Kimber Ultra - Aluminum vs Steel Question

[thankGod]

Okay, I've searched the forum, and found all kinds of info regarding the Kimber Ultras. However, I did not see anyone who may have had a comparison of 2 different Ultra's such as CDP 2 as opposed to an SIS (or equal).

In a 3" barrel, is there truly a significant gain in control of the recoil of the all steel frame? Is there significant gain in carrying 7 ounces less with the aluminum frame?

Just curious.

[AEA]

In the 3" barrel Kimbers, I don't think you have a choice. I believe all of the 3" Kimbers are Aluminum Frames.

In my opinion you will not notice any difference in recoil (if the choice was available) because the 3" gun is already pretty "Snappy" anyway.

Now, go to the 4" "Commander Length" Models and you have a choice. You will also have better control and accuracy. I am not saying that the 3" cannot be accurate. It just takes a lot more control to be accurate with it as opposed to the 4" and larger models.

[DoubleJ]

Al, you see much of a difference in the 4" versions, steel vs aluminum?
my CDP may have to get a friend....

[Excaliber]

In a 3" barrel, is there truly a significant gain in control of the recoil of the all steel frame? Is there significant gain in carrying 7 ounces less with the aluminum frame?

I believe all of the 3" Kimbers are Aluminum Frames.

I've put about 3500 rounds through an original series Kimber Ultra Carry, and carried it extensively. The recoil is not at all unpleasant, and it's very easy to control. My 110 lb. daughter chews up bullseyes with it and has no trouble keeping up with the big boys through 250 - 300 rounds per range session. She's happy to go longer too as long as I keep buying ammo. For me the lighter weight frame makes a huge difference in daily comfort. I've also used this gun to introduce a number of new shooters to the experience of big bore weapons, and the usual reaction is "I want one of those!"

I use aftermarket wraparound rubber grips on my Ultra Carry, and that may help some with felt recoil. I've shot steel frame 3" 1911's (Rock River) recently for comparison and did not find the perceived recoil to be different enough that I'd consider switching to a steel frame for that reason. For me, the deciding factor is in carrying comfort. I've looked at the Kimber stainless pro carry (aluminum frame 4") and the weight difference between it and the steel frame version is even more pronounced due to the larger size of the frame. If I were going to carry that size weapon, I would absolutely once again go with the aluminum frame. If carry comfort is not an issue (e.g., for a house gun or range only gun) there's no question that the full size all steel 1911's do soak up recoil noticeably better than any of the small models.

Kimber does offer 3" barreled steel frame models if that is your preference. The Eclipse II ultra and the SIS ultra both come with steel frames. You can check out the details of their full line at: http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/

[AEA]

Al, you see much of a difference in the 4" versions, steel vs aluminum?
my CDP may have to get a friend....

Never had a steel one. My Stainless Pro Carry II (the bobtailed one) is aluminum and It shoots fine.

[AEA]

In a 3" barrel, is there truly a significant gain in control of the recoil of the all steel frame? Is there significant gain in carrying 7 ounces less with the aluminum frame?

I believe all of the 3" Kimbers are Aluminum Frames.

Kimber does offer 3" barreled steel frame models if that is your preference. The Eclipse II ultra and the SIS ultra both come with steel frames. You can check out the details of their full line at: http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/

Thanks for the info....I had not even looked at those two models.

[thankGod]

I've put about 3500 rounds through an original series Kimber Ultra Carry, and carried it extensively. The recoil is not at all unpleasant, and it's very easy to control.

Excaliber, thanks for your assessment. I have looked at the Raptor Ultra, the Ultra CDP 2, and the SIS Ultra. The SIS is significantly heavier, and if the recoil between the aluminum frame and the steel frame is minimal, then I will opt for the lighter weight.

