What Upgrades Have You Done To Your Kimber?

[Tzyck]

I added a Smith & Alexander Magwell, Heinie Straight Eight Night Sights, and Of Coarse My Grips. ;)

Upgraded Pro Carry II
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A924%3B523232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2329%3D73%3B%3D66%3A%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3C244%3B%3B%3A8ot1lsi

Heinie Straight Eights
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A924%3B523232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2329%3D73%3B%3D66%3A%3DXROQDF%3E2323497577646ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A924%3B523232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2329%3D73%3B%3D66%3A%3DXROQDF%3E2323497577648ot1lsi

Grips and S&A Magwell that includes the MSH. ( Very easy to install )
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A924%3B523232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2329%3D73%3B%3D66%3A%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3C244%3B%3B%3B5ot1lsi

[1911WB]

I changed out several of the MIM parts on my series I GM as follows: Wilson extractor; Brown barrel bushing; (old) Colt slide stop. Of course none of these cured my main problem- the darned thing is not very accurate! I expect more of a $1000 pistol. I'm thinking of trading it on another Baer.

[.45K]

So far I have done nothing to my Kimber Stainless Target II. I've only got about 600 rounds through it now. I would like to get at least a thousand rounds through it before I do any mods. By then I hopefully will know whatever it is that I want/need to do to it. I think you need to get to know the pistol before dumping money into it. Maybe replacing MIM parts from the get go is smart, I don't know. I have not had any problems with them personally, nor do I know of anyone else who have had problems with them. This is my first 1911 (been shooting DA/SA semiauto's until know), I hope to learn alot about what I should expect from this pistol and what I can do to customize it to my liking. That's the reason I got a 1911, because it is so customizable.

[ColdDeadHands]

I changed out several of the MIM parts on my series I GM as follows: Wilson extractor; Brown barrel bushing; (old) Colt slide stop. Of course none of these cured my main problem- the darned thing is not very accurate! I expect more of a $1000 pistol. I'm thinking of trading it on another Baer.

Let me ask you a stupid question; Why don't you send your gun to the factory and have them fix the problems including the accuracy?

[1911WB]

Gentlemen,

I didn't start replacing the MIM parts until I'd read a number of posts on several gun forums about breaking slide stops, a sear, & other MIM parts on Kimbers. By then my pistol had about 500 rounds through it. The 1911 extractor is a very poor candidate for MIM IMO. So is the sear & slide stop. I guess there are other things I could do about the accuracy like a Brown or Wilson barrel/bushing set; but I'm just not interested in spending further money on a pistol that isn't as accurate as my Argentine Sistema. Even sending the pistol back to Kimber isn't appealing because of the annoyance & shipping cost. :) WB

[ColdDeadHands]

Well, I guess I can't help you. Kimber has excellent CS service and they are very fast in shipping the guns back - I didn't even needed to pay shipping. Btw, my Gold Combat series 1 is completly original with several thousand rounds thru it and without any breakage. ;)

[FOE HAMMER]

I have a series 1 Pro Carry . I added an S&A mag well and Eclipse style grips

[ColdDeadHands]

Beautiful Pro Carry Tzyck! What is the exact color/name of those grips?

[Tzyck]

Beautiful Pro Carry Tzyck! What is the exact color/name of those grips?

They are my Blasted Black Canvas. I 'm kinda partial to them. One of my best sellers as well.

Even sending the pistol back to Kimber isn't appealing because of the annoyance & shipping cost.

I kind of agree about sending back a firearm to the factory unless it is absolutely broken or I can't fix it. It's just a pain in the a--!

WB would have to put all his Factory parts back in place prior to sending. I'm sure Kimber would not warantee any work with all the aftermarket upgrades installed.

As for accuracy. Can you at least get a group on paper? be it high or low, L or R? I would definetly count out loose sights. Kimber has the tightest I've seen ( have taken off ). Maybe a bad crown?

[LECO]

Can you tell me someone why must I change the springs on my Kimber TLE II after 1500 rounds and on my others guns must not? :confused:

[ColdDeadHands]

Are you talking about the recoil spring? If, you should be good to go 2500 rounds with one.

[Pappy John]

The only upgrade I made to my Combat Carry was the grips. It had all the little things I was looking for in a 1911 already installed.....night sights, beavertail, ambi-dex safety, light frame, light bevel to the mag well, and that meltdown finish clinched the deal. Those rubber grips though....brrrr. So I made a set out of a slab of bacote'.

