 yards. Now that’s a long shot with a 3” barrel. But I love the way the raptor feels with the scale type cut on the grips. Plus it looks cooler.

[@danhantheman]

i find that very hard to believe. 8 models and not a single malfunction is rare even for a wilson combat 1911 or a glock. i think you're just over exaggerating and hyping them up

[@jamessimons7190]

Need a different gun shop. Love my Kimbers.. No problems at all

[@petergozinya6122]

2:24.....................when you said "I had one of my daughters with me" .................I was half expecting you to offer her for trade.

[@gradygilchrist4923]

Peter Gozinya ROFL

[@DRock6906]

LMAO!!!!!!

[@caspere.8461]

LOL.....I have a Kimber 1911 target,and Colt commander both chambered in 45.. Kimber wins.

[@bboy7423]

😂😂

[@brettcalkins4929]

Love my kimber. That gun store guy sounds like a yahoo

[@mclifer]

When I bought my Kimber Classic .45 I knew I would keep it for life.

[@crossfitfortuna]

I have an eclipse pro carry II that I bought in 2013 new. After a few teething issues when it was new, the gun runs like a dream. I heard the newer ones built in New York were not good. Now that Kimber has moved to Alabama and has new machinery the guns are back to being top notch.

[@TheUnDisputedDoc.G]

I thought my Kimber 1911 LW was bad but you have to remember to clean & lubricate it every 200 to 300 rounds & it works fine.

[@tileman1814]

You need to find another gun shop. I deal with several gun shops here in Montana and they will go way out of their way to make a sale!! Trades are always welcome!!

[@DavidV4444]

Any dealer that opinionated I would avoid. Go to another brick and mortar and never look back.

[@wipatriot510]

Hear, hear...

[@ricpope4630]

We have a great one in Portland. The Gun Room is run by this crusty old bastard who will tell you things like; "Taurus is crap I won't sell it.", "The only 1911 worth getting is a Colt." and "Glocks aren't safe, for defense you need a Colt." Then this guy pulls out a book of pics of gnarled hands and exploded guns. It's a shit show. I recommend a visit. In the right context it's a good laugh.

[@michaelkeryger141]

Sounds like a glock dealer lol

[@brotherhood92PA]

My local gun store was having a fire sale on kimbers for the week. Just bought one and love it. I’ve been wanting one for a long time and finally got one. In my opinion the best brands of handguns out there are Kimber, Smith & Wesson, Springfield armory, and Glock 🤓. And yes I have each one of those brands in my home

[@bermo61]

I had a Springfield loaded operator pistol some years back and to this day, it is the best shooting pistol I have ever owned. My groups were one ragged hole. The range guys looked at my target and I told them, I am not that good. My gun is just idiot proof, I think. I would not hesitate to own a Kimber. I wish they had Kimber fire sales around me!

[@lionelmyers5511]

I Purchased a Kimber Custom II .45 ACP earlier this year (June 2021). It's my second 1911. I've got about 500 rounds through it so far and not a single fault yet.

[@markharris4260]

Kimber makes excellent guns , their 1911 model is flawless and beautiful and if you wanna pay $530 for a new Glock 43 X or a little more gets you a Kimber and you have to decide which one do you get after holding both of them in your hand , then you need an old used .38 caliber revolver to start with ! Don't get me wrong the Glock 43 X feels great in your hand and it's a Glock but a Kimber feels good and it's way smoother

[@Venom742000]

My Kimber Custom 11 is very accurate and had no issues. Only complaint is the magazine it came with, junk! Purchased a few Wilson Combats and it's flawless.

[@gafan-mi8mc]

Johnny F I did the same and actually still use the factory mag as well so here’s hoping they fixed them

[@Vetterwood]

Find another gun shop, my Kimber 1911 is the best

[@jeffhartmann3883]

everyone's got an opinion, my Kimber 1911 is the most reliable and accurate pistol I own, and I've got a bunch. Well made and just a pleasure to look at too.

