If you could get just one Kimber 1911...

[AJBert]

as a shooter, not a safe queen, what would it be? Just found out I can get one at a pretty good discount but really don't know much about all of the different models. I do know I want it to be a shooter, in .45 ACP and full size. I also prefer blued over shiny and not into OD, desert tan or lilac. Wood grips, too.


You know, kinda like the 1911 was originally designed? I really don't want the model that costs the most just because it costs the most. I also don't want the cheapest for the same reason. Guess I'm looking for the most bang for the buck in a Kimber.


Appreciate any help and all replies.*


*With the exception of Jocko's unreasonable fear of anything over 9mm.

[b4uqzme]

I never really looked at the Kimber website before so, thanks. They make a lot of beautiful 1911s so have fun checking them out. I suspect they are all of similar quality. Just get the one with the looks and features that speak to you. Do you have the chance to shoot or handle any?

These two stood out for me:

http://www.kimberamerica.com/1911/cu...gold-combat-ii

http://www.kimberamerica.com/1911/cu...ssic-carry-pro

But I am certainly not an expert and definitely not shopping for a $2000 1911. I would need one heck of a discount.

[ltxi]

An Ultra Carry II in 9mm.

I already have three or four Kimbers, including a UC, in .45.

[GLOCKROCKER]

I really like the Raptor II. The blued model meets all of your criteria and I've always thought those grips were bada$$. I own a Kimber Compact Stainless II and love it. I shoot it better than any other handgun I own. I originally bought it for carry, and do on occasion, but I prefer DA triggers and no thumb safetys for carry. I have a buddy that has the full size raptor in stainless and it's an awesome shooter as well. My second pick would be the Royal II - a little pricey but darn sexy IMO. I don't think you can go wrong with any Kimber - just pick the one that "trips your trigger".

[Bawanna]

I like the master carry full size. I like a bobtail, front slide serrations and no ambi safety. A detective at work has a Custom Carry Commander size which is a good one.

Always like the Raptor too. Too many choices.

[jeepster09]

I like the Master Carry also only in comander size.

http://www.kimberamerica.com/1911/ma...ster-carry-pro

[Bawanna]

Me too. The commander size is a good one for carry, nice compromise. I like a steel frame but unless your shooting competition or just tons of rounds the aluminum or alloys should hold up fine.

[jeepster09]

I REALLY LIKE my S&W sc eSERIES. I prefer it over a Kimber.

[Bawanna]

Yup, I held one at the gun show last week, pretty nice. I wasn't gonna muddy the waters for AJ. Id have othe first choices too.

[gb6491]

as a shooter, not a safe queen, what would it be? Just found out I can get one at a pretty good discount but really don't know much about all of the different models. I do know I want it to be a shooter, in .45 ACP and full size. I also prefer blued over shiny and not into OD, desert tan or lilac. Wood grips, too.


You know, kinda like the 1911 was originally designed? I really don't want the model that costs the most just because it costs the most. I also don't want the cheapest for the same reason. Guess I'm looking for the most bang for the buck in a Kimber.


Appreciate any help and all replies.

I have a Custom TLE II and really like it. It's a step above their current base gun, the Custom II. In addition to what the Custom II offers, the TLE sports a checkered front strap and night sights. Love the checkered front strap

As a personal preference, I replaced the stock rubber grips with some made of micarta;

Later on, I replaced the extended thumb safety (again, personal preference):

A few notes:
The "II" designation in a Kimber model name denotes that model has a "Swartz (Series II) firing pin block".

Many Kimbers come with a carbon steel barrel that is left in the white (no finish). Quite a few folks have complained of these rusting. I cold blued mine right after purchasing it and have not had an issue (I also maintain it regularly).

My particular pistol has a carbon steel slide with a black oxide finish and a blackened stainless steel frame. The finishes on these parts show wear at different rates. I've read of similarly built Kimbers.


If you want a nice blued one look at the Royal II

Regards,
Greg

[CharlieW]

Kimber has way too many choices, but mine is a Pro Carry HD II in 38 Super -- basically a stainless Commander size in 9mm Magnum :-) Runs well, accurate, and fun to shoot!

[knkali]

I have a Custom TLE II and really like it. It's a step above their current base gun, the Custom II. In addition to what the Custom II offers, the TLE sports a checkered front strap and night sights. Love the checkered front strap

As a personal preference, I replaced the stock rubber grips with some made of micarta;

Later on, I replaced the extended thumb safety (again, personal preference):

A few notes:
The "II" designation in a Kimber model name denotes that model has a "Swartz (Series II) firing pin block".

Many Kimbers come with a carbon steel barrel that is left in the white (no finish). Quite a few folks have complained of these rusting. I cold blued mine right after purchasing it and have not had an issue (I also maintain it regularly).

My particular pistol has a carbon steel slide with a black oxide finish and a blackened stainless steel frame. The finishes on these parts show wear at different rates. I've read of similarly built Kimbers.


If you want a nice blued one look at the Royal II

Regards,
Greg

I Have the TLE II non railed in stainless. I love shooting it and it is a great gun BUT I would not get stainless again. It is showing some spots of rust. VERY small pin point stuff but there. Besides a well worn blued 1911 is like a great staeak or a fine wine. It just looks right.
YOU MUST GET A PAIR OF BAWANNA"S HANDLES or you aint got sheet.(damn smilies not working still) OH their full sized bobtailed flavors are working for me if I had to do it over. A blued, full size, bobtailed Kimber chambered in .45ACP. Perfection in a 1911.

[chrish]

As much as I think the carry models are just bad*** looking...I'd never carry a 1911 for a number of reasons. Weight. Manual safety. Weight.

Anyway, a 1911 for me would be a range gun. In that vain, the question as posed is unanswerable. Which Kimber if you could have only one? Well, ONE of EACH full size model.

[TucsonMTB]

My first 1911 was a Kimber Stainless Target II. It still brings a smile to my face every time I shoot it. Cheap they are not, but they cost less than many others.

We have other 1911's and they are arguably fancier, but this gun is still about as good as they get. Oh, and it still looks just like the picture after many years and several thousand rounds. Hard to beat!

Oh, and Mr. Crish is right. These are NOT the best carry guns. But, I suspect you already knew that.

Oh, and Greg nailed it regarding front strap checkering. I now have some grip tape on mine. But, if money were no object . . .

[Bawanna]

Au Contraire weedhopper. I carry my Cbob every day. Don't get no better. Good holster on a good belt and forget about it.