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Kimber Ultra Carry II

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dillon_h View Drop Down
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Woody

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    Posted: July/16/2012 at 08:46
Has anyone handled one of these or carry it?
 
I am about to start on my CHL classes and have heard nothing but good things about them.
I plan on carrying it back right hip in a defender holster by DM Bullard.
 
Thoughts or experiences?
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/2012 at 08:52
I have a full size Kimber, one of my favorite guns, never a bit of problem shooting ball ammo, JHP's do not always function 100%, keep that in mind.  1911's were never designed to shot that kind of ammo.  But others have shot them with no experienced malfunctions.  Just giving you my experience.  I did find that I can get 100% function and have better performance than ball with the Glaser Power Ball ammo, it was a spendy endevor as I wanted to run 100 rounds through it non stop to verify function but it never hicupped.  JHP's normally cause one or two FTF's in that kinda test with my gun. Ball's never given a problem.  IF I carry it for a CCW, i carry with the Glaser rounds and a back up of ball just in case I encounter more than 9 bad guysBucky
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/2012 at 08:54
Much experience, many thoughts, not sure you really want them all.


First, Kimber made awesome 1911s for a great price, got very popular, became the market leader, and continued to raise price while continuing to lower quality standards.

I own 5 Kimber 1911s and the older ones (pre-II series) are awesome, the newer ones have had a few hiccups.  It is possible you will get a gem that will run strong for years, it is possible you will get a lemon.

But first...

Why a 1911 for everyday carry?
What is your experience level with 1911s?
What is your commitment to training with the 1911?
Have you owned/shot/carried a 1911 or is this your first?
What else have you shot?
At what else are you looking?
What do you "need"?
What do you "want"?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/2012 at 08:57
Originally posted by SVT_Tactical SVT_Tactical wrote:

I have a full size Kimber, one of my favorite guns, never a bit of problem shooting ball ammo, JHP's do not always function 100%, keep that in mind.  1911's were never designed to shot that kind of ammo.  But others have shot them with no experienced malfunctions.  Just giving you my experience.  I did find that I can get 100% function and have better performance than ball with the Glaser Power Ball ammo, it was a spendy endevor as I wanted to run 100 rounds through it non stop to verify function but it never hicupped.  JHP's normally cause one or two FTF's in that kinda test with my gun. Ball's never given a problem.  IF I carry it for a CCW, i carry with the Glaser rounds and a back up of ball just in case I encounter more than 9 bad guysBucky

Similar experience.  I had my smith do some work on mine, now it will reliable feed empty cases from the magazine (a great test of whether you have a reliable gun or a gun that just likes FMJ.)  I also had my magazine stop sheer off, it was a crappy MIM piece, replaced with a Wilson bulletproof, no problems with that piece since.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dillon_h Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/2012 at 09:26
Why a 1911 for everyday carry?
Honestly, I do not NEED a 1911. I have always liked the feel of them.
Have shot Springfields 1911's but mostly the XD in competition
 
What is your experience level with 1911s?
Not a lot of experience. My uncles all have 1911's and have shot with them a few times.
They were comfortable in my hands and I like them a lot better than the very small framed handguns
 
What is your commitment to training with the 1911?
Have you owned/shot/carried a 1911 or is this your first?
Shot 1911's, never carried anything.
 
What else have you shot?
Always been Glocks, XD40, FN Tactical, and limited 1911's
 
At what else are you looking?
 I have been looking at the XDS, due to my experience with Springfields.
Really just started and Im kind of in the dark on what I need to look for.
 
What do you "need"?
Compact but comfortable. I have bigger hands so very small handguns are uncomfortable to me.
I have never carried so I do not exactly know what small details I need to assess in making my decision.
 
What do you "want"?
Just like the look and feel of the 1911. I want something that is going to be comfortable to carry and be reliable and ready if I was to ever need it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/2012 at 09:49
All good info, here goes:

The 1911 platform needs no endorsement from me, it is an exceptional handgun design, easy to learn - but hard to master.

Shooting something on the range or in competition is VERY different than daily carry.

