[Nineround]

I recently got a used Kimber custom II that someone replaced the sights on. I'm guessing they either lost or left out the firing pin block spring when changing the rear sight. My question is this: will this hurt the gun or make my new (to me) Kimber unsafe? The firing pin block is still present, but just has no spring tension to hold it in the down position. Thanks in advance....

 

[Insta-Gator]

Sounds like an unreliable internal status to me. I'd take it to a smith and have the spring replaced before firing.

 

[Dude22]

Welcome from Ohio

 

[Nineround]

Thanks for the welcome. Another "o" state here: Oklahoma.

 

[Islander]

Another welcome from Ohio!! I don't know if Gator is right or wrong. Give the experts at Kimber a call. That's the safe bet!

 

[bigdog10]

Welcome from NY. definitely call Kimber and get the correct info before shooting!!

 

[Chuck43]

I recently got a used Kimber custom II that someone replaced the sights on. I'm guessing they either lost or left out the firing pin block spring when changing the rear sight. My question is this: will this hurt the gun or make my new (to me) Kimber unsafe? The firing pin block is still present, but just has no spring tension to hold it in the down position. Thanks in advance....

That is known as the Swartz safety, without it if the gun is accidentally dropped and lands just right it could fire. Some guys remove the spring and plunger in the belief that it is one less thing to fail when the SHTF. If you do this and you're really familiar with the feel of your grip safety you may notice that it is a little easier to engage.

 

[Nineround]

I called Kimber today and described the problem? Anyway, very good customer service and the spring is on it's way.

 

[Chuck43]

I should have mentioned that if you have a Kimber with "II" in the name you have the Firing Pin Block safety added. It's a version of an old 1930's design called a Swartz FP block, intended to prevent the firing pin from moving forward under inertia from being dropped or something. It is deactivated by a plunger in the frame when the grip safety is depressed. The only models still made without it are the Super Carry, Master Carry and the Classic Carry Pro.

 

[Nineround]

It is just a custom II. Plain and simple. But I really like it. According to internet lore, many people have removed this system altogether and it seems to have no ill effect on performance. I'll probably put the spring in when I get it, but I have close to 120 problem free rounds out of it as of today.

 

[Islander]

Good to hear. I learned something from your post. Thanks!

 

[Chuck43]

It is just a custom II. Plain and simple. But I really like it. According to internet lore, many people have removed this system altogether and it seems to have no ill effect on performance. I'll probably put the spring in when I get it, but I have close to 120 problem free rounds out of it as of today.

The Swartz Firing Pin Block won't effect the performance of your gun, it's just an added safety feature. As I said in post #9 Kimber still makes 1911's without the Swartz Firing Pin Block. Whether you decide to go with or without the block is up to you but I would recommend removing the block if you decide to go without it.