My new (and first) Kimber arrived exactly one week ago, and I finally had a chance to go to the range for a little break in time. Here's how it went...
I cleaned it thoroughly, light oil in the usual places, etc...
I used the 7 round black factory mag it came with and a new 8 round Kimpro TacMag (#1100721). I was hesitant about the 8 rounder after reading about the various results, but it was all they had when I went in (more on that later). The 7 rounder seems a little rough while loading it, the 8 rounder is smooth as butter.
I started out with 100 rounds of Sellier & Bellot 230gr FMJ, alternating between the factory and new magazines. The first round flipped and hit me on my head. On round 20, the slide locked back on the factory 7 rounder with 2 rounds remaining. I shot from 10 feet, 15 feet, 25 feet. No complaints on accuracy. Recoil is slightly more than a 5" barrel, but nothing to complain about. Both mags dropped freely. The 8 round mag did not easily load into the grip when a round was in the chamber (9 is better than 8, but 8 is better than a possible jam by forcing it, IMHO).
Next I ran 50 rounds of Remington UMC 230gr FMJ through both magazines. No issues. After rummaging in my bag, I found a box of PMC Bronze 185gr JHP. I was hesitant to start running hollow points this early in the break in period, but I couldn't resist. 8 rounds in the KimPro TacMag ran without a hitch.
I was rushed for time, so the barrel pretty much stayed hot the entire time. No jams. No FTE. One failure to load early on. The experience lived up to Kimber's reputation for quality products.
On my way out of the range, they had just dumped a shipment of magazines on the counter. Of course, I'm always a step behind and felt a little regret about buying the KimPro mag earlier. They has some Wilson and McCormick mags, which is rare in this gun shop. I ended walking out with a McCormick Power Mag for $27, and two Kimber mags that performed well during the range session.
Now it's time to break it down and clean it up. I hope this helped anyone on the fence wondering whether or not they should take the leap and buy one of these.
I cleaned it thoroughly, light oil in the usual places, etc...
I used the 7 round black factory mag it came with and a new 8 round Kimpro TacMag (#1100721). I was hesitant about the 8 rounder after reading about the various results, but it was all they had when I went in (more on that later). The 7 rounder seems a little rough while loading it, the 8 rounder is smooth as butter.
I started out with 100 rounds of Sellier & Bellot 230gr FMJ, alternating between the factory and new magazines. The first round flipped and hit me on my head. On round 20, the slide locked back on the factory 7 rounder with 2 rounds remaining. I shot from 10 feet, 15 feet, 25 feet. No complaints on accuracy. Recoil is slightly more than a 5" barrel, but nothing to complain about. Both mags dropped freely. The 8 round mag did not easily load into the grip when a round was in the chamber (9 is better than 8, but 8 is better than a possible jam by forcing it, IMHO).
Next I ran 50 rounds of Remington UMC 230gr FMJ through both magazines. No issues. After rummaging in my bag, I found a box of PMC Bronze 185gr JHP. I was hesitant to start running hollow points this early in the break in period, but I couldn't resist. 8 rounds in the KimPro TacMag ran without a hitch.
I was rushed for time, so the barrel pretty much stayed hot the entire time. No jams. No FTE. One failure to load early on. The experience lived up to Kimber's reputation for quality products.
On my way out of the range, they had just dumped a shipment of magazines on the counter. Of course, I'm always a step behind and felt a little regret about buying the KimPro mag earlier. They has some Wilson and McCormick mags, which is rare in this gun shop. I ended walking out with a McCormick Power Mag for $27, and two Kimber mags that performed well during the range session.
Now it's time to break it down and clean it up. I hope this helped anyone on the fence wondering whether or not they should take the leap and buy one of these.
