Kimber .45 for a first gun?

I agree with those doing the Kimber "bashing".Having said that,if they work out of the box you got a good one.The first generation is sought after because they were good guns,then they got an ego and went down hill.They have quite a few quirks to them and their customer service is good,but they are so proud of their product that they give a whole year warranty compared to a lifetime.Hmmm.

Look at Springfiel Armory,they've come a long way since they started making them.I find the Commander size (4.25") the nicest balance,when you get down in the Officers size (3") the design limits are being pushed and they can be finicky.They also are a little "violent" in the recoil and handling department.

Gun shows are iffy,know what you're looking at before going in.I have 2 uses for shows,the first is getting my hands on something hard to find to see if I like it.The second is to show up on opening day when the doors are open to find the deals that will be gone by the end of the day.Otherwise,I avoid them like the plague.Too many idiots in one place for me.

There is nothing special about Kimbers. They are a decent pistol with a sub par warranty (1 year) and a reputation for spotty customer service. If you want one, great, just go in with your eyes open. I'm not a fan, but those people I know who own them are happy.
Colt LW Commander or Springfield Loaded (LW) Champion seem like good options as well.
Oh & don't forget the S&W E-series (SW1911SC, Round butt scandium frame,) a hell of a lot of concealable 1911 goodness for a decent price.
FWIW, I carry a Dan Wesson CCO. A bit small as a range gun, but doable if one is so inclined. Also, the DW Guardian/V-Bob might be worth a look as well, if your budget will support it.
I suspect that the Commander (full sized frame with 4.5" barrel, 4" on the SA Champions.) size will do the best as a dual role pistol.
It's a big world with a lot of options, Kimber is one of many.

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Originally Posted by usmcj

For "Fred" to be pained, because "Joe" sees fit to "break-in" a firearm, is silly. Fred didn't spend any money on it, lost time over it, waste ammo doing it, or anything along those lines. If Fred gets pained, it's because Fred has an issue with someone doing something that Fred doesn't support. Many products end up performing better when they're broken in..... motor vehicles, shoes, guns, mower engines, hell... even floor mops have break-in suggestions.... New York City Industries for the Blind - Mops

I have never experienced any issues because I didn't break in a gun, but I have broken in many very expensive barrels, and experienced excellent performance afterward.

I have several Kreiger Barrels, and I adhere to their suggestions. Kreiger recommends break-in as much for future cleaning, as for performance. Break-In & Cleaning

Some may need to consider 200 mg of Ibuprofin 3X a day for two days for pain. Apologies. :smt1099

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Sometimes, it really does boil down to mind over matter.

That is to say, if you think it made a difference, it probably did. :mrgreen:

And.....I prefer Aleve. :smt002

Ibuprofen and Aleve are both NSAIDS class drugs, and perform about the same.

But if you think there's a difference, there probably is. :D

Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving.

It's like when you purchase a new automobile....they tell you that there is a 500 mile breakin period....this is just to seat the brakes properly, everything else should be good to go..........any firearm that needs a so called breakin period, is one that I do not care to own.......never had an issue with any firearm, or a need for a breakin period....take the money you are going to spend on this overpriced gem, and buy yourself two handguns.....you'll get more enjoyment.

I've purchased a new house or two in my lifetime. Never did anything special to break-um in.

Both had lawns, so I bought a new mower. Fired that sucker up and went to town (figure of speech) cutting grass.

But, I will give in a little when it comes to new footwear and gloves. Sometimes, it takes a while for them to feel right, and other times, they're good to go from purchase.

And....I've bought brand-new vehicles from time to time. About the only thing I observed was the speed limit. Never had any mechanical issues.

New handguns and/or long guns? Just shoot the stupid things, have fun and most of all, BE SAFE!

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Originally Posted by usmcj

Ibuprofen and Aleve are both NSAIDS class drugs, and perform about the same.

But if you think there's a difference, there probably is. :D

Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving.

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Touch'e......and yes I did. :smt023

I have a Pro Raptor with over 1500 rounds through it and have not had any issues with it. I say go for it if you want a Kim .45 as your first gun.