Difference in Kimber II's versus pre-series II?

[EJSG19]

If anyone is in a mentoring mood today, I've been curious as to the difference in the pre-series Kimbers vs. the later model II's. Is this a tangible difference? Or more of a "Old and time-tested vs. New fangled shiny gun" kind of difference where its just a matter of personal preference.

If we could keep this thread down to supported answers that would be very beneficial to me. I'm a day or several away from a purchase and this is about the only issue I can think of on the subject that I haven't read about.

I'll make sure it has an internal extractor, as my preference, otherwise I think I've got everything else down pat in general.

Thanks for your opinions, whichever side they fall on, and any info is appreciated as always.

[Stradawhovious]

Here is a thread at THR about it. It seems the main difference is the firing pin block safety.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=38524

[EJSG19]

Ah cool, well as usual that was a more simple answer than I had prepared myself for. Which is good. So visually beyond the letters on the slide, you're looking at an almost identical pistol whether its Series I or series II it sounds like. I'd guess most other specs are the same?

Thanks Strad.

[1911fan]

I also think some of the problem was the poorly thought out external extractor. Which was the answer to a problem no one was having.

[EJSG19]

Right, I don't see why they went for the external extractor in the first place either. Especially one that was obviously less reliable than the original. Prototype testing should have told them that.

Talked to Larry at the gunstop a minute ago, said he's about wiped out on anything Kimber, Kimber is telling him up to 4 months out on any orders.

[Stubbe]

Right, I don't see why they went for the external extractor in the first place either. Especially one that was obviously less reliable than the original. Prototype testing should have told them that.

Talked to Larry at the gunstop a minute ago, said he's about wiped out on anything Kimber, Kimber is telling him up to 4 months out on any orders.

I bought one from him yesturday

[Stradawhovious]

From what I understand, the safety in question was added to appease the Kalifornia gun grabbers, and for no other reason.

An issue I had directly related to this was the fact that the gun would sometimes refuse to go fully into battery because of the firing pin safety plunger hanging up on the firing pin block. If this becomes an issue, it is really easy to fix. FWIW

[justaguy]

Its strange they dont have all these problems with Glocks.

[Stradawhovious]

Its strange they dont have all these problems with Glocks.

You're right. The problems Glock have are slightly more devastating.

[justaguy]

Blow ups are rarely caused because of the gun itself. Most are due to hack gunsmith jobs, and ammo.

Glocks inherently have more rounds put through them, because they work.If a 1911 jams and doesn’t fire it can’t blow up.

Now back to the topic.

[westberg]

The Kimber Desert Warrior does not have the Firing Pin Safety on them. The frame is machined for it, I'm sure so they don't have to change the milling programs between models.

[EJSG19]

Speaking of Kimbers, on my call to Gunstop last night, Larry said the just got a nice used Raptor in yesterday afternoon.

Priced at $899.

Showed a picture to the SO last night, but she had little interest, so now I'll tell you guys. I think it would be a great pistol myself. Very cool looking, maybe not traditional.

[Stradawhovious]

$899 is a bit rich, but the raptor is a hell of a firearm!

[EJSG19]

Yeah I don't know, I'm not concerned with the high priced models (they're all high priced).

We'll be going standard 5'' black Custom II or Eclipse at the highest, but their Custom Shop stuff isn't something I'm really intent on.

Gotta love a girl who wants a 5'' more than a 4''!!!

I'll get her to decide on a slide length sometime too hopefully.

[Belgiboy]

Yeah I don't know, I'm not concerned with the high priced models (they're all high priced).

We'll be going standard 5'' black Custom II or Eclipse at the highest, but their Custom Shop stuff isn't something I'm really intent on.

Gotta love a girl who wants a 5'' more than a 4''!!!

I'll get her to decide on a slide length sometime too hopefully.