80,000 Rounds and Counting (Kimber 1911 in 45 ACP)
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
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Yes, Guy Miner has put in excess of 80,000 rounds through his Kimber 1911 chambered in 45 ACP. In this video we'll hear the full story behind this firearm.
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A well made 1911 will last a long time, much longer than 80,000 rounds. That low pressure round is real easy on the steel frame and slide.
That doesn't hold true for a 1911 chambered in 10mm. 36,000 psi for full power loads.
Exactly, people forget that about .45 ACP. It’s fantastic and (nowadays) misunderstood and even straight up lied about. In the ranges that you’re shooting in typical self defense scenarios (and even non-typical), .45 ACP is hard to beat.
The finest pistol design ever made. John Browning was an absolute genius. It seems that people either love or hate it. To each it’s own. It is my favorite
I love 1911's and glocks. I'm an open minded person I guess.
I'm in between. I just see no advantage to it today over other options. Classic gun though.
I've always found the hate interesting. I dislike shooting a number of pistols including Glocks for some reason but don't hate them or mock and rundown the vast number of people that do. Says more about the Larper than about those that shoot 1911's to me.
I don’t know why people hate on the 1911. I don’t hate Glocks. In fact, I just love guns period. But Glock people who hate on 1911’s are literal idiots. The 1911 (a 45 chambered 1911) is the king. It’s the perfect platform to drop a man at close distances. Wars are not won with pistols. They’re won with rifles. But if I were going to war with my rifle, the pistol I’d want at my side while reloading in some ditch or trench somewhere is the king (a fucking 45acp 1911). Or if I ran out of ammo for my rifle and had to dig in and hide somewhere. I’d want that 45acp 1911. JUDGE ME,!!!
I don't hate 1911's, I just don't like ergonomics of carrying it.
If I ever needed to use it, I don't want to miss. I carry 9mm in summer, and in Winter .357 Sig.
And there it is... A 90's Kimber. A million times better than anything they make today.
100%
My local gun store talked me out of buying a Kimber and suggested the Springfield Garrison which was 300 dollars cheaper.
@@briandavenport8971 good folks
@@briandavenport8971 and you like it don't you?
I haven't heard anything bad about the Springfields, and I haven't heard anything good about the new Kimbers. The old Custom Classics were and are fantastic.
That is awesome 👌. I have a Colt Combat Elite I bought new in 1991. Shot it in competition for year's. Retired it at 250k rounds and barrel #4. I replaced a lot of parts on that gun but never due to breakage or failure. It even survived my experimentation phase with .45 Super's for bowling pin shoots, love it.
How was the slide to frame fit after all those rounds?
My father purchased an early Kimber Custom. I did some minor trigger work on it and he competed in various matches with it for 12-13 years, enjoying it immensely. With his passing in 2014, it joined my Kimber Eclipse II in my safe. They both enjoy a 230 grain FMJ, coated LRN or XTP over 5.0 grains of Vhitavori N 320. They have heirloom status now.
So I have know Guy for many years and went through scouting with his sons. I remember seeing Guy as an officer in my hometown carrying this gun and have shot along side him at at least one class and numerous times at the range. Good to see that 1911 still ringing steel!
I saw Kimber’s rust after 2 months on the rack in the store I worked at. Most of them came from the factory with rust lol
I call BS
I like the MIM parts at forged part prices, and the plastic mainspring housings. Garbage.
Look up Kimber rust and you’ll see tons of results on them rusting or being rusted new. We would have to clean them often if they didn’t sell fast enough.
@@Justin-zv4cm LOL pretty obvious you have no clue what a non MIM parts fitted pistol costs. Dan Wesson "NON MIM" is the closest I can think of price wise and starting @ MSRP $1,249 vs Kimber @ MSRP $802. And just a heads up,some MIM parts are non critical and won't matter if MIM or Forged. Plastic MSH I have yet to see 1 fail and seems like an OCD issue with most owners. As far as rust goes,some kimber parts were still in "The White" and it will happen but I've also seen my co-workers Wilson Combat which came from the factory with some very small rust on some interior frame sections and was easily cleaned and never an issue after. It's a tool,it's going to get dirty and will have some love handles on it if your using it for its intended purpose or maybe you should just keep it in the safe and brag about having it and not be able to shoot worth a sh*t because you were afraid to get it dirty. 🙄
@@mdh1775 I actually have a better idea than you might think. But my main point is that you don't get what you pay for with Kimber or Colt. No sense going full KBCommando. Besides, I'd never own a Kimber, so I wouldn't have it in my safe.
From the title and the intro alone.
That is a real statement about the low wear and tear that 45 ACP puts on guns, that's really interesting.
And that's what you should see with other low pressure rounds in a full size quality gun.
