45 ACP question...

[troyspinetar]

Please help. I saw a Kimber Ultra Carry II .45 all stainless (used) for an asking price of $699. It comes with case, 2 mags, etc. It seems to me that is has sufficient use, but not abused. Anyone have any input on whether this is a fair price? Anything to look out for when I go back to really inspect it? 
Thanks everyone, I appreciate any and all comments.

[h20hunter]

Very nice gun....it seems to be a good price......cant remember how much those go for......

[netcoyote]

I have the Kimber Ultra Raptor which is basically the same gun you are talking about. It's been a great gun and is my primary carry gun. I have no way to determine the value of the one you are looking at but $699 for one in GC is a helluva deal. Try shooting it before you buy if you can. They need a firm grip but are very reliable and will take almost any ammo.
Let us know what you decide.

[uplandhunter870]

seems like a good deal, i have its big brother (full size custom II) reliable pistol never have had any issues with it. although mine doesnt like blazer brass ammo

for $700 if its in good condition and feels good in the hand id be walking out with it

[Heredoggydoggy]

If it's a Series 70, it's a great deal.  If it's a Series 80....so so deal. 

[troyspinetar]

What's the difference between 70 and 80 series? Thanks for feedback so far!

[Heredoggydoggy]

Series 70 is the older style 1911.  Kimber adopted an added hourglass-shaped firing pin block that Colt rejected, so they could sell them in Kalifornia.  It works OK until it gets worn, and then the gun will either not shoot at all, or go full auto, with no way to turn it off until the mag is empty.  (The 1911 guns Kimber makes for California Law Enforcement use are Series 70.  That's how good the Series 80s are.)  Easiest way to tell is to lock the slide back and look at the underside of the slide.  If it's a Series 80, you can see where the slide is drilled and the hourglass safety is installed.  I don't own a 1911, but my friend has over 20 of them....

[Bofire]

 :)pppppfffpfffflfllflktktktktktkkt 70/80

BUY IT, YOU WILL LOVE IT.
Carl

[300rum]

Don't worry about series 70/80.  I have tens of thousands of rounds through an 80 and it works just fine.  The old purist 1911 guys get caught up in it but you don't need to worry about it. 

As far as the ultra carry goes, just make sure that it isnt a jam-o-matic.  Shoot it if you can.  I have seen ultra length pistols run and run and others that needed some work.  Look at buds guns online to get an idea of the new price.   

[300rum]

Colt came up with the series 80 before there was a "Kimber".  All of this is news to me. 

Series 70 is the older style 1911.  Kimber adopted an added hourglass-shaped firing pin block that Colt rejected, so they could sell them in Kalifornia.  It works OK until it gets worn, and then the gun will either not shoot at all, or go full auto, with no way to turn it off until the mag is empty.  (The 1911 guns Kimber makes for California Law Enforcement use are Series 70.  That's how good the Series 80s are.)  Easiest way to tell is to lock the slide back and look at the underside of the slide.  If it's a Series 80, you can see where the slide is drilled and the hourglass safety is installed.  I don't own a 1911, but my friend has over 20 of them....

[Heredoggydoggy]

Don't worry about series 70/80.  I have tens of thousands of rounds through an 80 and it works just fine.  The old purist 1911 guys get caught up in it but you don't need to worry about it. 

As far as the ultra carry goes, just make sure that it isnt a jam-o-matic.  Shoot it if you can.  I have seen ultra length pistols run and run and others that needed some work.  Look at buds guns online to get an idea of the new price.   

The average shooter will probably never notice a difference.  The boys over in the sandbox had several malfunctions with the Series 80s, but that was under extremely gritty conditions.  I was just answering the question on what the difference between the 2 systems was.  I think they are a cool gun, but too much money for a 100+ year old design.   

[Heredoggydoggy]

Colt came up with the series 80 before there was a "Kimber".  All of this is news to me. 

When Colt went to the Series 80, they tested both systems and chose the good one.  Kimber adopted the Series 80 system that Colt rejected.  California required a Series 80 system for any guns to be sold to the public.  So in order to sell guns in the People's Republic of California, they had to go over to the Dark Side.  The gun shop I frequent won't even stock Kimbers since they made the change.

[netcoyote]

I think they are a cool gun, but too much money for a 100+ year old design.   

May be a nit, but age of the design doesn't determine the real value. There are a lot of 1911's on the market. The individual execution of the design is what determines value. Kimber does a pretty good implementation of the 1911 design which is why they command a premium price. Yea, I know, they have a good marketing strategy also...

[300rum]

The difference between the two is that the 80 has a firing pin block that on a kimber is disengaged when the grip safety is engaged.  An 80 in dirt and grit has every bit of a chance as a 70 to go bang.  A series 80 on a kimber v. Original colt 80 is different.  Who are these guys carrying kimbers in the sandbox?

Some gunsmiths don't like to do trigger jobs on 80's, it is hard to get them less than 4 pounds unless you know what you are doing.  On a carry gun, as asked, it really doesn't matter.  The 80 I use on competition has a 2.5 pound trigger pull.

Don't worry about series 70/80.  I have tens of thousands of rounds through an 80 and it works just fine.  The old purist 1911 guys get caught up in it but you don't need to worry about it. 

As far as the ultra carry goes, just make sure that it isn't a jam-o-matic.  Shoot it if you can.  I have seen ultra length pistols run and run and others that needed some work.  Look at buds guns online to get an idea of the new price.   

The average shooter will probably never notice a difference.  The boys over in the sandbox had several malfunctions with the Series 80s, but that was under extremely gritty conditions.  I was just answering the question on what the difference between the 2 systems was.  I think they are a cool gun, but too much money for a 100+ year old design.   

[Wacenturion]

Buy it...if it's in nice shape it's a bargain.

[Heredoggydoggy]

  Who are these guys carrying kimbers in the sandbox?

   

I imagine they were Special Ops guys.  They can carry anything they want.  Just the grunts have to carry those Berettas.

I saw some pictures that looked like they came off the 'net, of the hourglass safeties that malfunctioned.  They looked like a bone that a dog chewed on.

Gimme a break!  I've never owned a 1911, and probably never will...I like shooting rifles better! 

[Jburke]

If it's in good shape it's a pretty good deal.

[jrebel]

I own and have bought a few kimber  pistols.  That is at the very top of the price range I would pay for that gun.  I have bought two of the tac pro models for less than the price you mention.  If it is in great shape....maybe otherwise I think I this two much.  Go to some gun shows and be patient...you can find a better model for that price.

[jrebel]

Oh yeah.....you can buy that gun new for 850.  No way to 700 for a used one is a good deal.  Sorry had to re emphasize the point that this is not a great deal.