[Bedore]

Kimber Solo problem / Customer Service

Greetings all,

Against my better judgement I purchased a Kimber Solo Carry STS. I had done some reading about them and their issues but decided to ignore everything bad I have read about them and purchase one anyway. I made up my mind after holding one as it is indeed a neat gun.

I took it home and broke it down for cleaning and I noticed that there were two pins in the safety lever which I assume are the two pins that hold it together. The pins had walked about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way out of the lever. I called Kimber CS and they said it was not normal and to send it in. I did as instructed.

Today I recieved the gun back. The invoice reads that the pins were replaced and that a total of 5 magazines of ammo was fired through the gun. No cycling issues reported and the gun was 'Inspected by QC'. Upon opening the package the first thing I did was take the gun apart to check the pins. Low and behold the two new pins are about 1/2 to 3/4 the way sticking out again. It appears that they never changed the pins or they never checked it after test firing it and decided instead to box it up and send it back. Imagine my disappointment. I now have to decide if I want to send it back (which I shouldn't have to do) or sell it as-is at a huge loss and wash my hands of it. Either way I will not be keeping it.

For anyone reading this that has a Solo and has had no problems, congratulations. You are one of the lucky ones and you should consider buying a lottery ticket ASAP. For those that are thinking about buying one, don't. Sadly this experience will end my relationship with any of Kimber's products. I believe the big issue with their customer service is that they are located in Montana and the facility that produces and fixes these guns is located in NY. The left hand has no idea what the right hand is doing. However, everyone I spoke to was polite.

Thanks for hearing me out and I hope some of you can learn from my experience.

 

[2sharp2]

First welcome to the site from Tennessee! All I hear you doing is bitchin and complaining about a pistol and a company that you have not even fired and tested for yourself. Have you fired the pistol? Did it malfunction? Sounds like you have made up your mind. I don't know if it is good or bad.

 

[Bedore]

First welcome to the site from Tennessee! All I hear you doing is bitchin and complaining about a pistol and a company that you have not even fired and tested for yourself. Have you fired the pistol? Did it malfunction? Sounds like you have made up your mind. I don't know if it is good or bad.

So you are telling me I should fire a gun with a possibly defective safety? Really? Did you even read my post? Apparently you didn't, because if you did you would see this as a major safety concern. Instead you decided to bash me instead. I will add that when I contacted Kimber CS, they instructed me NOT to fire the gun under any circumstances until they get a chance to look at it.

I certainly did not make this post to argue with anyone but to explain my experience with the Kimber Solo and Kimber CS. Take anything I say with a grain of salt. I suppose if you feel the need to blame me for their defect then by all means go ahead and continue to do so.

 

[Marshall]

Welcome to the forum.I had many problems with my Solo also but I sent it back to Kimber and they were and always have been above courteous to me.When it came back it performed magnificent.As for as never buying another Kimber,I wouldn't lump all the other wonderful products that they offer just because you're having temporary problems with your Solo.I got gonorrhea from a girl on spring break once but I didn't stop chasing the ladies.I fixed what was wrong and kept going.Be patient because you have an awesome firearm.

 

[Bedore]

Welcome to the forum.I had many problems with my Solo also but I sent it back to Kimber and they were and always have been above courteous to me.When it came back it performed magnificent.As for as never buying another Kimber,I wouldn't lump all the other wonderful products that they offer just because you're having temporary problems with your Solo.I got gonorrhea from a girl on spring break once but I didn't stop chasing the ladies.I fixed what was wrong and kept going.Be patient because you have an awesome firearm.

Thanks for the input. If this was my first Kimber firearm that had troubles I would not swear them off. But this makes the third firearm that I have bought that has had problems in the past 5-6 years. I guess I am a little slow.

I think the biggest issue here is that I explained the problem, sent the gun in, and it wasn't fixed. That is what is disappointing. I feel like I shouldn't have had to send it in to begin with. This isn't a Lorcin or Bryco.

 

[bigdog10]

[.I got gonorrhea from a girl on spring break once but I didn't stop chasing the ladies.I fixed what was wrong and kept going.Be patient because you have an awesome firearm.[/QUOTE]

Best quote ever!!

 

[bigdog10]

Welcome to the forum any pics of the pins?

 

[Chuck43]

Welcome to the forum from northern Illinois Bedore, have you called customer service and talked with them about this yet?

 

[2sharp2]

So you are telling me I should fire a gun with a possibly defective safety? Really? Did you even read my post? Apparently you didn't, because if you did you would see this as a major safety concern. Instead you decided to bash me instead. I will add that when I contacted Kimber CS, they instructed me NOT to fire the gun under any circumstances until they get a chance to look at it.