I have heard so many people say Kimber is junk, I have owned pretty much every manufacturers 1911 but always avoided Kimber because of the negative reviews. I was in the market for another basic 1911 and all I could find was a Kimber Custom II with manufacturer installed Night Sights. So I picked it up, got it home and detail stripped it. I was really surprised at how well made and fit together this Kimber was, everything was polished that should be, the homer and sear engagement wan very nice, I have no complaints
Kimber today aren’t like this one. Do some research and you’ll find his gun was made with lots of chip McCormick internals. Kimber switched to MIM internals and had some teething issues with that and that’s why you hear what you hear. Current Kimbers are probably better than what you’ve heard but not as good as this implies. They also have Schwartz safeties now which also aren’t recommended
As what K Bob said, only Kimbers are great, new ones are kinda meh. I'd honestly buy a Springfield Armory 1911 over a Kimber, personally.
@@mjcmustang the one I got was new old stock, it was made in 2015, maybe things changed, but I have owned and gunsmithed pretty much every production 1911, and my Kimber is the only one that had every internal (disconnectors, sear, hammer,etc.) polished. One of my Colt 1911's had the worst internals I have ever seen, I didn't even mess with them, I replaced everything with Wilson parts then did my normal polish and trigger job. I have a Springfield Garrison and P-35 on backorder at my LGS, getting anything has been a PITA lately so I don't expect to see either for a while
@@New2Kendo the kimber parts typically have a nice fit because they are mim. You get great tolerances on mass produced small parts but it’s not barstock at the end of the day. I’ve heard the stories about Colts but I’ve only ever seen one I thought had issues and we sent it back. I’d give the colt a slight edge in small parts quality over the Springfield or Kimber just due to the fact that the slide stop is still bar stock and the safeties don’t seem to be problematic. Kimber were/are notorious for the slide stops and thumb safeties breaking on guns that get shot a lot. Springfields are all MIM small parts too but I’d definitely go Springfield over Kimber.
I have heard kimber comments all over the page. Some are great, some aren't so good. I have a Springfield Ronin Government. 45, 2 Les Baers, and an Ed Brown SF. Thr Baers and EB 1911 are superb. Thr Baers are fitted like racing engines. Thr EB is like butter. Thr Ronin is good and is my beater.
Two takeaways: First-the 80,000+ round barrel looks a bit worn but, all things considered, many pistols never make it to 80K! Second-I wish my agency had used 45ACP. We used 40S&W when I started and never liked it compared to 45’s. We later swapped to 9mm, the lesser amount of recoil helped the “non-gun” officers so that was a positive. I’m retired these days and I carry a Kimber TLE II Stainless, smoothest trigger I’ve ever used!
Great video, thanks for posting!
There’s something about a gun that’s been carried and used for multiple decades, tens of thousands of rounds, that just makes the gun something special. I have one handgun in particular I’ve had for a couple years now (a highly modified and built P320) and I fully intend for it to become that kind of experienced pistol in time. I can’t wait
I have a Taurus PT 1911 I bought from a very close family friend that actually taught my dad and myself how to reload because he and his family were short on money for christmas. Sadly he passed away a week and a half after I got it so to me that 1911 will always be a piece of him and I carry it as often as possible. Put probably 3 or 4 thousand rounds through it and it's run it all like a top whether it's 185 grain 230 grain it just eats it all and shoots like a dream
I have this same gun. It's on its third set of springs. I don't think I've put 80k through it, but the round count is pretty high and my finish is only a little darker than this one. Fantastic gun. Thanks for sharing this.
I own a number of 1911's, including double stack Para's I used in action pistol matches back in the 90's and early 2000's. I know people constantly piss and mone about the Para double stack mags being unreliable. Since I was shooting competition, unreliable mags was unacceptable and successfully made not only my 14rd mags 100%. But my 20rd ones too by simply replacing the springs with wolf competition high performance springs, replaced the followers with after market, and only run ball ammo through it. Got good accuracy too!
But the one I shoot 99% of the time since 2004 is my Les Baer single stack Premier II SUPER TAC guaranteed to shoot 1½" at 50 yards, and came with a test target to prove it. Paid $2,400 for it back in 2004; it proved to be one of my better purchasing decisions! I've largely stopped shooting competition in the mid 2000's due to physical issues, so I've only put about 5 or 6 thousand rounds through it, but it's still tight!
I enjoyed your video. I have a 1911 that my father bought for me for my 18th birthday I had the best Dad a son could have. I did a little research on it that shows it was manufactured in 1913. My father bought it from a Korean war vet who carried it during his service and bought it from the us govt. to take home with him. The army armorer told him he checked the records which show the gun was carried in WW1 and WW2 and of course the Korean war.
The veteran who had been wounded had it accurized by Bob Chow in 1951 in San Francisco and mailed to his house.
I used to keep strict reloading records until I stopped in about mid 1980's. The records show that the brass that I bought from the coast guard from their Thompson qualifications (still about 360 rounds left) cheap because no body wanted it the Thompson has such an open chamber the brass can be difficult to resize and hangs up on the dies. Lee made me a very open lead in full length hammer die that I used to restore the brass. I hammered two shopping bags full of brass through the die and used their primer pocket reamer to cut off the military crimp. I have annealed it several times over the years with an alcohol torch when I picked up a cracked case. Out of those to bags I have reloaded well over a hundred thousand rounds. I think Bob Chow might have changed the barrel and bushing because I think the barrel is stainless and the bushing has a beautiful lock up. The sights were bowman I dropped it once and bent the sight they were a soft steel. I replaced them with Dillon sights. It will out shoot a colt gold cup. I have replace the recoil and firing pin springs many times with Wolf variable power springs.