[Rock]

Tzyck, how thick are your grips as compared to stock?

[davenport]

I know everyone else has said it but one more wouldn't hurt, Tzyck that is a beautiful weapon. I just got my first kimber last weekend and I haven't even ran it yet, tomorrow is the first time we are going to the range. :)

[Tzyck]

Thanks! I really like my Pro Carry! If i just had more time on my hands I could come up with all kinds of neat things and tinker with ALL my guns. I have access to two full blown machine shops and it's just killing me.


Tzyck, how thick are your grips as compared to stock?

Stock grips measure around .255" my Gatorbacks are .236" just a tad thinner than OEM but noticeable when gripping your gun.

[Rock]

I take it they use standard bushings then?

[Tzyck]

You can use either standard or slimline bushings. I prefer the slimline bushings with the slim head screws. They just look better.

[hankhan]

I've done nothing to my old Kimber GM.

[va_dinger]

I've added:

Novak low mount night sights
Simonich Gunner grips
Ed Brown grip safety
Ed Brown ambi thumb safety
Colt standard length guide rod

[freebird71457]

The only thing I have done to my Kimber Eclipse II is exchanged the full length guide rod with one of Wilson's Factory Plus rods and spring cap. I was amazed how much the slide smoothed up with the standard rod.

[kwandukes]

Stainless Gold Match

Plus the following:

Bomar/Novak night sights
C&S hammer, seer and disconnector
Infinity trigger
Brown beavertail
Brown mainspring housing/magwell
chrome silicon recoil spring
chrome silicon mainspring

[MontanaSteve]

I just changed the grips on my Kimber Classic Match,and that was only because I took it as a deployment weapon. Put rubber on it for overseas, back to the factory wood now.

[Clyde]

Gold Match SE II - 38 Super
Front Sight Replaced - Reduced Width
Ed Brown Main Spring Housing and Mag Well
Replace Trigger - STI - Light Weight

Pro Carry HD II - 38 Super
Checker Grip 30LPI
Ed Brown Wedge Main Spring Housing and Mag Well (Blended to Frame)
Polished Flats on Slide

[DrGonzo]

Speaking of best sellers, how, by chance, does one go about aquiring a set of said grips? - Ah, me and my haste. Missed the link to your website. Check's in the mail!

[.38_Super]

Stainless Target II in .38 Super

Kimber ambi safety
Kimber magwell
Kimber "Tactical" logo grips
Dawson Precision fiber optic front sight
Re-finished slide (to come, deep bronze or satin black)

[Sonny Slone]

TLE/ RL II:

Black "Gunner Grips" (like the new 'Warrior' pistol)
Kimber tactical ambi safety
Ed Brown "memory goove" beavertail
Kimber premium match trigger
refinished in KimPro

[1911 Buckeye]

All I have had done to my Kimber Custom Stainless is to have Scott Mulkerin of SDM Fabricating fame, put one of his gold bead front sights on for me. My eyes were having some trouble in low light scenarios during IDPA matches and I don't like the fiber rod sights. :eek: :D

http://www.sdmfabricating.com/Gold%20Bead.htm

[yoky]

I have changed several parts only.

Wilson bullet proof extractor
Ed Brown barrel link and pin
Ed Brown tactical thumb safety
EGW fp stop oversized
Wilson BP slide stop
CaS sear, disco and hammer and hammer strut
Wolf sear spring
Trigger Videky long
Ed Brown GS memory hump
Ed Brown rebuild kit
Ed Brown mag. catch
SA magwell
No Drop in parts

Upcoming changes:

Ed Brown solid barrel bushing
Comminoly FLGR system
Esmeralda grips or Simonich grips

Some parts were polished and slightly tuned (looking block in Schwartz system, feed ramp etc)
Refinished by KOMAXIT powder lacquer - black flat

[mumbleypeg]

My TLE II has gunners grips and a GI length guide rod. The guide rod plug says "have a nice day"

I will eventually put a Kings solid long trigger.

[springs]

I've modified my Kimber 38 Super for action pistol shooting by having the front strap checkered 20 lpi, added an Ed Brown high grip safety, a stainless steel main spring housing with an attached magwell, scope mount, compensator and had the slide lightened. I haven't changed any other parts and nothing has broken after more than 15,000 rounds.
Springs.

