Kimber Solo 9mm

[DGunslinger]

Today was the first time to the range for my new Kimber Solo (17oz).

I shot 50 rounds of American Eagle & 50 rounds of Sellier & Bellot 9mm Luger 115grn FMJ.

The Solo went BANG every time & we had NO gun or ammo issues!!

When shot at 21' the Solo is very accurate (3" groups no problem & I am no expert).

Solo recoil & muzzle flip is less than my Seecamp 380 (11.5oz) and just slightly more than my S&W 669 9mm (26oz).

The magazine release & safety are both easy to operate with one hand, left or right.

Twice the magazine dropped out when I first started firing. I adjusted my grip so that my hand did not contact the mag release and I experienced no more unplanned magazine releases.

This is a gun I can shoot often because of the light recoil and with a few more good range performances it will become my primary carry.

My Seecamp 380 will still get to ride with me but it looks like it will be moving from the right front pocket to the left front or a rear pocket.

I sure like small ALL METAL AMERICAN made guns!!

DG

[tracker]

Welcome, DG, and thanks for the report. It sounds like a terrific pistol but the inadvertent mag release could be a potential issue in a stressful CCW situation.

[DGunslinger]

The mag release is not "sensitive" by any means. It takes quite an intentional push to make it work. However with my hand sitting on top of it, the recoil must have caused it to release. I would bet I developed my death grip as a result of learning to control my 380 Seecamp which recoils/kicks like a mule.

Just like the Kimber safety which needs to be disengaged prior to shooting or my grip not to high or get bit by the slide, the proper grip (hand off mag release) will become second nature.

I did grip hard (no limp wrist) so that was not an issue, but I would imagine that the Kimber like the Rohrbaugh & Seecamp
would need a firm grip to cycle properly.
My guess is that the range reports about failure to feed and eject are due to "Limp Wrist" more than using 115grn vs the preferred 124grn.

I talked with the range master about the mag release and was shown how to grip the gun so it will not be an issue. My modified grip will work on larger guns also so it will be my new go to grip.

Now on my Seecamp or any gun you might want to carry in the back pocket (sit on) I can totally appreciate the heel release.

I used to compare the heel mag release on my Seecamp with the NAA 380 (much heavier but all metal) and admired the apparent ease of a quick reload of the NAA. Now I wonder if the NAA 32 or 380 has issues with back pocket carry and its side mag release?

DG

[tracker]

One way to avoid an accidental Solo mag release is to practice and shoot one-handed; not a bad plan anyway.

[DGunslinger]

Good thought tracker.

Not knowing what to expect (recoil etc) and knowing I was not using the heavier 124grn + suggested, I went for the two handed death grip to make sure the gun stayed put and cycled properly with the 115grn.

Next range session I will give both hands a one handed practice session.


DG

[tracker]

Please keep us posted.

[yankee2500]

Absolutely keep us updated on the Solo, I'm waiting on the all silver models to appear.

[kjtrains]

Not that I'll get a Solo, but do like the silver.

[AmmoToad]

Welcome to the forum DG.  Sounds like another good experience with the SOLO.  I have been able to shoot 115gr JHP through mine, but have had issues with cheap, target 115gr ammo (Winchester white box, Georgia Arms reloads, etc..).  I’m certain that it’s not a matter of how I grip the gun.  In fact, I purposely limp wristed it with some premium ammo and had no issues.  Did same with my R9 when I first got it and couldn’t get the thing to malfunction no matter how hard I tried.  I agree that the mag release does take some effort to operate, but I did have one come loose in a IWB holster.  I blame that on the holster though.  Is it possible you didn’t have the magazine seated all the way?  On a full mag, it takes some effort to seat.  I’ve shot about 25% of my rounds to date one handed and the gun worked great.  I’ve got 350+ rounds through mine and plan to take it out this weekend too.  So far, I am pleased with it.  It is accurate, dependable (with recommended ammo), and not a bad looking piece.  Please keep us posted on your experience with yours.  

[Josey Wales]

Was in surgery yesterday for carpal tunnel on my right hand
The magician was able to do it laparoscopically so my down time will be lessened.
Got the call yesterday at 6:00pm that my Solo had come in
It will have to wait till Monday to get her.....and longer to test.  Thanks to my Brethren here to whom I trust, you have helped me to decide that I will indeed pick it up.

I am thinking that a thicker grip on this firearm may be the ticket for the mag dropping, there is one guy out there making wood grips a little thicker than the factory ones but I want VZ.  I am sold on VZ grips and have them on several of my babys. With my bad hands they help considerately with gripping my firearms.

Thanks you guys for the reports on the Solo, I will give mine as soon as I am able, maybe a left handed version?

I ordered a holster.

http://www.shop.gimagclip.com/cartgenie/images/large/AmStatesmanslim1.jpg

http://www.shop.gimagclip.com/

American Statesmen Slim IWB
I am feeling better already!

