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AR15.COM
1/10/2013 4:32:54 AM EDT
Well it finally happened to me! After many years and MANY good ones I finally got a bad Kimber 1911. Picked up a clean used Tactical Custom II for what I suspected was too good a price....Wont feed an entire mag of anything but ball and even with factory ball jams on occassion!
 My question is what are the current experiences with Kimber factory repair? Good? Or should I just find a gunsmith on my own?
 Would like Kimber to fix it on their dime but really dont want to get into one of those loops of sending it in and waiting and getting it back still not fixed.
1/10/2013 10:17:06 AM EDT
[#1]
I wouldn't send it back myself.  If you are using known good mags start with the extractor and move on from there.
1/10/2013 10:55:00 AM EDT
[#2]
If you're in a "troubleshoot it myself" kind of mood, I'd +1 the extractor tension check, and also check the slide stop for copper rub marks.
1/10/2013 1:09:54 PM EDT
[#3]
Or you could simply sell it to someone who enjoys working on "bad" 1911s!  (Just be honest with the buyer.)
Personally, I've never met a bad one.  Some just need a little extra attention and love!

Personally, I love 1911s that don't work.  They've been some of my best buys!
1/10/2013 1:35:13 PM EDT
[#4]
I had a bad kimber once.

Tensioned a wilson bulletproof extractor by hand. Gun fixed.

Every bad kimber I have had my hands on were due to an extractor being too tight.

ETA I just remembered the same pistol had premature slide lock issues. Had to file down the inside of the slide stop so bullets would stop pushing the lever up during feeding(this was one of their "custom" shop guns as well.)
1/10/2013 2:37:40 PM EDT
[#5]
Check extractor tension
Then
Check magazines
Then
Replace recoil spring
1/10/2013 5:34:58 PM EDT
[#6]
External our internal extractor? If external return it to limber so they can swap the slide for an internal extractor.
1/10/2013 6:11:34 PM EDT
[#7]
Kimber service was good to me.  My Tactical II would fail to feed...anything and everything.  Kimber replaced the external extractor slide, re-fitted the slide stop, reamed the chamber and polished the guide rod.  No charge

I still had issues.  I swapped out the Wilson 47D's for some Tripp mags and I no longer have any issues.
1/10/2013 9:28:42 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
External our internal extractor? If external return it to limber so they can swap the slide for an internal extractor.


Winner.
1/11/2013 4:51:07 AM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
External our internal extractor? If external return it to limber so they can swap the slide for an internal extractor.


Not sure of their policy now,.....but at one time, Kimber stated
"Only for the original owner"

A Wolff extra power external extractor spring cures the extractor issues as well.
1/11/2013 8:24:41 AM EDT
[#10]
Just got a chance to look at it a little closer....bullet noses/mouths are hitting SOLIDLY on the bottom of the barrel. .......and I mean solid! the more I look the more surprised I am it feeds at all. Only a very very slight bevel to lower edge of the barrel. Pretty dissapointing for a supposedly high end 1911 manufacturer. Called Kimber and after the first question of "did you filll out warranty card" and my answer of no im not original owner they were not particularly interested in talking to me.
 Internal extractor
1/11/2013 10:33:51 AM EDT
[#11]
Try a different manufacturer's magazine.
Then check extractor tension

Extractor tension ck
1/11/2013 11:39:23 AM EDT
[#12]
A photo of the barrel and feed ramp would be helpful.   I suggest trying a different style of magazine.  The Wilson 47Ds have a captive follower that will not gouge the aluminum frame.  That's what I use for my Tactical Custom.
1/11/2013 9:48:39 PM EDT
[#13]
How many magazines have you tried?
1/12/2013 3:17:22 AM EDT
[#14]
I had a cus tac 2 that was a jammer from day one .and also a full size CDP that the hammer would follow the slide down . My son had a hammer brake . Kimbers look good but I wont take a chance again . That something 1000 plus gun will not work . I have a TRP now and also picked up ATI thunderbolt that is flawless it has everything and has never jammed and their was no 500 round brake in like Kimber. I have read that Kimbers ars better now but I wont get another one .