[jsinon]

So far the only thing I've done is replace the grips on my Team Match II. I just couldn't get used to the red, white and blue that came on the gun. The grips are made of bocote and they are currently my favorites(at least until I get around to turning the BEAUTIFUL piece of maple burl sitting in the workshop into grips) :D I'ld post pics but photobucket.com isn't accepting new free accounts at this time.

[Ric4509]

My Custom Classics, .45 & 10mm, Ultra Carry, ProCarry -grip change, I don't like rubber grips so I change these to rosewood. Other than that, nothing. I'm just picky with grips, otherwise, Kimbers in my opinion do not need upgrades.

[chuckshoun]

I had a taller front sight installed by Kimber, couldn't adjust the sights out to 50 yards, and I replaced the flat MSH with a Smith & Alexander arched MSH. That's it. I like the grips that came with the gun, they fit my hand just fine for off-hand shooting, which is about all I do.

[warmrain]

Kimber Ultra CDP II (2004, internal extractor):
Robar Roguard and NP3 finished (retained two-tone scheme)
Wilson Combat Bullet Proof slide stop

Kimber Ultra CDP II Elite
(same mods planned, except the all black color of this version will get black Roguard on the slide instead of NP3).

I have had the nose of HydraShok touch the slide lock and lock the slide open. Someone here had suggested the Wilson Bullet proof slide lock would correct this... It certainly has improved it, but not completely corrected it. I'm carrying CorBon 185+P and have not had an issue with that round.

[Ric4509]

Now I'm thinking of having the finish of the slide of my Pro CDP II changed to black. I kinda don't like the 2 tone finish any longer. Can someone recommende where I can send my slide to? I am also going to change the grip safety to black, if Kimber will sell me one, change the thumb safety to black or blue, and the slide stop to Wilson Bulletproof. That way the ProCDP II will be all black. Can someone teach me how to remove Kimber's latest thumb safety? The older version I don't have a hard time removing.

[warmrain]

Ric4509,

There is a thread on thumb safety removal, but I'm not sure it covers the later version that does not have the tab under the right grip panel

If you want a first class finish send the whole gun to Robar for treatment.
www.robarguns.com

For black specify a black Roguard finish. Anything you want silver specify NP3. I purchased my replacement Wilson slide lock first and sent it along. Internal parts will be coated with NP3 if you elect to do the whole treatment.

I yours is like mine (alloy framed) this will make it a lifetime gun. The coatings have enough lubricity in them that (at least for NP3) the gun can actually be run dry, though why... :confused:

My two-tone Ultra CDP is black frame and SS slide. The color will be the same. The frame will be black Roguard and the slide, barrel (sans bore and chamber) and internals will be NP3.

My all black Ultra CDP Elite will be black Roguard on frame and slide and the internals will be NP3. I'm also sending an extra Wilson slide lock with this one.

So in both cases I'm keeping the exact same colors as original (except the two-tone hammer on the Ultra CDP will be jsut NP3 (silver) as they don't two-tone individual parts.

There's no reason why ou can't have it any color you want.

Now if you just happen to get on there web page and print the special offer coupon and if you overnighted it to them so they received it during August there is a 20% discount...

That might not be possible, though you could call tomorrow and beg... ;)

In anycase it's a first class way to coat a pistol. They tell me the alloy frame will stop wearing. And, it's lifetime guarenteed.

[Dean Hoffmann]

The only thing I've changed on any of my Kimbers is the grips. The CDP is my primary carry piece, and the diamond checkered grips were wearing holes in my shirts with great frequency so I went to smooth ebony grips from Dixon. Problem solved.

[warmrain]

Dean,

Ahhh... I'm thinking you must carry IWB. On my belt it isn't a factor, and I love that checkered rosewood feel in my hands... Really, it feels very "sticky" to me. Combined with the front strap checkering, etc., the gun just glues itself to you hands.

If you are in fact IWB, the smooth grips seem to make sense...

[Dean Hoffmann]

I don't carry IWB, but I am very short waisted, and every time I sit down, the checkered grips abrade my shirt. I've worn a shoulder rig for a long time, but I'm fighting with a pinched nerve in my neck that doesn't seem to want to go away, so the shoulder rig has been in the safe for about 6 months now. I could buy a lot of ammo for what I've spent for shirts.