I have three 1911 pistols - a Colt Govt model 1911A1, a Kimber TLE II, and I recently got a Tisas Govt model 1911A1. I have been shooting .45 1911A1’s for about 65 years. I was trained in the Army as an MP officer, and then joined Special Forces where we also used the 1911A1, including during an extended tour in VN. I really like the 1911A1, and have a fair amount of proficiency with it.
I put over 100,000 rounds through a Chinese made Norinco 1911 (200+ rounds a week for 12 years) that was strictly "goverenment" in form which I bought in 1992....one failure, it broke the extractor at about 80K....spares very difficult here in NZ so I made it another one... at the same time I replaced the bottom link and recoil spring. When I sold it, it was ticking like a clock, no worries. I have another from the same maker now, and as I am almost 80 and not as well off as I was 20 years ago, I don't think I'll wear it out, Norinco have chrome lined barrels and I shoot almost entirely hand cast 200gr LSWC and 230gr LRN bullets out of it. I had a mirror finish when I bought it and was exactly the same when I sold it... no measurable wear. Both pistols shoot about 2" at 25 yards... I usually use ADI AP50 powder...
The 1911 is inherently rugged and reliable.... my new one has ambi safety, extended slide release and mag release, big beavertail, flat mainspring housing (better for my little paws), and as always a pretty good trigger,... 3 1/2 lbs and pretty crisp...
We are not allowed carry here, but if push came to shove I'd trust my life to that .45....
Awesome! I carried my own Kimber Classic Custom with a Sheriff's Department in north Texas . My serial number was only three actual numbers. the rest was all zeros. ... after 23 years in the Marine Corps myself (1966-1989). Loved that gun. It was not too bad at $700+ when I bought it. Sady, I sold it when my wife received DoD orders to Britain. My hands are fairly large and my fingers short so the grip was perfect for me.
Semper Fi
USMC Retired
1966-1989
RVN 01/69-10/70
I got my Kimber in 2000 and have put about 30k rounds through it. It has been very reliable, just having to replace the recoil and firing pin springs.
I bought mine two or three months before January 1st 2000 I bought it for Y2K lol. I'll never forget I told the guy I want the best 45 and he said you want a Kimber that's how good their reputation was back then. I just took my concealed carry test with it because it shoots so well a couple months back
“It’s not polite to outshoot a man with his own gun”. Best quote ever. Well said.
I have a Springfield Loaded model 1911, have had it 8yrs and somewhere around 6K rds through it but havent kept track. I carried it everyday up until about 5 months ago. Totally reliable, i trust my life with it. i have customized it a tad and fit some parts to it.
I cerakoted a battle worn gun once. Regretted it very much. The actual worn look is the best
I have an early Kimber Custom, with a 4 digit serial number. At the time I bought it, they only had fixed sites and rubber grips. I milled the slide for an original Bo-Mar and put a Smith Patridge front site in the dovetail up front.
I was in the last USMC TBS class to qualify with the 1911 before the switch to the M9. My Kimber is on its third set of springs, and has almost exclusively been shot with cast bullets of my own making and loading. I know I havent shot 80k through it, but I have shot it a lot.
Para Ordnance 14.45 Custom limited class .45. The Barsto barrel has roughly 60,000 rounds through it and it's companion piece a custom carry class 12.45 with a bushingless bull barrel has about 30,000 rounds. I built both in the early 90's. I built both myself, did all the mill work, gunkote from Brownells has held up exceptionally well. The 14.45 I just Cerakoted and fit a new hammer and sear after the 2.5lb trigger started with the occasional hammer drop. They've both been "retired" for some time with a S&W MP9 custom in 9mm taking its place once the 9mm became undeniably a better option. 30,000+. Its a bit funny how close to the 14.45 I built the MP9. I just picked up a bone stock SA SA-35 that just might be the next anointed one depending on how much I like it. Sadly I sold my mill during a move some time ago, still have the tooling. There's no trust like the trust you put in your own work. I hope a solution presents itself if the SA-35 is the next..
Do you recall when Para Ordnance just made frame kits and not complete pistols? My cousin has one my Dad and I built for him with a colt commander slide and barrel. First P13 I can think of 😁
@@SharpShooterCO I do. And as you'd expect being the first they were the worst when it came to holding tolerances and the complete pistols that followed the frame kits weren't all that great either. It would take on average 4-6 hours longer to complete a custom Para than say a Colt and they weren't the beesknees either.
Personally I enjoyed the early Norinco's for their close(r) tolerances and super hard frames and slides. When you stacked the poor tolerances of any gun but especially the Para's you'd sometimes not be able to fit a part at all, but Para was good about replacing frames and slides. At least if you had a good relationship with them.
