Posted: 11/30/2024 4:23:57 PM EDT
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So, I'm curious... Over the past 2-3 years Kimber has started offering some really great deals on their lightweight aluminum frame models. It's not uncommon to see them for $599. (Smoky Mountain Guns & Ammo currently has several for that price.) I wonder why these deals are only being offered on the aluminum frame models and not their traditional steel framed pistols? Historically 1911 manufacturers have charged a premium for their aluminum frame models. Is aluminum really that much cheaper for them than using steel for the frame? If they started offering their all steel 1911's for $599 I'd probably be inclined to buy a few more of them.  |
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Kimber had to introduce some base models to compete on price with Ruger, SA etc, several years ago (and that feeds the Kimber hate as people still expect Kimber Custom shop quality on the base models). But lately in the steel frame pistol market Kimber has had to compete against the Turkish and Philippine made pistols. People will flex and talk about buying products made in ‘Murica, but at the end of the day many of those same folks will far more often than not decide to save money and buy a foreign made 1911. Consequently Kimber is just not going to be able to do compete in that budget price steel frame 1911 market, labor costs being what they are in the US, even with stagnant wages and attacks on unions. (Tariffs or not, we will never be able to compete with low wage countries when it comes to making cheap goods, and we will not be Abel to bring those days back.) However, Kimber can still compete price wise in the alloy frame 1911 market, and thus you’re seeing efforts to do just that. There steel frame offerings are not likely to get any cheaper as even the base models are still targeting that mid tier market. |
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Originally Posted By DakotaFAL: Kimber had to introduce some base models to compete on price with Ruger, SA etc, several years ago (and that feeds the Kimber hate as people still expect Kimber Custom shop quality on the base models). But lately in the steel frame pistol market Kimber has had to compete against the Turkish and Philippine made pistols. People will flex and talk about buying products made in ‘Murica, but at the end of the day many of those same folks will far more often than not decide to save money and buy a foreign made 1911. Consequently Kimber is just not going to be able to do compete in that budget price steel frame 1911 market, labor costs being what they are in the US, even with stagnant wages and attacks on unions. (Tariffs or not, we will never be able to compete with low wage countries when it comes to making cheap goods, and we will not be Abel to bring those days back.) However, Kimber can still compete price wise in the alloy frame 1911 market, and thus you’re seeing efforts to do just that. There steel frame offerings are not likely to get any cheaper as even the base models are still targeting that mid tier market. The only catch is that if you actually SHOOT your Aluminum 1911, Kimber recommends replacing the Recoil spring at 800 rounds. Used to be you had to prove it somehow (receipts for new springs maybe) that you HAD replaced the springs or your warranty was void. I don't know if the new "lifetime" warranty has changed that... |