Kimber 1911s; overrated junk?

[blankslate]

I have come into possession of a couple of Kimber 1911s after a family member passed away

They're pricey but it seems some hold the opinion they're crap for the price you pay.

I've talked to one gunshop clerk and he said of the top of his head they'd likely go for a grand each if I chose to sell them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFMTMZCnSZs&nohtml5=False
I've inspected them according to this video guide and they pass.

What are your guys opinion about them?


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[Mungla]

I have a DU Kimber 1911 with the stainless barrel. I've been extremely impressed with the build quality. They are expensive though.

 

[Jerem]

I was shooting a full size Raptor ll just last weekend. Nice enough gun for a production 1911. $800 to a grand sounds right depending on condition and model. Someone needs to shoot them before you sell them to see if they have jamming issues. Not saying Kimber has jamming issues more than any other, but if it does that changes the price point.

 

[blankslate]

Does anyone know anything about crimson trace pistol grips?

both of the 1911s have them and they have a laser that projects from the top right when the main switch is on and you press down on the front switch that would fall under the middle finger in a typical pistol grip.

I checked the crimson trace website and most of them are about $399 new.


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[blankslate]

I was shooting a full size Raptor ll just last weekend. Nice enough gun for a production 1911. $800 to a grand sounds right depending on condition and model. Someone needs to shoot them before you sell them to see if they have jamming issues. Not saying Kimber has jamming issues more than any other, but if it does that changes the price point.

I understand your point. And the video I posted in the thread starter addresses something that can cause feeding issues. Both weapons passed so I'm hoping they don't. I've never heard the deceased complain about that issue with their weapons in any case.


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[shortylickens]

They are most assuredly not junk. But they are overrated and generally overpriced.

I picked one up on consignment and it was less than half the normal price. But for most people I'd recommend not wasting your money. You can get the same quality and features for less money with another brand.

 

[olds]

I agree with shorty. <shudder>

 

[blankslate]

I picked one up on consignment and it was less than half the normal price. But for most people I'd recommend not wasting your money. You can get the same quality and features for less money with another brand.

Well like I said I have a couple as a result of a death in the family and I am not looking to buy. But depending on the situation I might sell.


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[SSSnail]

They are most assuredly not junk. But they are overrated and generally overpriced.

I picked one up on consignment and it was less than half the normal price. But for most people I'd recommend not wasting your money. You can get the same quality and features for less money with another brand.

So what are some brands and models that have same qualities and features for less?

 

[McLovin]

I agree with shorty. <shudder>

I'd put the odds of this rare occurence to be about the same as winning the lottery! Better go buy your ticket Olds!

 

[pontifex]

unless these are something special most kimbers i see go for about a grand new (and thats in overpriced stores like Gander Mtn, Bass pro, etc). If they are used good luck selling them for a grand.

 

[shortylickens]

So what are some brands and models that have same qualities and features for less?

Colt, Ruger, Smith & Wesson, Springfield. In other words the old school American brands.

Rock Island Armory is overpriced for the low quality (in my opinion).
Sig makes 1911's but they arent cheap either. Then theres Dan Wesson, Rock River Arms, STI, Para Ordnance, Les Baer, Detonics, Nighthawk, Turnbull.

Come to think of it theres a crapload of companies that make just 1911's and nothing else.

You could try finding an old Browning thats been taken care of. But if it has stuff like tactical rails and fiber optic sights then those are obviously after market modifications, and most people prefer to have a classic Browning as is, not modified.

 

[shortylickens]

Oh, Wilson Combat.
I shouldnt have forgotten about them. They make the combat magazine everyone loves so much.

 

[madoka]

Kimber went downhill after Ron Cohen took over. QC and customer service nosedived, but profits were up. Then Cohen moved over to Sig in 2005 where he once again is trading their good name for short time profits.

I've been buying higher end 1911s lately, like the Springfield Professional and the Ed Brown Special Forces which are both around the $3000 mark. There's a lot of diminishing returns there though. Personally, I think the sweet spot for value is right around the $1500 mark where you can get the Pointman or the TRP.

 

[shortylickens]

So, did Kimber realign their business model with high quality? Or did they keep going with his style of management?

 

[madoka]

So, did Kimber realign their business model with high quality? Or did they keep going with his style of management?

I'm not into Kimbers, but according to others, they've stayed the course because sales have been good.

 

[madoka]

So what are some brands and models that have same qualities and features for less?

The Ruger SR1911 is a really good value.

Here's a pic of mine next to a Pointman 9

 

[MongGrel]

I always thought the Remington 1911 R1 looked interesting for the price, but haven't really been buying guns in awhile.

http://1911r1.com/

http://reviews.cabelas.com/8815/291...istol-reviews/reviews.htm?sort=rating&dir=asc

 

[gorcorps]

They're far from junk, but they're also usually more expensive than they should be depending on the model. The 1911 got incredibly popular so there are a lot of choices these days. Kimber is good but far from the best value

 

[twinrider1]

You can check completed sales on Gun Broker to get a good idea on value.

http://www.gunbroker.com/