Got bit HARD by 1911’s but have questions/need advice

[Roszhou]

Hello,
Only posted a few times, been busy. Moved up from Fla. to N. Atlanta. Like the "no 3 day waiting period on gun purchase in Ga.!" And watching the Braves win the World Series, that was AWESOME!!! But the traffic(WOW) and more crime, not so much. Oh well… on to what I came to say/ask:

1) Does anyone live in N. Atlanta area, and have a TRUSTED gunsmith?? I need one for:
a) I'm a lefty, and need an ambi. safety installed. I tried, at the time, to buy a Raptor II, but none were available for sale, and yeah, it has an ambi. safety. Lately, I've seen two for sale! Just my luck. I'd buy one, but I don't like Kimber's ONE year warranty. It is VERY PRETTY though!!
b) My Kimber Pro Carry II two-tone, the trigger is: a bit too heavy. And I'd like it to be smoother. It's not gritty, I just think it could be smoother, and not so heavy! I also own a Walther PPQ TAC-4, and that trigger, while being TOTALLY a different type, is butter smooth!! BEST poly-gun trigger I've ever shot! The Walther trigger embarrasses my beloved GLOCK 19's. I have heard of: plastic? 1911 triggers, and carbon fiber? Maybe they'd be smoother, IDK. Do they exist? I think so, but not really wanting to change the trigger, just be smoother. And not so HEAVY! c) I don't know if it improves anything, but I'd love to have the barrel crown beveled inward as well, mostly because I think it looks cool! And have the barrel polished, especially the area at the ejection port, no idea why Kimber barrels have so many scratches on them that show. Again for aesthetics. It's such a pretty gun, just needs a little TLC.
Anyone know a good gunsmith in N. Atlanta area?? THANK YOU ALL!!

2) I lucked out, and chanced upon a brand new gun store, that had 45acp. Critical Duty ammo for sale! 10 boxes of it! I asked how many could I buy? He said: "as many as you want." So, I bought all of them! All I've EVER seen for sale is 230 grain ball, nothing else! Now I have personal protection ammo for my 1911, so happy!! Couldn't believe it!! They also had Golden Saber, but it costs more, and I thought C.D. would chamber more reliably, because of the bullet's design. More pointed, like ball ammo, then the G. Saber HP ammo. And also had SIG V-Crown HP as well, but that was even MORE expensive! I'm thrilled with what I bought! I have Critical Duty 9mm. for my Walther and Glock I bought before everything went nuts. Have a lot of ball, but was always worried about over penetration. And it's really target ammo, not personal protection ammo, IMO. Others may differ as it's what the GI's shot since forever!

3) Do any of you have an opinion that "NY" made Kimber's would increase in value over the new Alabama made Kimber's?? Just curious. Was thinking again about the Raptor II for sale. My brain is trying to NOT think about the ONE year warranty, but an excuse to buy the Raptor II, as it's a "NY" factory made gun. Hmmm??

I just added pictures of my Kimber and Walther, but they didn't place at the bottom as I wanted. Oh well.

Thank you all for help/advice/knowledge!!

 

[Gunflint1]

A One year Warranty says a lot about a Manufactures Faith in their own products, especially when their asking premium prices. Just Saying.

 

[Mike Galway]

By the time you figure out the cost , it may be easier to trade up to ambi . For a better trigger , stay away from Kimber models with II at the end . Kimber makes fine guns . I've owned quite a few , never a problem . My Super Carry Pro is a great carry gun .

 

[switchback]

Most pistol smiths should be able to smooth out and lighten your trigger pull. If you were closer, I'd do it for you. Disclaimer, I am not a pro 'smith. But I did go thru a 1911 specific tech college class with an old famous 'smith. And have done a lot of function work for folks in the area.

However I'm certain there are 1 or 2 in your area, but I do not know any. Google? As I said above, a competent 'smith should easily be able to accomplish what you need. If I were you, I would focus on smooth and not a specific trigger pull poundage. Most smooth pulls in the 3.5 to 4.5 # area are good enough for all but bullseye guys. And for a carry piece? I prefer 4lbs

I don't know your 1911 skill, but if you can detail strip, adding a complete Harrison Custom ignition set will do what you require.