I too love the 1911, I carry one almost daily; however, it requires MUCH traininig and constant refreshing.  With adrenaline pumping, you damn sure better know where the break is on your 3-pound trigger.

I have never recommended a new CCW carrier buy a 1911, I'll continue that trend here.  If you want, get a full frame 1911 to train with, and buy something else to carry for now.  Springfield XD is a great platform, as is HK P30, Glock (if you shoot it well under stress - I do not), and the FN.  Sig makes a great gun too.

The reason I don't recommend 1911 to new owenrs is that you cannot comfortably and confidently carry one till you have thousands of rounds down the tube.  It is single-action-only and that spooks many people, but it is far less effective carrying with an empty chamber, which is how most newcomers choose to carry.

1911 is an awesome gun, but I'd start with something else.

Are you set on 45 ACP?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dillon_h Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/2012 at 10:16
Thank you for your help.
 
No, not set on 45.
"An accurate group with a smaller caliber will always be more effective than inaccurate shots with a large caliber" is what I always tell myself, so training will be my main priority. 
 
But the battle of the best caliber is a never ending arguement from what I am seeing.
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/2012 at 10:25
I love the 1911 as well.  I probably have taken 400 hours of formal classes with a 1911 and many thousands of rounds fired and many hours dry practicing with them.  It is by far my favorite, but I don't carry it daily.  I carry a compact XDm daily for multiple reasons. 

I have had 4 compact 1911s and from Para, Kimber, and Springfield.  Never had one that was reliable enough to feel comfortable with.  I would only have a full size 1911 unless it was some high end custom that I was sure was reliable.  My full size Kimbers were/are very reliable (only have 1 now)  A full size 1911 is a large gun to try to conceal, it works if you can dress the part, but most times it is hard to conceal the grip well as is prints easily. 

If you are set on one get it, but I would recommend getting some real training.  Not just plinking at the range with your buddies training, but some formal classes that can teach you how they work and how to operate them properly.  Learn how to run it well, then get some advanced training about tactics.  Course I would recommend that with any pistol if you plan on using a CCW.   

The Kimber I still have I got in 2002, it is a Tactical custom 2.  It even has the external extractor that everyone hates.  Mine has been excellent, I am pushing 20,000 rounds now and it just keeps running well. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/2012 at 10:27
Originally posted by dillon_h dillon_h wrote:


But the battle of the best caliber is a never ending argument from what I am seeing.
 


Yeah, don't get hung up on caliber.  With pistols they all suck.  Good advice I was given, was get the largest caliber you can shoot well and shoot the heck out of it. 
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/2012 at 10:35
There are 2 generic schools of thought: "big bullet moving slower" or "small bullet moving faster:, I adhere to the prior, I am a 45 ACP fan.  The downside to "big bullet" is usually lower capacity, or very large grip.  I am OK with large grip as I have big hands.

If you have your heart set on a 1911, get one and shoot it, allot.  And get professional instruction from someone who knows it very, very well.

Daily carry is effectively combat carry: do it till you don't have to think about it.  

Also, no gun is carry-ready till it has several hundred rounds through it, this is especially true of 1911s.

My last few handguns have been 40 cals, good velocity, good bullet size, lots more in the same size mag.

I recommend something with a manuel safety, but that's just me.  Get a good holster (I don't know yours.)  Once you start looking, you will see MANY people adjusting handguns due to a crappy holster.  Get a good holster.

I am a huge fan of HK, either HK P30 or USP, both have very similar grip angles to 1911, and both are very comfortable.