Once you got one right though, there was nothing else like them on the market for capacity and that was a great advantage to have. STI came on the scene and at first they weren't great either. But once CNC's became affordable at the smaller manufacturing levels we started seeing much better products. Kimber is one who took advantage of this before most others.
I recently picked up an SA-35, and having dealt with polymer frames and steel/SS slides for so long, the much tighter tolerances of steel on steel via CNC is almost stunning.. Heck, a DRO used to be what you lusted after, now CNC 5-axis milling machines are within reach at the gunsmith level.. we live in good times.
As this fella. We also started with the 1911 base. Then very early switched to the berreta M9. My M9 threw over 40000 rounds during my first 4 years. With a handful of stove pipes. It was still in service long after i left. As a matter of fact the armory still had it at the 20 yr reunion. It seen service around the world from Panama to Afghanistan. And used the same barrel! We recieved 1911's for parting gifts. They all were remnants from WWII. If you make something good...and it works. Why fix it?
I own a Classic Custom that I bought new in April 1999. After a couple of years of shooting it, I changed out the factory plastic trigger, sent the lower frame/parts off to Accurate Plating and Weaponry (then in Fla) and had 20lpi checkering on the frontstrap, hardchrome finish ( so it's now 2 tone) and they fitted/installed an Ed Brown mainspring housing with detachable magwell, which replaced the factory plastic mainspring housing. I have the OE rubber grips like the one in the video but swapped them out for some double diamond rosewoods with SS hex grip screws. It's basically my safe queen but I've never had any issues with it and the trigger is like none other. I use Wilson and Chip McCormick magazines. Absolutely the finest handgun i own.
One thing that will save your frame from cracking is replacing your recoil spring when it needs it.
I have my granddad’s Colt M1911 manufactured in 1918. I haven’t fired it in years. It functioned perfectly when I shot it years ago.
It cracks me up to hear the haters make their comments for this good video. My Kimber Desert Warrior shoots like a champ. There is not a damn thing wrong with Kimber guns. Yes you need to maintain them more diligently with cleaning and lubing. Then again, some people seem to have forgotten some of those basic common sense habits. A 1911 might be too complicated for some people, and that’s a good thing for them to know their limitations.😂😂. Thanks for the video.
I carried a Kimber on duty for about 6 years until the city rotated them out. I had several thousand rounds through mine (I have no idea exactly how many). The only problem I had with it was a broken extractor, which causes secondary malfunctions. Thank God that happened in training. I liked the gun and bought it after the city moved onto the next platform (Glock).
I sadly had to retire my Dan Wesson Specialist in .45 ACP when the department required me to carry the Glock 17. The Glock is a nice reliable gun but the Dan Wesson was amazing and I’m not sold on the 9mm.
If the Kimber has the early Clackamas Oregon roll mark (Custom), although most made in Yonkers already, it’s a used Kimber that I’m interested in. The later ones (Custom II) made in Yonkers New York added the firing pin safety system and eventually were full of MIM and had periods of spotty quality control. I’m not sure if they all came with the in the white carbon steel barrels but a quick hand polish and light coat of oil will keep rust away.
I really enjoy your videos but this one touched me in that special way. To say that I am a 1911 guy would be an understatement. The one I have had the longest was purchased in 1976 is a Colt Combat Commandar. The one with the most rounds is a competition Remington R1 stock gov't purchased when they first came to market. I use it in Wild Bunch competition and run around 8k per year through it so call it around 40k. The only thing I have done to it is replace the springs every year or more, you can tell how the gun functions if you need to replace them before my annual complete maintenance which includes checking the plunger tube which is tighten at the same time. My current EDC is a Sig Nightmare Commandar size that rides either in a belt holster at 4 o'clock or a jackass rig.
Do you have a suggestion for a group I could join to learn more about the 1911? I have looked at a couple of web forums, but it seems that they are mostly geared toward pictures of purchases/finds and that sort of thing. Outside of problems encountered, it is not very technical in nature.
I bought my kimber stainless about 2 months ago. I hope mine carry’s a similar story for me in the years to come
I've had my Kimber Custom I for a little over 20 years now. My first firearm. Still my favorite. Nowhere near 80K rounds through mine but definitely in the 5 digit range as I used to shoot it all the time when a box of 50 rds could be had for $8-$10 back in the day. It's mostly original except I swapped out the all black sights with 3-dot night sights as my eyesight is pretty degraded from when I first got it (blind in one eye, limited but functional vision in the other, long story). Also, I've been using Wilson Combat mags for most of the time I've had it. Aside from recoil springs, the only part I've had to replace from a maintenance standpoint is the slide release. The part of the release that slides into the notch on the slide was so worn that earlier this year, it was failing to stay locked back after the last round and even inserting a new mag was causing the slide to drop. I got a replacement slide release from Wilson Combat with an extended thumb tab which works great.
Glad to see a video singing the praises of these older Kimber models.
They are nice pistols when they are made right. I shot a friends newer kimber that ran flawlessly. But then I’ve known a lot of people that have had nothing but problems. If you got a good one that’s awesome they really are beautiful pistols.
@@Danstheman1357 yeah, I've heard thst sbout the newer Kimber 1911's. Pity, the used to set the standard for out of the box quality.