A poly trigger shoe will do little to assist you. You MIGHT tweak the 2 left legs of sear spring (far left should always be more forward of center leg) I hesitate to advise this if you do not understand how all the parts function together for safe operation

As Mike stated above, it may be financially prudent to sell one and buy another that fits your needs.

Also, ALL sear and trigger work needs done prior to any thumb safety work. If you do ts work first and then trigger work, it is very likely you will need to buy and fit another new ts.

 

[joepistol]

Stop buying Kimber.. LOL try a Springfield Armory 1911 for less expensive, better quality (IMO) & warranty.
some "Loaded" models from Springfield's 1911 line come with ambi safeties.. My" Loaded Target" model did.
If you insist on spending more, get a Dan Wesson.
Stay away from plastic guns !
The weight of an all steel, or SS 1911 dampens recoil & make accurate shot placement easier.

A good gunsmith can fix your trigger, or swapping out trigger parts from somewhere like Wilson Combat will fix you up,
1911's are not difficult to swap parts . All statements my opinions & experience.

 

[Gunflint1]

Stop buying Kimber.. LOL try a Springfield Armory 1911 for less expensive, better quality (IMO) & warranty.
some "Loaded" models from Springfield's 1911 line come with ambi safeties.. My" Loaded Target" model did.
If you insist on spending more, get a Dan Wesson.
Stay away from plastic guns !
The weight of an all steel, or SS 1911 dampens recoil & make accurate shot placement easier.

A good gunsmith can fix your trigger, or swapping out trigger parts from somewhere like Wilson Combat will fix you up,
1911's are not difficult to swap parts . All statements my opinions & experience.

Ruger 1911 Target would be another option. Lifetime warranty. I do own one Kimber, K6s 3" 357. Good revolver, Is it worth the money? Answer...NO...Warranty? One Year, which makes it a double NO.

 

[Babboonbobo]

I own a Kimber custom classic II and while I love this firearm I don't buy another Kimber. I've moved on but continue to keep this one as it was my very first 1911 (I fell for the ads) I concur to sell the Kimber and buy a Springfield or if you can do it get a Dan Wesson specialist as it will fit your needs well.

 

[rmc51]

Stop buying Kimber.. LOL try a Springfield Armory 1911 for less expensive, better quality (IMO) & warranty.
some "Loaded" models from Springfield's 1911 line come with ambi safeties.. My" Loaded Target" model did.
If you insist on spending more, get a Dan Wesson.
Stay away from plastic guns !
The weight of an all steel, or SS 1911 dampens recoil & make accurate shot placement easier.

A good gunsmith can fix your trigger, or swapping out trigger parts from somewhere like Wilson Combat will fix you up,
1911's are not difficult to swap parts . All statements my opinions & experience.

Guys at WC are good.

What's wrong with Glocks? I will tell you a little secret, Glocks are lifetime warranty.

 

[Roszhou]

By the time you figure out the cost , it may be easier to trade up to ambi . For a better trigger , stay away from Kimber models with II at the end . Kimber makes fine guns . I've owned quite a few , never a problem . My Super Carry Pro is a great carry gun .

I'm assuming you are saying yours is a "70" 1911? I've heard they are the RR of 1911's. Am I right? Does Kimber make a 70 model anymore??

 

[Roszhou]

Most pistol smiths should be able to smooth out and lighten your trigger pull. If you were closer, I'd do it for you. Disclaimer, I am not a pro 'smith. But I did go thru a 1911 specific tech college class with an old famous 'smith. And have done a lot of function work for folks in the area.

However I'm certain there are 1 or 2 in your area, but I do not know any. Google? As I said above, a competent 'smith should easily be able to accomplish what you need. If I were you, I would focus on smooth and not a specific trigger pull poundage. Most smooth pulls in the 3.5 to 4.5 # area are good enough for all but bullseye guys. And for a carry piece? I prefer 4lbs

I don't know your 1911 skill, but if you can detail strip, adding a complete Harrison Custom ignition set will do what you require.

A poly trigger shoe will do little to assist you. You MIGHT tweak the 2 left legs of sear spring (far left should always be more forward of center leg) I hesitate to advise this if you do not understand how all the parts function together for safe operation

As Mike stated above, it may be financially prudent to sell one and buy another that fits your needs.

Also, ALL sear and trigger work needs done prior to any thumb safety work. If you do ts work first and then trigger work, it is very likely you will need to buy and fit another new ts.

