Kudos to Kimber

Auto5 · April 17, 2014, 08:15 PM

I really wanted to move my Kimber Solo to the number one slot in my carry rotation, but it just hadn't earned my trust. They have a reputation for being finicky about ammo. On the last range trip, my defensive ammo shot fine, but I had numerous misfires (light primer strikes) with my practice rounds. When I got home, I took it apart to see if I could diagnose the problem. I found signs of peening on the barrel locking lugs in the slide. I called Kimber and emailed them the pictures I took.

The following day I received a prepaid shipping label to send the gun back to Kimber. Despite a predicted 4-5 week estimate, my pistol was returned in about two weeks. According to the paperwork, they replaced the slide, barrel, outer recoil spring and solo spring (striker?). They also did a complete gun check, safety function check, and replaced the sear as part of a QC inspection. All gratis. The notes indicated that they test fired 3 mags of American Eagle 124gr FMJ and two mags of Federal Hydrashok 147gr JHP. I just scored 5 boxes of 124gr FMJ for $12.00 each. Can't wait to take it out for a spin.

orionengnr · April 17, 2014, 08:25 PM

Good write-up. I'll be looking for the follow-up.
I've been eyeballing the Solo since they came out, and have been tempted to try one. I have read that they don't like weak ammo, and don't necessarily like light (115 grain) ammo either.

I've owned a bunch of Kimber 1911s and have had very good results. A CDP version of the Solo is about the only thing that tempts me to cheat on my Kahr PM9.

Auto5 · April 17, 2014, 08:54 PM

Kimber recommends 124 gr or 147 gr ammo, but I've talked to others who have no problems with 115 gr. The only trouble I had (before this incident) was with 115gr reloaded range ammo. I'll post a followup as soon as I can get out to the range.

dgludwig · April 18, 2014, 04:45 PM

Quote:

I'll be looking for the follow-up.

Me too. It will be telling to see if Kimber fixed the problem on this go-around.

Rinspeed · April 18, 2014, 07:07 PM

Best of luck to you, I'm a big Kimber fan but they have such a pathetic track record of actually being able to fix a problem it's no wonder there are so many haters.

Polglock · April 19, 2014, 07:19 AM

I've seen some major malfunctions with Kimbers that I've posted about in the past. rusted barrels on new stainless guns and whole rounds , case and all dropping down the barrel so it's steered me away from them and it's ashame because I really want a raptor but can't see spending that much for something that I don't trust. Works of art they are though.

Auto5 · June 14, 2014, 12:22 PM

Sorry for the long delay in the followup, but I finally got the Kimber out to the range. 100 rounds of the recommended ammo, all trouble free. No signs of any wear or damage inside.

Mystro · June 14, 2014, 12:32 PM

Thanks for the follow up. I love all my Kimbers. They have been trouble free and seem to eat everything I feed them. That Solo has a incredibly smooth factory trigger. Its on my list of wants.....

Mrgunsngear · June 14, 2014, 07:02 PM

Glad to hear it. After months of dealing with Kimber CS a couple years ago; I'll never give them another dollar. Hopefully it is changing over there.

varoadking · June 16, 2014, 06:01 PM

Quote:

I'm a big Kimber fan but they have such a pathetic track record of actually being able to fix a problem it's no wonder there are so many haters.

They have had a lot of practice...

joe-lumber · June 18, 2014, 08:55 AM

I have been thinking of a Kimber 45 and see good prices verses Gun Broker at the gun shows in the area. I have a Kimber 9mm that has worked great, Pro Carry II Commander. It really is great at the range in hitting the bullseye verses my Glock 9mm. I think it is the wonderful trigger on the Kimber verses the Glock trigger. If I purchase a 45 at this point I don't know which to pick from.
J

Shadi Khalil · June 20, 2014, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Glad to hear it. After months of dealing with Kimber CS a couple years ago; I'll never give them another dollar. Hopefully it is changing over there.

+1

After my 2 Kimber debacle, I put them in the same place as Taurus; The "Live and Learn" category.

RX-79G · June 20, 2014, 11:50 PM

So, Kimber produces a gun that has a so-so reputation for feed reliability, and yours requires the replacement of the majority of major components for what appears to be two separate problems unrelated to feeding, and "Kudos" are in order?

This is a firearm, right? Not some art object that you'll never need to trust for anything?

blackamos · June 20, 2014, 11:53 PM

"Getting one to run 100% reliable isn't exactly a science."

Kimber should sell guns that work from the factory. I'm glade he got his to work. As far as not smart enough to own a 1911. I have owned many and the only one that ever had to be sent back was a Kimber.

Auto5 · June 28, 2014, 06:46 AM

RX, I bought the gun used. The "kudos" was for the prompt customer service at no cost.

Rinspeed · June 28, 2014, 09:00 AM

Quote:

After my 2 Kimber debacle, I put them in the same place as Taurus; The "Live and Learn" category.

I feel for anyone that has issues but I really, really love all the Kimber hate. It keeps the prices down a bit on the Custom Classics made in the late 90's.

So keep on hating.

Eight_is_enough · June 30, 2014, 11:44 PM

Quote:

I really, really love all the Kimber hate. It keeps the prices down a bit on the Custom Classics made in the late 90's. So keep on hating.

Amen. This NIB C-II went for $605 a few days ago. I find ALL 1911's to be over-priced, but the Kimber Customs provide the best value available.

