Kimber Micro 9 ESV Review
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- I hate giving negative feedback but I also hate lying to customers or future students. I hope the honesty is appreciated.
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![Kimber Micro 9 -[ Full Review & Durability Test ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/aXumr3YEglk/mqdefault.jpg)
Melissa, I’d love to see a follow up review on this weapon. We’re you ever able to adjust grip and get it to run without failure? Did it just need to wear in? Did you offload it and cut your losses? Inquiring minds would like to know!
I really like the fact that you stated that you were holding the gun downrange in case of hang fire. I tend to forget that could potentially happen and that's a great little reminder to keep us a bit more aware, more channels should be this detailed oriented
I bought this exact gun. First thing I did was clean it and was very liberal with the oil before firing the first shot. I have never had a single problem. Not once. I run Federal 124 grain hollow points and FMJ. I love this gun and have a lot of fun with it. It has been very reliable and accurate. I heard its just like the traditional 1911's , oil, oil, oil. It turns out its true. My grip is focused on the grips with my lower three fingers. Squeezing the whole gun, especially if you have a high grip naturally, can be a problem.
I just put a little oil and shot 250 rounds out the box and it didn’t jam once
I hate seeing people having trouble with expensive firearms but appreciate the honesty in the review. The concern in her voice is there and some minor disappointment can be felt. Thanks for the review!😊
I have the same ESV as yours, a Ripide, Nightfall and a Stainless with Rosewood grips. Yes 4 micro 9's and they NEED broken in a little. 150-200 rounds later these guns can RUN! They chew up any ammo I use! Amazing little guns! My Raptor full size 1911 took almost 500 rounds to break in! KIMBERS are tight!
Yes. This.
I've had two Micro 9's and still own one of them. The Rapide Black Ice I still have, put an MCARBO trigger kit in and it is now instead of great it's awesome! Both of my Micro's have been great and I actually like them better than the Sig P938 that I used to own. I traded my Raptor Micro 9 because I decided I wanted an Ultra II 1911 instead. All of these Kimber's have been very good for reliability and the Ultra II has yet to even have a malfunction . I do have a full size 1911 Rapide Black Ice in 10mm that is a bit finicky however I bought it used and question if it's really even broke in yet to be past those possible early issues. Kimber does state right in the owners manual that these all metal tight tolerance guns might need a 'break in' and state what that break in should be so if a new owner doesn't follow that then that could be a lot on the new owner. I had an EVO 9 basic model that was very reliable but traded that and regretted it so I just bought a used one that's a custom shop version that I don't even have yet. I'm sure there are some bad Kimber's out there like anything that is sold in mass numbers but my experience has been generally good so I don't get all the Kimber bashing by some who either don't know, or sometimes might be their own enemy with them.
ya but problem is, this gun is advertised as a carry gun. no carry gun should be this unreliable just bc of "break in" this is not suppose to be a collection piece. im def gonna stick to my glocks.
I have a Kimber 1911 in 38 Super for target shooting here in Australia. I put in the "drop in" lightened trigger kit from Brownell's, and cut one coil off the magazine spring, this has made what was a good gun, fantastic. I think the miss fire issues that your experiencing are most likely due to the short grip, my gun is a full size 1911 and that was never an issue, perhaps the Hogue grip will improve that issue, I hope so anyway. I fitted the Hogue grip to mine and it was a huge improvement in feel to the original grips. I have large hands and therefore I am no fan of anything with a shot grip, but that's just me.
Holy Crap, you can own a semi-auto handgun in Australia?
Bought a Kimber Micro 9 as my second-ever gun purchase last March. When I saw your grip, I knew you would run into the same problem I initially had - accidentally engaging the safety with your right thumb. Don’t beat yourself up over the purchase. Be patient and it’ll come to you!