Hope this helps - and doesn't muddy the waters too much.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dillon_h Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/2012 at 10:38
I appreciate all your help. I will keep looking into it before I make any decision.
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/2012 at 10:50
I like striker-fired pistols for CC.  I carry a G23, but just about any of them will work.  My Glocks have been very reliable.  XDs are nice too.  It is nice to have a pistol that carries safe, and goes bang with just a squeeze of the trigger.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sgt. D Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/2012 at 11:05
+100 on all said here. These guys know.
I will only add that how you dress is a factor for concealed. If your still in the shopping mode do consider the double actions with a decocker safety like the Beretta's. The military has used them for yrs for their simplisity, safety and reliability. And with the ammo options these days don't be too concerned about caliber. The 9mm's and up are well able to stop a threat. Yes there will always be stories about it taking more than one round to put someone down. That is the exception not the rule. When I opened the gunshop I started carrying full time and to start with I hated it. It wasn't like in the army where you just delt with it. Trying different holsters and peices untill I finally became accustom to the wait of it. I am probably more sensitive that most due to cronic back pain. Now I'm lost without it. I too preferr a good size grip but want to keep the weight down. A full or mid-size 45 is gonna have some pretty good weight with a full mag. I am a big fan of the 1911 and am looking at one now. But not for carry. I will probably modify it for a competition shooter.
While in the shop I carry a CZ82 which is a 9X18 loaded with Hornady JHP's If you ever get to shoot one you will see why. They speak for themselves. It is a good double action with a light smooth pull a decent grip and very accurate. I like double action because it is a safety in its self. Keeping one in the pipe and if I have to draw it, I have the option to shoot from the hip or cock it if the situation permits. Plus I've trained myself that I'm not on the trigger untill I've cleared myself.
Good luck in your search. Look forward to hearing what you get.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dillon_h Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/2012 at 11:32
Thanks Sgt. I am keeping an open mind on what to carry.
 
I appreciate all the input and suggestions.
I am going to go see about looking/holding/shooting a few different options to see what feels most comfortable.
 
I am worried about function and reliabilty of any 1911 though.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/2012 at 12:24

Dillon, check out the CZ 75's as well.  My dad just got one for CCW.  He was a huge huge 1911 guy and really wanted a 3" 1911 but he ended up with teh CZ75 compact.  Its a 9mm but he don't feel undergunned.  My daily carry is a 9mm and I don't feel undergunned either.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BeltFed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/2012 at 12:59
Another +1 for a DA auto with a decocker. I like S&Ws, and the 6906 is one of my favorites. If you practice enough, you can shoot that first shot as well as the rest; it's light, compact, and more accurate than the full size Smith autos. There are also many other brands of DA auto pistols that would serve you well too. S&W also makes a M&P striker fired pistol with an external safety lever, that looks interesting.
All platforms have their pluses and minuses of course; you just have to pick the one that fits you the best, and practice, practice, practice. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote shooter07 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/2012 at 13:03
.40 caliber for everyday carry. You get the best of both worlds, which is power/capacity. JMHO.
 
Almost every person will give you some shade of different advice, but like others have said, the advice given so far is absolutely outstanding.
 
Personally, when carrying you are taking the word responsibility to an entirely different level. You're not only responsible for yourself but possibly others around you, God forbid a certain "bad" situation arises. The pistol/revolver you carry should be one in which you are extremely familiar with. Practice and practice A LOT! Go through dry runs with different situations in mind. Get to the range as much as possible before taking your firearm out.
 
 
My personal favorite. I've got the full size (16 rounder) with the 3.8" barrel and neither has failed me once, EVER. Everytime you take a firearm out you are taking the responsibility of possibly (however remote) having to defend yourself or others with lethal force. I personally want reliability in that type of firearm and to this date, the above compact XDM gives me that, concealability, capacity, and incredible ergonomics.  
 
Again, that's my .02 and others may agree/disagree.
 
Try out as many pistols as possible, practice and practice some more!
 
Good luck Dillon! Let us know how things go.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dillon_h Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/2012 at 13:15

Dang G, thats a good looking pistol right there.

 
I am going to add that one to the list.
Found one on Gunbroker that looks nice.
 
How do you like the fit and feel of the CZ?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/2012 at 13:45

I love them.  My next handgun purchase will be a metal frame CZ rami in 40.  I fondled one in the shop the other day and it will become my new CCW once I get it and a good holster from Knull.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DCAMM94 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/2012 at 14:46
Lots of good info here.  Surprised no one has mentioned the P229 or P220.  I've heard some stories of Sig's quality slipping in the last few years, but my P229 .40S&W I got in 1995 has never misfired, stove-piped, or otherwise malfunctioned.  It's a good compromise for larger hands and smaller profile.
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