Opinions on the Kimber Stainless Raptor II (not the pro version) vs Eclipse?

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JoeKerr

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I was at Ellwood Epps the other day looking at a number of 1911's. They didn't have any STI Trojan's there, so I was unable to see / touch / feel one of those as I like what I've read about them so far.

But what I did narrow it down to was a Ruger SR1911, Kimber Raptor Stainless II, and a Kimber Eclipse. The Eclipse was good looking, though the Raptor was better looking IMO. But question is, how do they shoot? I assume given the price difference, the Ruger isn't as accurate as the two Kimber's? Anyone have both and can compare?

If it were between the two Kimbers, which would you choose and why? Or is the Ruger just as good - if so, why?

I believe all three will outshoot my abilities for sure, at least for a while, but I want to buy one that's good right off the bat that I'll grow into if you will...that is already very accurate but reliable, no FTF, FTE, etc.

Any thoughts are appreciated! And if anyone is at the Barrie gun club and would be willing to let me see them on a range, that would be awesome, though right now I'd have to be a guest as I haven't taken the classes and probationary shoots yet.
 
I've never shot them myself, but I don't think there will be much or any difference between the Kimbers in terms of how they shoot, I think the differences are just in looks and ergonomics.
 
Ok - I thought I had heard it mentioned that the Eclipse spent some time in the Custom shop for certain parts / finishing, and thus it might be better than the Raptor (of course, I don't know if the Raptor maybe spent some time in the custom shop too, I just haven't heard that they do).
 
Paulinski said:
Mimber - pretty much same guns with different finish / checkering etc...
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are you aware that colt has mim parts as well as a plastic msh?? quit knocking something i am pretty sure you never
tried, but am repeating what others have said.

anyways; kimbers are great. if you get a fte ftf etc.. check you gun and always maintain it... you may be limp wristing it as well. i own 3 kimbers and they all
function amazingly. basically, you're paying for the finish of the gun for a kimber. a raptor shoots just look the eclipse. i was jonesing for a raptor... but stuck
with my tactical... god, i love that gun!
 
masa said:
are you aware that colt has mim parts as well as a plastic msh?? quit knocking something i am pretty sure you never
tried, but am repeating what others have said.
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Yes, but Colt will tell you exactly which parts are MIM - thumb safety, grip safety, sear, and I believe disconnector. Kimber won't. Kimber has been known to have QC issues, and a non-existent warranty policy outside the US. Kimbers do look good, but frankly there are better choices.
 
enefgee said:
Yes, but Colt will tell you exactly which parts are MIM - thumb safety, grip safety, sear, and I believe disconnector. Kimber won't. Kimber has been known to have QC issues, and a non-existent warranty policy outside the US. Kimbers do look good, but frankly there are better choices.
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agreed. kimbers are great for looking good in your safe and plinking with once in a while. otherwise they are $300-$400 to expensive compared to other guns
 
masa said:
actually, Korth, the distributor of kimber in canada, is incharge of warranty in canada.
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Yup, and RNicholls is in charge of warranty for HK, and there's even a warranty center for Para - ask folks how that works. If you intend to shoot - really shoot, not just 100 rounds a month, - get something else.
 
Wow - seems like almost a love or hate relationship here.

But for those that hate it - wasn't clear to me - have you owned a higher class Kimber before (ie. not bottom of the line, because bottom of the line anything is not going to be representative of the whole line)? What Kimbers did you own?

I'm still on the fence, though I'm leaning towards them. I have trouble believing that you can't do 600 rounds a month out of them without issues though....
 
so you're saying that hk and para have crap warranty as well? had no idea
to be honest.

what exactly went south on your gun?

i have never met anyone in person who really hated on a kimber like members
of this forum, though... and i know of at least 30 people on hand who love their kimbers
and none of them have had any problems who are either associated or friends. its always stuff i hear on the internet.

and to joker; gun quality control from custom ii to raptor should be the same.
i've heard from many people that tolerance and fit is the same for all guns of kimber,
even their customs. so keep in mind its all about the finish. :)

my tactical, eclipse shoot the same. my gold cup feels different slightly because it has
adj. sights... but otherwise, the same. the gold cup has a nice finish :p
 
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Good information on Kimbers can be found here:
http://10-8performance.########.ca/2010/07/kimber-warrior.html

Hilton Yam is about as good of a SME as it gets when it comes to keeping a 1911 running.

Given the choice between Kimber and Ruger, I would save my money and get the Ruger. If you are willing to move up on price from there, go with Colt or Dan Wesson.
 
Rugers a good choice if you don't mind the front sight breaking off while shooting it, Ruger just keep replacing it with the same junk sight. I'm on sight 3 in the last 1000 rounds. But I guess you can get 2 Rugers for the price of a Kimber Raptor 11 SS. That way you'll always have a 1911 that serviceable. I wouldn't buy another Ruger.
 
masa said:
so you're saying that hk and para have crap warranty as well? had no idea
to be honest.

what exactly went south on your gun?

i have never met anyone in person who really hated on a kimber like members
of this forum, though... and i know of at least 30 people on hand who love their kimbers
and none of them have had any problems who are either associated or friends. its always stuff i hear on the internet.

and to joker; gun quality control from custom ii to raptor should be the same.
i've heard from many people that tolerance and fit is the same for all guns of kimber,
even their customs. so keep in mind its all about the finish. :)

my tactical, eclipse shoot the same. my gold cup feels different slightly because it has
adj. sights... but otherwise, the same. the gold cup has a nice finish :p
Click to expand...

You can't get a decent supply of maintenance parts for HK, never mind get someone from RNichols to fix it for you - as far as Para goes, well I think that's been adequately (and colorfully, I must say) covered here.
 
When I first saw the kimber raptor in a g&a magazine, I had to have it. So I shelled out 1800 for it when it first came out. I think the "scale" serrations are just bad ass, and the zebra wood grips, ###y!

For the money, I am sincerely unimpressed. although it is my nicest looking pistol, the grips could not be tightened properly. I sent it back and they replaced the grips and they are still loose. the bushings are tight, but the way they cut the countersink for the grip screw leaves minimal "meat" to grab. after ~500 rounds my thumb safety snapped at the pivot point. they replaced it free of charge, but no without headache. I have the blued model and the blueing is very poorly done and is showing minor rust signs even with extreme care and maintenance.

for the money, get an sti Trojan or two ruger sr1911s. if you are really smart, save up another grand a buy a nighthawk. and yes, I think nighthawks are better fit than wilsons because they are the new kid in town and have something to prove.
 
First of all.... OP, Don't believe all the hate around here!!
I've owned a Raptor Stainless for 4 years. Picked it up new from Epps. Absolutely it's a gorgeous gun, and functions flawless!
Shoots where you point it would be an understatement! Very accurate pistol! The trigger is amazing!
The Raptor has a Stainless match grade barrel, Eclipse does not. Only difference I believe.
This one is a keeper! My son has already got dibs on it. :)


"If you intend to shoot - really shoot, not just 100 rounds a month, - get something else."
ha: really??? come on, get real!!
 
The quality of Kimber 1911's depends on who was CEO when your gun was built, they may make a comeback, but that would require a conscious effort on their part to discard the policies of their past CEO, who has a reputation in the industry of maximizing profit at the cost of quality - ask Sig Arms. To get a decent Kimber, you want a pre-Cohen gun. If you want a truly accurate, high quality 1911 for about $2K get a Les Baer.
 
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