Kimber SIS Custom - 56k Beware! Pic Heavy

[Freakdaddy]

Well, I finally picked up my second Kimber so I am no longer a "Kimber Owner" but am now a "Kimber Enthusiast"! After lusting for the SIS since it was first introduced, I finally got one! I won an SIS Custom off of Gunbroker last week and it arrived at my FFL Saturday. Price wasn't too bad considering I've been calling all over Missouri for the Custom sized one and nobody has it. Definitely not the prices of last year or really even close but nothing is anymore with firearms and at least this one came with two extra Kimpro Tac-Mags.



One of the first things I noticed was the execution of the serial number on the FS models. It's now done like the Pro models and looks very nice. The serial number itself appears to be stamped now as opposed to the "engraved" dremeled look. This is a welcome touch in my opinion.


The beavertail and mainspring housing are fitted extremely well.


The beveling on the frame in the grip area is also executed perfectly. Both sides are uniform with no signs of "waviness".


One thing I've always liked about Kimber is the 30 lpi checkering on frontstrap. I think this is ideal as it gives you a good grip yet doesn't eat at your hands after 200 rounds. The other thing is you don't experience any overrun with Kimber's checkering and it looks crisp as opposed to other manufacturers. I especially like the looks of the bordered base. Between the checkering and the stippled grips (which looks GREAT), the pistol really locks in your hand.



The slide to frame fit is superb with no play whatsover and the barrel to bushing fit is EXTREMELY tight. As to be expected, everything locks up tight. One thing that I appreciate is how Kimber rounds the corners of the frame rails to help reduce any binding from the slide. I'm not a gunsmith and this may not matter but to me it makes sense. The FPS is very snug and there is no clocking of the extractor at all. I also really dig the flat top slide and may eventually get it grooved.




Now for the nitty gritty. After thoroughly cleaning it and lubing with FP-10, it was time to head to the range today. I put roughly 175 rounds through it today which included 50 rds/Blazer Brass, 50 rds/Remington Green Box, 50 rds/WWB and 25 rds/HST+p. The gun performed FLAWLESSLY! There was never even a remote indication of issues. All brass ejected properly with none coming back at me or leaving marks on the slide. None of the cases were dented or damaged in any way and landed in a neat pile back off to my side. It's hitting POA/POI when I do my part and as with Kimber, accuracy is never an issue. Kimber is known for their triggers as well and this one is no different and it breaks around 5lbs plus I really dig the solid trigger.

The one thing I was curious about was how the finish would wear on the small parts and how the Kimpro would hold up. I am very surprised at how well it did. From comments on here, the finish starts wearing when you look at it online much less putting it through it's paces. After cleaning it today, it looks just as good as when I picked it up. No markings on the thumbsafety, grip safety or by the dustcover. I know it won't last but I was expecting to see some slight wear from today's use but was pleasantly surprised. We'll see how well it does when I start carrying it as it will be interesting to see how well it does. There were also no issues with manipulating the slide while at the range shooting. Not only was it hot with sweat being an issue, I was definitely shooting it wet as well and never experienced any slippage.

As you can tell, I'm definitely not suffering "Buyer's Remorse". In my opinion, the SIS is as unique as are the Raptor's in Kimber's lineup and either you love them or hate them. The quality and craftsmanship is definitely there as you can see from the pictures and it looks as if Kimber is really on top of their game. Now if I could only find some more ammo!

Here's my Gold Combat Stainless II with my SIS:


And my motivational poster:

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[sgtD]

Congrats on pciking up a beautiful piece of machinery.

[jwhite75]

That is a very nice 1911.

[Freakdaddy]

Thanks for the compliments...much appreciated!

[retsupt99]

Very nice pistola, for sure...and I own a couple of Kimbers.
Ya' got a winner there...

[Thumper]

That's one sweet Kimber!

[ccman]

Good for You. She's a Beauty.

[JimmyC4]

Beautiful pistol and good job with the pics!

[LeCalsey]

OMG...that rocks

[JDE101]

Congrat on a great purchase. I love Kimbers too. I currently only have one, though. But hope to change that someday. One can never have too many guns or motorcycles.

[sigmanluke]

Great pics! Decent gun too I guess

[United93]

Nice firearm! Since SIS operatives are often UC, isn't the distinctive serration a bad thing? Couldn't it blow their cover?

[Reborn]

wow and wow again.........very cool

[Freakdaddy]

Congrat on a great purchase. I love Kimbers too. I currently only have one, though. But hope to change that someday. One can never have too many guns or motorcycles.

It took me three years to get my second. Too many guns in between though so I can't really complain. It's definitely a sickness and although it's good to be ill, the pocketbook doesn't care for the medical bills LOL!

Nice firearm! Since SIS operatives are often UC, isn't the distinctive serration a bad thing? Couldn't it blow their cover?

My guess would be if you are seeing the serrations, you're already in trouble !

Thanks again for all the compliments!

[old grunt]

Beautiful 45 !! Good Luck with it. When you get a chance do some reading on the LAPD SIS......amazing bunch of cops who deserve a quality 1911 like your Kimber.