[Ric4509]

Warmrain - Thanks for your input. I will send my Pro CDP II to Robar for refinishing of the slide to black including thum, grip and slide stop. My first thought was Wilson but Wilson's finish is paint, right?

[warmrain]

Ric4509,

According to Robar's web site, American Handgunner printed: "Roguard is extremely durable, a tough, hard finish that Bill (Wilson) unabashedly says is the best carry finish he's ever seen."

I don't know what Wilson's finish is, but the above makes me think it's Roguard...

You owe it to yourself (and the gun...?) to have it all redone in the same finish. You will not e disappointed. Send them the whole thing...!

[warmrain]

Dean, Sorry to hear of your ailment. Get better and stay safe.

[f4tweet]

On my SS Custom 1 I installed the Hogue wrap around grips. I am going to install a S&A arched mag well because it fits my hand better. I bought this pistol used with 100 rounds thru it. The trigger feels about 4 pounds and has just a tad of creep. Iwon't change anything else.

[warmrain]

On my SS Custom 1 I installed the Hogue wrap around grips. I am going to install a S&A arched mag well because it fits my hand better. I bought this pistol used with 100 rounds thru it. The trigger feels about 4 pounds and has just a tad of creep. Iwon't change anything else.

All three of my Ultra CDPs had a tad of trigger creep too. I was going to have a smith correct it, but didn't get to it for awhile. The trigger of my first started to show signs of improvement around 500-600 rnds. and by 1200-1500 was smooth. The others are smoothing out too, as the round count increases.

[Grove]

On my Kimber Heritage Edition, I've replaced the composite MSH with an Ed Brown blued, flat 20 lpi MSH ... this was literally a drop in fit.

I put a new set of grips by Woodgrips.com on it just 2 months ago. These are beautiful! After reading a review on these flat checkered grips, I just had to have a pair. They were everything that John said they were (you can find his review under "Product Tests")... I preferred a set sans engraved initials as this is a shooter not a pet. Smooth to grip, but when you squeeze your hand around those diamonds, it stays put :D .

My next change is to replace the factory long trigger with a short trigger. I'm cursed with smaller hands, so my trigger finger pad angles up slightly on the trigger shoe as opposed to being flat across and it causes some lateral dispersion on the target to the left. And wouldn't you know it, the trigger just arrived today from Brownells -- too late to play. It's their short solid V-series match trigger. Can't wait to install it and then take it to the range.

The next change will be to put a set of high visibility sights on it. :p

[warmrain]

On my Kimber Heritage Edition, I've replaced the composite MSH with an Ed Brown blued, flat 20 lpi MSH ... this was literally a drop in fit...
Grove,
I've been thinking of doing the same thing to my Ultra CDP, only in SS. Do you have any idea what that part weighs, approx.?

Thanks,

[warmrain]

I did it! I called Robar and caught them in time. They're putting on the Ed Brown SS 30 LPI Officers MSH after they coat it. Thanks for the suggestion Grove! I'm going to do the same thing to the Ultra CDP Elite too.

[Grove]

warmrain,

Glad you were able to catch them in time to install a new MSH. I do not know what the weight of the metal MSH is ... I'm going to guess and say under 2 oz., probably closer to 1 oz. If the weight is a significant factor, say for carry, then I'd call Ed Brown and ask. Either way, the fit and finish are excellent. I don't think you will be disappointed.

[warmrain]

warmrain,

Glad you were able to catch them in time to install a new MSH. I do not know what the weight of the metal MSH is ... I'm going to guess and say under 2 oz., probably closer to 1 oz. If the weight is a significant factor, say for carry, then I'd call Ed Brown and ask. Either way, the fit and finish are excellent. I don't think you will be disappointed.
Thanks for the feedback Grove,

Yea, I know I'll be happy. They are familiar with the E.B. MSH and confirmed it was a straight drop in. I chose SS because of living on a yacht. I know that's maybe over kill as it's getting coated anyway... I chose the 30 LPI checking as it matches the front strap checking (the plastic MSH's molded in checking is more like 20 LPI), so even better :)

I decided it was more important to me to get rid of the cheesy plastic MSH than it was to worry about an ounce, maybe two. The gun's a little top heavy anywauy and since it's carried on the belt (outside) in a nice Mitch Rosen rig I'm not going to feel an ounce or two anyway.