[@mikebelcher6692]

Jeff Hartmann amen brother

[@bosco358]

I own a Kimber Ultra Carry 2 with the 3 inch barrel and I love it , it shoots awesome and accurately so I don't know whats the problem with the gun shop but he should have at least made you an offer even if it was a lowball offer .

[@a1nelson]

I continue to be impressed with my Ultra II. I have three high-quality 5” 1911’s, both 9mm and 45, that “should” easily leave the 3” Kimber in the dust … but they simply don’t. Shot groups with the Ultra II are always super tight. I don’t know what kind of black magic they used while designing and building the Ultra II, but it clearly worked.

[@robsjoberg5974]

We had a local reloading shop that's out of business now. Every time I mentioned Kimber rifles the owner would go through a litany of their faults, which irritated me because I had a Kimber 84M in 308 that I was breaking in and trying to find a load for hunting season. It didn't shoot every factory load well, but functionally it was fine. Finally I found it shot Black Hills 180gr Accubond load sub MOA, the same for the Nosler 165gr Accubond load. I took two mullies with it that year. Now I handload the 178gr Hornady ELD-X with sub MOA results. The construction of the rifle, the fit and finish of the wood and metal are just exquisite.

[@evilcowboy]

Anyone who looks at a Kimber 1911 and says they are bad and they have nothing but problems just don't know how to tune the extractor. The 1911's design has been proven and is a great pistol they are not the best as no pistol will ever be the best because every review of them is subject to the users experience with them. That is why debates get started over AK vs AR, 1911 vs Glock, Ford vs Chevy, Duramax vs Powerstroke, etc etc. Just because he said the Kimber has problems does not make it true and the thousands of people who own them disagree with him. I once had a gun shop and a online store of AR-15 parts kits tell a friend of mine that some AR-15's do not have the ability to hold the bolt open. They said there are some specifically design to not have that feature. Eugene Stoner designed the gun to have that feature and is on all the AR-15's I have ever seen. Honestly their statement stemmed on the fact the gas block sold to my friend was done by the local shop so he just didn't want to admit a 10 dollar gas block is a no go. The online store just said it because they didn't want to have to have the upper sent back and send out another one. The point being that anyone will say anything to feed their opinion or what they believe to be fact. Sounds like you should go to another gun store and forget that one because he sounds like he does not know his ass from a tulip and there is no way in hell I will believe Kimber 1911's are bad. They put enough care into a quality product and is not the same as buying a 1911 off a buddy for 300 bucks.

[@deank5649]

They use to put care and quality into their product Kimber has NOT been the same since mid 2000s. I will give them credit that their product has begun to regain form over the last year or so. For the average shooter Kimbers are ok guns for guys like myself who shoot 60K rounds (55k 9mm, 5k 45acp) a year through my 1911s, Kimbers are absolute garbage. As an armorer and builder i can repair them but the fact I've never had one live past 12K before a major parts breakage is a problem.

[@sg696]

I have learned that every time I have traded in a gun, I have eventually regretted it. I know we aren’t all made of money, but if there is something I want now, I wait until I can buy it without a trade. If I absolutely don’t like a gun, I would consider selling it, but if it runs and I enjoy it, I keep it. It costs much less than having to buy it again.

[@dhmig88]

I own a early model Kimber 1911 that I purchased in 1999, it shoots flawlessly and is very accurate. Maybe the later models went downhill and understand some are overpriced but I love my pistol. Any thoughts?

[@edwardnelson3304]

Have a Super Carry Kimber from their Custom Shop and it runs flawless but I use the good ammo. My only complaint is the Stainless steel barrel is very loud compared to the Glock Steal barrel. Out hunting hearing protection is an absolute for the Kimber.

