***** Everything ive found says the SIS was produced for 2 years and ceased production/sales on 1 Jan 10. I was looking at the box and the label has a June 2016 date and its the correct box w/ matching serial numbers. I cant call Kimber till Monday but the date question is really bugging me. Anyone have anymore info on the timeline?? thanks again. *****


im not a Kimber fan by any means but I traded for a like new, Kimber SIS custom .45, full size, no rail, flattop, night sights, ambi safety, 4 mags, box and all paperwork. They are apparently a rarish pistol and only produced for 2 years bc of some BS controversy. there is very little first hand info that I can find, so im wondering if any of you have any experience, knowledge or issues with this pistol? I picked it up mainly for trade fodder. any thoughts?? thanks in advance.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bolo4tom,

I had one for several years before thinning my herd. It is a VERY nice 1911. I kept the Kimber classic and let the SIS go because I was offered more for it. You will enjoy it.

Good looker! I've had 10 Kimbers all have shot well. Enjoy your Kimber.

When I saw a writeup on that gun long ago my first question was how effective the large “SIS” gripping ridges on the slide would be if one’s hands were at all slippery. The corners of the edges look somewhat rounded to me as well.
But if there were no complaints ….

I had one and it was a very nice gun. For me it had the same problem all Kimber handguns had: Issues with JHPs. Now since this was supposed to be an "SIS" special the problem with JHPs was magnified for me. I have fixed the problem in my other Kimbers which I used for USPSA Limited 10 (A Raptor and Eclipse) but it just pissed me off too much for the SIS so I sold it. It did function fine with ball ammo and it was a great looking gun.

quote:

Originally posted by sigfreund:
When I saw a writeup on that gun long ago my first question was how effective the large “SIS” gripping ridges on the slide would be if one’s hands were at all slippery. The corners of the edges look somewhat rounded to me as well.
But if there were no complaints ….

I don’t own one but got to shoot one and I remember the ridges being a little slick. It was super accurate and shot very well. Nice purchase!

The only info I have is that the LAPD S.I.S dumped them after a year or so due to problems with reliability.

But it has an attraction for folks that like Kimbers. And brings a premium over other models too. Good luck! Regards 18DAI

KIMBER produced the SIS in the Custom 5" initially, then released the Pro 4" and Ultra 3". Use "history of the Kimber SIS pistol" as search terms. Here's just one... https://www.tactical-life.com/...-kimber-sis-45-acps/

They were intended to commemorate the LAPD Special Investigations unit. Think "Bosch", he may carry one in the series. Sales eventually were opened up for the general public. Some ignorant politicians got upset that .45acp pistols meant for LAPD were going public. So KIMBER stopped production. They are 'rare' for that reason. They usually command a high dollar on gunbroker. You found a nice example.

Many of the KIMBER special editions are produced for relatively short periods. They're the same inside as their other pistols, with different exterior finishes and slide treatments. Two of our local shops are KIMBER distributors. They tell me that KIMBER actually doesn't have a "Custom Shop" as some of the slides reflect. Their production line just spends more time in fitting.

Early production pistols were jhp problematic. That seems to have been resolved. I have three 1911 pistols which have all functioned reliably on jhp right out of the box.

Kimber’ can be hit or miss. The haters seem to outnumber the followers. I think they are the most creative especially when it comes to gripping serrations (Raptor series). I have almost pulled the trigger on few but refrained due to quality feedback on their 1911’s. FWIW, LAPD SIS rank & file edc the Glock 30S

I almost bought one but the slippery "frying pan finish" made it feel too slick, to my hand. I didn't think I would be able to reliably grip the slide if my hands were anything less than completely clean and dry. I was interested in it because "rare" and "cool".

Bruce

thank you ALL for the info. the Kimber is a well built gun and it is a bit slick when racking the slide. I picked it up as trade fodder, so that's likely what will happen with it. thanks

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