The Rohrbaugh Forum

Miscellaneous => The Water Cooler -- General Discussions => Topic started by: the_skunk on March 16, 2011, 04:14:33 PM

Title: Kimber Solo
Post by: the_skunk on March 16, 2011, 04:14:33 PM
Does anyone have any info on this gun.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: kjtrains on March 16, 2011, 04:19:52 PM
Here's one that just sold; well, on the 16th.


http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=218387217

Here's a video on the takedown and reassembly if you're interested.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m46w2bwEE9s
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: the_skunk on March 17, 2011, 10:11:22 PM
I like the gun, and Buds had them at $680. But I wonder if buying the first batch is a smart move?

At least it's a new design. Most guns today are juts Philipine copies of the 1911
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: Reinz on March 18, 2011, 10:31:58 PM
Quote
I like the gun But I wonder if buying the first batch is a smart move?

I hear ya, reveiws sure have been mixed.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: tracker on March 18, 2011, 10:35:17 PM

It looks and feels good but I wouldn't touch it for awhile.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: Reinz on March 18, 2011, 10:41:43 PM
I agree with Tracker totally.

Look at Ruger, known as the King of reliability.  Their last 3 pistols out of 4 (not the LC9 - yet) has been recalled.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: chameleon on March 19, 2011, 08:40:17 AM
I know there is a price difference between the R9 and the Solo, but when I handled the Solo it just didn't feel well made. This is my opinion and I was looking at hundreds of guns, but I did not do back flips when I handled it.The refinement on the R9 is not likely to be found on a production gun.

So, if the Solo functions well and there are no huge issues with the design( and that is great advise to wait to buy one) then you would consider the cost and buy one.
I have an R9, so I'll stick with it and would love to have another.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: Reinz on March 19, 2011, 04:54:27 PM
Quote
I know there is a price difference between the R9 and the Solo, but when I handled the Solo it just didn't feel well made. This is my opinion and I was looking at hundreds of guns, but I did not do back flips when I handled it.The refinement on the R9 is not likely to be found on a production gun.

So, if the Solo functions well and there are no huge issues with the design( and that is great advise to wait to buy one) then you would consider the cost and buy one.
I have an R9, so I'll stick with it and would love to have another.

This carries a lot of weight for me, coming from Chameleon.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: chameleon on March 19, 2011, 07:09:31 PM
I'm serious that we should hold off buying a new model, first off the price is high and tends to settle down a bit, then there is the growing pains and the factory improvements.
I am in total agreement to what the Skunk said earlier.

I was at the SHOT Show when I handled the Solo, so as I stated I really did look at hundreds of guns. Edges felt sharp and overall feel wasn't there.

I have one Kimber 1911, it is and has been great and it's finish was tops, the Solo to me fell short of my expectations.
Wait a year before purchasing one.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: Reinz on March 19, 2011, 07:21:11 PM
Quote
I'm serious that we should hold off buying a new model, first off the price is high and tends to settle down a bit, then there is the growing pains and the factory improvements.
I am in total agreement to what the Skunk said earlier.

I was at the SHOT Show when I handled the Solo, so as I stated I really did look at hundreds of guns. Edges felt sharp and overall feel wasn't there.

I have one Kimber 1911, it is and has been great and it's finish was tops, the Solo to me fell short of my expectations.
Wait a year before purchasing one.


Sad to hear this about Kimber - especially for the SHOT SHOW!

Back in the semi-early days of Kimber coming on strong with all the custom shop variations of 1911's, I owned over 30 of them.  Fit and finish were top notch.
  That was before the tax man found me!  :o  Now I just have a few.

I know Kimber is capable of making the Solo right, like Chameleon says, "wait a year".
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: tracker on March 19, 2011, 08:52:28 PM

There is an interesting comparison and contrast between the opening market salvo of the R9 and Solo. Many of us ordered the R9 sight unseen and waited 1-2 yrs. for delivery and now we seem to be in tacit agreement to wait a year to consider the Solo. Rohrbaugh seems to be very adept at baiting the hook. This is an over simplification and two entirely different products but maybe the concealed carry weapon supply is outrunning demand for now.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: the_skunk on March 22, 2011, 04:12:23 PM
Rohrbaugh is run by a machinist/gunsmith   ..... these other companies are run by advertising executives

I am having a feeding problem with a new Sig p232, and the service dept is clueless. I get more out of a Dell tech guy in India
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: tracker on March 22, 2011, 04:36:33 PM
I agree with you. Although a lot of purists turn up their nose at Kel-Tec, George Kellgren, the owner and engineer might be in the same league as the Rohrbaughs and Larry Seecamp. He certainly has engineered some creative weapons.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: chameleon on March 22, 2011, 07:47:05 PM
Quote
I agree with you. Although a lot of purists turn up their nose at Kel-Tec, George Kellgren, the owner and engineer might be in the same league as the Rohrbaughs and Larry Seecamp. He certainly has engineered some creative weapons.

