What upgrades should I do to my Kimber?

[BassOverflow]

I just got a new Stainless Target II (my first 1911) a couple weeks ago and I love it. She's in perfect condition and I haven't had any issues, but I have a problem modifying everything I own - :D

What upgrades would you recommend for me to do and why?

[sycolamb]

BassOverflow,

Welcome to the forum! You should post a picture of your Kimber and “show it off”!!
I personally prefer a short G.I. style guide rod and plug for ease of break down and, if worse comes to worse, cycling a round one handed. I would also recommend grips that "grab" your hand and don’t let go until you do. A 1911 can become “very personalized” in addition to being a fine weapon. I guess the best advice I could give would be to break it in with a few hundred rounds and take notes on what you like and don’t like about it and then make any changes that may be needed. Hope this helps and congrats on the new Kimber!!

[Greyswindir]

Hi,

Check out this thread:

http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=50336

Same question you asked but more replies.

[BassOverflow]

^ yeah, I saw that post right after I posted mine. :)

Here are some pics...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/trevsrsx/P4202216.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/trevsrsx/P4202216.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/trevsrsx/P4202215.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/trevsrsx/P4202215.jpg)

[BassOverflow]

I've also go the .22 conversion on the way for only $36!! (I had $280 in gift certificates)

[Greyswindir]

Nice gun Bass!

Awesome...How did you wind up with so many gift certificates? I'd like to get on that action somehow. I really want a Marvel top end .22 but I wouldn't mind the Kimber top end in the meantime.

[Hill]

Bassoverflow,

A member here sold the first Kimber II that I was strongly tempted to buy because it looked like he'd covered just about every possible base in building his pistol into a very reliable gun. He described it's innards here:http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=49248

I still kick myself now and then for not grabbing it. It sat there for sale forever with no takers until he dropped the price a little.

anyway, if I had a Kimber this is what I'd do.

[BassOverflow]

Greyswindir - some perks from work!

Hill - that is a very nice piece indeed! I'll certainly be looking into it.

[NYresq]

change the grips.... keep it stock otherwise. If it works, why would you want to modify it?

get some VZ gator thin grips.

[log man]

What upgrades would you recommend for me to do and why?

An upgrade that I would strongly recommend on all Kimber Series II especially, would be to replace the Series 80 style firing pin stop. First why, then what.

The slide is cut like a Series 70 as there aren't any levers like the Series 80 and so there isn't a clearance cut in the slide and there isn't a need for a Series 80 firing pin stop that is clearance cut. But Kimber only uses Series 80 firing pin stops.

Okay it works, so what's the problem? Go get your Series II Kimbers and lock back the slide and take a look and I'll tell you. Ready or have you already figured it out? Okay, the Series 80 firing pin stop that Kimber uses in conjunction with the Series 70 cut slide create a curious square hole, this hole is in direct line with the push rod.

This poses no problems when firing these pistols, nor IF all warnings are followed during disassembly and assembly. However, if the grip safety is bumped or pressure applied to it while disassembling or while assembling the push rod can and will enter this hole and can get stuck. Some who weren't aware of this situation in a panic, have been known to bump the back of the slide with a mallet resulting in a damaged pistol, in need of replacement parts.

If this should happen to anyone reading this the only thing to do is disassemble the pistol from the MSH up and when you get to the push rod , pull it down, no damage.This getting stuck can also happen when fitting a new after market MSH when the ears hold the GS in a little too far.

The fix is to replace the firing pin stop with a series 70 style stop, the standard Series 70 is okay, but using an oversize EGW square bottom firing pin stop will completely fill the hole flush with the slide. Radius the stop as you wish, from a small radius to the full radius , but do the radius only on the area that contacts the hammer. And in addition it looks great and prevents clocking of the extractor. And is said by some, me included, improves handling characteristics of the pistol with a small radius, but that's another thread.

LOG

[Rick McC.]

I have four and the only mods done was to put "pretty" grips in one that had the black rubber grips.

They all still have the series II and MIM parts and they all are totally reliable.

Rick