Thanks but it didn’t fire when the safety wasn’t even engaged and test firing it without the same grip. I sent it back to Kimber to get fixed then I’m going to sell it. A normal grip shouldn’t have that effect. Thank you for watching and commenting :)
I also own the micro 9 as well as my girlfriend. We ran both of them right out of the box with no issues. This is the first time ever watching one of your videos. I am hoping this is an honest review and you just had a little bad luck. If not then shame on you. As an expirenced and skilled shooter you should be able to pick any handgun in any situation and adapt to it. That's what I've always taught anyone who has ever asked me to teach them. No situation is ever ideal so that it's comfortable. Adaptation is key to survival.
Little late to the conversation but the Kimber 9 micro esv is my everyday carry and ive ran hundreds of rounds without a single failure. I got the hogue grips before I shot it... wish I knew I needed a third party tool to remove bushings. (i have the laser grips mostly for testing my accuracy with my shaky hands. I trust this gun with my life but i also carry a Taurus 650 in .357 but I load Hornady critical defense. its placed in my pocket for that new york reload if things get dicey. I'm so sorry you had so many problems its really a quality gun but as you said i takes finesse to properly hold the gun which will induce malfunctions if limp wristed. Can't wait to check out your other videos if you're still making them. God Bless an be safe.
I really appreciate your honest review. I’m starting to think that the thumb safety is an even greater liability on the micro sized pistols than on compact and full sized semi autos. Maybe the grips will help.
I've had several micro 9s like this one (sig, etc), and the thumb safety needs to be twice as long and a little wider
I have 4 Kimbers 2, 1911- TLE custom II in 45, Rapide Black Ice in 9 and a 3” & 4” revolvers. All have been great so far but this makes me think twice about adding. Micro 9 to the collection.
Love my Micro 9 ESV.
No issues. Over 2000 rds through it since June 22
Now that’s a gun room
just tip from an old guy but shooting a 1911 you may need to go away from the thumb forward style to a crossed thumb style . this will help prevent your thumb off the safety and the slide lock. the 1911 is a different animal than a plastic stricker fired hand gun. try changing up your grip and give it another try. keep on shooting
I’ll keep that mind! Thanks
Most issues are user error when the hand hits the slide stop . Tap the slide to make sure the slide in fully seated. The ejector always needs to be tuned. It’s BS to deal with issues like this but when it’s figured out all good
Kimbers are very tight tolerances. So they are sort of a different piper. It is highly suggested to field strip and well clean AND pull the firing pin AND Ejector to clean those too. Very minimal lube, even sewing machine oil (a very light oil). But no oil in firing pin channel. These new may have sat in a box for months or a year or more. Manual says to clean or shoot and clean at least every six months. So if these sit around too long, they can get finicky, Sitting in a box for months doesn't mix well with some of them.
I even took a q-tip and a half smidgen of silver polish and hone polished the bullet nose ramp, then buff off all residue. That needs to be a mirror finish.
Great video...I have the same gun with the thick houge grips and mine right out of the box was having light primer strikes after 2 magazines. Did it with every king of ammo so I sent it back to kimber and got it back in 8 days...I haven't taken it to the range yet so I'm hopping kimbef fixed it will know next week. Mine was dead on balls accurate at 5 7 10 yards and no recoil kick at all...
I have a Kimber Micro 9 SS. That's the only Kimber I've ever owned, and if I didn't know that these guns aren't typically synonymous with Kimber 1911's, I would never buy another Kimber. You hit the nail on the head with your review. Mine loads fine, but it has terrible muzzle flip. It's very pretty, but it's not a fun gun to shoot.
Micros like the heavier grain bullets. My wife and I use 124 and 147 grain bullets in these guns. Nine times out of ten the mags are the problem. Also in micro guns the springs are stronger and starting you really need to shoot the heavier rounds. My wife had a lot of problems with limp wristing with the 115’s. With the 124 and147’s the problem went away.
147 HSTs in mine, though I practice with 124gr AACs.
I may have misunderstood, but I thought you said that having the safety on is a minus. You should not carry it cocked without the safety on, especially as it doesn't have a grip safety. It would be like carrying a revolver cocked.
I recently purchased a Sig P938 Legion, they had the CSX at the time and I compared them, it was a tough choice but I went with the Sig, I'm kinda glad they didn't have the Kimber.. Anyway so far after two range trips and a about 200 rounds, no issues yet. Good shooting btw!