[@Kornholeeoo]

dhmig88 Most of the Kimber haters have never owned one. I’ve written this before on other sites too. I’ve had probably 100 people at the range tell me that they heard Kimbers were crap while watching me hit bulls eye after bulls eye, asking me what I had done to mine. I look at them and hand them my gun and tell them it’s factory out the box. Just clean it after reach day at the range. I asked them all if they’d like to shoot it. Maybe 20 or so shot it, the others thanked me and handed it back to me. The ones who shot it, bought one. People get mad cause they won’t afford one. They buy something else with looser tolerances that will shoot the crap steel or aluminum casings with bad powder and they think this makes their gun better. Can’t hit crap with it but it goes bang. It’s like Ford Escort owners saying a Ferrari is crap. They’ve never owned one, never driven one, and never touched one, so they say the reason they don’t buy one is because it’s crap. I love buying a used Kimber. I get them cheap from those who don’t know what they are doing. I clean them, change a spring or two, and shoot them for years without a failure. People who don’t know how to care for a gun also hate Kimbers. If the spring gets weak on a close tolerance gun, it won’t run right. It’s also brand preference. If the spring needs changing on a Kimber, they call it crap and fuss about it. If the spring needs changing on a Colt, well let’s get baby a new spring and love it some more. And the biggest Kimber haters are the ones who buy bulk magazines off EBay where you get 10 magazines for $70, made in China with the Colt logo stamped on them and they think it’s an original box of amazing Colt factory magazines that won’t run in their Kimber. That’s an idiot for you there. Buy an escort motor built by a bunch of crooks using crappy materials and putting it in a Ferrari and when it doesn’t work, they blame the Ferrari. Any other gun you buy, less than 2 grand, is going to need some work on it to get it to shoot like you want it, except a Kimber, it only needs two things, a breakin of 100-500 rounds, and one more thing I’ll state in a bit. But they need no work to get them to be nail drivers. Colts will need a trigger job. S&W will need a trigger job too. Springfields will too. But not a Kimber. To get anyone of the others to shoot like a Kimber, you’ll spend a few hundred dollars on that $800-1,000 gun, bringing your total cost to the same as a Kimber. I know people prefer a steel mainspring housing, I do too. But I’ve never heard of a polymer MS housing failing. Now the last thing, and this is so important that it should be common knowledge by Now in the 1911 market, is you need to take all the magazines you own and toss them in the garbage and buy you some Wilson Combat magazines. I have 50 or so of them in various calibers of 9mm, 10mm and .45 ACP that I don’t consider this an add on by now. But there are no magazines that match them. That goes for all 1911 guns. Never a failure with them, ever. In any gun. Period. And if you really know what you are doing and are willing to spend an hour or so on your gun, you can bypass the breakin period by honing the slide and rails. Might save you a few hundred dollars on Ammo for a breakin. Assembly line guns will need the full breakin of 400-500 rounds unless you polish it up first. Not hard with some soap stone. But the custom shop guns need little to no breakin. You cannot find a better shooting gun for less than $1,500 than a Kimber. Even Sig 1911s need work to get them like a Kimber. I know Sig owners who have had trigger jobs done and they say theirs now runs like my Kimbers. Great trigger jobs too on the Sigs. I might buy one myself and have it done as Sig 1911s are awesome guns. But not out the box. They also need breakin and work. My son also has a Kimber Custom Shop Ultra CDP II and it you don’t hit the bulls eye at 30 yards with that gun, You flinched. That’s the best shooting gun I’ve ever held in my hands and I’ve been shooting for over 45 years, and been shooting 1911s for over 30 years.

[@ajacks8007]

Kornholeeoo good stuff, totally agree

[@caspere.8461]

Have a Kimber target long slide and a Colt Commander. Kimber wins

[@shrapmagnet]

Kimbers have serious QC issues considering the price of the product, their customer service has been found wanting on many occasions. I am speaking from first hand experience as I worked in a gun shop for 2 years. In fact, they failed to deliver on guns that worked as advertised with the Marine corps. As far as the 22 (and guns in general) if there is no market for such guns in the shop in question, why would the shop take them in if the shop will end up sitting on them and turning minimum profit?