In fact this is a really nice upgrade and I'm thankful to the thread originator for starting it and to you for the idea.

Along with the replacement slide lock lever (Wilson "Bullet Proof"), Wilson magazines and the Robar treatment, the replacement MSH is going to make this fine little 1911 very special to me. I was keeping the whole Ultra CDP two-tone thing going, but in the case of the MSH I've decided to make it black instead of the original silver. I sorta' prefer the parts sticking out of the holster to be so (e.g. base of the magazine).

I've got a Ultra CDP Elite (2002 issue) that is Kimpro'd in all black. I'll replace the slie lock lever and the MSH on that one two when I get it coated. I considered for a moment coating it to match the 2004 issue Ultra CDPs two-tone, but decided I liked the different look in jukstaposition, and it is a limited edition with the Kimber logo double diamond grips of the "rainbow" wood... so I think it would be better to stay with the original all black on that one.

Thanks again for the idea!

Best,

P.S. Had I known more when I started this project, I might have replaced most, if not all, MIM parts in the process... Well, at least I got the slide lock and the cheesy MSH...

[foxglove]

As much as it galls me to show my ignorance, here goes anyway--what does "MIM" stand for? And why is it so bad?

[jimzee]

Changed out the recoil spring to a Wolfe 18.5 lb. variable on my Raptor II....750 rounds without any failures.

[PlatinumGTI]

As much as it galls me to show my ignorance, here goes anyway--what does "MIM" stand for? And why is it so bad?

MIM = Metal Injection Molding

It's a process by which a lot of things are made out of metal. Particularly small, complex pieces. It's a low cost, quicker alternative to machining.

It's not "bad" but it's not as good as having machined parts which are typically stronger and more durable. The trade off is, of course, cost.

[Rezmedic54]

I haven't done much to mine as of yet other than grips. But will sure get it Robared in the near future since they are just up the street from my house. Oh all have trigger jobs with Wilson parts, the Pro Carry II has the extended slide stop and slim line grips so as to fit my wifes hands better,extended the mag well and replaced the factory sites with MetPro's night sites. The Tac II has had just a trigger job and has had different grips on it from tiome to time. Just got a Desert Warrior and so far the only thing I can for see in the near future for it is install an extened mag well was going to have a trigger job done but the factory trigger breaks at 3.75 pounds and has no creep and breaks clean. So time will tell what other goodies get done.

[trackstar55]

I have changed several parts only.

Wilson bullet proof extractor
Ed Brown barrel link and pin
Ed Brown tactical thumb safety
EGW fp stop oversized
Wilson BP slide stop
CaS sear, disco and hammer and hammer strut
Wolf sear spring
Trigger Videky long
Ed Brown GS memory hump
Ed Brown rebuild kit
Ed Brown mag. catch
SA magwell
No Drop in parts

Upcoming changes:

Ed Brown solid barrel bushing
Comminoly FLGR system
Esmeralda grips or Simonich grips

Some parts were polished and slightly tuned (looking block in Schwartz system, feed ramp etc)
Refinished by KOMAXIT powder lacquer - black flat

With all of the Ed Brown parts, why not just buy an Ed Brown? :D

[gunfighter48]

I have a Pro Carry II and have done the following mods.

Ed Brown
Perfection Sear
Hard Core Hammer
Hammer Strut
Perfection Disconnector
Hard Core Slide Stop
Hard Core Firing Pin Stop
Sear Spring

Chip McCormick
Thumb Safety

Wilson
Bullet Proof Extractor
Custom Mag Well
Checkered Front Strap

Novak
Wide Notch Sights

I want to emphasize that I had NO failures of any of the Kimber parts. But since this is my primary carry piece I prefer to replace the MIM parts with steel parts. The Ed Brown parts are excellent and were a drop in fit in my Kimber. Trigger pull is now 4 lbs with no creep and about 1/16 inch of take up. Breaks as smooth as the proverbial glass rod. Need to replace the ejector and put a series 70 firing pin in it and I will be done. As far as I am concerned the Kimbers are the best bang for the buck on the market. Makes a great platform to customize and make into whatever pleases you. :D