Kimber Custom II - Best Stock Modifications for a New Purchase?

[incognitomode]

Hi folks! New to the forum and about to join the ranks of Kimber owners, and actually, 1911 owners, as it will be my first 1911. Just waiting on its release, which I hope to get soon. What I got is a Kimber Custom II 45 ACP (Two Tone).

Just a quick question, what are some of the best value or recommended initial modifications or upgrades that one can look at? I don't intend to turn it into a race gun for competition, it's also not a primary home defense pistol, but more of a range gun and really to be able to get a 1911 into my collection and start my journey into its world (or blackhole).

What I've decided on so far are (and already bought):

1) Steel Mainspring Housing - I have already ordered an Ed Brown Flat 25 LPI Stainless one.
2) Magazines - Was able to get Wilson Combat ETM 8 rounders. Technically not a modification or upgrade, but. It's there.

Any other recommendations? Sights I assume? What about the much debated "MIM" parts (which I think are fine) -- would there be some specific ones that would be good value replacements?

Would love to hear your thoughts! Thanks a ton!

[Jim Watson]

"Initial modifications"
None.
Shoot the gun box stock to see if there is anything wrong with it that needs fixing on warranty.
Only then start messing with it.
Steel mainspring housing, fine, BUT... The mainspring housing bears on the sear spring. If the replacement is a different thickness from stock, the trigger pull will be affected.
The more magazines the better. Wilson ETM has a good reputation, but try out your first order before getting more.

I would get a fiber optic front sight for my own vision, probably black out the rear spots. But sights are very dependent on your eyesight and intended target.

MIM parts can be functional. I had to replace the extractor on my Springfield but yours might be ok. Shoot and see.

[JD11]

I've got a Crimson Carry compact and a full size TLE and to me both have been great right out of the box. Kimber says their 1911's need a few hundred rounds through them to break them in and I agree. Both triggers were a bit creepy but after a break in, now they're perfect. The only change I did, I felt the black grips on the matte stainless TLE were too plain. I ordered some multi-colored Grey/Black VZ grips which IMO are really classy. VZ offers a LOT of colors, styles, and surface textures for 1911's.

[Rick McC.]

I agree with Jim!

Shoot it “as is” to determine reliability and function before you start monkeying around and changing things.

[MuyModesto]

I have a Kimber Custom II. I changed the grips to Pachmayr Signature grips, which I have on all my 1911s. Right there you have the complete list of changes I deemed necessary.

It's an extremely reliable pistol. Wilson ETMs work great. Their only downside is the springs and followers don't last. Replacement kits are available and it's and easy job to do. "Ed Brown" brand mags (made by Checkmate) work great as well. That "Checkmate" patented follower is work having, IMO. In fact 35+ year old "Devel" mags work just fine in this pistol, too!

[incognitomode]

Thanks so much everybody for the replies. Eyeing some G10 slim VZ grips too but want to get a feel first of the Rosewood grips. Truly cannot wait to get my hands on it. Hopefully soon!

[Rick McC.]

Thanks so much everybody for the replies. Eyeing some G10 slim VZ grips too but want to get a feel first of the Rosewood grips. Truly cannot wait to get my hands on it. Hopefully soon!

If you change to slim stocks; you’ll also have to change the grip screw bushings to “slim” ones.

[LarryM]

For me, grips and sights have been the only mods I've made to my Custom II.
I went with fiber optic sights and added some grippier slim line grips.

[mwink822]

I would say dump the FLGR and get a GI setup (it's going to make maintenance operations easier), I'd also recommend good magazines, which you also seem to be on top of with the Wilson ETM's. Later down the line, you may want to look into upgrading the sights to either night sights or a plain black 10-8 ledge rear or Wilson Battle Sight rear with a night dot or brass bead in the front.

[PolyKahr]

I have a Kimber TLE II, and the only thing I changed were to put G10 grips on. It comes with everything you need, and nothing you don't. It would be a shame to muck it up.

Wade