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I have a Kimber Stainless II (internal extractor) Full size.

the only thing is I have grown weary of her almost. my next purchase will either be a new 1911, or revamping my Kimber.
Is it worth it? I know you either love Kimbers or hate them, but id like to know what some of the pros here think?

Id like to put nightsights on her, which seems to be very pricey so far. I also really like the black finishes, (armor kote?), Of course id love some checkering, some new nice custom wood grips, and all of the "inferior" parts replaced in the pistol. (like the plastic mainspring housing)

Am I running a bill pretty high here? There is just no way I could afford one of these gorgeous custom caspians, or colts at 2 grand or so, would this be a less expensive route? Or would I be digging myself into a hole?



Edit to add: Sorry if this post is unaceptable as per the forum rules, (I dont think it is) But i'm just trying to plan my next purchase

For my part, no problem using a Kimber as a base gun. Cost-wise totally depends on how far you want to go-- what you've mentioned sofar has you in the 'hood of $500 I think.

oh wow! Thanks Ned.

Well Ive got 200 in savings to spend, and as soon as tax returns are through next month Im using that as well, and maybe ill put the difference on the credit card, along with some money from my 22nd birthday next month.. I will say that I am VERY impressed by "the finest colt ever commissioned"

And, "a gentlemans colt"

But I doubt I could afford engraving on my budget, at least not soon!


So, rather than using the Kimber I was thinking about picked up either a Caspian frame/slide, or a Colt, or maybe a springfield.

I do want something very original though, I really would like a Colt Series 70 but I want every aspect of the gun to be personal, and I'm not sure I could get a nice series 70, especially not new. Then I have to worry about the fact that if its a used gun is it still "personal?"

These are just issues I have to figure out before I delve into it. the Kimber was my first handgun I had ever bought, so it does have meaning, I am just starting to think that maybe I should keep it the way it is.

I was thinking a pistol along the lines of the two posts mentioned above, but without ivory grips, (some darker wood) and of course, for financial reasons no engraving.
I am thinking about sticking with another 5" since it is more true to the original design. Although a commander sized sounds tempting, and the gun will probably be carried, but for some an expensive, and special project to work on I want it to be carriable, but also traditional. Dark bluing, etc. So, well see! I hear good things about completley custom Caspians, as well as Colts so I am torn. I know the colt will be more true to "historic" meaning than a Caspian. But I will let you guys know as soon as I have the money and a better idea! Thanks!

Save up $3000 or more if you want "original".

Yeah, I have noticed that "smooth one"

In the for sale ads on this site, the caspian is beautiful! I love it! I would love to have that pistol, but blued. Yet again, then I lose the "originality" of starting from scratch with everything exactly as I would want.

I was on the caspian site and this is sort of what I had in mind:



I dont think I would really need the ported barrel and slide, but another option I was considering was a 10mm, which I would assume (correct me if I am wrong) that a 10mm would do well with a ported barrel.

From what i can see on the Caspian site, the pistols need a lot of fit and finish work before they are even functioning. Which I am also assuming, the price comes from the machine work that must be done to even get the pistol in working order.

The scary thing is that I have $3,000 left over from a student loan, Ive got a little angel on one shoulder, and a little devil on the other.

Anyway, even on that Caspian I posted above, there are still some things I would change on it, like the grip safety, and the mainspring housing, but its close to what I would like. Id also like to have the "Caspian" logo on the left hand side of the slide, (like the one in the for sale ads) And I wouldnt want the front cocking serrations. .

Would it be less expensive to contact Yo-Bo or Ned or someone and have a pistol build from a base gun like a Colt? Or to go from scratch with the caspian? (I am assuming that they order the parts for me, and then build it, or do I have to order them and send them to them?)

Anyway, I dont think Ill get an "all-in-one" gun, because there are plenty of variations id like to have!

At your age and on your budget, I would get with Mr. Christiansen and let him make your Kimber your "personal gun". Do not go overboard, but maybe use a little of your loan money. Nightsites, trigger job, grip safety...the basics. Later you can get a full house. I have a colt commander and a para p14 that are custom, but neiother is a true full house. I will get one before I retire from my department!!!!! I just dont know how yet.