Opinons: Kimber Eclipse Custom ll .45-cal 5-in barrel

[seamusTX]

Please let me know what you think of this offering:

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displ ... um=9656118" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



It's a Kimber Eclipse Custom ll in .45 caliber with a 5-inch barrel, steel frame and slide.

This would be a range piece, not a carry piece.

Why do I think the price (currently less than $900) is too good?

I have read reviews on the internets. I'm looking for opinions here.

- Jim

[AEA]

I had the exact gun.
900 is about right. I think that was about what it cost new in 2003-04.

I sold it to another member here (5111).

It is a fine gun. It was a tack driver. I have (on more than one occasion) shot a bullseye at 25yds one handed with the one I had!

Only drawback is the finish on the sides is a bit too mirror like and shows any little scuff. That and the fact that it requires a tool (paperclip like) to take down and re-assemble is something that I dislike about most Kimbers.

Although I like alumigrips, I do not like those pictured. The stock wood laminate grips that come with the gun are very nice and something you don't see everyday.

It is good that it has an internal extractor. I believe mine had the external. I had no problems with it, but I have heard that others did.

[seamusTX]

Thanks.

This one comes with plain wood grip stocks also. Grip stocks are easy to come by if the pistol itself if satisfactory.

I've read about the external extractor issue. I can't tell one way or the other from the Auction Arms listing.

P.S.: Here's the factory spec sheet: http://www.kimberamerica.com/products/p ... custom_II/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I didn't realize that they come standard with Tritium night sights.

- Jim

[Skiprr]

I came close to buying an Eclipse a few years ago, but chose to go with the Super Match instead. It's a striking looking piece (photos never do it justice), and the one I shot performed perfectly and was nicely balanced. Nothing like steel everything to make for a solid platform.

The auction doesn't indicate how old the gun is; it only assures that it has never been fired. When I was in the market in 2006, the basic Eclipse Custom II could be had NIB for about $900. I just looked at Impact Guns, and they have it listed (but out of stock) for $1,084. Kimber now shows 'em at $1,250 MSRP. The purchase price for the Super Match I bought was $493 less than what Kimber now shows as MSRP.

I haven't been keeping up with Kimber's changing MSRPs, but if the Eclipse can't be sold as completely NIB and was purchased a few years ago, then--just MHO--the $947 "buy now" price isn't too far off the grid to be reasonable.

After all, if you buy it and don't like it, you can always give it to me...

[Skiprr]

I was too slow, and AEA beat me.

Only drawback is the finish on the sides is a bit too mirror like and shows any little scuff. That and the fact that it requires a tool (paperclip like) to take down and re-assemble is something that I dislike about most Kimbers.

Good point about the finish. Yep; I bet it would show nicks and scratches pretty well.

On the takedown tool paperclip thingie, that's just for the bull-barrel models, isn't it? I think the standard 5-inch barrel Eclipse Custom II comes with a full-length guide rod and standard steel bushing.

[AEA]

Thanks.

This one comes with plain wood grip stocks also. Grip stocks are easy to come by if the pistol itself if satisfactory.

I've read about the external extractor issue. I can't tell one way or the other from the Auction Arms listing.

P.S.: Here's the factory spec sheet: http://www.kimberamerica.com/products/p ... custom_II/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I didn't realize that they come standard with Tritium night sights.

- Jim

The stock grips are far from standard. They are double diamond checkered laminate wood and have a gray/black color. They are somewhat specific to that gun. They would be hard to find if they were not included and they are very nice.

You can tell it has the internal extractor from the 3rd picture down.

You may be able to install a standard plug and guide rod since it has a barrel bushing. I never tried to on the one I had as I did not know the difference when I owned it. I have since decided to never buy another 1911 that does not have the capability of a standard plug and rod.

[AEA]

I was too slow, and AEA beat me.

Only drawback is the finish on the sides is a bit too mirror like and shows any little scuff. That and the fact that it requires a tool (paperclip like) to take down and re-assemble is something that I dislike about most Kimbers.

Good point about the finish. Yep; I bet it would show nicks and scratches pretty well.

On the takedown tool paperclip thingie, that's just for the bull-barrel models, isn't it? I think the standard 5-inch barrel Eclipse Custom II comes with a full-length guide rod and standard steel bushing.

The reverse plug required for a full length guide rod is the difference here as opposed to the standard GI Plug. As you say, all the bull barrel's required the tool and as I recall the ones like this with bushings could be taken down easily without the tool but it would still be needed to re-assemble as I recall.

The one I bought new in 2003-2004 had the external extractor. I believe it was around 2006-07 that they gave in to consumer pressure and eliminated their external extractor and went back to the standard internal as this one has. Their mistake on this required them to replace many slides under warranty for their design flaws. This was after at least 3 iterations of different external extractors which did not solve the problems people were having with them.

[seamusTX]

After all, if you buy it and don't like it, you can always give it to me...

It is not I who have to like or dislike it.

Prices are really difficult to understand if you don't know the dealer price and other factors that I do not know. That's why I asked.

I also found similar Kimber models "for sale" on sites that had none in stock, which is useless.

Good point about the finish. Yep; I bet it would show nicks and scratches pretty well.

I'm not concerned about that. It will be handled with kid gloves (if I buy it).

Am I going to have to learn how to clean a 1911? I'm used to cleaning pistols only when they have large chunks of crud falling off.

- Jim

[AEA]

If this is going to be your 1st 1911..........

Better start a savings account for future 1911 purchases as this will make you want many more.

They multiply like rabbits in my safe!

[surprise_i'm_armed]

seamustx:

If you buy that New Orleans Saints gun
you are apt to get dirty looks from the Houston fans.

I'm just sayin...

:-)

SIA

[AEA]

Only 4 hours left on the auction and seamusTX has not pulled the trigger yet!

It is a very nice new gun and I think you would be very happy with it. Also the price is right.

And,........no, it is not my auction.

[KinnyLee]

Thanks.


I've read about the external extractor issue. I can't tell one way or the other from the Auction Arms listing.

- Jim

From the pics on link you've provided, it's an internal extractor unit.

[The Annoyed Man]

I thought the "paperclip" takedown tool was only necessary for the Ultra and Pro sized pistols because their bull barrels eliminate the barrel bushing and the attendant recoil spring plug. We have one of each, and that is how they work. But if this is a 5" pistol, takedown should be accomplished by pushing in the recoil spring plug and rotating the barrel bushing, like on any other 5" 1911.

[AEA]

I think you are right. It has been quite awhile since I had the pistol. I now agree that a take down tool is not required.

But, it is a open end plug at the bushing and the rim of it is very sharp. Trying to push it in with your finger while rotating the bushing is a pain. Best to use a bushing wrench to push it in and rotate the bushing at the same time.

Also, it is possible to remove the slide without moving the bushing by simply moving the slide to the proper position and pulling the slide stop and pull it off. It is fairly easy to do that. The hard part is trying to do it in reverse and hold the slide in the exact spot to re-insert the slide stop.

Thus, the barrel bushing wrench is the best bet on this pistol and I do not believe that one comes with the gun.

[seamusTX]

Thanks for all the information.

I bid on it a few minutes ago. I don't see a point in bidding more than 30 minutes before the auction closes. It just attracts attention.

One time, I bid on a piece on Auction Arms within the last half hour. At least half a dozen automated bids immediately jacked the price up to a ridiculous level. That was early in 2009 when people were going nuts.

P.S.: It looks like I won, but I haven't received confirmation yet.

- Jim