Is Darth Vader your cameraman? 😂😂
Obviously it’s windy…. 🤦🏻♂️
Kimber always makes a pretty pistol but I've never been a big fan of the 1911 platform. My Ruger LC9 ain't pretty but I can grip it like any other pistol in my collection and no misfires...you get the picture. Nice video. Love to see women involved in the firearms trades or just enthused about shooting. Please make more vids.
I put an mcarbo kit and a Galloway recoil spring in mine. I also picked up a couple of their Tac mags. Now it runs perfectly. I avoid Fiocchi ammo. I've had trouble with their 380 and 9mm in 3 different guns. The only gun I've gotten rid of because of function is a Walther PPKs.
I just bought one and I took it home and cleaned it and oiled it. Took it to the range and I have had zero problems. No miss fires or jam ups.
Key is you cleaned it first. One guy had problems with a new one, always jammed and realized he needed to clean the ejector and firing pin. He than said never jammed ever again.
Chandler Bing : could there BE anymore guns in that room ....
Ive heard mixed things about kimber. I think you should break it in properly and see how it performs after that. Im more of a glock guy just because 9 out of 10 times it will eat anything and go bang every time the trigger is pulled. I love the 1911 platform but i think its more like a carburated muscle car where the polymers are like a toyota.
Interesting points. This is a really straight-forward review. Thank you
I have three of these and they have been great. Hopefully you figured out the issue. I put the MCarbo trigger kit in mine and it made it way more accurate for me anyway.
I don't have a safety coming on issue because I shoot thumbs down on the grip. It makes for a more secure hold.
IIve had zero issues with my Kimber Micro 9, I love it.
Just bought mine last week. Hogue grips are awesome! For a compact or subcompact, I'd take the KM9 any day all day because it is the one weapon that fits my hand without the pinky 'swing' - which means I'll practice more. Fact is - that pinky 'swing' is frustrating on any pistol and I won't practice with any pistol that does not address that. YMMV.
Had problems with mine also, right away.(Night Fall) The mag fell out when shooting, also a couple mis fires. Sent it back and they did a list of things including new mag spring and latch. Shoots well now although I've only shot 40 rounds through it since. No problems though. Nice review. Good...
Just got the kimber ultra carry 2 45 acp. Can't wait to try it out.
I'd never waste my money on kimber. I've seen so many videos of problems with them. It's to bad because they are really nice looking!
Kimber tolerances are tighter so it can be finicky with ammo compared to, say a, Glock. The accuracy is better I've found, but l love cleaning and oiling my guns.😊
Your other hand finger is dangerously close to the barrel, that and the red nail polish, I figured the slide had cut you… But thanks for the review
ok you got the 1 that was assembeld on Friday by a Temp using parts found on the floor because Kimber never has any issues
Kimber was fine when they manufacturered them in Oregon.
The company started putting out very unreliable weapons when they moved production to Yonkers New York. Hopefully now with the Alabama relocation they will be a reputable company again.
Yea, mine had Yonkers, NY engraved on the frame. Really hoping they step it up as well at their Troy, AL factory.
My Kimber Mico 9 misadventures began when I purchased one..first off the mag would not lock in..it just fell out time after time stovepiping rounds...I ordered three more from Kimber...they also did not work. I had to put a spacer in the mags to move the spring up far enough to lock the mag in..then the trigger..once I got it to the range the damn thing would fire 2 rounds constantly. This is not pleasant surprise in such a small firearm. I sold it immediately and explained the problems to the new buyer..he didn't care he "like the way it looked". OK...for me it was a mess from start to finish..I'm 75 and a veteran. I been around guns all ky life..I collect them. This firearm in my humble opinion was a mistake from day one...especially that trigger..never again..never again a Kimber of any sort.
thank you for doing kimber micro 9 esv, been looking for my wife, after seeing this I'm backing away from this gun.have you looked into R7 mako i love it.thanks Robert
Great review! Couldn’t tell from the gun used in the video, but I have a Kimber micro 9 too and it always seems to slide up with recoil. I think maybe serrations or something grippy on the front of the grip would help with not readjusting hand grip and accidentally hitting safety . But it looks too cool as is that I don’t want to mess it up. I think the model is Rosemont or something? Not sure.