[@abcdefghijklmno66109]

Every gun shop i go to will take anything in on trade. They all sell guns in the store and online plus trade with other stores across the country.

[@652barry]

Na Na actually a reputable shop will not. Just selling someone else’s problems isn’t going to keep customers company by back.

[@jebbuhdiah-dean]

I've seen a rear sight on a Kimber 1911 .45 ACP , circa 2017 model, split in half and fly back at the operator's face.

[@thebusterdog6358]

Problems with Kimber are a myth. I own 3 and have never had a problem with any. The thing with most of these gun "experts" on KZbin is Kimber won't "gift" just any supposed "expert" a free gun for their video. Anyone who knows the 1911 platform knows that if you don't have experience on that type of gun will experience problems sometime at first until they learn that system. It's not a great first gun so to speak.

[@shrapmagnet]

@@thebusterdog6358 So, I must be making this up and posting it here because I either work for one of Kimber's competitors, or I otherwise have some issue with Kimber, right? Because Kimber problems are a myth? Guess what- I have 2 of my own that work fine. As do the 3 you claim to have. The thing is, there are a lot more Kimbers out there than the 5 we have between us. And they are all expensive- especially since they often have problems. I worked at a gun shop outside of Ft Bragg, NC. So most of our customers were more experienced with firearms than the average person. There was an alarming amount of Kimbers which we sold new, where the customers had issues, and brought them back to us. So not only did I see these guns going through a revolving door, I had the opportunity to experience Kimber's less than stellar customer service, and telling a pissed off Soldier to please be patient while Kimber fixes his defective pistol that he paid way too much and waited way too long for. Or, like I said- I'm just making this up.

[@josephwilliams3187]

I’ve shot 3 kimbers. 2 of them have failed to feed ball ammo in the first 3 mags. One on the 6th or 7th round of the first mag. I don’t have a ton of experience with kimbers honestly, but if I’ve had 2 failures in less than 100 rounds... yeah somethings not right.

[@TJHill-qx9hy]

Some people just pull pistols out of the box, and expect them to run for 1k rounds, and they’ve never cleaned the weapons of the manufacturing protective oil, which isn’t meant for range time.

[@mcson6556]

If a new gun has issues, contact the manufacturer. Kimbers and others often need some extractor tuning.

[@needboost231]

Kimber raptor here , takes a lot of ammo to break in but worth every dime . Love the trigger and works smooth as butter

[@bev8200]

The truth was he didn’t want to spend money. Every gun guy knows that you can get good money for that kimber, and voquartzen. He was probably broke because every dealer knows you’ll make more off used guns than new ones.

[@lylereinier4989]

You need another gun shop.

[@Clovistoolsdotcom]

It's not the gun I own a Kimber and they are flawless it is because the value is high and they make nothing. I have had 4 kimbers and had no problem selling but trade in probably not, it would be like taking your Italian sports car to a ford dealership wanting to trade for 2 explores you like they will be out a lot of money unless they sell the sports car for a higher price which would take some time unless dealership owner wants to keep.

[@joejones6968]

Huh??

[@obsoletevalues6209]

You encountered a biased store owner. I love my Kimber. It has the tightest tolerances of any of my eight semi-auto pistols.

[@EdTomBel]

Same here. I've yet to see a better 1911 frame/slide fit on a non-custom gun than my Kimber. It's accurate as hell and has been 100% reliable so far.

[@mrjoe3335]

How long have u had ur kimber, older or newer? Seems I hear many great things from those who have older models, just wondered abt if maybe those were better made than later ones?

[@Txstomper]

Sounds like you need to find another dealer.

[@thatairplaneguy]

Sounds like that “dealer” is a real fud. I’d never go back. Every gun shop I’ve ever been to has shelves of kimbers.

[@2fas4uSTI]

I own 3 now and have never had a problem ever. I just bought another Custom II TLE TFS in 9mm this week

[@sjfreedom3]

Love my Kimber 45 1911. Accurate, dependable, and long lived. All the detractors must work for Taurus.