After all these years of wanting a 1911 I finally got one. But mine was budget friendly. It’s a Rick Island in 45 ACP. I like it but the older my eyes get, the harder it is to pick up the front sight. Makes me want to install a new front sight. Which makes my choices to get an upgraded slide or new 1911. Or both!😬
Though I highly regard the 1911 "platform", I have only had 3 and none of them were truly classic 1911s. I had a compact 45 & 2 Colt Mustang 380. I hope to get one some day. Thank you gents.
Thousands of rounds through my Ruger SR1911, accurate and reliable!
not a 1911, but I have a j frame 357 that's been with me since my 21st birthday. When I bought it it was the hot carry gun, and even though there are a thousand better options now, Its still my go to. third set of grips second triduum sight.
I love that this channel has an appreciation for classic and newer firearms.
American classic by Metro arms in the Phillipines. Stainless steel, commander size..... I love love love that gun
I carry a full size kimber custom ll .45 acp, have for 2 years, put 4k rounds through her, 1k of hollows, wouldn't trade it for the world. Only thing I did was put night sights on and got wilson combat mags.
Back when Kimber made a good 1911
Absolutely a fantastic set.... not quite a 1911, but I have had a Para Ordnance p12 for about 27years, customized by myself, beaver tail, Wilson match barrel and bushing, guide rod, custom hammer and sear massaged by yours truly, aftermarket trigger with over travel stop, trigicon night sights that no longer glow. It's life includes three years of competitive stock class shooting, one broken slide due to 20k rounds and loosing all the series 80 parts while shooting a match, factory actually replaced free of charge, and still my #1. For being an officer size 1911, 13 round capacity,, shoots better than I can hold, and still my favorite. I have a soft spot for the 1911 platform. I do own a series 70 Colt Gold Cup National Match that is stock but for the Millett sights, and that would be my #2... there is a reason that almost every pistol manufacturer has had their own version of the 1911. It simply works. 😁
That's a awsome 1911. I'm new to the 1911 just got a springfield 1911 A1 loaded model recently. Glock is still my choice for serious use. Glock 17 gen 4 was my first pistol and as a former LEO I have alot of training time on and carried a Glock on duty. But now that I own a 1911 they are just a cool gun and easy ti fall in love with.
80,000 rounds. Hell lad, it’s just getting started. I also learned of the 1911 back in 1968 in the Marine Corp. A 1911of some sort has been my constant companion ever since. Influenced by the likes of Jeff Cooper and Clint Smith just got me more enthused. I’ve found if you clean them once in a while and feed them properly they’re dead bang reliable. Cool gun sir. By the way, what type of sights are those, I like them.
In all honesty, it shows how steel frame guns last. It’s hard to argue with a well forged steel handgun in terms of sheer reliability.
There are plenty of 100k+ round Glocks and other designs without steel frames.
@@45calibermedic I never said they couldn’t last. Why are people automatically assuming that? “It shows how steel frame guns last” what the hell does that have anything to do with polymer guns?
@Jesse Robinson It shows how steel frame guns last” what the hell does that have anything to do with polymer guns?
@Jesse Robinson also a glock left in water for a long time will funtion much better than an 1911 that will rust completely
Just change the recoil spring about every 5,000 rounds. I prefer upping thr spring to 18-18.5 pound springs. Adds a bit more recoil absorption and increases th3 forward momentum to slam thr round into battery.
Change the hammer spring probably every 10,000 rounds of so.
Thanks for the info. To set schedule a play for 22 target Kimbers as well? Mine are easily over 10k
Finally someone on here not bashing my favorite 1911 brand. I have the Kimber Eclipse Custom 10mm and carry it with great regularity. I bought 3 Ed Brown mags for it and had to tweak the extractor slightly but it's 100% with hollow points and flat nose fmj since I adjusted the extractor tension. Great shooting guns
Big difference between a 1997 Kimber and Kimbers now.
I think the old kimber looks really good. I love 1911s and I do own a few kimbers that have been very good to me.
My first 1911: I have an ati 5” government that I wore parts out on, then rebuilt into a very nice shooting and very accurate gun I call el cheapo lovingly. About 30k rounds, cheap internals. Tighted the frame to slide fit the old school way. Then replaced the ignition parts with Wilson combat parts, Swenson match barrel, Wilson combat barrel bushing, flat pad trigger, extended beaver tail, and taller sights.
