Problem with trading in a Kimber with a 5” barrel ?

Roszhou

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Guy on YouTube said he went to his local dealer with a very nice looking 5" barrel Kimber in all black. He didn't mention the model, or, I forgot. Anyway, the dealer said no, that he'd had SO many problems with Kimber's in the past, and would never take another one in trade, or sell a Kimber. Was this just a fluke? Or was the store owner just a Kimber hater? I mean, I think Kimber is now the biggest maker of 1911's in America now? I LUST after owning a SS Raptor II !! I LOVE how that gun looks! But buying a $1200.00 gun that loses tremendous value would dissuade me from buying it. How is Kimber's resale?? Good? Fair? Or, taken to the cleaners? I cannot believe his experience is the norm, but how's Kimber's "true" resale? Thank you! And yes, I see A LOT of Kimber's for sale on Gun Broker, but as people now, are buying ANYTHING that goes BANG, it might not be a true guide to Kimber's resale, during "normal" times. If you know what I mean. I went to our local Academy Sports last week, amd I swear, they literally had FIVE guns for sale! Three hunting/bolt-action rifles, and two .22 cal. revolvers. THAT was it! Couldn't believe it! Was truly shocked. Bass Pro Shop was well stocked, except AR's, and home defense type shotguns. PLENTY of Kimber's, except the SS Raptor I want to buy. : (
Said it would be months before they get another one in. : ((( No new SS Raptors on Gun Broker that I've seen either.

Thanks all!
 

Rooster

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Well, I previously owned a Kimber. I had problems with it . They got fixed . The gun was a tack driver and shot very nice. I just lost the love due to the initial bad experience.

FWIW, I sold my Kimber and did not take much of a loss at all on it.

There are two sides to every coin. Kimber may have stopped using the dealer or stopped supplying them for business reasons, and the guy had a mad on for them. Or he may have been mistreated by them in their business relationship. Or he has all that and some bad guns .

In my experience, I've heard of very few Kimber 5" guns that didn't run well . The problems are mostly with shorter barrels.

Kimber sells a lot of 1911s. It stands to reason there will be more complaints due to the scale. That said, it wouldn't be my choice. I think there are better guns out there for the money. But if you like them, that's all that counts. We May value different characteristics . It's what you like that matters. Their guns will win more beauty contests than most, and I'd argue their out of the box trigger is better than most production guns . ive Not ever heard a complaint on accuracy . There's a lot of people that love them .

Kimber service treated me well. I don't believe you will lose any more on a Kimber than any of its competitors.

if you try to trade in any gun, you'll get a bad price no matter what.

my biggest beef on Kimber is they use a plastic main spring housing . You can replace it with steel if it bugs you.
 

RSCamaro

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I own a Classic Stainless Target 70 series Kimber, I bought it used for $650. It shoots well, I have no complaints with it but it is from a time before the mass marketing. It hasn't lost a dimes worth of value in the 6 years that it has been in my possession.

On the other side of the stick, I own more STI pistols and I am more pleased with the brand.

...Ron
 

Roszhou

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I own a Classic Stainless Target 70 series Kimber, I bought it used for $650. It shoots well, I have no complaints with it but it is from a time before the mass marketing. It hasn't lost a dimes worth of value in the 6 years that it has been in my possession.

On the other side of the stick, I own more STI pistols and I am more pleased with the brand.

...Ron
Being TOTALLY ignorant. Why I joined this forum!!! But what does a typical STI cost?? Like: Kimber/Springfield $$? Or Ed Brown $$?
THANKS!
 

Roszhou

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Still own three Kimbers , never an issue
Were they 5" or 4" models? I truly prefer 4", or 4.25" 1911's personally. It's "just" right for me. 5" too long to conceal, 3" 1911"s PEFECT for concealing, but I hear ALL kinds of reliability issues with a 3" 1911's in 45 acp. And they ARE snappier than a 4 or 5" 1911. That's what the Sig 365 is for!! Pocket carry BU.
 

