who carries the Kimber solo

[porktaco]

Just wondering how many folks carry the Kimber solo with all of its reports of FTF and FTE. I really like the size and "1911" attributes to the gun, but my carry gun has to fire - EVERY time. I carry a g26, but would like to get something smaller for summertime carry. I think it's down to the sig p938 and the Kimber solo. Any input/ suggestions about the two would be appreciated!

 

[maine04619]

Kimbers are great advertisers of fair firearms at high prices.

 

[mitts]

I have the sig 238 and love it, plan on 938 as my next purchase very soon

 

[Lowjiber]

My range-buddy, who is a big Kimber fan, made the mistake of ordering a Solo when they first came out. Now, after four trips back to Kimber, he can get about five rounds to fire before a failure. We had it at the range last month, and the guys were taking bets on how many rounds would fire before failing.

I wouldn't carry one if you gave it to me.

 

[Pir8fan]

Just wondering how many folks carry the Kimber solo with all of its reports of FTF and FTE. I really like the size and "1911" attributes to the gun, but my carry gun has to fire - EVERY time. I carry a g26, but would like to get something smaller for summertime carry. I think it's down to the sig p938 and the Kimber solo. Any input/ suggestions about the two would be appreciated!

I looked closely at the Solo and Ultra Carry II. I went with the UC II (.45 acp) because it will fire anything I put through it. I've had no problems with anything from 165gr low-recoil SD ammo to 230 gr ball ammo. The Solo is specifically designed for high-end self defense ammo. Kimber even tells you this in thier instruction manual. The one I tried routinely malfunctioned when I used ball ammo. SD ammo is just too expensive to practice with so I decided against the Solo.

 

[Mudgun83]

I own a Kimber Solo and a Sig P938.
The Solo is a beautiful pistol, and mine has been flawless. I clean it faithfully after each outing at the range, and use Militec to lube it. I routinely practice with 115gr FMJ with no malfunctions, and was carrying with Hornaday Critical Defense before recently switching to DRT. I carry it with an extended mag. The gun is extremely accurate, but there is a bit of a bite to the recoil, as would be expected.
I had the Solo about 10 months when the P938 came out. I had liked my P238 so much that I wanted the 938 as well, and to date I have put about 300 rounds through the P938, and clean it also after each use.
Three days ago I shot the two side by side as I was having trouble deciding which I preferred to carry. Put about 60 rounds through each gun, shooting two-handed, strong hand only, and weak hand only. IMO, the Sig is a bit less snappy and settled back on target a bit more readily between shots. I had no malfunctions with either gun. For now, I intend to carry the Sig as primary because I like the 1911 ergonomics, and the Sig night sights, while my Solo has the 3 dot white sights, but not night. Both have the Crimson Trace laser grips.
Bottom line - both are superb, small pistols with 9MM firepower, IMO. I am confident carrying either, and practice with both.

 

[wizard]

I would go with the Sig. I don't like the way the Kimber twists in my hand while shooting, the front strap is way too slippery! I have to say I have not experienced any failures with the kimber, I just don't like the way it feels so slippery. When I can spare the funds I will be buying a Sig 938.

mudgun83, thanks for the side by side review of both firearms!

 

[TheDoaner]

I'm a big Kimber fan. If I had to choose between the Sig P938 and the Solo...I'd take the Sig everytime and twice on Sunday. The Solo gets a lot good press but most people have never seen one in real life. It's like spotting 2 really good looking heterosexual girls on the same motorcycle; it happens but just not every day.

 

[Mudgun83]

TheDoaner,
It's a tough choice. I'm a big Sig guy. I have a P225 that stays at home, and had a P238 before the Solo and P938 came out. The Solo is a very elegant little pistol - very smooth lines, less likely to snag than the 938, and has a reaaaaallllly smooth trigger pull for a DAO gun (albeit a bit long). The Sig is more utiliitarian in looks, and the trigger pull seems a bit shorter and breaks more sharply, but I'm more used to that. Both are very concealable, and have almost identical dimensions and weight. One other slight item for me in favor of the Sig is that I am a lefty. The nub on the Solo's right side grip that actually houses the Crimson Trace laser light is directly ahead of and same level as the right side ambi safety. Takes some practice to sweep the safety down smoothly without the laser nub interfering. No such problem on the Sig, as the laser is mounted under the barrel.

 

[porktaco]

Thanks for all the input! I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences with one or both pistols. I might actually be able to handle a 938 tomorrow, as there is a gun show in town. I have tried gun shops in a fifty mile radius- and they all say that they are expecting to get some in "any day now" (one local gun shop told me they were on order, but not to expect to see one at the shop until after the first of the year!!!)