There is no question that Mr. Kellgren is a pioneer in the firearm industry.He certainly has my respect and like you said, he's the real deal, the other big manufacture guys are more into marketing. (lying)
Seecamp, Rohrbaugh, Kellgren work on their product, know it, fix it and sell it.
I wish they built cars.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: kjtrains on March 22, 2011, 09:12:19 PM
Well, I've never owned a Kel Tec; but have come close to getting the Kel Tec .308; may do that yet.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: Z on March 22, 2011, 09:38:49 PM
I have not had a good experience with the KELTEC product.

I had to return 3 out of 3 P32 to get them to run properly
I had to return 1 out of 2 P380 to get it to run properly.

I finally gave up, traded them all and started collecting PUPs.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: kjtrains on March 22, 2011, 09:52:31 PM
Ouch!  That's not good to hear.  I was really leaning toward the Kel Tec .308.  
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: Z on March 22, 2011, 09:58:23 PM
Please don't let my experience halt your purchase.

There are many people I know that have good experience with their KELTEC.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: kjtrains on March 22, 2011, 10:02:45 PM
I'll continue to talk to folks who have a .308 and get their thoughts.  Thanks for the kind words.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: Reinz on March 23, 2011, 05:17:32 PM
Quote
Ouch!  That's not good to hear.  I was really leaning toward the Kel Tec .308.  

Yes, please do not loose heart in Kel-Tec.

As I have stated in another post, I have had less problems(0) with all of my Kel-Tecs combined than my one R9.  And I have fired thousands of rounds downrange with each of them:

(2) 32's
(2)380's
(1) PF9
(1)P11
(1)9mm Carbine

I did not start hearing of Kel-Tec problems until the CCW craze  hit and the intro of the 380 and PF9 at the same time.
 
And like most companies, when production ramps up, QC goes down, unfortunately
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: kjtrains on March 23, 2011, 07:24:35 PM
Reinz.  I'm still going to pursue the Kel-Tec .308; like the looks and have heard no complaints on this particular weapon; so it's still a go.  Thanks for the encouragement.  
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: Reinz on March 24, 2011, 12:52:29 AM
Yeah, that .308 rocks!
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: kjtrains on March 24, 2011, 02:07:12 PM
That's what I'm hoping.    :)
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: Z on March 24, 2011, 02:22:56 PM
Are you ready to order one yet Ken?
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: kjtrains on March 24, 2011, 02:28:40 PM
I'm still looking and talking about the .308.  
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: Z on March 24, 2011, 02:45:41 PM
Good luck in your decision.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: kjtrains on March 24, 2011, 03:03:20 PM
Thanks.  I'm in no big hurry.    :)
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: Reinz on March 24, 2011, 03:13:40 PM
Yeah, that's the key, don't get in a hurry.

That way, hopefully you won't leave money on the table.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: kjtrains on March 24, 2011, 03:17:09 PM
Don't won't to make a snap decision; especially for something I really don't need.    :)
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: Reinz on March 24, 2011, 03:47:07 PM
Every gun guy NEEDS at least one .308.

And/or

At least one Bullpup.

Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: Dino on March 24, 2011, 03:59:28 PM
Hey KJ, between my two son's and myself we have had 1 P32 and 5 P380's.  My son did have one P380 that was bought with a very rough bore, almost like it was not finished.  I sent just the barrel back and received a new one in less than two weeks.

No other problems with the rest.  It is a nice back up gun, very very easy to carry and who cares if you scratch it?
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: Reinz on March 24, 2011, 04:04:42 PM
Quote
who cares if you scratch it?


The great benefit of Drastic Plastic.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: the_skunk on March 24, 2011, 08:16:54 PM
Knowing that Kel-Tec has a real gunsmith behind the gun makes a difference.

I talked with Larry Seecamp, and he is a genuis. These companies like sig sauer are run by New York sharpies, that know advertising, and stock market valuation hype. But know notrhing about machining and guns.

I just can't buy a plastic gun
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: chameleon on March 24, 2011, 09:13:37 PM
Quote
Knowing that Kel-Tec has a real gunsmith behind the gun makes a difference.

