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I've been thinking of adding a 1911 to my collection, specifically a Kimber. I am just trying to decide which one to get!

I'm thinking this will probably be my #1 carry weapon, so I want something concealable. However, my concern with going TOO small is that you lose accuracy and control. I'm curious what others think about something like a Kimber Pro Carry II with the 4" barrel versus the Kimber Ultra Carry II with the 3" barrel. Obviously the Ultra Carry II will be easier to conceal, but I'm thinking the 4" barrel will have more accuracy and the larger grip will be better for a big 6'6" 280 lb guy like me.

I'm curious what others think....

Thanks!
MojoTexas

Mojo - my hubby is pondering the exact same thing except he is also looking at the Raptor II. Will be interesting to see what information everyone has to share!

Have an Eclipse Pro Target II ordered, delivery 3 to 5 months maybe. This will be my first Kimber and can't wait for it to come in. Like the 4" bbl and full size grip idea and really wanted the target sights. This gun will be my primary carry.

Have you held a Pro and an Ultra? I'm somewhat smaller than you and I find the Ultra's grip to be way too small for me. The Pro works for me, but I ended up with a full size one anyway.

I have a 3" Ultra and a 4" Pro. (Coverts though, not Tacticals).

The 3" is much easier to conceal, however the grip is too short for my hands. The 4" has the longer grip.

Having said that, I'm not too impressed with the Kimbers functionally. Both have had FTF problems and I've had them at a gunsmith for the past 3 weeks trying to get that corrected. They may be better now, but have not had them to the range to verify that question.

For $1300 per, I'm not very happy. No more Kimbers for me. I recently purchased a Springfield 1911-A1 Stainless that is now my primary carry hardware.

If I had it to do over, Kimber would not be on my final list of possibilities.

LabRat

6'4 200lbs here and I love my Kimber Pro CDP II. The ultra was too small, and the pro is a lot more accurate than I am, double taps from the waist and a single head shot, all on target from 14 feet. Accuracy at it's best! You won't be disappointed!!! Just be sure to get the Wolff gunsprings for the Pro, fixed all my FTRB issues. I only had it 150 rounds the first time, with a couple FTRB's and 1 FTF. After that, a firm grip and the wolff 22lb spring and she runs like a top, not a problem in 800 rounds, eating anything I feed her.

A lot of people rant on kimbers, but remember you only hear the bad usually, not the good. Give it time to break in, and it'll last a lifetime.

My carry is a crimson carry pro and have not had any problems so far. I sometimes swap in a CDP Custom II and love them both. I have been shooting fmj's and a clip of speer gold dots through the crimson with no probs and some + P 185's through the CDP and haven 't had any problems. As far as being concealed, my wife didn't notice either at 3 o'clock. Shoot first and then decide.
Carl

LabRat wrote:I recently purchased a Springfield 1911-A1 Stainless that is now my primary carry hardware.

If I had it to do over, Kimber would not be on my final list of possibilities.LabRat

I have a Kimber Custom Target II and it's alright. I sure wouldn't trade my SA 1911 LW Compact or my Hi Power for it.

I have a Kimber Ultra CDP ll with which I'm pretty satisfied. It's quite accurate, at least at the CHL proficiency test distances. I haven't fired it at distances greater than those. I've had no problems with this pistol. I have medium sized hands, so, the grip is no problem for me. I chose this Kimber based on various characteristics, i.e. concealability, carry melt, weight, etc. If I could do it all over again, I think I'd choose a stainless model, just because I like stainless.

I still have a 12 y/o Kimber Stainless Compact that I just can't part with... and don't plan to. With the 4 inch barrel, it's the perfect IWB fit for me, and the compact grip is very concealable. It doesn't get a great deal of carry time anymore as I have moved on to mostly DA or DA/SA platforms, but is still, by far, my favorite "shooter". Actually, the standard full sized Series II isn't really much harder to carry. I have shot a few of the alloy models, and just don't like the overall feel, particularly in the compact versions. In .45 acp, I'll take steel.


surv

I'm 5'11'' 260# and have no problem concealing a Government model sized 1911. The 5'' barrels have less drama during breakin than the 4" and 3" versions.

The Ultra is fun to shoot, but it is a little small for the giant gorilla paws attached to my 6' 2", 220# frame. The Pro is, I think, just the right compromise. I've got a Custom II that is my EDC right now, and I love it - I really don't notice the weight any more, but I've been coveting a Pro since my wife wants one, too. She's 5' 8" and medium build, and she found the Ultra to be just a little 'snappy' because of the light weight. The Pro works much better for her with the extra inch of barrel/weight on the end. I've had no issues with accuracy with mine, and only a few FTFs with certain ammo (yes, American Eagle - I'm looking at you!).

Good luck on your search!

I'm 6' - 200 lbs. and I have no problem with my Kimber Ultra Crimson Carry II. In fact my next .45 will also be a Kimber 4" barrel model - not sure which one yet.

I have been a "stalker" on here for some time and thought it was time for me to chime in. I carry a Pro CDP II and could not be happier with it. I have had it for about 6 years and put somewhere around 2000 rounds through it. After about 200 rounds or so it has run flawlessly. It is light enough to carry all day, the bull barrel really tames the flip and makes multiple shots right on targer and the trigger breaks like a glass rod. The meprolights are outstanding and the gun seems to come up and get on target by itself and is super accurate. My CHL instructor joked that it would be hard to score my target because it only had one ragged fist sized hole. My only issue is with the grips, not with printing, they are just way too abrasicve to carry iwb even with an undershirt, I had to swap them out for some micarta grips. Buy one, you'll love it.

I've had no problems with the guns or concealing either of my 4" Kimbers. IWB in a Don Hume PCCH, or a M-TAC when I need to tuck a shirt in.

And welcome to the forum Carry-a-Kimber