Did kimber quit producing whole pistols in rimfire in favor of the conversion kits? I have an early GET and wanted something a little nicer.
Any other recommendations?

I was able to find a Kimber 1911 in 17mach2 at a pawn shop for $400 or so.

They stopped making the .17s a while ago because they had problems with them.
I haven't figured out what the problems were supposed to be just yet.

If the .22 is any where near as much fun, I don't think you'll be disappointed.