Posted: 6/25/2026 11:08:14 AM EDT
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Looking for a carry .45 and this one came up locally. It’s from a family member and price is in the $400-$500 range. A friend of mine mentioned the early ones had some quality control issues, not sure when this was made. What can you tell me about this one? Attached File Attached File |
Do epic shit.
| Two things that turn me off on that is the external extractor and the "II", which I believe indicates a Swartz style safety. Did you find out the track record of that particular gun (is it reliable?) The price is good, but if the gun doesn't work, it's not worth it. And if it's a lightweight frame, you may not like the recoil (everyone is different). Personally, I'd pass. |
| External extractors were problematic but the Swartz safety is not a big deal. It’s actually a pretty decent system and can be easily adjusted if you want to make sure that the hammer cannot fall before the firing pin block is deactivated. This is what people call “timing” in the context of series II guns. |
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I had that exact model except not the "II" and with the internal extractor. Shot, probably about 3,000 rounds through it in IDPA competition without a hiccup. Early Kimber "II" variants didn't have a good reputation back in the day. |
Tom Sawyer.
"If The Rules brought us to this, what use are they?"
"If The Rules brought us to this, what use are they?"
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants" - Thomas Jefferson
| I have several Kimber 1911’s, 3.5”, 4.25” and 5”, 45 and 9MM. I carry a Tactical Ultra II that’s similar to the CDP daily. Have owned it for years without issues. Kimber’s get a bad rap online but a lot of it is just passed along hype from some that never owned one, not all but a good bit. I probably have close to 100 guns and honestly I haven’t had an issue with anything going back 50 years. If you can try it before you buy it, I would as I do with anything used given that option. |
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I’ve seen a few of those extractors break in use and Kimber won’t repair them. Years back they would fit a new traditional slide but I have heard they stopped doing that. So you’d need to price in the possibility of having to buy a new slide. The good news is those extractors tend to work pretty well until they break 
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https://www.guntechtips.com
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Originally Posted By HighPlains1911: External extractors were problematic but the Swartz safety is not a big deal. It’s actually a pretty decent system and can be easily adjusted if you want to make sure that the hammer cannot fall before the firing pin block is deactivated. This. It also looks (to me) like an early external extractor gun. I though they got longer before they were discontinued. I am extremely wary of the external extractor Kimbers. At a minimum, I'd want to shoot it before buying it, which should be reasonable if this is a family/friends purchase. |
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I’ve got an Ultra Carry II. I like mine. Bought mine from original owner at a local gun show. I like Wilson and Chip McCormick mags. Carry it occasionally. It shoots well. I sent it to Kimber and they put nightlights on it very reasonably priced. My daughter liked it so much I bought her one for a graduation gift. As previous poster mentioned, go shoot it and try it out.Attached File Attached File |
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