I have a micro 9 and I wish I loved it more. I have a couple full sized Kimbers and I love them both very much. The micro is just so small for me it is difficult to get a comfortable grip. I do not feel like I am able to shoot it as accurately as I want to for defense. It has a laser so that helps tremendously but I don’t want to rely on it. I really need to shoot it more but I don’t because I have other options that I enjoy shooting more. I don’t think I would ever get the safety to engage accidentally. It takes purposeful intent to engage. Meaning I have to literally reposition the firearm to have enough lever the engage it. Coming off is much much easier. Sorry to hear that you didn’t find it appealing. I understand because you have had problems with it. I still think Kimber is a very good firearm. However, the micro’s are not for everyone.
I have that same model. Great review. And I feel much the same. It's such a great looking gun. I want to love it.
Clean oil and try different ammo. Once it is broken in you might just fall back in love😊
Just something random, did the issues seem to happen when you had the 8 round magazine in or when you had both the 7 and 8 round magazine? I know Kimbers can be really grumpy about magazines! Great review and beautiful gun.
thanks for the review. How many 1911's do you own? Reason is, most of us that shoot them or carry them, we buy them without safety. Makes a much better experience. Maybe something up on your safety. All I carry is 1911 Micro and my wife. Maybe new grips help.. Please do a follow up review with new grips.
Thanks for your honest input! I thought perhaps it just needed to get broken in? Hope u have a follow up? I’m considering getting a Micro9 myself to add to my collection..
If you have an over travel adjustment on the trigger it is set too tight. It will cause not being able to pull the trigger.
I bought the cheapest version of this pistol, Off loaded a variety of old ammo including hollow never a issue. Break down to clean a little tricky first time getting the lock out. Immediately noticed on the range shooting left I ordered rubber grip should fix problem First shot on target rest left unless you re-grip every shot (size of hand thing)
You definitely can’t limp wrist a micro 9 . And they need a break in . It’s just the nature of the gun .
open the box ! open the box .!..... WOA ! Kimber makes such nice things ...
Mine never jammed or failed. But I do find it’s tough to be accurate with it. I bought it for my gf and she can’t hit anything with it proficiently. I do much better with it but I’m not great with it. The recoil is pretty harsh. It feels like a hand cannon. I can hit the target at 10 yards with it pretty good but the plot isn’t consistent imo. But I’m also not a super experienced shooter either. She did much better with the sig p365 her friend brought. Think I might sell it and buy her a sig
I had a micro 9 shot around 300 through it the only problem was the safety on recoil kept hitting my thump to the point I didn't enjoy it. No malfunctions Though, thanks for the video
In addition to the mis fires I notice you used all 115grain the website clearly states to use 124-147 grain
Funny, I sent it to Kimber and they stated on the work invoice the sear and hammer needed replacing. Also, I did shoot 124 grain by Sierra Outdoors and the firearm malfunctioned. But, thanks for commenting! Be sure to subscribe :)
Please update us on how it goes because I had planned to purchase this exact gun or the custom shop raptor until I saw your video I had to reconsider if I want that to happen when my life is on the line.
@@gerardjoseph5572 Kimber did fix it and turnaround was fairly quick. I shot about 20 rounds through it (by no means a measure of assurance), but didn’t have a single failure to fire (with the same grip and same grain of ammo). So, it definitely was the gun but it was fixed. I still decided to sell it. However, Kimber did provide great customer service.
Wow. I was looking for a 9mm "pocket/ankle" gun, and i was thinking about getting the kimber, but all ive heard and seen is that malfunctions like that are common. Which is ridiculous! With a high price point it sure as hell better be reliable!! There is no way id trust this gun w my life.
Tbh the micro9 is a bit heavy for ankle carry. And personally don't like risking pocket lint in the hammer for pocket carry.
