I plan on picking up a Kimber at my LGS or online in the next couple of weeks. I had a couple questions, this is my first FULL sized 1911 purchase.
First: I plan on using this as a Range gun, maybe competition shooting in the future, and possibly some conceal. ( have a glock 26 for that). I'm looking at the Kimber Target, TLE II, and Custom II. Of the three, the target sights seems to be a good feature for the range, however is it a good feature for handgun competitions, 2 gun, and 3 gun? Also, are there options if I don't like the Target sights to switch out to? I know if i was to choose the other two, I would have to have a smith mill off the end to have target sights fit.
Second: I know the kimber magazines issues, so i plan on purchasing some. I have heard a couple different things 1. If i use one style of magazine, such as a Chip magazines, I should just use that configuration of magazine compared to say a Wilson magazine with a polymer.
Any truth to that?
Third: Anything specific I should look for while looking at kimbers before purchase? I know about fitment most of all, rust etc. Are there any other "specific" things i should keep an eye out?
Fourth: Any specific tools I should pick up for maintenance? I would consider myself pretty new to 1911s, I've shot them, but never truly owned one. I do own several firearms, but have yet to venture to 1911s (crazy i know).
Fifth: Is 829.00 a good price for a All black Kimber Custom Target II? I don't have a price on the other two, but I believe the Custom II was 729.00.
Sixth: I noticed that some models for instance, the all black custom II and all black Target II are listed as California Compliance? What difference is there between the standard models and Californias?
UPDATE
Thinking it over and from responses, i think i'm going to lean towards picking up a Raptor. I'll put a little more aside and spend a little extra. I wanted a raptor from the get-go. I think i would be happier spending the extra up front getting what i want, then dreading not having gotten it in the first place.
Now for stainless or blued....
Thanks for any and all help in advance, and any tips!
First: I plan on using this as a Range gun, maybe competition shooting in the future, and possibly some conceal. ( have a glock 26 for that). I'm looking at the Kimber Target, TLE II, and Custom II. Of the three, the target sights seems to be a good feature for the range, however is it a good feature for handgun competitions, 2 gun, and 3 gun? Also, are there options if I don't like the Target sights to switch out to? I know if i was to choose the other two, I would have to have a smith mill off the end to have target sights fit.
Second: I know the kimber magazines issues, so i plan on purchasing some. I have heard a couple different things 1. If i use one style of magazine, such as a Chip magazines, I should just use that configuration of magazine compared to say a Wilson magazine with a polymer.
Any truth to that?
Third: Anything specific I should look for while looking at kimbers before purchase? I know about fitment most of all, rust etc. Are there any other "specific" things i should keep an eye out?
Fourth: Any specific tools I should pick up for maintenance? I would consider myself pretty new to 1911s, I've shot them, but never truly owned one. I do own several firearms, but have yet to venture to 1911s (crazy i know).
Fifth: Is 829.00 a good price for a All black Kimber Custom Target II? I don't have a price on the other two, but I believe the Custom II was 729.00.
Sixth: I noticed that some models for instance, the all black custom II and all black Target II are listed as California Compliance? What difference is there between the standard models and Californias?
UPDATE
Thinking it over and from responses, i think i'm going to lean towards picking up a Raptor. I'll put a little more aside and spend a little extra. I wanted a raptor from the get-go. I think i would be happier spending the extra up front getting what i want, then dreading not having gotten it in the first place.
Now for stainless or blued....
Thanks for any and all help in advance, and any tips!