I certainly did not make this post to argue with anyone but to explain my experience with the Kimber Solo and Kimber CS. Take anything I say with a grain of salt. I suppose if you feel the need to blame me for their defect then by all means go ahead and continue to do so.

Maybe you should aim it at that "chip" on your shoulder! Sorry you thought I bashed you! I simply asked you a question "if" you had fired the weapon. Not that you should even if Kimber said it was good to go. I am surprised Kimber did not correct your problem.

 

[Bedore]

Welcome to the forum from northern Illinois Bedore, have you called customer service and talked with them about this yet?

Yes, I sent them photos and I am currently waiting for a return call.

 

[Bedore]

Maybe you should aim it at that "chip" on your shoulder! Sorry you thought I bashed you! I simply asked you a question "if" you had fired the weapon. Not that you should even if Kimber said it was good to go. I am surprised Kimber did not correct your problem.

Please re-read my original post and you will soon find out why I haven't fired the gun yet.

 

[Chuck43]

When you speak to the tech remember he has no idea what's going on and a little patience and even temper will get you a lot farther then going off on the guy. I've know Kimber's tech's to go way out of their way to help customers, I've had them fix stuff for me that was years out of warranty for free.

 

[Oreste]

I empathize with what you are saying. But as an earlier post stated. Do give up. I have an STS and it is really an awesome firearm as stated. Upon researching many issues related to the solo and not googling Kimber Solo but just the issues, I ended up on many forums, Sig, ruger, Colt all of them. And you know what. All had the same complaints and same returns with same issues present same FTE's same FTF's. It is like a car. Sometimes there is something wrong and unfortunately sometimes it doesn't get fixed the first time. I know it doesn't make you feel better but just don't give up on a really great gun. Have them get it right and enjoy your gun. Kimber bashing has people so spooked it isn't funny. But there are a lot of bad issues out there with every gun. Believe me I did my share of research before buying. Take the name brand away and they were all the same. You just hear more about the bad then the good. Go for it!!!

 

[Bedore]

When you speak to the tech remember he has no idea what's going on and a little patience and even temper will get you a lot farther then going off on the guy. I've know Kimber's tech's to go way out of their way to help customers, I've had them fix stuff for me that was years out of warranty for free.

I was polite and cordial with the phone reps. My problem isn't with the person answering the phone, so I know better than to cop an attitude with them. My post on here was 1/2 me venting and the other 1/2 explaining my experience so that others can read my post and draw their own conclusions. I also know that I am in the 'lion's den' so to speak posting a Kimber problem on a pro-Kimber forum, but this is where a lot of potential Solo owners will end up so I believe it has some merit. I don't intend to go all over this forum complaining about Kimber, CS, or the Solo so don't think that. But I do think I have a legitimate gripe and this is the only place where I will post it.

 

[Chuck43]

I was polite and cordial with the phone reps. My problem isn't with the person answering the phone, so I know better than to cop an attitude with them. My post on here was 1/2 me venting and the other 1/2 explaining my experience so that others can read my post and draw their own conclusions.

I completely understand, even the finest craftsmen in the world make an occasional mistake.

 

[Islander]

Sorry to hear of your troubles. Welcome to the forum!

 

[Josey Wales]

Welcome to the forum,

I am so happy with my Solo I just bought another, it will be here in a few days.
Good luck with yours I am sure things can get taken care of.

 

[Nellybelle]

Welcome to the forum.

I also have a SOLO and two other Kimber's. I like mine fine and have had a couple of issues. I wont tell you how to conduct yourself while talking to Kimber. That is your decision. I have been known to voice my dissatisfaction with several that have not done what I expected them to do.

I also get frustrated with incompetent people. There is no excuse for Kimber NOT fixing the pins in the first place. Yes people make mistakes. But this appears to be neglect. Unfortunately Kimber is not alone in this area.

After knowing how well I like my SOLO, I can only offer you this advice.
Send it back again and get it repaired. You should be glad you did.
If the gun really sucked I would say get something else but I am confidant you will be happy after the repairs. Good Luck.

 

[Islander]

Not being a Solo owner, did we establish that the pins were a problem or is what was pictured normal?

 

[2sharp2]

Not being a Solo owner, did we establish that the pins were a problem or is what was pictured normal?

No, that question was not answered and that was my point, why I asked if weapon had been fired...it could have been dry fired to check safety function.
OP accused me of bashing him. I kind of get a feeling he was stirring the pot, no matter what he claims. I could be wrong. Either way I hope they get it repaired if there is something wrong with it. It is a good looking pistol, I may buy one some day.