[Josey Wales]

I just fired my Solo for the first time today since having Carpal Tunnel surgery on my right hand the day before I picked mine up, April 8th.
I oiled the mag release, and put a couple drops of militec on each rail. Only 50 rnds and with my left hand.
Sellior and Belliot 124 grain ball 22rounds
Remington HD 124 grain H/P 7 rounds
Winchester Bonded PDX1 147 grain H/P 7 rounds
Federal Premium Hydroshock 135 grain H/P 7 rounds
Speer Gold Dot 147 grain H/P 7 rounds
NO failures of any kind.
Little bit of kick but not un manageable will be nice to get the extended mags, no problem getting 6th round in mag at any time, even using my gimpy hand. No problem using the mag release it seemed right on for me. Used the slide release to chamber first round , no problems smooth as silk with each brand of ammo. Trigger was clean and crisp, Noticed minor finish wear on inside bottom of dust cover.
I think it is a keeper, but will need more testing. J.W.

[kjtrains]

Thanks for the update on your Solo, JW.   Does sound like a keeper; hope your right hand is back to normal soon.

[DGunslinger]

Kimber sole (early production) up date.

After about 500+ rounds. I sent the gun back to Kimber. The magazine would release for no go reason during firing (not my grip) all to many times. I also got a couple of light strikes. I sent the Solo back to Kimber. The Kimber smith worked the gun and sent it back. I then put another 500+ rounds through the gun and got way to many failure to fire's. The black coating on the frame was wearing off to easily in my pocket holster. I sent the Solo  back to Kimber and asked for a refund.
I has enough of unreliable. The Kimber gun smith confirmed my issues with the gun for the second time.

To my surprise Kimber offered a 100% refund but asked if I would like to test one of the new stainless models. I was told to run as many rounds through the gun as I could and if within a year it did not meet my expectations just mail it back for a 100% no questions asked refund. WOW was I surprised with the customer service.
I debated the transfer fee cost vs just giving up on the Solo and gave in to the trial offer.

I really did want the all stainless and had planned to sell my early production once the all stainless became available.
Last weekend I broke in the new Solo with 50 rounds of 124grn and then started feeding it every odd 9mm I had in my old ammo boxes. After about 500 rounds (no cleaning in between) 115 grain, 124 grain, 147 grain, +P, reloads, jacketed, full metal and any thing else I could chamber in the gun. I was once again in love.

Very manageable recoil, nice groups and not one single issue. What really surprised me is when I just fired as fast as I could, the Kimber Solo out shot my full size
Smith & Wesson 669. I suspect it was the nice sights on the solo and the striker fire mechanism that helped to make that happen. My 16 year old son also shot the Solo and  found it to be surprisingly accurate (shooting at 50ft). I will say that both of our hands were a bit sore after all that shooting.

The Kimber solo is now riding back in my weak hand front pocket until it gets a little more range time. My S&W 669 340pd is still my strong hand pocket carry gun but given more range time I am thinking the Kimber may just get a promotion to primary pocket carry.

P.S. Always room in my back pocket for my little 380 Seecamp!

[tracker]

Great success story of patience and persistence, DG; thanks for sharing.

[kjtrains]

Kimber sole (early production) up date.

After about 500+ rounds. I sent the gun back to Kimber. The magazine would release for no go reason during firing (not my grip) all to many times. I also got a couple of light strikes. I sent the Solo back to Kimber. The Kimber smith worked the gun and sent it back. I then put another 500+ rounds through the gun and got way to many failure to fire's. The black coating on the frame was wearing off to easily in my pocket holster. I sent the Solo  back to Kimber and asked for a refund.
I has enough of unreliable. The Kimber gun smith confirmed my issues with the gun for the second time.

To my surprise Kimber offered a 100% refund but asked if I would like to test one of the new stainless models. I was told to run as many rounds through the gun as I could and if within a year it did not meet my expectations just mail it back for a 100% no questions asked refund. WOW was I surprised with the customer service.
I debated the transfer fee cost vs just giving up on the Solo and gave in to the trial offer.

I really did want the all stainless and had planned to sell my early production once the all stainless became available.
Last weekend I broke in the new Solo with 50 rounds of 124grn and then started feeding it every odd 9mm I had in my old ammo boxes. After about 500 rounds (no cleaning in between) 115 grain, 124 grain, 147 grain, +P, reloads, jacketed, full metal and any thing else I could chamber in the gun. I was once again in love.

Very manageable recoil, nice groups and not one single issue. What really surprised me is when I just fired as fast as I could, the Kimber Solo out shot my full size
Smith & Wesson 669. I suspect it was the nice sights on the solo and the striker fire mechanism that helped to make that happen. My 16 year old son also shot the Solo and  found it to be surprisingly accurate (shooting at 50ft). I will say that both of our hands were a bit sore after all that shooting.

The Kimber solo is now riding back in my weak hand front pocket until it gets a little more range time. My S&W 669 340pd is still my strong hand pocket carry gun but given more range time I am thinking the Kimber may just get a promotion to primary pocket carry.

DGunslinger.  Glad all is now going well with the Solo.  Thanks for the fine words.