Kimber Solo...

[MissouriDave]

I see Kimber introduced a new 1911ish firearm that fixes all of John Browning's mistakes on the 1911. Shooting Times has a great review.

It has a truly innovative single action trigger that breaks at a sweet 7.5 pounds and resets in only .5 inch. No way JB could have did something that spectacular. Guess you don't need to keep that away from the kids, they can't pull it anyways. Did you see they got rid of that darn hammer that hit so many fingers. I am sure there are many battle scars out there from those darn hammers.

On the plus side they say it is pretty accurate. I am just not sure what this is bringing to the table besides hype. I am sure this is their attempt to take a bite out of Kahr's and Para LDA marketshare.

Is it just me or does this seem like some unholy Frankenstein thing?

[Gecko, Extra Crispy]

I thought it was cool and was thinking about getting one but I have seen 2 broken ones now which sucks. *edit* one had the locking lugs inside the frame sheered off the other would not cycle.

one is back at Kimber the other guy got his call tag to send it in.

another good review here. read the follow up comments from from the owners after they had them a while.

http://averagejoeshandgunreviews.blogspot.com/2011_03_01_archive.html
http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=31185777&postID=4613282105673594281


They sure feel nice though

[DeanC]

It's a great concept, but the execution seems to be lacking. Joe can probably give us an update but I think the rental unit at Bill's has been offline for repairs longer than it has been on.

I know Kimber specifies that you should only use 3 or 4 very specific brands and loads of ammo in the gun which kinda sucks.

[Consummate]

Eh, do not want!

[westhope]

It is not a 1911.

[Inspiribomb]

I don't see it as doing anything that Kahr already does.

[hammAR]

I see Kimber introduced a new 1911ish firearm that fixes all of John Browning's mistakes on the 1911.

Was this from the WH press corps................

[Seismic Sam]

Geez, a company that built it's reputation on high end 1911's (with lots of reported customer problems with that design) going completely outside of their niche and producing something like THIS?? Can you say desperation, people?? Apparently 3M has been offloading its most retarded managers to Kimber instead of keeping them, which is a huge change in their SOP.

[rukwikenuf]

i think the only subcompact ive seen in the 1911-ish style that looked like a good gun is the Sig P238. but that's a .380, the Solo is a 9mm. i also have a distaste for the .380, so... i'll stick with my FNP-40... i don't need a subcompact to carry a weapon

[Pezhead]

I had trouble with the one at Bill's. It kept jamming and I wasn't limp wristing.

[rugersol]

i think the only subcompact ive seen in the 1911-ish style that looked like a good gun is the Sig P238. but that's a .380, the Solo is a 9mm.

If they'd've made their new 9mm sub-compact a slightly upscaled otherwise exact duplicate of the P238, they'd be SWIMMING in money!

As it is, my P238 does precisely what I need it to, when I'm not otherwise carrying a 1911.

[NDB_MN]

I shot one quite a bit, probably 150ish rounds through it myself in two separate sessions at my father-in-law's.

I really like the recoil characteristics and the feel of the gun. I shoot the Solo much much better than I shoot the Kahr PM9. I also found the Solo's rounded edges to be MUCH better for pocket carry than Kahr's blockiness. But that's just me.

The Solo worked great for the first 500 rounds or so. Didn't seem to like really light loads, but didn't mind 115gr Blazer Brass.

Then around 500-700 rounds it started to fail to extract on occasion, and the magazine would fall out of the gun while firing (even when using 2 fingers to ensure the mag release wasn't being 'bumped').

It went back to Kimber and had a pretty quick turn around. They replaced the mag catch and the barrel.

The thing still fails to extract, but the magazine functions. If I lubed up the rounds before I put them in, it would get through a few mags before hanging up. I think the chamber is part of the cause as it seems like during the extraction process the case is kicking to the side slightly and wedging against the wall of the chamber, making it easier to slip the extractor.


Needless to say, I am going to give Kimber a year or two to iron out the bugs on this little gun before considering one. Honestly, as far as form factor and trigger, it blows away the other small 9s I've tried. But if it doesn't work, who cares?

[Shipyard]

I don't see it as doing anything that Kahr already does.

i got to fondle one a little bit ago - feels WAY better in the hands than any of the Kahr line (and i own, love and constantly carry several different Kahr's). havn't shot it yet - interested to see how it handles.

but it has one of those damn external safetys...

ergo's on it seem pretty good. nice and pretty. but hey - if it don't shoot well, then yeah. what's the point.

[Seismic Sam]

Plus the slide is too small and too short to put HOmeboy sights on it, so you can't be signifying and dignifying with this piece while sitting on the curb with a Fo-tay of malt liquor!!