Thinking about getting a Kimber... any advice?

**MaxPlusTen** · 06-06-2008, 03:34 AM

So im thinking about buying a Kimber... My friend owns a local gun shop and he can get me a deal on whatever model I decide to go with. I want something that would make a decent concealed carry piece. Im getting my permit in august. I know i like most of the Kimbers ive handeled and shot as far as balence and accuracy... so ill probably go with one. If anyone has any other suggestions though let me know. So what would you guys go with? I plan to go shooting with it quite a bit too.

**ARM5280** · 06-06-2008, 04:08 AM

Two words SIG SAUER

**MaxPlusTen** · 06-06-2008, 04:09 AM

any particular model youd recomend?

**Tobynine9** · 06-06-2008, 05:58 AM

Originally Posted by ARM5280

Two words SIG SAUER

hahaha, i was just gonna say that - sig P220 - all day, every day.

**Zboner** · 06-06-2008, 06:24 AM

were you looking at the Kimber .45? if so that is a pretty large gun to concele

**Spaz** · 06-06-2008, 06:27 AM

Originally Posted by ARM5280

Two words SIG SAUER

**Spaz** · 06-06-2008, 06:28 AM

Originally Posted by Tobynine9

hahaha, i was just gonna say that - sig P220 - all day, every day.

the 226... be like james bond!!!

**jad628** · 06-06-2008, 06:32 AM

Nothing wrong with a Kimber on a Government Model frame. The only caveat I offer is to be very well-versed in single action, cocked and locked carry.

Don't let ego outweigh common sense. I don't mean that to be offensive, I just don't know what your proficiency level is.

Single action autos need to be left to really advanced shooters when it comes to a self-defense piece.

Kimbers are great guns. Definitely high quality.

**Zboner** · 06-06-2008, 06:34 AM

get a desert Eagle and be done with it

**SleeperC5** · 06-06-2008, 06:46 AM

Springfield 1911, same style, much cheaper !

**jad628** · 06-06-2008, 06:57 AM

Originally Posted by SleeperC5

Springfield 1911, same style, much cheaper !

True, and if you have specific custom work you want done that is the way to go. Custom work usually means there is no need to buy more than a basic model to start, but the price will soon add up (sky-rocket) if you trick it out.

But depending on which Kimber model he's talking about, you are basically getting a custom-grade 1911, with a manufacturer who will back up all the work on the gun with a damned good warranty. Considering that, the price of a Kimber is easier to justify.

If the Kimber has all the bells and whistles he wants and a price he can afford, it's a good move.

And I have a Springfield with custom work done on it. Good pistol, but in no way would I turn down a similarly worked Kimber if I had the chance to buy it at a reasonable price.

Kimbers are that good, in my opinion. Custom grade WITH a warranty. Tinker too much with any gun, and the maker will void the warranty. That is a big-time concern with a carry gun. Liability issues have to be considered. Kimbers are good to go, right out of the box.

**SleeperC5** · 06-06-2008, 07:04 AM

Originally Posted by jad628

True, and if you have specific custom work you want done that is the way to go. Custom work usually means there is no need to buy more than a basic model to start, but the price will soon add up (sky-rocket) if you trick it out.

But depending on which Kimber model he's talking about, you are basically getting a custom-grade 1911, with a manufacturer who will back up all the work on the gun with a damned good warranty. Considering that, the price of a Kimber is easier to justify.

If the Kimber has all the bells and whistles he wants and a price he can afford, it's a good move.

And I have a Springfield with custom work done on it. Good pistol, but in no way would I turn down a similarly worked Kimber if I had the chance to buy it at a reasonable price.

Kimbers are that good, in my opinion. Custom grade WITH a warranty. Tinker too much with any gun, and the maker will void the warranty. That is a big-time concern with a carry gun. Liability issues have to be considered. Kimbers are good to go, right out of the box.

Ummmm.... okay.

I don't need a "fancy" gun to shoot an intruder in my house.

**Packy** · 06-06-2008, 07:27 AM

Have fun!

***Ed Blown Vert*** · 06-06-2008, 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by MaxPlusTen

So im thinking about buying a Kimber... My friend owns a local gun shop and he can get me a deal on whatever model I decide to go with. I want something that would make a decent concealed carry piece. Im getting my permit in august. I know i like most of the Kimbers ive handeled and shot as far as balence and accuracy... so ill probably go with one. If anyone has any other suggestions though let me know. So what would you guys go with? I plan to go shooting with it quite a bit too.

If you want to carry, look into a Sig 229 or even a 239 in a .40 or 9mm
If you really want a .45, a compact P220 is nice.

Kimbers are nice 45's. But I would not carry one in Condition 1. I would prefer to carry a Sig in Condition 2.

**jad628** · 06-06-2008, 07:45 AM

Originally Posted by SleeperC5

Ummmm.... okay.

I don't need a "fancy" gun to shoot an intruder in my house.

I agree with that as well, but a basic govt model needs some work to make a good carry gun. In my case (lefty) an ambidexterous safety is a must, especially considering the single action of the weapon. Ramped, ported, magazine bevel, Cleaned up trigger, and better sights are all something I would want done to an entry-level. In most cases, that's what you get with a Kimber straight out of the box. Not a "race" gun for competition, but a good, reliable carry gun.

A good DAO, or similar action is probably the best for a carry gun for most folks, but once again, if he's proficient with single-action carry, a Kimber is definitely a good choice.

**Tobynine9** · 06-06-2008, 08:28 AM

Originally Posted by Spaz

the 226... be like james bond!!!

Dude, you're thinking of the P230, the PPK look-a-like. The 226 is a full-frame, double-stack 9mm. (I think you can get it in .357 Sig and .40 now, too, though)

***Ed Blown Vert*** · 06-06-2008, 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by Tobynine9

Dude, you're thinking of the P230, the PPK look-a-like. The 226 is a full-frame, double-stack 9mm. (I think you can get it in .357 Sig and .40 now, too, though)

Was it a 230 or 232?

Yes, now you can get the 226 in 9mm, .40 or 357sig

**Tobynine9** · 06-06-2008, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by Ed Blown Vert

Was it a 230 or 232?

The P232 is the next generation of the older 230.

**Spaz** · 06-06-2008, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by Tobynine9

Dude, you're thinking of the P230, the PPK look-a-like. The 226 is a full-frame, double-stack 9mm. (I think you can get it in .357 Sig and .40 now, too, though)

you're correct!!!

**JwMonE99** · 06-06-2008, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by MaxPlusTen

So im thinking about buying a Kimber... My friend owns a local gun shop and he can get me a deal on whatever model I decide to go with. I want something that would make a decent concealed carry piece. Im getting my permit in august. I know i like most of the Kimbers ive handeled and shot as far as balence and accuracy... so ill probably go with one. If anyone has any other suggestions though let me know. So what would you guys go with? I plan to go shooting with it quite a bit too.

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