Which, of course, is why they are the best-selling 1911 on the market, and why so many people buy multiple Kimbers.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=422007341

April 17, 2014, 08:15 PM	#1
Auto5 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 662	Kudos to Kimber I really wanted to move my Kimber Solo to the number one slot in my carry rotation, but it just hadn't earned my trust. They have a reputation for being finicky about ammo. On the last range trip, my defensive ammo shot fine, but I had numerous misfires (light primer strikes) with my practice rounds. When I got home, I took it apart to see if I could diagnose the problem. I found signs of peening on the barrel locking lugs in the slide. I called Kimber and emailed them the pictures I took. The following day I received a prepaid shipping label to send the gun back to Kimber. Despite a predicted 4-5 week estimate, my pistol was returned in about two weeks. According to the paperwork, they replaced the slide, barrel, outer recoil spring and solo spring (striker?). They also did a complete gun check, safety function check, and replaced the sear as part of a QC inspection. All gratis. The notes indicated that they test fired 3 mags of American Eagle 124gr FMJ and two mags of Federal Hydrashok 147gr JHP. I just scored 5 boxes of 124gr FMJ for $12.00 each. Can't wait to take it out for a spin. __________________ At the young age of five, a bear told me that I was the only person who could prevent forest fires. Why I was chosen, I'll never know.

April 17, 2014, 08:54 PM	#3
Auto5 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 662	Kimber recommends 124 gr or 147 gr ammo, but I've talked to others who have no problems with 115 gr. The only trouble I had (before this incident) was with 115gr reloaded range ammo. I'll post a followup as soon as I can get out to the range. __________________ At the young age of five, a bear told me that I was the only person who could prevent forest fires. Why I was chosen, I'll never know.

June 14, 2014, 12:22 PM	#7
Auto5 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 662	Sorry for the long delay in the followup, but I finally got the Kimber out to the range. 100 rounds of the recommended ammo, all trouble free. No signs of any wear or damage inside. __________________ At the young age of five, a bear told me that I was the only person who could prevent forest fires. Why I was chosen, I'll never know.

June 14, 2014, 12:32 PM	#8
Mystro Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2004 Location: Central Pa. Posts: 1,528	Thanks for the follow up. I love all my Kimbers. They have been trouble free and seem to eat everything I feed them. That Solo has a incredibly smooth factory trigger. Its on my list of wants..... __________________ "I'm a good guy with a gun" What do I care if I give up some freedom or rights?....The Goverment will take care of me. This kind of thinking is now in the majority and it should concern you. "Ask not what you can do for your country, but what free entitlements you can bleed from your country"

June 14, 2014, 07:02 PM	#9
Mrgunsngear Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2011 Location: Carolina Posts: 3,415	Glad to hear it. After months of dealing with Kimber CS a couple years ago; I'll never give them another dollar. Hopefully it is changing over there. __________________ Mrgunsngear Youtube Channel

April 17, 2014, 08:25 PM	#2
orionengnr Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Posts: 5,173	Good write-up. I'll be looking for the follow-up. I've been eyeballing the Solo since they came out, and have been tempted to try one. I have read that they don't like weak ammo, and don't necessarily like light (115 grain) ammo either. I've owned a bunch of Kimber 1911s and have had very good results. A CDP version of the Solo is about the only thing that tempts me to cheat on my Kahr PM9.

April 18, 2014, 07:07 PM	#5
Rinspeed Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2000 Posts: 1,505	Best of luck to you, I'm a big Kimber fan but they have such a pathetic track record of actually being able to fix a problem it's no wonder there are so many haters.

April 19, 2014, 07:19 AM	#6
Polglock Member Join Date: August 26, 2011 Posts: 83	I've seen some major malfunctions with Kimbers that I've posted about in the past. rusted barrels on new stainless guns and whole rounds , case and all dropping down the barrel so it's steered me away from them and it's ashame because I really want a raptor but can't see spending that much for something that I don't trust. Works of art they are though.

June 18, 2014, 08:55 AM	#11
joe-lumber Senior Member Join Date: January 11, 2013 Posts: 257	Kimber I have been thinking of a Kimber 45 and see good prices verses Gun Broker at the gun shows in the area. I have a Kimber 9mm that has worked great, Pro Carry II Commander. It really is great at the range in hitting the bullseye verses my Glock 9mm. I think it is the wonderful trigger on the Kimber verses the Glock trigger. If I purchase a 45 at this point I don't know which to pick from. J

June 20, 2014, 11:50 PM	#13
RX-79G Junior member Join Date: October 27, 2013 Posts: 1,139	So, Kimber produces a gun that has a so-so reputation for feed reliability, and yours requires the replacement of the majority of major components for what appears to be two separate problems unrelated to feeding, and "Kudos" are in order? This is a firearm, right? Not some art object that you'll never need to trust for anything?

June 20, 2014, 11:53 PM	#14
blackamos Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2000 Location: Michigan Posts: 580	"Getting one to run 100% reliable isn't exactly a science." Kimber should sell guns that work from the factory. I'm glade he got his to work. As far as not smart enough to own a 1911. I have owned many and the only one that ever had to be sent back was a Kimber. __________________ Know of that you speak, Amos Last edited by 4V50 Gary; June 21, 2014 at 07:27 AM. Reason: clean up in aisle 5

June 28, 2014, 06:46 AM	#15
Auto5 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 662	RX, I bought the gun used. The "kudos" was for the prompt customer service at no cost. __________________ At the young age of five, a bear told me that I was the only person who could prevent forest fires. Why I was chosen, I'll never know.