Just a comment on the external safety. If you carry a 1911 cocked, you better have the safety on, cocked and locked. Practice, Practice, Practice, muscle memory. If you don’t have it cocked and locked, you better have the hammer down, which is a lot harder to cock than to just take the safety off. You need to stick to plastic striker fire guns in MHO! Sorry.
Can you do a video of your entire personal gun collection from your own gun room 🇬🇧
I had a micro 9 and it would get kight primer strikes. I would use the same ammo in a hellcat or glock and they would fire. Went back to kimber for repairs. Cane back and it did the same thing. Sold it and never looked back. Very nice looking bit not reliable
Thank you for your review. i've decided to not buy a Kimber untill they learn about proper quality assurance. maybe, someday ______
Do you know the one that you bought is fancy dancy yes it’s gonna cost you more of course it’s an old video but right now. The bear model is going for 499. If you’re gonna carry something for self-defense, you do not have to have the fancy models that look pretty, it needs to just work when you draw it and self-defense😊
That ceiling gonna cave!
That mag is funny looking with the curve
I just remembered your channel, I’m here lol❤️❤️❤️ how’s Lacy❤️❤️❤️❤️
Great content and great, knowledgeable host. Obviously a big effort to make this video. It's a pity that it's not so easy to find this channel just after entering "modern defense" in the YT search engine. There is only a pretty long list of chess videos (Maybe I'm a blockhead or YT search algorithm is sick? I don't know.). I finally found a link to this channel exactly on your facebook account so you're right. There are YT videos and much more interesting content there. Probably a lot of "only youtubers" have a similar problem. They don't know that they should use Facebook to find someone's channel on YT. Maybe you should ask to put a link to this channel down below Dragonman's or Lacy's YT videos. It's not my business and not my problem any longer of course. Thx for sharing. Happy New Year!
I agree. I hope as the channel grows it will be easier to find as well. Thanks for putting in the effort to find the channel!
Its recommended 147 to break in . 115grain is finicky at first.
Sweet pistol. Happy new year 🤙
Nice pistol" but I'd have went with the G43" about 200 cheaper and more dependable.
It is my choice of a C/C.
But" if it makes you happy" lol
Might try lubin it up . may make a big difference.
So did you get the issue fixed with your kimber?
Nice job
I also was just thinking about purchasing the same gun. But now I am hesitant. What was the final solution to resolve the problems with this gun?
My Kimber Micro Stainless 380 Shoots fantastic and never had any problems with it. I’m very disappointed in what I just saw in this video.
Nice T-short!!👍
You have the best basement evveerrrrrr...
I probably wouldn't go shoot a micro pocket pistol more than 50 rounds every 2 weeks for practice
To small for fun shooting
Of course buyers get disappointed when they pay $800 for a gun that doesn't work at the beginning of the ownership. Kimber needs to do somehow to improve customers opinions about their products. First impression is very important. I own 2 kimber (1 full size TLE, 1 EVO model). I love 2 of my kimber guns now but I hate the TLE at the beginning of the ownership. it was so stiff.
What a shame. Such a nice looking thing, too.. that's what steered me toward the sig. Too many issues.
I train with thumb on top of safety for these types of pistols. Important part of muscle memory to make them safe to carry.
Good review and honest
Great review thanks for sharing
This is insanity I bought the solo when they came out it was very reliable always fired the chambered round but after that it would fail to feed and or eject took it back to store I bought it from they called Kimber they said I needed to clean it a new gun I stay away from any firearm that has to be broke in or can only run expensive ammo new guns should run break downs is for when you’ve put 15 or 20 thousand rounds through it I hoped it was just the solo was bad but looks like it’s pretty standard with Kimber still to turn out unreliable guns guess I’ll stick with my sigs and glocks and even smith and wesson
At 11:09. Pointing the gun in the air while pulling the trigger.
Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to post this review.
As knowledgeable as you are about firearms in general - and handguns in particular as you teach self-defense classes, I would imagine that you felt this would be your ideal personal self-defense handgun.
I'm sure that every one of your 1,820 subscribers and anyone who has ever met you want you to have the absolute best means available for saving your life and protecting you from harm.