My second (but I have more) 1911: Springfield loaded model 5” parkerized. This gun has been utterly reliable even when doing a mud test and sand test. No failures due to the gun. Only 2 failures due to a magazine spring failure and a round that the brass was screwed up, part of the brass got pealed up to the case head. The gun potentially saved my life one night, luckily I did not have to shoot. It’s my favorite handgun, and it goes with me everywhere. I did put a mag well, g10 grips, and a flat pad trigger on it. And it has a Wilson flatwire recoil spring which are great. The parkerized finish has held up fantastically compared to other parkerized guns I have that have a fraction of the use my Springfield has.
my 1942 colt 1911a1 army was re built for target duty after having gone half way round the world and back. so its safe to assume its ben shot alot. im not sure how much team member on the army amu shoot between rebuilds.going by the numbers on my barrel and bushing this last build was in 1963. and its still tight and semi hard fitted still and the internals wer expertly honed witch makes the trigger absolutely perfect! and it came with a shoe box of extras containing the original internals and the original barrel and bushing and three two toned mags witch i sold for more than the pistol cost me! it had ben expertly polished and blued like a pre war national match pistol by someone with the skill to do the job correctly the markings are all sharp and deep and everything perfectly flat and square still and the light polishing marks all go in the correct direction just like an old colt finish.and despite all the work it had undergone that last detail made it quote practically worthless! i asked how worthless and he said 300$ sold i said and handed over the cash! it was by far hands down the best 1911 in the shop! for hundreds less than a rock island or springfeild gi spec. i got lucky that day!
People pay to get worn out finish? Lawd. Very odd. I do love how modest Guy is. Please keep sharing the knowledge and info. Greatly appreciate. Born in 87, diesel tech, auto enthusiasts, firearms enthusiast. Build everything I can myself. Including engine trans diff wiring harness and do what I can with my guns. Did a little reloading but just bolt on stuff. But I have a bad case of mechanical OCD. it’s bad. And I can see you have it too Gavin. I feel you lol. Anyways. Thanks man.
I've owned a dozen or so 1911 pistols in my life, many of them from Colt. I bought a Kimber Eclipse Target in 2005 and yes, I replaced some of the internals mostly since it was a popular thing then (the MIM scare). I used Wilson "bullet proof" springs, sear and disconnector and polished things up just a little. I ALWAYS use their KimPro mags and generally load Remington UMC 230 gr factory hard ball ammo. That pistol is the absolute most accurate and pleasurable thing to shoot I've ever had . . .period! Approaching 50,000 rounds now. That one is a KEEPER!
Barstow makes Americas best gun barrels. I have bought so many at least 13 and no trouble, including 45 Super and 40 Super.
I have a Kimber in 45. It is probably as old as the one in your video. When I bought it Kimber only offered 2 models. One with fixed sights an one with adjustable, I had to order the adjustable model. The Kimber was a replacement for a Colt 80 series that was completely warn out. I have shot a lot of IPSC and 3 gun for many years. It has been feed a steady diet of 200gr LSWCs. And it gets what I think is the best Chip McCormick 10 round mags. I have other 1911's. A Para in 40s&w and a new SA in 9mm and a Colt commander. The Kimber has always done great, it has been upgraded with a set rosewood grips and a S&A magwell and it is probably one of my favorites.
I shoot competition with a Kimber Team Match 2. 8-9000 rounds so far. Never had any problems and 0 malfunctions!
Love my Kimber Custom TLE 2 TFS in .45. It was the gun made for the LA SWAT. It has been nothing short of a dream in every way. Hasn’t let me down one bit. Just a beast of a gun.
Looking forward to the ransom rest video!
I have a number of 1911’s. I think my favorites are my Kimber Pro TLE RL II in .45 ACP and my Dan Wesson Pointman Carry in .38 Super. Both have and many rounds through them.
My dad bought a Custom CDP II in the early 00s, department armorer swapped in a bunch of ed brown parts. Had it on duty for ten years and has been teaching with it since. Probably north of 20k rounds. Now I'm running a Sig 1911 on patrol, bought after becoming an NCO in 2012. Well made 1911s last forever. Round count is getting up there, but the ammo crunches have tempered it somewhat.
I ordered and received a Kimber TLE II in 2008. It's been shot thousands of rounds and I trust it. Very accurate and always makes me look good at the range. It has the satin nickel finish and still looks great! It seems the black finish wears more easily than the satin nickel. An old gun with some wear has character that can't be reproduced. I do like that look. Sadly, there are many that would refinish that gun and destroy it's history! Great video!
I do have a turus 1911 is being a great gun ,never had any problems with it
I know people harp on Kimber's quality, but I have had only positive experiences. I own three, a 9mm Evo, a Pro Carry II in .45 ACP and a Camp Guard in 10MM. All shoot well and are extremely reliable.
that gun has been shown alot of love. a loved item, gun, car, motorcycle, etc isn't one thats bright and shiney and never leaves the safe/garage. its the one thats used and worn.
I have that same model, I probably bought it in 1997 or 1998. It is the first 1911 I ever purchased. I probably only have about 500 rounds through mine and it still has all the factory finish.
I’m on my 3rd 1911 Kimber, First was a Kimber SS 45acp, Second was a Kimber Ultra Carry 45 acp, now after wanting it for a decade I finally got my SS Kimber Raptor ll 45 acp which is the pinnacle for myself( my dream handgun.) I saved along time to get it and even got Galco Miami Classic shoulder holster for it! I have a few 90’s Glock, Beretta INOX 9mm and recently bought a pair of 22LR Ruger Wranglers (both in black one being a birdshead model) both fun plinking pistols during the ammo shortage we currently went/going through. My Raptor ll 45 acp has me more than excited running Wilson Combat 47D mags it performs flawlessly! I hope to tell a story like this one about my Raptor one day…….#KimberFan#1911#45acp
Mine is an older one, 1947 civilian model. Used some reloads that someone else made up and burst the barrel at an indoor range. Too loud and too many distractions otherwise I may have caught the malfunction. A new barrel and bushing possible link too and it's better than when I bought it. It goes with me to the outdoors ranges when ever I get to go.