I could consult Mr. Google, but, a personal reference beats Google every time!!

 

[Roszhou]

Most pistol smiths should be able to smooth out and lighten your trigger pull. If you were closer, I'd do it for you. Disclaimer, I am not a pro 'smith. But I did go thru a 1911 specific tech college class with an old famous 'smith. And have done a lot of function work for folks in the area.

However I'm certain there are 1 or 2 in your area, but I do not know any. Google? As I said above, a competent 'smith should easily be able to accomplish what you need. If I were you, I would focus on smooth and not a specific trigger pull poundage. Most smooth pulls in the 3.5 to 4.5 # area are good enough for all but bullseye guys. And for a carry piece? I prefer 4lbs

I don't know your 1911 skill, but if you can detail strip, adding a complete Harrison Custom ignition set will do what you require.

A poly trigger shoe will do little to assist you. You MIGHT tweak the 2 left legs of sear spring (far left should always be more forward of center leg) I hesitate to advise this if you do not understand how all the parts function together for safe operation

As Mike stated above, it may be financially prudent to sell one and buy another that fits your needs.

Also, ALL sear and trigger work needs done prior to any thumb safety work. If you do ts work first and then trigger work, it is very likely you will need to buy and fit another new ts.

My skills are nil. I'm nervous disassembling it for regular cleaning! The part that pushes out, to release the slide, I hear sad stories of "half circle" shaped scratches from putting it back in! This is my very first 1911 45acp. I generally understand what you are talking about, but, no idea how to do what you are talking about. The trigger feels north of 5 pounds, WAY stronger than the Walther or GLOCK trigger. It does have very little travel, maybe 3mm., but it's HEAVY! And it hasn't been shot yet (Arm/wrist surgery) I'm well enough now to start shooting it now. The factory minor scratches on the barrel as seen at the ejection port bother me, looks like the barrel was dropped and kicked around, and I'd like the crown (end) of the barrel beveled to just look custom. I'd LOVE that! It is a VERY pretty gun, but the Kimber black finish scratches, I'm not kidding, from the plastic Kimber bag it came in. Fragile finish. Sounds like I hate this gun! But the good stuff is: it's slide to frame fit are TIGHT! Barrel lock-up, super tight lock-up, and the tolerances of all the parts are awesome!
Just want a smoother/lighter trigger, ambi-safety, and beveled and polished barrel, the outside of the barrel. That's it.

 

[Roszhou]

See the many light scratches on the barrel at the ejection port? I'd like those to go away!

 

[Roszhou]

Guys at WC are good.

What's wrong with Glocks? I will tell you a little secret, Glocks are lifetime warranty. View attachment 9924

THANK YOU so much! GLOCKS are good because: they eat ANY ammo, no problem! And I can just throw it in the glovebox, and NEVER a scratch! And it ain't pretty, but it goes BANG! Every time! Unlike Kimber, you breathe on my Kimber, and a scratch appears! Ugh! On the matte black finish on the top of the slide. My GLOCK stopped a carjacking in its tracks! 4 against 1, ME! Not a shot fired, and they had to change their underwear! True story! Only time I've had to point a gun at another human/4 dirtbags that wanted my BMW. And it was a service loaner! LOL! Their eyes got as big as saucers! Should've picked another BMW! They couldn't get back in their POS car fast enough! I'd just been back from the gun range! My GLOCK was resting in the passenger seat.
And, I am 12 miles from GLOCK HQ, I took my 19 in for night sights to be installed, they asked me how many mags did I have? I said 5. They asked if I'd like 2 round extensions on them? I said sure! How much? They said: no charge. Wow! Plus I got a lot of free swag. Metal lapel pins, stickers, pens, key lanyards, and magazines (the reading kind) AWESOME CS!!! I LOVE GLOCK!!

 

[Roszhou]

Guys at WC are good.

What's wrong with Glocks? I will tell you a little secret, Glocks are lifetime warranty. View attachment 9924

Thanks for the referral, but I'd like to save the postage and mail time back and forth. I was hoping somebody lived in Atlanta, and knew a good gunsmith. Also, no idea how much Wilson charges for labor. ??? I LOVE their 1911 mags though! WAY better made than Chip McCormick mags!!