Mike Galway

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Were they 5" or 4" models? I truly prefer 4", or 4.25" 1911's personally. It's "just" right for me. 5" too long to conceal, 3" 1911"s PEFECT for concealing, but I hear ALL kinds of reliability issues with a 3" 1911's in 45 acp. And they ARE snappier than a 4 or 5" 1911. That's what the Sig 365 is for!! Pocket carry BU.
Right now I own three 4 inchers , a Pro Carry II , Pro TLE , Super Carry Pro . DSCN0135.JPG
 

Mike Galway

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Were they 5" or 4" models? I truly prefer 4", or 4.25" 1911's personally. It's "just" right for me. 5" too long to conceal, 3" 1911"s PEFECT for concealing, but I hear ALL kinds of reliability issues with a 3" 1911's in 45 acp. And they ARE snappier than a 4 or 5" 1911. That's what the Sig 365 is for!! Pocket carry BU.
I've had a couple 3 inchers , just really didn't care for them , 4 inch is a good compromise , easy to conceal . The Pro Carry II is a 9mm , alloy frame , easy to shoot . Super Carry Pro is a 45 alloy frame , and a little snappy , Pro TLE is all steel . I've also owned a Raptor , SIS , Classic Royale . Should've never sold the Classic Royale , but I got a good deal on a Wilson .
 

RSCamaro

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Being TOTALLY ignorant. Why I joined this forum!!! But what does a typical STI cost?? Like: Kimber/Springfield $$? Or Ed Brown $$?
THANKS!
It really depends on the gun and how fast the seller wants to be relieved of said firearm. Stacatto (the new name) no longer makes very many models, just a few to keep their customers happy. You will have to search the used market for what you want.

My First STI is a Spartan 9mm. $600.00. It is an ARMSCOR frame and slide with I guess STI components. Smooth, shoots very well, Dawson fiber front site, Bomar style rear site, I don't know the finish but probably parkerized.

#2 is an EDGE .40, pretty much a full race gun, it has slide cuts, an original Bomar rear sight, Dawson front site, $2,000 new and probably another $1K in gunsmith work before it was placed in front of me for a final price of $800.00. It is very fast on acquisition and the trigger is phenominal. The slide is like a skateboard on a razor blade rail. I think that I stole it at the price I paid, other shooters that have had it in their hands think so too.

#3 Target Master, 6", 9mm, originally around $1,600. It was practically unused, maybe 3 or 4 nights of a local Combat League before it was replaced with a Briley race pistol in .38 super. It sat in my friends safe foe 3 or 4 years. I asked one day about it, he said $1,000, I said "No, I can't buy it for that price, too cheap" We settled on $1,250 and he threw in 12 mags, 4 Dawson, 4 McCormick, and 4 Tripp Research. I made out well.

Last one is also a Target Master in .45 acp. I can't tell you how well these pistols run. They Have rear sites on them from Aristocrat that have 3 settings for distance. Also around $1,600 new. I got a call from another local shooter about this one, I didn't really want it but it kept creeping into my head, original asking was either 1,300 or 1,500, I don't remember, ended up being $1,200 in the middle of the spring with the Covid running rampant here in NY. Lets just say that Uncle Sam made me a nice purchase.

I'm by no means a rich guy, but I do have enough discretionary funds to buy one every year or so. Your money might be spent better on a Les Baer though. Buy once cry once. This years 1911 is a hand built by me. Accuracy X slide kit and a Foster (blemished Caspian) frame, with some Wilson and Ed Brown parts thrown together very carefully. I hope it works out well, it is looking very nice.

...Ron
 
Last edited:

Scott E. Smith

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Jul 31, 2018
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I owned 1 3". Had a couple issues that were resolved. Traded it as part of a car deal.

Have a Raptor II that is a tack driver and have not had 1 issue with it. I really like it however...I rarely shoot .45 any more and own a slew of .45 1911's. Wife and I are in the process of downsizing...my firearm "collection" is part of this process. Have sold 11 guns so far and last night made a deal for the Raptor. Hating to part with it but buyer really wants it. I bought it used about 8 years ago and bought it from a friend. Agreed upon selling price is $200 less that I paid.
 

Mike Moser

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I own two a 5"custom Tactical and a 3.5" Ultra carry two both are tack drivers.
 

TheJayMan

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Guy on YouTube said he went to his local dealer with a very nice looking 5" barrel Kimber in all black. He didn't mention the model, or, I forgot. Anyway, the dealer said no, that he'd had SO many problems with Kimber's in the past, and would never take another one in trade, or sell a Kimber. Was this just a fluke? Or was the store owner just a Kimber hater? I mean, I think Kimber is now the biggest maker of 1911's in America now? I LUST after owning a SS Raptor II !! I LOVE how that gun looks! But buying a $1200.00 gun that loses tremendous value would dissuade me from buying it. How is Kimber's resale?? Good? Fair? Or, taken to the cleaners? I cannot believe his experience is the norm, but how's Kimber's "true" resale? Thank you! And yes, I see A LOT of Kimber's for sale on Gun Broker, but as people now, are buying ANYTHING that goes BANG, it might not be a true guide to Kimber's resale, during "normal" times. If you know what I mean. I went to our local Academy Sports last week, amd I swear, they literally had FIVE guns for sale! Three hunting/bolt-action rifles, and two .22 cal. revolvers. THAT was it! Couldn't believe it! Was truly shocked. Bass Pro Shop was well stocked, except AR's, and home defense type shotguns. PLENTY of Kimber's, except the SS Raptor I want to buy. : (
Said it would be months before they get another one in. : ((( No new SS Raptors on Gun Broker that I've seen either.

