Kimber

[neal]

I wanted to get some comments on Kimber pistols. I looked at one today and almost bought it as the workmanship looked top of the line.
However was wondering how tough are the aluminum frames along with steel slide are. Figured some of the smiths or machinist could comment on the alloys used to make them.
Would this be a firearm that you could shoot and put a lot of rounds thru without a lot of wear?

 

[AMMASHOOTA]

I wanted to get some comments on Kimber pistols. I looked at one today and almost bought it as the workmanship looked top of the line.
However was wondering how tough are the aluminum frames along with steel slide are. Figured some of the smiths or machinist could comment on the alloys used to make them.
Would this be a firearm that you could shoot and put a lot of rounds thru without a lot of wear?

Kimber makes a fine pistol. I have used one for many years. they have gone through their growing pains -- they have retruned to an internal extractor after trying and failing with the external for a couple of years.

while i don't have direct experience with the aluminum framed model, it is designed to be a lighter (31 oz. unloaded) carry piece. if you are looking for a competition handgun, i would suggest sticking with one of the steel framed ones. at the price that Kimber is asking, you are only a couple of hundred away from a Wilson Combat (which is what i build all of my custom pistols around).

it is a far better handgun from a stricly custom point of few. i have yet to encounter a Kimber that did not immediately require trigger work to turn it from a very good pistol into an excellent one.

 

[lefty o]

the only issue with an aluminum frame 1911 is the feed ramp. some bullet profiles are not feedramp friendly.