[DoubleJ]

I've shot steel frame 3" 1911's (Rock River) recently for comparison and did not find the perceived recoil to be different enough that I'd consider switching to a steel frame for that reason. For me, the deciding factor is in carrying comfort. I've looked at the Kimber stainless pro carry (aluminum frame 4") and the weight difference between it and the steel frame version is even more pronounced due to the larger size of the frame. If I were going to carry that size weapon, I would absolutely once again go with the aluminum frame.

Thanks, to you and AEA, that was exactly my thought process when purchasing the 1911 that I did. I had rented about four different models but there were other differences too that really threw everything off.

(I had checked out a Taurus PT1911, 4" Aluminum frame Springfield, 5" Steel Kimber, and a 4" steel Colt, and went with the Kimber Pro CDP)

[The Annoyed Man]

I've been carrying a 3" Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II and shooting it for a little while now. I also currently own two 5" 1911s as well. And before I bought the 3" Kimber, I also owned a 4.25" Sig 1911. I have to say that the 3" Kimber is no more difficult to shoot than either of the 5" 1911s, and is actually easier to shoot than was the 4.25" Sig 1911.

Two weeks ago, at the range, the guy in the lane next to me was shooting a 4" Kimber. I let him try my 3" Kimber, and he actually found it easier to shoot than his own 4" gun. I'm not saying that the 3" Kimber is a wündergun, and I'm sure there are others out there that are better, but I honestly I don't think that you'll have any issues shooting it if you buy one. I also own an H&K USP Compact in .40 S&W, which really is a snappy shooter, and I find it noticeably more difficult to shoot than the Kimber.

[AEA]

I think the real answer here is what you are going to use the gun for.
If you are going to use it for personal defense (CHL) then the choice should be aluminum for the lighter weight (in any sized gun).
If you are going to use it as a range gun, then the choice would be steel for the higher durability for thousands of rounds.

Now, having said that, there is nothing wrong with shooting thousands of rounds in an aluminum framed gun either. Some people have done it. The common thought is that it is not as durable as steel. There are those that can tell you first hand that they are, while there are others that can tell you first hand that they are not. As far as I'm concerned, they gotta be just as durable as PLASTIC!

Personally, I carry my guns and shoot them little. I am not a "Range Nut" but I do go just enough to remain proficient with the guns I own. Therefore the lighter weight of the aluminum framed models suit me just fine. But I do own an all steel Wilson Combat..........and I like it too......who wouldn't?

[Excaliber]

Two weeks ago, at the range, the guy in the lane next to me was shooting a 4" Kimber. I let him try my 3" Kimber, and he actually found it easier to shoot than his own 4" gun.

For me, the 3" bbl aluminum frame Kimber seems to hit a sweet spot in the balance among size, weight, concealability, recoil control, and repeat shot contrallability. When you go up in size, concealability and weight seem to increase out of proportion to the slight increase in recoil control. When you go down in the same caliber (e.g., Kahr PM45 that I have some experience with) concealability and weight are improved, though with a marked sacrifice in recoil control and repeat shot controllability. I haven't found anything else out there that balances all of these factors as well as the KUC.

[DoubleJ]

I've been carrying a 3" Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II and shooting it for a little while now. I also currently own two 5" 1911s as well. And before I bought the 3" Kimber, I also owned a 4.25" Sig 1911.

weren't you just talking about selling a *rare* Colt .380 so you could buy a 1911??

[The Annoyed Man]

I've been carrying a 3" Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II and shooting it for a little while now. I also currently own two 5" 1911s as well. And before I bought the 3" Kimber, I also owned a 4.25" Sig 1911.

weren't you just talking about selling a *rare* Colt .380 so you could buy a 1911??

Yes, I was. I want a new 5" for the range. One of the 5" pistols I already own is my dad's service pistol from WW2, and I don't want to shoot it anymore. The other I gave to my son, and he shoots it. I want a new 5 incher of my own to shoot. Your point???

[DoubleJ]

I just got a chuckle, is all. I was hoping for one of those great excuses I've been reading in that other thread:
"But this one's a Taaaaarget gun."