 

[rmc51]

THANK YOU so much! GLOCKS are good because: they eat ANY ammo, no problem! And I can just throw it in the glovebox, and NEVER a scratch! And it ain't pretty, but it goes BANG! Every time! Unlike Kimber, you breathe on my Kimber, and a scratch appears! Ugh! On the matte black finish on the top of the slide. My GLOCK stopped a carjacking in its tracks! 4 against 1, ME! Not a shot fired, and they had to change their underwear! True story! Only time I've had to point a gun at another human/4 dirtbags that wanted my BMW. And it was a service loaner! LOL! Their eyes got as big as saucers! Should've picked another BMW! They couldn't get back in their POS car fast enough! I'd just been back from the gun range! My GLOCK was resting in the passenger seat.
And, I am 12 miles from GLOCK HQ, I took my 19 in for night sights to be installed, they asked me how many mags did I have? I said 5. They asked if I'd like 2 round extensions on them? I said sure! How much? They said: no charge. Wow! Plus I got a lot of free swag. Metal lapel pins, stickers, pens, key lanyards, and magazines (the reading kind) AWESOME CS!!! I LOVE GLOCK!!

Yep,
GI will repair your Glock unit back to factory specs free, anytime. This includes the magazines, but you have already seen this. Very few people know this.

 

[rmc51]

Thanks for the referral, but I'd like to save the postage and mail time back and forth. I was hoping somebody lived in Atlanta, and knew a good gunsmith. Also, no idea how much Wilson charges for labor. ??? I LOVE their 1911 mags though! WAY better made than Chip McCormick mags!!

WC 47D's work great.
Yep, WC is good but they are not free.

 

[Roszhou]

I own a Kimber custom classic II and while I love this firearm I don't buy another Kimber. I've moved on but continue to keep this one as it was my very first 1911 (I fell for the ads) I concur to sell the Kimber and buy a Springfield or if you can do it get a Dan Wesson specialist as it will fit your needs well.

Expensive?? I'm not a tightwad, but it was a $750.00 gun, new. Is it worth it?? If it is, let me know. Will I get a Kimber/DW hybrid?? Or, another recommended: Wilson Combat, a Kimber/WC hybrid? That might be pretty cool!! IDK They do Beretta 92 hybrids. Worth it? Or, trade? May cost as much as a new Dan Wesson when I'm done! IDK….. A golden earring on a sow's ear??(that's what I'm feeling now that I think about it) I rather have a SIG 1911, than a Springfield 1911, no offense. Or, maybe a used Les Baer?? Or, go buy the new Raptor II with all the stuff I want? IDK.

 

[Roszhou]

Yep,
GI will repair your Glock unit back to factory specs free, anytime. This includes the magazines, but you have already seen this. Very few people know this.

It was SO surprising! 5 FREE 2 round mag extensions! FREE swag!! I was SO HAPPY!!! And they couldn't have been nicer!!! Any GLOCK owner can call and get the free goody bag with NICE stuff! Just need to call amd give their serial #!!! But the free mag extensions, they need to go there.

 

[rmc51]

Expensive?? I'm not a tightwad, but it was a $750.00 gun, new. Is it worth it?? If it is, let me know. Will I get a Kimber/DW hybrid?? Or, another recommended: Wilson Combat, a Kimber/WC hybrid? That might be pretty cool!! IDK They do Beretta 92 hybrids. Worth it? Or, trade? May cost as much as a new Dan Wesson when I'm done! IDK….. A golden earring on a sow's ear??(that's what I'm feeling now that I think about it) I rather have a SIG 1911, than a Springfield 1911, no offense. Or, maybe a used Les Baer?? Or, go buy the new Raptor II with all the stuff I want? IDK.

Yep,
I'm not saying anything bad about the other guys(kimber, DW, sig, SA, LB). I'm saying WC will make it work and work all the time with any ammo and their 47d mag is part of that.

 

[rmc51]

It was SO surprising! 5 FREE 2 round mag extensions! FREE swag!! I was SO HAPPY!!! And they couldn't have been nicer!!! Any GLOCK owner can call and get the free goody bag with NICE stuff! Just need to call amd give their serial #!!! But the free mag extensions, they need to go there.

Buddy of mine had 25 Glock model 22 mags that were LE trade ins. The M22 gen2 had a crack in the mag well and he sent it in to GI. they replaced the gen 2 frame with a new gen3 frame and replaced all the old LE mags with new gen4's mags. Doesn't get any better then that.