Finally took possession of my new Raptor 380 and here are some thoughts on my first visit to the range. I chose the Raptor for its ambidextrous safety as I am a lefty, and wanted a pocket gun, thus the 380. Being a new gun; and given some history of performance of Kimbers I did expect some FTFs and was not disappointed. Halfway through my first box of Magnatec ammo the problems showed up. I had two double feed issues and a couple failure to feed where the round failed to chamber. Double feed? Never encountered this before. Haven't a clue how two rounds could possibly come off the magazine in one cycle. My groupings were low and the right. I could correct by aiming higher and to the left but that suggests I'm not holding the gun correctly, or possibly my trigger finger is not in the correct place on the trigger and I'm pushing it left. I am aware new guns need a break-in period. The gun was very dirty after 1 1/2 boxes and would like your suggestions on the above and ammo recommendations for the range. Thanks and regards, Skybuster
Skybuster
First report, new Kimber Micro Raptor 380
Was this micro 380 new to you, or new new? I assume new new since I think the Raptor was only released in the last few years.
I bought a very early production Micro 380 CDP (2015 or 2016). I had FTF issues and tried a number of things, including different mags, different ammo, etc. What I failed to try was calling Kimber. Turns out they revised the guide rod and spring. Once I installed the newer GR and spring, it is flawless.
![Image]()
I am pretty sure you have the GR on the right, with the little bite out of it, that is the later design.
So, I doubt that is your issue, but you shouldn’t be getting FTF and definitely not double feeds. Are you running it a little on the wet side?
The Sig P238 mags fit. I am 90% sure the Springfield Armory 911 mags fit too, but I didn’t personally try them. I would try a different mag or two and different ammo. If you still have issues, then call Kimber. Or, before spending any money, call Kimber. They can at least give you some ideas about whether it will break in resolving the issues or not. I think a new mag is worth trying as they are a common issue with feeding, especially double feeds.
My Micro380 is absolutely the most accurate 380 I’ve ever seen, even at 15 yards, and I have/had probably 8-10 380s of various designs. I still have several, and regardless of ammo, the Kimber is much more accurate. For me, I was hitting just above point of aim at 10 yards, but each gun could be slightly different, not to mention the shooter.
I thought I had some P238 vs Micro380 comparison target pics, but I can’t find them. This is just a pic of the Kimber Micro380 results, but I’ve done much better:
![Image]()
As for how dirty it gets, I always believed that had much more to do with ammo than the gun, but most others have more experience and know more about it than I do. I will say all my Kimbers prefer to be run slightly wet and require cleaning about every 200 rounds at least. I took my CDP Ultra 45 to several training classes, and I needed to clean it at lunch and during long breaks to prevent issues.
Let us know what you decide to do.
I bought a very early production Micro 380 CDP (2015 or 2016). I had FTF issues and tried a number of things, including different mags, different ammo, etc. What I failed to try was calling Kimber. Turns out they revised the guide rod and spring. Once I installed the newer GR and spring, it is flawless.
I am pretty sure you have the GR on the right, with the little bite out of it, that is the later design.
So, I doubt that is your issue, but you shouldn’t be getting FTF and definitely not double feeds. Are you running it a little on the wet side?
The Sig P238 mags fit. I am 90% sure the Springfield Armory 911 mags fit too, but I didn’t personally try them. I would try a different mag or two and different ammo. If you still have issues, then call Kimber. Or, before spending any money, call Kimber. They can at least give you some ideas about whether it will break in resolving the issues or not. I think a new mag is worth trying as they are a common issue with feeding, especially double feeds.
My Micro380 is absolutely the most accurate 380 I’ve ever seen, even at 15 yards, and I have/had probably 8-10 380s of various designs. I still have several, and regardless of ammo, the Kimber is much more accurate. For me, I was hitting just above point of aim at 10 yards, but each gun could be slightly different, not to mention the shooter.
I thought I had some P238 vs Micro380 comparison target pics, but I can’t find them. This is just a pic of the Kimber Micro380 results, but I’ve done much better:
As for how dirty it gets, I always believed that had much more to do with ammo than the gun, but most others have more experience and know more about it than I do. I will say all my Kimbers prefer to be run slightly wet and require cleaning about every 200 rounds at least. I took my CDP Ultra 45 to several training classes, and I needed to clean it at lunch and during long breaks to prevent issues.
Let us know what you decide to do.
Welcome. Call Kimber customer service and discuss with them about sending the gun back for evaluation.
you will be surprised what they will do and the speed they will do it in.
keep us informed 😀
you will be surprised what they will do and the speed they will do it in.
keep us informed 😀
Thanks micornator9; before I contact Kimber CS I'll run another couple boxes of Fiocchi (95gr) through it. It'll be thoroughly cleaned and well lubed. Love the gun.
cs
cs
At 5’7” and 140 lbs my CC options are somewhat limited. I have 3 1911’s and I love them but to big and heavy for me to carry.
I CC the micro 9 and 380 very well. Mine are reliable and accurate at 7 and 10 yards.
post a picture of your raptor 380. I think my next gun will be the micro 9 raptor shadow.
I CC the micro 9 and 380 very well. Mine are reliable and accurate at 7 and 10 yards.
post a picture of your raptor 380. I think my next gun will be the micro 9 raptor shadow.
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