They can put new vials in the sights if he wants to keep the patina the same.
With several 1911s in the safe, my absolute favorites are in .45 a stainless BUL from Israel with about 12K rds now. And in 9mm, a stainless Dan Wesson Pointman, with the round count quickly catching the .45. My Kimber Stainless II, and that II means it is the less expensive line, is 100% reliable without the Kimber-branded mags that came with it. The Springfields are adequate, but require trigger work. I also have a completely unreliable RIA in 10mm and a Ruger SR1911 stainless target model in 10, which is an excellent firearm. Also picked up a BUL 9mm in stainless which is my pick for the best 1911 under $900.
I own multiple 1911s in multiple calibers. The one that I have put the most rounds through would be my Springfield EMP 9. It is chambered in 9x19, has a 3" bull barrel, and because it is a single stack 9x19 has a very slim profile making it a great carry option.
I have always loved 1911s, but living in a warmer climate where lighter clothing is recommended most of the year, a bulky firearm is less than ideal for EDC.
The EMP has everything I love about 1911s, in a slimmer, lighter, package. I haven't kept track of the number very precisely, but best guess I orobbably have about 12k rounds through it at this point.
I am not into 1911s but that old school Kimber is awesome.
I have a Springfield full size 9mm with a 9x23 barrel also I have around 40k through was I my go to idpa, steel challenge and ipsc for years still love to shoot it bought a double stack 1911 9mm 2011 to be a bit more competitive but is still love to take the old Springfield out and run all my mags through it from time to time. Still one of the best shooting pistols I have and smooth as glass now that it’s worn in so well. I’ve changed firing pins firing pin springs recoil springs a few times but other than that same two barrels. Came as a 9x23 bought the 9mm barrel right away for cheaper rounds love it.
Presently have 63,000 and change through my Staccato P duo, and well more than that in others. A well made 1911/2012 will outlast you. Sure yes you need to replace springs and what not as they wear out but that’s no different than changing filters and tires on a car.
Would love to know the velocity difference between that wore out barrel vs the new Barstow barrel. I find it hard to believe that it still spits them out at 850 fps.
Hey David, I am waiting to see as well. Having replaced any number of 1911 barrels...best I can say is .....most times the old barrel is slightly faster then the new ...smoother, larger diameter, etc. Every so often, the new barrel is faster...They need to get busy up there....the FANS are waiting! Bar Sto barrels are usually very accurate.
That worn out look is just gorgeous.
Awesome, thanks for sharing this Gavin!
My Kimber was the first pistol I ever purchased, in 1999. Since then it has seen several thousand rounds, but certainly not 80k!
Mine has also been great with no issues. Only thing I’ve done is upgrade springs last year to a Wilson set, mostly for my own preference and feel better in any situation!
A couple years ago I bought a kimber compact. They are visually appealing for sure. The captured guiderod snapped in half during the 500 round break-in period. I lost my faith in them after that. I've had 3 g23's that never had issues and never had a single misfire. I wish I could trust Kimbers. They're gorgeous guns with mild recoil. 😢
"It's not polite to out shoot somebody with their own gun" haha!
The trigger on my Kimber Gold Match has spoiled me !!!!
Nice to see you got snow up there already!!
I'm in love with my RIA 1911a1fs .45 ACP with a custom black cerakote magpul grips and some polished internals and a lightly worked on trigger from my brother man Devil Dog -Echo Seven Precision Gunworks- in Fort Worth, Texas.
Kimber Grand Raptor 2, purchased new I believe in 2008. Probably has had 8 to 10 thousand rounds shot now and still has 1 1/2” groups free hand. I put a full metal back strap and a Wilson Combat 8 round 47D magazine with a laser max guide rod laser installed. Replaced the sights after 12 years because they were getting pretty dim, the new ones are really bright again. I love this gun like it was one of my children. I have had a Government issue Colt manufactured in 1918 that was all original and pinched the skin between my thumb and trigger finger several times, but still loved it. It would shoot about a 5” group from 7 yards. I like a lot of different guns but the Kimber is by far my favorite. It has never jammed or malfunctioned in any way. Some people say the series 70 has less moving parts and has a lighter trigger pull the Kimber is a series 80 and has a lighter trigger pull. I have had both and l feel the Kimber is better. Between 3.5 to 4 Lbs I shoot 230 grain fmj mostly for target and jhp for self defense. I trust my family and my life with this gun. I gave it to a gunsmith for a week so he could see if he could make any improvements on it, he gave it back and told me his wife shot a 8” plate at 200 feet on the first shot. He said no need for improvement.
There is just something about the grip and grip angle of a 1911that nothing else can replicate in a semiauto. Fit's the hand.
