This is the very first Kimber I've ever owned, or handled. Having handled a wide variety of other brand name 1911 pattern pistols I feel uniquely qualified to render an unbiased opinion...so here goes. The short of it is, the Kimber Custom Target II is "Everything you need, and nothing you don't." It has a very clean and understated matte black finish that looks to be durable, though only time will tell. I don't plan to torture test this gun to prove it one way or the other, but it certainly looks like a good start. All lines and controls are crisp and clean. The checkering on the mainspring housing a and slide stop is very crisply cut. The grip safety is uniquely Kimber with a pronounced wedge that causes it to depress as the hand is closing around the grip...there is no ambiguity in its activation. While not tested with a gauge, the trigger pull has a clean "break" with very few pounds of pressure....whatever it is, it breaks clean without disturbing the pistol's sights. As for the sights...this IS the "target" model after all, consist of a bold front blade with rather substantial, sturdy-appearing adjustable rear sight that is completely free of protrusions. The sight is rather "monolithic" in appearance with clean clicks and precise movement. Disassembly is typical 1911, but when apart the barrel is definitely not from any "parts bin." It's clean with clean lines, solid-looking lugs, yet a bit more feed bevel than I would like, though the angle means it will reliably feed pretty much anything. The frame is just as nice inside as out. The barrel seat looks like a magazine advertisement, and the VIS has a beautifully cut "bow-tie" without even a hint of a missed stroke or hit with a tool....the pistol is beautifully executed inside and out. The single-sided thumb-safety is extended, snicks on with a little resistance, yet snaps off cleanly with just the right amount of pressure and with zero creep. The magazine is Kimber branded on the bottom with hybrid feed lips and spring follower that works in harmony with the frame and barrel ramp to ensure cartridges made the transition cleanly. I've read many negatives about Kimber factory mags but I don't see any problems in this one. Overall the pistol is very nicely rendered and several levels above the Colts of yore, but maybe on a few levels of above those being produced today. The Kimber Custom Target II is definitely better fitted and finished that my wide assortment of Rocks, however I must emphasize that all my RIA's have demonstrated 100% reliable performance out of the box and even after substantial modification...but the Kimber LOOKS the part for sure. A quick trip to the range gave an early indication of what can be expected going forward. Testing an assortment of 185 grain TC and RN plated, as well as 230 grain RN, 185 grain XTP, and 260 grain Speer JHP, the gun feed all and functioned perfectly. Like all 1911's a good, firm hold ensures no slide energy is lost in translation and the pistol delivered. Off the bench I was able to group those 185 grain TC's inside 3" way out at 25 yards. No doubt machine accuracy would be superb...the gun can easily shoot on par with any shooter's ability. Overall I'm impressed with how much gun this Kimber is for the money. This pistol gets a definite "buy" recommendation. It's even better when Bud's puts it on their 180 days to pay option!

I received my Custom Target II a couple of days ago. Sadly, as mentioned it comes with only one mag but it does come with a nice lockable rang box (I hate throwing away nice boxes). The cool little wrench for removing the recoil spring plug and bushing that they mention as included in the operational manual was not included. No matter. Nice fit and finish as expected, seems nice and tight. Very nice trigger pull. I bet it will shoot nice if I ever get a functioning magazine to replace the worthless one that came with it... complete junk. Cant load it without serious effort and once loaded it doesn't feed. I called Kimber and spoke to customer service;t hey were not in the least defensive, but apologetic, took my information and assured me they would get a replacement right out to me. I assume they will and that it will be absolutely wonderful.... Looking for some Colt mags like the other gentleman used....

I recieved the Kimber Custom Target II, grabbed a handful of Colt 1911 mags along with the Kimber mag and headed to the range. I knew the Colt mags would fit perfectly. First mag in the gun went as smooth as silk and the Kimber was nearly zeroed in right out of the box. Grabbed the second mag and the 2nd round stove piped. Cleared the jam got maybe two more rounds out before another stove pipe jam. Finally dropped the mag and found that the first mag that had performed flawlessly was a Colt mag. The mag with all the jams was the Kimber mag. Used several different Colt 1911 mags without even a minor hiccup. Tried the Kimber mag again several times and NEVER, I mean NEVER got 7 rounds through the gun without a jam. The gun is very good but Kimber mags are terrible. Spend nearly a grand on a new 45, get only one mag with it and it is worthless.

I bought this Kimber on the advice of a friend who has used Kimbers for a number of years. I was not in the least disappointed with my selection as this is a superb pistol. The workmanship on this is fantastic with the fit and feel of the pistol being almost beyond compare of any other pistol I've shot. I took it out this past weekend and ran about 100 rounds through it. Right out of the box it was virtually spot on. Several friends of mine who compete in pistol matches all tried it and were highly impressed with the accuracy of it. I intend on honing my pistol skills with this Kimber as it is rock solid, accurate, and a pleasure to shoot. If you are at all interested in purchasing a 1911 model pistol, this is one that should be at the top of your list to look at. While Kimbers can be a bit pricier than other 1911 models, in my view they are well worth it.

by the way...one of my local guns hops just got 1 of these in...i saved about 400 dollars buying it from Buds

This is my 1st 1911 and i must say its a sweet gun...the trigger is light and follow up shots are fast and accurate...wish it came with at least 1 more clip. Buds is awesome! they sent me an email to keep me informed every step of the way. Once my check cleared the pistol got to my FFL in 3 days!....now I just have to wait 10 days (lame CA laws) and its mine forever!