Thanks all!
I own seven Kimbers and have never had a problem with any of them. Keeping them clean and maintained, like all pistols, is the key to reliability.
 

mm1911

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Oct 9, 2018
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own 2 Custom 2's, 2 TLE 2' and a Warrior, first 1911 I ever owned I still have and is my IDPA CDP division gun, all I shot for 3-4 years until went to a 9mm Desert Eagle 1911, bought it because it was there when walked in my LGS and I was in the market for a 9mm and I was ready to buy, plus it came with a cool knife. Had I not just happened up on that one I probably gone with the Kimber that came with fiber optics, can't remember the model but basically a custom 2 with sights I liked. Can't speak for others but mine have been great, I'm sure my first Kimber has 10,000 rounds or more through it, hiccup or two when shooting steel cased or when I let it get absolutely filthy.
I'm sure they have had issues over the years but bought all mine used and no doubt can get what I paid for them few dollars one way or the other, been very happy with mine and as many as they sell and luck I've had wouldn't hesitate to buy another
 

nicalaex

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May 13, 2020
Messages
70
Guy on YouTube said he went to his local dealer with a very nice looking 5" barrel Kimber in all black. He didn't mention the model, or, I forgot. Anyway, the dealer said no, that he'd had SO many problems with Kimber's in the past, and would never take another one in trade, or sell a Kimber. Was this just a fluke? Or was the store owner just a Kimber hater? I mean, I think Kimber is now the biggest maker of 1911's in America now? I LUST after owning a SS Raptor II !! I LOVE how that gun looks! But buying a $1200.00 gun that loses tremendous value would dissuade me from buying it. How is Kimber's resale?? Good? Fair? Or, taken to the cleaners? I cannot believe his experience is the norm, but how's Kimber's "true" resale? Thank you! And yes, I see A LOT of Kimber's for sale on Gun Broker, but as people now, are buying ANYTHING that goes BANG, it might not be a true guide to Kimber's resale, during "normal" times. If you know what I mean. I went to our local Academy Sports last week, amd I swear, they literally had FIVE guns for sale! Three hunting/bolt-action rifles, and two .22 cal. revolvers. THAT was it! Couldn't believe it! Was truly shocked. Bass Pro Shop was well stocked, except AR's, and home defense type shotguns. PLENTY of Kimber's, except the SS Raptor I want to buy. : (
Said it would be months before they get another one in. : ((( No new SS Raptors on Gun Broker that I've seen either.

Thanks all!
I own a Raptor. Excellent shooting gun. No problems; accurate, has a tritium front sight, feels good, excellent looking. my favorite carry gun, ( have a Nighthawk on order), see absolutely nothing wrong with the Raptor. If you get it ; you won't be sorry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

nicalaex

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May 13, 2020
Messages
70
own 2 Custom 2's, 2 TLE 2' and a Warrior, first 1911 I ever owned I still have and is my IDPA CDP division gun, all I shot for 3-4 years until went to a 9mm Desert Eagle 1911, bought it because it was there when walked in my LGS and I was in the market for a 9mm and I was ready to buy, plus it came with a cool knife. Had I not just happened up on that one I probably gone with the Kimber that came with fiber optics, can't remember the model but basically a custom 2 with sights I liked. Can't speak for others but mine have been great, I'm sure my first Kimber has 10,000 rounds or more through it, hiccup or two when shooting steel cased or when I let it get absolutely filthy.
I'm sure they have had issues over the years but bought all mine used and no doubt can get what I paid for them few dollars one way or the other, been very happy with mine and as many as they sell and luck I've had wouldn't hesitate to buy another
you won't want to sell it after you shoot it. Excellent trigger system.
 

Weisse52

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Mar 26, 2019
Messages
35
"Guy on YouTube said"

without knowing the details it's hard to know where he is coming from.

I have said this before but will say again.

I have volunteered at 2 different ranges as a NRA certified RSOfor about 10 years now. Of the 1911's I have personally witnessed with problems the overwhelming majority are Kimber.

But that doesn't tell me anything. They probably sell more 1911's than most manufacturers. So we see more on the range.

That also doesn't tell me anything about how the gun was maintained or the quality of the magazines they were using.