Having said that - I wonder - did you consider the Ruger LCR .327 Federal Magnum 6 shot hammerless revolver? You will never have to worry about accidentally engaging the safety. It's "only" one cartridge less than the 7 round magazine of your Kimber. It's probably as comfortably concealable as the Kimber. And the .327 magnum is possibly an even more effective cartridge than the 9mm.
What's the saying - "first impressions are lasting impressions"? I would think that no matter how many rounds you flawlessly put through the Kimber, you will never shake the memory of how many times it failed you when you first used it.
Yes, I was really excited to make this my new go-to CCP firearm. It will definitely leave a lasting memory. I’ll look into that firearm but for now, sticking with the Glock 42 and holding out for the Sig p238. I’ll be contacting Kimber today. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Can you share any details of the incident?
@@maxsoregon can you elaborate?
Great firearm
You were not limp wrist but your fingers were not stiff enough it’s not the Kimber it’s your fingers that has the problem I have the same one and after watching your video I did an experiment with it and your finger can’t handle the recoil of the weapon I’m not trying to be mean or rude just watch your fingers in your video and you’ll see what I mean. Hope this helps you
One magazine... is the BIGGEST JOKE in FIREARMS.... PERIOD in the HISTORY of FIREARMS!!!! IMO.. definitely a deal breaker for me if they just cost $100
You can't give guns as gifts? Is that something state specific? I'm allowed to gift firearms in my state.
You ought to try loading smith and wesson shield 9mm mags, horrible
I heard that you should only run premium ammo through this gun for it to function more properly! Any truth to that? Sounds like BS to me. I gun of Kimber's name brand should fire a 9mm round or whatever,,,,
Good review 👍
1 to 5 your rate ?
Thumb on top of the safety! Just like a 1911 . You need to ride that safety all the way three the mag
Looks like the place from Super Troopers
Your ringing that iron, wouldn't want you shooting at me
Looked some what snappy for you?
Kimber makes beautiful looking guns that do not function all the time, I have never had those kind of issues with my glocks, my sig sauer products or my Smith&wesson guns they all work all the time right out of the box and never in countered those kind of malfunctions like you and countless other buyers of kimber micro 9 buyers deal with, that’s a beautiful looking gun you purchased but I would give it another 100 or so rounds and if it still does not function 100% sell it.
I honestly did not mean to pull a wool blanket over your purchase, to be honest I have had my eye on a kimber micro 9 two tone for some time, I just have heard two many stories about people having to send their new gun back to kimber for service, they are expensive and they should have better quality control at the factory. I’m considering a kimber look alike, the Springfield Armory ronin emp with the 3 inch barrel about $ 700.00 in Michigan not cheap either. I hope your kimber works out for you.
Soyer?
We love you Melissa!
Pretty good information about the gun but you could work on your presentation some. Calm down, you seem to be little uptight and practice your line by writing out what you're gonna say. RELAX and take deep breath first. You're gonna be fine with more experience and don't record in such windy conditions and smile more, you have a pretty face!
Your grip is causing you problems. I see your fingers riding the slide. That will interfere with the operation. I have fired an enormous amount of rounds through my micro nine with no malfunctions. Your grip is the problem.
I definitely had a terrible grip when I made this video years ago. However, there was definite issues with firearm as well and Kimber did openly admit it after I sent the firearm in. It was fixed but I sold it shortly after
I’m glad it all worked out for you. A shame it wasn’t a good fit for you. I really like my P365xl, and it’s not that much bigger and carries twice as many rounds.
cold = gloves, no shame, you had no reason to endure discomfort while practicing, and that safety needs a mod to just get out the way.
You need more training, the issue’s were operator’s issues. No disrespect.
Completely understand some techniques many have been subjective as this was filmed years ago but I can confirm multiple people shot this firearm and had the same issues. I sent it in and it came back fixed with a note saying it was a firing pin issue.
Wow very dissappinting it had so many malfunctions. Maybe i dont want 1 of these.
Be patient. It’s not for comfort or a range gun . It’s a micro 9 . I love it for what it is , and the hoage grips will help for you
You have a lemon.