2nd Kimber Question

[Rich]

First of all, thanks to all who answered my first question on the Kimber. Today I'm less convinced about buying one because I spoke with a customer service rep at Kimber.

I am interested in the Ultra Carry II as both a carry and a range gun. Why? I tend to practice a lot at the range because I like shooting.

The guy told me this is not the gun for me because several springs would have to be changed every 800 rounds. I couldn't believe that he told me to forget it.

I think the people who read this board know far more than a cust. service rep does. Would somebody comment on this before I rule out the Kimber completely? I sure did like the feel of that shortened grip, the 3 inch barrel, and the matte black finish. Maybe I should just buy a used Colt Commander and call it a day.

WTF should I do? Thanks guys.
Rich

[spober]

so what have one on hand and at whatever round count it starts acting up .slamo a new spring.its a machine all semi autos will streach their springs givin enough time with ware and tear.
but i do love to brag on mine.right now im running the hogue fingerd ruber wraparound.same grip as the colt deffender.i chose the kimber uc cause it was like 150 bucks cheaper out the door nib.i have ywo colt goverment models in 10mm and 38 super and have owned 3 colt 1991 old roll mark in 45 acp and as great as the colts are and were ,the kimber is just fitted a bit tighter and the trigger is like its on ball barrings.man she barks.i busted 4 rounds at the damm last friday and for 30 minutes my right ear was ringing and hurt.im 48 years old and am usuarly allways stop and place ear plugs.its stupid i know.

[Slvr Surfr]

Springfield makes a damn fine three inch 1911. Ive got the base GI model and its pretty damn smooth. SA makes a loaded Micro that rivals the Kimber, and the customer service at SA is top notch !
SA can be had for much cheaper also.....

SA Micro 3" (http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-pstl-1911-mc.shtml) http://www.springfield-armory.com/images/pistols/a1/PX9801L.jpg

[eljay45]

Per Kimbers operational manual . Ultra models need recoil springs replaced every 1800 rounds. firing pin and mainspring at 5000 rounds.
Compact and Pro models get s a new recoil spring at 800 rounds.


Springs are cheap. I wouldn't let it keep me from buying a pistol I liked.

[Rich]

Last thing I'm looking for is a complicated, finicky, gun that needs TLC to run.

Nope. I ain't lookin' for that.

[tarpleyg]

Springs are cheap and they only take a second to change out when you clean the gun. Buy a 10-pack of Wolff springs from Brownell's and you are all set.

With that said, I wouldn't want to use an aluminum-framed gun for my range work. I have a Pro Carry as stated in your other thread. I shoot it enough to make sure it works properly and stow it...carry it when I can. It is a carry gun. You might want to look for a same size gun with a steel frame if you shoot it that much. Of course, YMMV.

Greg

[freeride88]

Originally posted by Slvr Surfr
Springfield makes a damn fine three inch 1911. Ive got the base GI model and its pretty damn smooth. SA makes a loaded Micro that rivals the Kimber, and the customer service at SA is top notch !
SA can be had for much cheaper also.....

SA Micro 3" (http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-pstl-1911-mc.shtml) http://www.springfield-armory.com/images/pistols/a1/PX9801L.jpg

I'm interested in this thread, because I'm considering the Kimber UC as well, but I have one question. You say the SA can be had for much cheaper, but I'm looking at Kimber UCs for around $700, and your SA Micro link shows them for over $1200. Am I missing something?

[ILikeFtLbs]

My SA Micro Comp was $950.

I think the Kimber employee gave you great advice. If you want a range gun, a compact aluminum 1911 is not a good idea. You can shoot it a lot and it's a great, reliable carry piece, but it wears parts out a lot faster than a steel 5 incher.

[Rich]

When you say "wear out faster" what exactly do you mean? It will have a life of 20 years vs. 50? If so, I can deal with that.

Please explain.

[PlasticGuy]

Your main parts (frame, slide, and barrel) will likely last you a lifetime. The non-stress parts (almost all of the other parts in the gun) will also last a lifetime for most shooters. The only parts you need to replace are the recoil spring ($7 every 1000 rounds or so), and the firing pin spring (one comes free with every Wolff recoil spring). Other than that, you have no more maintanance than you would have with any other 1911. The Springfield will have exactly the same needs as the Kimber (frequent recoil spring changes), so there is no benefit to getting that instead.

The summary is that you will need to replace your recoil spring and firing pin spring (roughly $7 total) every 1,000 rounds or so. I don't see that as a valid reason to not buy a gun you really like. Like Tarpleyg wrote, just buy a 10 pack of Wolff springs and you'll be set for years.

Why would you be okay with spending $700 for a pistol, and draw the line at buying a couple springs per year?

[Mad Ryan]

Even my Glock needs springs every once in a while. BTW... For carry, little guns are great, but if you actually intend to shoot then you might consider either a steel frame, or a commander sized gun. My Pro Carry was awesome.

Also, some of the little tiny Kimbers come in .40, which makes sense with an alloy frame since the Barrel is fully ramped. I believe SA has ramped barrels in their compact .45's too.

[Slvr Surfr]

Originally posted by freeride88
I'm interested in this thread, because I'm considering the Kimber UC as well, but I have one question. You say the SA can be had for much cheaper, but I'm looking at Kimber UCs for around $700, and your SA Micro link shows them for over $1200. Am I missing something?

I was under the impression that they could be had for much less than MSRP. I didnt realize the kimber was $700 OTD. Most Kimbers Ive seen around here are very close to a grand. SA have typically been cheaper to buy than Kimbers in my experiance.

[techie]

Originally posted by eljay45

Springs are cheap. I wouldn't let it keep me from buying a pistol I liked.

Roger that. I like the Ultra Carry and think it's a nice back-up or primary gun.