I shake my head at someone who spends $1,200+ on a pistol and then uses nothing but "6 dollar gun show special" magazines.

I think I have seen the fewest issues with Colt's. But again, Colt probably produces the least volume of any 1911 manufacturers now. The Colts seem to have a greater number of "Government Models" that have not been updated and run really well

in the local online gun sale site it seems like there is always a bunch of Kimber's for sale that seem to take a bit to sell when the Colts and Springfield's seem to go pretty quick. (And heaven help the poor guy trying to recover the money he spent on the Sig's. LOL)

But all that is strictly a sample and does not really tell anyone much.

My beef with Kimber is the models I would be interested in are $1,200+. And that is close enough I will buy a Dan Wesson.
 

Angel Feliciano

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Orlando, FL
Guy on YouTube said he went to his local dealer with a very nice looking 5" barrel Kimber in all black. He didn't mention the model, or, I forgot. Anyway, the dealer said no, that he'd had SO many problems with Kimber's in the past, and would never take another one in trade, or sell a Kimber. Was this just a fluke? Or was the store owner just a Kimber hater? I mean, I think Kimber is now the biggest maker of 1911's in America now? I LUST after owning a SS Raptor II !! I LOVE how that gun looks! But buying a $1200.00 gun that loses tremendous value would dissuade me from buying it. How is Kimber's resale?? Good? Fair? Or, taken to the cleaners? I cannot believe his experience is the norm, but how's Kimber's "true" resale? Thank you! And yes, I see A LOT of Kimber's for sale on Gun Broker, but as people now, are buying ANYTHING that goes BANG, it might not be a true guide to Kimber's resale, during "normal" times. If you know what I mean. I went to our local Academy Sports last week, amd I swear, they literally had FIVE guns for sale! Three hunting/bolt-action rifles, and two .22 cal. revolvers. THAT was it! Couldn't believe it! Was truly shocked. Bass Pro Shop was well stocked, except AR's, and home defense type shotguns. PLENTY of Kimber's, except the SS Raptor I want to buy. : (
Said it would be months before they get another one in. : ((( No new SS Raptors on Gun Broker that I've seen either.

Thanks all!
Kimber is an AMAZING at Marketing their Products and most of the time their pistols will have issues because of Poor Quality Control! Companies like Wilson Combat and Nighthawk Customs WILL NOT take a Kimber in for Custom Work NO Matter How Much Money to Throw their Way!!!! Kimber has advertised that they Provided the USMC with the Official MEU-SOC 1911 Pistol before Colt walked/Stole the Contract from Springfield but the TRUTH is that a couple of West Coast Command Purchased Kimber Pistols because they Undercut the Price of the Springfield Armory Professional Operator by more than half the price and rumor is that the Supply Officer in charge was paid off too but the Pistols DID NOT Survive the 6 month Deployment and all the Pistols were Trashed after about 3 months into the Deployment but a deal was worked out and those Units Received SA Professionals Operators from the Unit that they were Replacing! The USMC MEU-SOC Operators Shoot their Weapons almost everyday and they put a couple of hundred rounds daily to keep their Skill Level at the Highest Possible Level their weapons need to be Surgical Instruments and the Kimber Could NOT Make it BUT they have Sold thousands of 1911 Warriors and Desert Warriors because they have great Marketing and ONE of the Clauses of the Contract that allowed the Marines to get the Pistols so cheap was that they could use the Story for Marketing just like Kimber did with the LAPD SWAT and SIS it is very interesting how Kimber Makes all this DEALS with California Based Governmental Agencies!
 

AZ Husker

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My three favorite gunsmiths here will not touch a Kimber. The last one I had I found out the hard way that the barrel is in the white after my daughter took it to Minnesota for two weeks. She does know how to maintain a pistol. I took it to Robar and they told me that was one of their biggest items to refinish. They love them!
 

Angel Feliciano

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I stick with Springfield Armory 1911 Pistols with NM Serial Numbers because the NM are put together here in the USA. I also have had awesome luck with the 2 Sig Sauer 1911 TacOps my first one which I got back in 2013 but the serial number show it to be one of the last Sig Blackwater 1911 I do not have the Grips or the Claw on the Slide but the Hand Fitting of the Frame to Slide and Slide to Barrel along with Tool Steel Cylinder & Slide internal parts made for an Excellent Pistol that has been as accurate as my SA Pro at nearly a 1/3 of the price and almost 4k trouble free rounds! My second TacOps is a Carry model that I recently pickup and I have only put 300 rounds thru so far without any issues but I will be changing the hammer, Sear, Disconnector to match my Original 5 inch TacOps with a Cylinder & Slide kit made of Tool Steel.
 
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