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Kimber EDC?

6.8K views 12 replies 11 participants last post by  DeltaShooter  
#1 ·
Just a quick question,

Been on the fence about getting a Kimber Compact CDP II for EDC, or something a little less cheap like an ultra carry II.
Any of you carry or own a kimber compact cdp II and or ultra carry II? The compact CDP II seems to me, to be a perfect carry gun with a 4" barrel and an officer size frame. I held an ultra at my LGS and the kimber officer frames fit perfect in my hands.

But I'm wondering how it is for carry and how well it can take a beatin' please throw in your 2c.

Thanks,
Jon
 
#4 ·
Why General Discussion? You're asking about a Kimber. Moving to the Kimber section of the forum.
 
#5 ·
I bought the super carry ultra HD to carry. I also have a solo. Make sure you spend a good amount of time looking through the threads before you buy, to make sure you make the right choice. There is a lot of good info on here.
 
#6 ·
I have a Pro CDP and an Ultra CDP. I carried the Pro, then splurged and got the Ultra. I have to say, the Ultra made a noticeable and more comfortable difference. But, I could carry the Pro everyday and be ok. Again, depending on what you wear, any gun will be cool.

The slightly smaller Ultra really did make a difference to me as far as concealment/print. I use a Supertuck from Crossbreed.

But, I just got an Ed Brown Kobra Carry which is similar in size to the Pro CDP, so I am obviously ok carrying that size too!

Here is the Pro-->

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#7 ·
Since no one has addressed the Compact, for the reason you mentioned, it's a great carry size. Many would say the best of both worlds.

I'm not sure though if you just mixed up words, but the CDP isn't cheap or inexpensive compared to an Ultra Carry. The CDP has a lot more features which is why the higher price. Functionally there's really no "lesser" quality Kimber, just less features.
 
#8 · (Edited)
The only real difference I see between say a compact stainless II an ultra carry II compared to a compact CDP II is a few minor things. Other than them not having the same night sights as the CDP the rest is not much of an issue.
front strap checking and trigger guard checkering, ambi safety and rubber rather than wood grips. That's the only difference as far as I am concerned between the CDP and the cheaper line from Kimber.

So is, lets say $400 worth night sights, ambi safety, and a little more checking for grip?
 
#9 · (Edited)
I highly recommend either of the Kimber 4" Compact models for EDC. My Compact is an older pre-Series II, and has heavier frontstrap checkering than current Kimbers, but it is essentially a CDP. Yes, the 4" top-end on a lightweight officer's frame makes for a near perfect size, and weight, of 1911 for concealed carry, in my opinion. I go another step further and add SLIM grips for the narrower profile (I also trim the levers on the thumb safety/s). I am left-handed, and I have good luck with Kimber's ambi-safetys.

If you figure what it costs to swap night-sights onto a Kimber, and what most places charge to checker the frontstrap on a 1911, the difference in price is easily worth it (I would put it closer to $300-ish). Do you need those features???
I don't have to have frontstrap checkering on any sized .45acp, nor do I insist that my sights must be NIGHT-sights... however, such features are certainly welcome on a pistol that I carry for emergency purposes. I must admit the CDP line of Kimbers are some of the best styled/designed 1911s intended for concealed carry use.

But again, I feel most of these CCO-sized lightweight 1911 compacts from quality manufacturers are great carry gun options.
My Kimber Compact seems to be my most accurate COMPACT/carry 1911, its functioning is excellent, and I can even shoot it comfortably using +P rounds. It is my current carry gun, as I have gotten past worrying about it getting "carry wear-and-tear".
I would seriously watch Gunbroker for good price comparisons, and I have seen the CDPs sell in the $900-$1050 range.
 
#12 ·
I have an ultra carry ii. Got tactical wedges on amazon for $95 and locally installed for $40 same day. High noon down under holstet at 5:30. Got their belt too which made a huge difference as well.

I think its their most inexpensive pistol. 3 inch barrel. Comfy in any position and easy to draw. Been using this setup for a while now and finish is getting a little wear from the holster which i dont mind considering the purpose but if you spend extra for something pretty might be an issue.

Ive shot a handful if 1911's and a bunch of other handguns for recreation. Certainly no gun expert at all. This is my 2nd firearm purchased after my business was robbed while employee was in bathroom and i wanted an all time conceals 1911.

If you do some googling a lot of people question the reliability of 3 inchers. It's probably because they are or at least mine is really prone to limp wristing malfunctions. Thumb on safety grip helps. I even wrap my weak hand pointer around the trigger guard. Perfect operation this way.

Ive watched shooters with way more experience than me get through a few clips then start having failures and think something was wrong with it. Probably just started loosening up a little bit. Pick up a full size and it would be fire just fine. Swith back and couldnt get threw a clip. Also suprised at the kick. Really not that bad. Physics of the shortness of the barrel.

If you watch some limp wristing examples on youtube some guns are really prone and sum are not. This one is super prone and it took a while to figure it out. I just mention this because for a while reliability was a big issue and thats exactly what you dont want in a carry.

Flawless if the slide moves straight back on the frame. Light too. Accurate as the shooter is at a respectable range.
If something happened to this one i'd go straight back to the store and buy another.
 
#13 ·
I carry and shoot my Ultra CDP II a lot. Reliability has never been an issue after the first 100 rounds. It's relatively easy to conceal and the night sights are great, as well as dead on. It is also unbelievably accurate. If one of these fits in your hand well and feels right, buy it. It is also much easier to conceal than the full length grip, 4" guns.