[@1999glock]

Have a Untra Carry II stainless 45. Would not feed, stovepiped, would not eject. Did NOT go the Wilson mag route. Tweeked the ejector and have had no issues whatso ever 2 thousand rounds later.

[@fernandodelosreyes3686]

That's a real sales con artist, waiting for you to say you really wanna make a trade, then he'll offer you almost nothing for your gun, most used up shop do the same trick, not interested

[@82ndsniper1]

Find another Gun Shop kimber are great guns

[@sergiopaez534]

My kimber has never let me down and shoots true day after day would never trade it. If it's out of your budget go get something cheaper nothing wrong with that. But my .45 will always be at my bedside

[@RCGB31]

Hello Matt, What firearm did you have in mind purchasing ?

[@PaulJersey]

My first two 1911's were a Kimber and a Sig. Both of them had FTF issues and had to be sent back to the factory for warranty repairs. My experience with 1911's did not get off to a good start. I like 1911's, but not sure if they like me?...LOL!

[@pkruez2089]

Always appreciate your videos!

[@venharis2012]

I bought a pro-carry in 2003. I still have it but I had to modify it extensively to get it to run right. The last thing I fixed was the empty case to the forehead syndrome. Every magazine sent at least one empty case smack to my forehead. Turns out the extractor was clocking because the firing pin retainer had too much slop in it. I ordered an oversized retainer and fitted it myself. That took care of the problem. NO MORE KIMBERS... The only 1911s I buy now are Desert Eagle/ Magnum Research/ BUL Armory. I have two in 45ACP and I just ordered a 10mm DE1911. Not crazy about Israel and their politics but this outfit makes great guns at a manageable price point..

[@ray.shoesmith]

"And BAM! That Kimber 1911 blew up right in his hand, which was a failing common to that model" - Little Bill Daggett, Unforgiven

[@broe6570]

I carry a Kimber, Hero Custom in .45acp. Never one ounce of trouble. Used it many times in thick Texas brush on wounded feral hogs, where a long gun won't fit. Wouldn't take twice what it cost and I bought it new in the most high priced gun shop in town. Love it.

[@pmor5992]

i believe in asking several others , do not be discouraged by the first person you ask not being interested , but i did sell all of my kimbers because of their customer service being so bad/nonexsistant :-(

[@Blitzkrieg_Wolf]

I came to this video for the insight of Kimber 1911s, as someone who is about to purchase one for a decent deal... But that Liberty safe caught my attention, hope this guy has upgraded in the past couple of years for his sake.

[@RooRguy27]

I have a kimber ultra carry 2. Runs great. I can candy cane different rounds in the original mag and it shoots em all 👍

[@LatestHour]

Some people have bad expeiences with certain brands. I've had a both good and bad experiences with Kahr and Ruger. But my Kimber is probably my best experience with owning a gun so far.

[@michaellewis5624]

I have had many Kimber's over the years and have had no problem with any of them. I have had a few magazine problems, but not the gun. From what I have seen at the gun club most problems with 1911's are maintenance (cleaning and lube) or cheap magazines.

[@finscreenname]

All of my guns are in the basement in a safe except my Kimber Classic which has been under my bed (in a small safe) since the late 1990's says all I need to say about the gun.

[@traeucity6087]

I've heard a lot of bad things about Kimber's; but I'm the type of person that likes to form my own opinion. Still, when I go to TWO, local gun shops, and they have Kimber's in the case that have been there so long, the barrels are rusting; and the sales staff still makes it clear that they are not fans of Kimber's; it's hard to take that leap of faith. I want to buy myself a stainless, Kimber Raptor II; but I'll go ballistic if I get burned for $1500; especially since I've read and heard ample negative feedback. Thanks for your video!

[@darinbell473]

The internet can be a dubious thing. Never had a problem with my Kimber.