I talked with Larry Seecamp, and he is a genuis. These companies like sig sauer are run by New York sharpies, that know advertising, and stock market valuation hype. But know notrhing about machining and guns.

I just can't buy a plastic gun

I've never owned a small plastic gun, I have one Glock left in my small armament.I have stated many times that I bought an LWS 32 long before any of the copy cats came out and there was no need to try anything different after that.

Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: Z on March 24, 2011, 09:14:01 PM
All guns have their place. Good or bad.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: kjtrains on March 24, 2011, 11:03:28 PM
I didn't like Glocks for a long time because of the looks; now have two; really do like 'em; a Glock 33 .357 Sig, and a Glock 17, Gen 4 with night sights; coolest thing, those night sights.    :)
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: the_skunk on March 26, 2011, 10:10:39 AM
Quote

I've never owned a small plastic gun, I have one Glock left in my small armament.I have stated many times that I bought an LWS 32 long before any of the copy cats came out and there was no need to try anything different after that.



The first thing that struck me about Raughbauh was it was all metal.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: kjtrains on March 26, 2011, 11:00:45 AM
And that's a good thing; I like that as well.  
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: Z on March 26, 2011, 11:16:30 AM
I did not know I liked an all metal gun until I started buying Rohrbaughs.

I sold off most om my polymer guns and replaced them with metal guns.

I still cannot give up my M&P 9 though.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: kjtrains on March 29, 2011, 06:50:19 PM
Quote
I did not know I liked an all metal gun until I started buying Rohrbaughs.

I sold off most om my polymer guns and replaced them with metal guns.

I still cannot give up my M&P 9 though.

And you shouldn't; one fine gun.  I have an M & P as well.  No one is getting it.  It has a really good feel that even the new Glock doesn't have; still like the Glock, though.    :)
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: T-Wayne on April 02, 2011, 10:47:52 AM
One thing I did not like about the Solo Carry is the VERY slim thumb safety.  I'm a 1911 guy; carry cocked and locked with confidence, and instinctively release the thumb safety when I draw.  But I handled a Solo three weeks back and IMHO, during a panicked draw it will be easy to choke on the Solo's thumb safety - even with a lot of practice.  Darn thing is too narrow... for my taste, anyway.  YMMV

Of course, the Solo can be carried with the safety off, as the trigger pull is about 7 lb.; but if a gun is manufactured to be carried with the safety on, I personally would not carry it otherwise.  Just my $.02 - others, I'm sure, will disagree.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: Z on April 02, 2011, 11:08:20 AM
Ken, I sold all my Glocks when the M&P line came out. I always liked the reliability of the Glock product, just not the feel in my hand. I feel the M&P has the same reliability in a more comfortable package! :)

As for the Solo and Sig 239, I feel they both have a small thumb safety. They are nice looking guns, just not for me.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: kjtrains on April 02, 2011, 01:41:02 PM
I still like the Glocks though; they're going to stay; and how I used to despise their looks; now, not bad at all.

Now I'm going to have to find a Silver Solo!    :)
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: Z on April 02, 2011, 03:12:51 PM
Good luck! :)

I will let you know if I come across one.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: kjtrains on April 02, 2011, 03:21:06 PM
Not sure I want one; just have to find it and look it over.    ;)
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: Z on April 02, 2011, 03:42:58 PM
I don't blame you. I would want to see it for myself too!
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: kjtrains on April 02, 2011, 07:26:05 PM
After Toad's problem with the mag, I will probably pass on the Solo even though it was holster related.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: Z on April 02, 2011, 07:34:22 PM
It is somthing that could happen in a good holster with that style mag release!
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: tracker on April 02, 2011, 07:53:57 PM

After a second look, that is quite an extended mag release. The problem cited by Toad would never occur on a Glock.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: AmmoToad on April 02, 2011, 08:48:25 PM
Once I get the two Galco holsters made specifically for the SOLO, I’ll reassess.  The button isn’t easy to push, but you are right Tracker, that would never happen on a Glock.  Carry a G27 quite often with a clipdraw and have never accidently released the magazine.  It even has an extended mag release.  Taking the SOLO to the range tomorrow for another 200 rounds.  I’ll write a quick report on how it performs.  Going try some Georgia Arms ammo in it.  
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: tracker on April 02, 2011, 09:23:59 PM

Thanks for your take on this, Toad; very helpful.
Title: Re: Kimber Solo
Post by: kjtrains on April 02, 2011, 09:38:34 PM
I've also reaccessed my want for the Solo; I'll take another look, though.