TexasCHLforum.com

Hi Forum,
I'm looking at Kimbers...the CDP line. I can find plenty of info/reviews for all models except the Compact CDP. Plenty of NIB/LNIB available for sale, too...except for the Compact CDP. Can any Forum members who own or have owned a Compact CDP reply with their impressions and/or reviews?

Thanks

Welcome to the forum.


I am assuming that you the Ultra CDPII?

It's a great pistol that is very accurate and pretty controllable, at least for me. In my experience the Ultra does require a little breaking in with at least 500 rounds at the range. With that being said a pre-owned Ultra in good shape may be a good deal for someone that doesn't have patience for the break-in process and any problems that might arise. Several here on the forum carry this pistol and I am sur ethat they will chime in with more details. I have been splitting carry mostly between my Ultra and EMP for over a year now and it has several thousand rounds through it. The first 500 - 750 required some patience, but after a trip back to Kimber it has been flawless.

YMMV

I carried a K Compact for several yrs. Not the ultra. It is on an officers frame w/ a 4" barrel. I believe the Ultra has now replaced it & that is why you cannot find that modle any more.
I had no issues w/ mine. If your hands are not real large you will have no trouble w/ the grip. Mags are 7 rd only. I did carry a 8 rd Wilson in mine & let it stick out one round.
No complaints. Sold it when I got a GOOD deal on a Pro CDP from a forum member.

Thanks ScubaSigGuy, Longtooth.
Scuba, I was referring to the Compact CDP II model. It's one of the four CDP models Kimber shows on their website. It's description is very similar to the one provided by Longtooth. A 4" barrel on an officer/defender frame is precisely what I'd like.
Might need to call Kimber of America.

ntexaschl wrote:Thanks ScubaSigGuy, Longtooth.
Scuba, I was referring to the Compact CDP II model. It's one of the four CDP models Kimber shows on their website. It's description is very similar to the one provided by Longtooth. A 4" barrel on an officer/defender frame is precisely what I'd like.
Might need to call Kimber of America.

LOL.

I just took a refresher class. I forgot all about the compact version . The Pro and the Ultra are the more common versions. Slightly smaller dimensions and an ounce lighter than the Pro. I have two Pro size Kimber's that are well broken in and funtion great. Can't speak for the Compact.

I own a 3" Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II, and I know that it's smaller than what you're looking for, but it has been flawless for me, and surprisingly easy to shoot for a small gun. I purchased the gun NIB from a dealer, and it has functioned beautifully from day one, except for one bug. Some of the UC IIs were released with a mis-shaped slide stop lever, which caused the guns to lock the slide back before the magazine was empty. I phoned Kimber about it. They were aware of the problem, and they sent me a replacement part for free. I received it a few days later, and it dropped right in and the problem disappeared. Other than that, I've had no failures to feed or jams that I can recall, and the gun really didn't need a break in.

I was at the range a week ago, and the guy in the lane next to mine was shooting a 4" Kimber Tactical Pro II - a different model than what you're looking for, but the same size as the compact CDP model. I let him shoot my UC II, and he was surprised at how easy and pleasant it was to shoot. He even found it marginally easier to shoot than his TP II. I think that small framed 1911s have certainly built a reputation for themselves as being a bit of a handful, but Kimber seems to have solved that particular problem very well.

My point is, if you are convinced that the CDP is the model family you want to go with (and they are certainly beautiful pistols; more beautiful than mine), and concealability is a concern, don't be afraid to try out one of the 3" CDP models if you have the chance. They have the same magazine capacity as the 4" guns, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the experience.

Just a thought...

Thanks ntexaschl for bringing this up. It is a pleasure having more input from all involved with first hand experience, and it is certainly better than me only guessing. I am trying to do some Kimber research myself while saving my $ for my "Kimber Relief Fund". I, also was contemplating the Compact model.

My thoughts on this model is that a shorter grip would be easier to conceal, and the longer barrel would be more accurate with higher muzzle velocities. However, I am leaning towards an Ultra from all the feedback I've found. When I get a little closer to having the funds, then I will try to find a range that rents them in the Houston area.

I am excited about getting a small frame 45 for carry. I can not cope with my Gov Model Series 80 as a carry weapon. For me, the weight of the weapon pulls my draws down, and the length makes it difficult to sit. I have full confidence in my Glock 19, but it's a thick brick. I do like the 1911's.

Best of luck on your Kimber research.

ntexaschl, you're not close enough to me for me to volunteer, but thankGod, you are. If you want to meet up at Shiloh sometime, I'll gladly let you shoot my Kimbers. The Ultra CDP II is my "daily" carry gun (in quotation marks only because I can't carry at work, so the pistol spends more time on its own than on my side).

My Ultra CDP has been reliable from day one; no failures so far with FMJ, Cor-Bon Pow'rBall, Gold Dots, Golden Saber, or Winchester Ranger +P. It has a little under 1,000 rounds down it. IMO, the 4" barrel would be no more of an issue to conceal, but the little 3" barrel is surprisingly accurate. I have several short-barreled handguns, and none are as precise as the small Kimber.

I would like to say "Thank-you" to all those who've responded. One concern I had, regarding the Ultra Carry II, was it "being a bit of a handful." The Annoyed Man addressed that. I think that my Glock 30 is a bit of a handful, but, my Kahr MK40 is easily manageable. thankGod addressed two other very important points of concern. And Skiprr, it's nice to know that you would've allowed me to shoot your Kimbers. Maybe I'll reconsider the Ultra Carry II model. Thanks again.

Skiprr

PM sent.

thankGod wrote:Skiprr

PM sent.

Always happy to meet--and assist if I can--Forum members.

1+ on the ultra carry II. I took mine to the range one time then loaned it to my Father in Law so he could try it out. Now he say's I can have it back when they read the will! He's 73 so it must not be to much of a handfull.

My wife has carried an Ultra Carry for many years now. It's not the series II, nor is it a CDP (they weren't out then) but she loves it. It has been flawlessly reliable and recoil even with 230 gr. ammo it is controllable.

Chas.

Thank you Cosmo 9 and Charles L. Cotton. It appears as though I too, should be able to handle the UC II. I've been browsing various websites/gun dealers. Anybody have feedback relative to Bud's Guns? They quoted me an attractive price, provide free shipping, and charge no sales tax. Thanks.