Almost forgot, I had a Kimber and now have a PT1911 and I echo Gavin's comments on them. The PT has been very good for me. Lot's of Unique and 200gr cast is my load of choice.
That's a great load. Another is 5gr Bullseye under a #68 H&G hard cast. I used that a lot back when I competed. On some 1911s, you have to modify the feed ramp slightly to be reliable with the #68, but I never had to do that on a Kimber.
The 1911 is one of those pistols I can shoot all day without getting fatigued. And like Gavin pointed out, it is very hard to beat that trigger.
I have a Kimber Classic, 4 digit SN, marked Clackamas Oregon. I mostly shoot 200 gr. LSWC but have shot a lot of 185 JHP and 230 JRN.
No idea how many rounds but it's a lot, I'd guess 20k range. The few jams I have had were because I let the mag get very dirty and the last round wouldn't feed freely.
A 1911 was my first handgun. Parkerized Springfield loaded in 45. Ive only had guns for about 15 years now(im 45) so to start i more or less went based off what felt good to me. I still have that 1911 and shoot it as often as i can. Its hot a little bit of battle rattle, and a lot of finish wear, but shoots beautifully. The only time i ever had any malfunction with it was using cheap mags i got off ebay. Long as i use wilsons, or chips, it eats everything i feed it, which all but 200 rounds has been jacketed hollow points. Its one of the few that i will never trade or sell. I usually carry a cz p10 model now, buy I wont hesitate to carry that springfield 1911 and would absolutely bet my life on that gun. Hell, i love the 1911 enough that i went and got a full rail trp a couple months back. The cz may be taking a break once i find a holster for that trp that works with my light.
I have that exact model. Almost the same backstory as well except I was second owner. First owner didn't like the recoil so it only had a couple mags through. Eventually had mine NP3 coated by ROBAR as the original finish was atrocious. Great pistol. Still have it.
That wear on the finish is amazing. I hope it never gets re-finished.
My 1911 was made by colt in 1917 still shooting good !
My first handgun a 1911 was given to me by my Grandfather. He carried it in WW1. The sites are a joke and hammer bite is not nice. But I wouldn't sell it for any reason! Looked up the date of manufacturer. Turned out to be made in 1916 . So it's only 105 years old.
🙂😂🤣I love the looks on Guys face when he said "Taurus".
Actually when Kimber started they were based out of some weird sounding town in Oregon before they moved to Yonkers New York
He stated "there new factory in Yonkers NY", he didn't say it started there.
@@jaydunbar7538 He said when Kimber came on the horizon that generally means they first made an appearance in a certain area in this case the United States they were shipping guns out of Oregon long before Yonkers New York as far as I'm concerned Oregon was their new Factory. I'm old enough to remember when it was Kimber of Oregon now they're known as Kimber America. Kinda have to read between the lines between the two statements "On the horizon, and new factory" If he said when they first open their new Factory in Yonkers New York, and didn't mention anything about "On the Horizon" then I wouldn't have said anything.
Recommended reading,
Google search kimber america go to the Wikipedia article in the search.
Kimber has moved to Troy, Alabama now
@@jaydunbar7538 nevermind, let's just say we disagree and we'll leave it at that have a great day.
@@paparich19X yeah I saw that in the Wikipedia article entitled Kimber America. That was news to me.
I had that pistol but sold it. I replaced with a Kimber Custom 2 in 2000 or 2001. Love this pistol smooth as butter never has had a malfunction due to the gun itself. I trust this pistol. That said Ive bought a couple three Kimber's in the last ten years. lol mamma always said if you don't have anything good to say don't say anything.
Weirdly, I just had my first failure on a Kimber Compact I bought about 2000/2001. A leg on the plunger tube broke and I had to replace that part. I believe (I'm not sure) that part was MIM, yet it still lasted all these years. It's been replaced with a real steel plunger tube.
1911, still hard to beat.
I have a kimber custom ghost. 5 inch. 45. I love it. The really only thing I had a problem with was the factory mag would feed jam. And I had to put though 500 rounds through it and now it is flawless. I love it.
I daily carry and shoot a Kimber TLE II in .45 and it is my favorite of all my 1911’s.
Now I feel like a total amateur and noobie. I early 2001, I bought a brand new Kimber 1911 CDP Ultra. Ran flawless. Still runs flawless. Very accurate even out of a short barrel. I lost count after 5000 rounds, but I don't use it as much any more. My new EDC is a Dan Wesson Guardian in 38 Super.
Stories like this make me want to get another 1911. 👍
I’m guessing my Kimber Custom II is around 10 yrs old. It’s the first semi auto I ever owned. It was a tack driver right out of the box. I don’t recall any real break-in period. It eats anything. I’ve had lots of friends shoot it and they’re always amazed at how tight it shoots. I’d be amazed if I ever find a pistol that matches this Kimber. And for 800 something bucks. This video made me smile.
I’ve got a Kimber Classic Stainless LE,apparently only about 600 where made. Haven’t shot it yet. I guess it was a Gander Mountain limited edition. Around 1996.