View Full Version : Older Kimbers
What do you all think about older Kimbers, pre-series II? Specifically about the ones marked Clackamas, OR?
I think the general consensus is that Kimber was better off before they introduced the Series II Swartz firing pin safety. Kimber certainly enjoyed a better reputation among top 1911 smiths during that time.
The Oregon Kimbers were nice 1911's.
I have a Kimber SIS (no one seems to like them except me) that is a series I and it runs just fine other than the slide-to-frame torrence is a bit loose. I've not shot an Oregon Kimber though.
Yep, the pre-series II Kimbers were quite qood; perhaps best out of box package. While Clacks have earned that rep, even Yonkers ones were fine. I owned one of those in Compact format and it was a nice gun.
I used to have a Oregon Kimber and it was one of the best production 1911s I have owned. I've since parted ways with it, which makes me sad, but she's with a good home (a buddy of mine from my time in the Fleet back at 29 Palms). Great pistol, so long as it wasn't abused or anything.
H
May I ask why they moved from Oregon to NY?
May I ask why they moved from Oregon to NY?
I believe they were bought out...
They were always made in NY.
They were always made in NY.
Even those that had "Clackamas, OR" mark in their frames?
Kimber was founded as "Kimber of Oregon" in 1979 by Greg and Jack Warne.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimber_Manufacturing
The company started out in Oregon. I don't think 1911s were made there but I could be wrong.
ETA; Nope, they did make some early ones in Oregon.
The Oregon Kimbers were nice 1911's.
Oregon made Kimber 1911's were nice 1911's.
According to Kimber, no 1911 pistols were ever made in Oregon. The Clacks are nice guns, though.
compared to anything I could afford at the time my classic custom target was head and shoulders above the rest, I think I paid $505 at a gun shop for it. I had a series 80 colt whose barrel bushing rattled and a Brolin that tended to stovepipe itself into uselessness. I got it in 1996 and it not a clackamas. It doesn't shoot point of aim anymore no matter how much you muck with the sight so it sits in the safe and I probably should have it sent back. I have a newer Eclipse pro II that I like and carry on trips. Not as precise as the older custom target but still much better than the series 80 I had.
The company started out in Oregon. I don't think 1911s were made there but I could be wrong.
ETA; Nope, they did make some early ones in Oregon.
Actually I think you had it right the first time. From everything I've been able to find the early models where stamped Oregon but they were very much made in NY.
http://forums.1911forum.com/showpost.php?p=666143&postcount=6
http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-459352.html
http://pistolsmith.com/kimber-pistols/8283-kimber-america-vs-oregon.html#post59376
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=77547
Yes I know these are forums on the errornet but it did seem to be convincing-including in one of the threads, someone who claims to have worked at the Yonkers plant and was there when when they changed the stamping from Oregon to NY. Apparently it was some kind of manufacturing FFL deal.
Actually I think you had it right the first time. From everything I've been able to find the early models where stamped Oregon but they were very much made in NY.
http://forums.1911forum.com/showpost.php?p=666143&postcount=6
http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-459352.html
http://pistolsmith.com/kimber-pistols/8283-kimber-america-vs-oregon.html#post59376
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=77547
Yes I know these are forums on the errornet but it did seem to be convincing-including in one of the threads, someone who claims to have worked at the Yonkers plant and was there when when they changed the stamping from Oregon to NY. Apparently it was some kind of manufacturing FFL deal.
Thanks for clarifying.:cool:
Pumpkinheaver
04-05-11, 20:36
I have a 1998 vintage Kimber that I will not part with willingly.
I have a classic stainless gold match. It's marked Yonkers
The invoice is dated 11/98 and it's address is Yonkers.
I have never had any problem with it except that I shoot LSWC with Bullseye powder and it gets dirty really fast. Every couple hundred rounds it needs slide rails wiped down and oiled a bit.
I have never thought it was a super tight gun but is accurate. It's accurate for me and I'm not a good shot. I would be willing to bet that any one of you that actually know how to shoot could really do well with it.
TB
I have a Kimber SIS (no one seems to like them except me) that is a series I and it runs just fine other than the slide-to-frame torrence is a bit loose. I've not shot an Oregon Kimber though.
There is no 'series I' SIS.. the SIS came out well after the Series II guns were in full production.. the lack of the Swartz safety system or II does not indicate that it is a series I gun, especially in things like the SIS... the SIS was designed for the LAPD WITHOUT the Swartz safety system...
I will not own ANYTHING made by Kimber since the Series II guns came out. I have seen many problems with the Series II guns, mainly stemming from poorly made MIM parts. Plunger tubes, safeties, sears, and so on...
There are VERY few companies who use MIM parts that I am comfortable with, and Kimber is NOT one of those companies..
wetidlerjr
04-06-11, 05:46
...There are VERY few companies who use MIM parts that I am comfortable with, and Kimber is NOT one of those companies..
I agree with that. I have no desire to buy any Kimbers.
They are very nice guns if you can find one that has not been molested. I have a custom and custon target that I bought in 98. The target was for my wife and has about 200 rounds down range, and the custon has north of 10,000 rounds. I have never had a problem, but like many will not buy another. If I were to get back into toting a 1911 daily I would look at a Les Baer or similar pistol.
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