kimber customer service

[prostate]

I sent my kimber ultra II to the factory for failure to eject and a loose front sight. It is now more than 1 week since they received the gun. I called them up to get an update and they told me that the gun smith has not even looked at my gun. I thought their company has a reputation for a quick turn around. This does not sound so quick. Does anyone have a similar experience?

 

[tradertator]

When I have had problems in the past, I had them mail me the part and I installed it. They didn't charge me for shipping or the part, and got it out fast.

I'm sure you want the gun back asap, but 1 week is not very long when it comes to any major manufacturer doing a repair, due to the volume of business they have.

 

[Gpfury86]

Both times I've sent guns to kimber it took at least 3 to 4 weeks for return. I wasn't charged either time and had no problems with the firearms. I thought it was kind of long, but didn't bother me any I wasn't really in a hurry.

 

[Wabatuckian]

Kimber tends to have problems because they do not do much, if any, hand fitting.

They precision cast their parts and expect them to work. And the majority to.

However, when things go wrong, they tend to go really wrong with Kimber, I've noticed.

The better option, IMNSHO, is to buy a Rock Island Armory 1911 and have it worked over by a knowledgeable 1911 smith, or better yet, learn to do it yourself.

Josh

 

[bigmedicine]

I'm afraid that for the OP, it is too late to throw out recommendations (no matter how credible) for an alternative pistol to purchase.

I have had 2 Kimber pistols that really gave me fits, each requiring trips back to the factory at least one time. My experience with the first was also that it took 3-4 weeks to get it back. Then I went out and the first magaizne I had 3 repeat malfunctions (FTF). For the second trip back, I just got Dennis on the phone at Kimber and really made certain that I recieved updates and kept on them. After that second trip, I got back a gun that still has yet to have a problem. My second gun (also an ultra) had FTF/FTE problems that just didn't clear up with the "break in" (please don't get me started on that - it is a different subject). I got it back in less than a week with a new extractor. Since then, zero problems at all and I have complete confidence in both. Seriously, I have put a lot of rounds through that Ultra (even reloads) and it just chews through them.
Give them a chance, but I urge you to stay on their case in a strong but respectful tone. I don't know if I will ever but another Kimber, but I have to be up front with you that they stand by their product and the end result are 2 pistols that I still trust.
Good luck and I hope that they do the right thing with you! Please let us know what happens.

 

[wtfd661]

I haven't had any problems with the three Kimbers I've owned so I have no experience with that end, but I would imagine with the volume of 1911's Kimber sells, especially in the last year or so (since the great turd was elected) they have been even busier than usual.

The better option, IMNSHO, is to buy a Rock Island Armory 1911 and have it worked over by a knowledgeable 1911 smith

Sorry but that is kinda worthless advice to give the OP now.

 

[prostate]

I'm afraid that for the OP, it is too late to throw out recommendations (no matter how credible) for an alternative pistol to purchase.

I have had 2 Kimber pistols that really gave me fits, each requiring trips back to the factory at least one time. My experience with the first was also that it took 3-4 weeks to get it back. Then I went out and the first magaizne I had 3 repeat malfunctions (FTF). For the second trip back, I just got Dennis on the phone at Kimber and really made certain that I recieved updates and kept on them. After that second trip, I got back a gun that still has yet to have a problem. My second gun (also an ultra) had FTF/FTE problems that just didn't clear up with the "break in" (please don't get me started on that - it is a different subject). I got it back in less than a week with a new extractor. Since then, zero problems at all and I have complete confidence in both. Seriously, I have put a lot of rounds through that Ultra (even reloads) and it just chews through them.
Give them a chance, but I urge you to stay on their case in a strong but respectful tone. I don't know if I will ever but another Kimber, but I have to be up front with you that they stand by their product and the end result are 2 pistols that I still trust.
Good luck and I hope that they do the right thing with you! Please let us know what happens.

Bigmedicine, thanks for the advice there. I just received a call from customer service to give me an update. That was nice of them. I do hope I don't run into the same problem as yours. Your statement that you finally have "guns that you can trust", is very encouraging. thanks again

 

[Captain Bligh]

I've had two experiences with Kimber customer service that left me completely satisfied. In each instance, Kimber did something above and beyond what I had asked for, and at no cost!

In my first instance, they noticed that I had slotted grip screws. They sent me some hex screws. They thought I might prefer them.

In the second instance, I sent a pistol in for bead blasting and different sights. They discovered a problem I didn't know I had (sear) and replaced parts at no charge!

I found turn around reasonble. They called me upon my pistols arrival to confirm receipt.

 

[BIGE7.62]

I was thinking about getting a kimber/not so much now

 

[BIGE7.62]

Where can I get some more info on a RIA

Kimber tends to have problems because they do not do much, if any, hand fitting.

They precision cast their parts and expect them to work. And the majority to.

However, when things go wrong, they tend to go really wrong with Kimber, I've noticed.

The better option, IMNSHO, is to buy a Rock Island Armory 1911 and have it worked over by a knowledgeable 1911 smith, or better yet, learn to do it yourself.

Josh

 

[silentvoice71]

try taurus 1911.......ive had mine for 2-3 years now with reloads factory a mil surp ammo.....FMJs HPs semi wad cutters thought it and not one problem with FTF or FTE.....wonderful gun.