Took out the new Kimber TLE 10mm for the first time today. Shot American Eagle 180, HPR 180, Hornady XTP 180, Underwood 180, and UMC 180. Had a couple of FTFs with the Kimber mag, and no issues with the Metalform mags. Accuracy was excellent, and was best with Underwood and UMC.

There are a couple of things I noticed that might be problems, and I wondering if I need to send the gun back to Kimber. I haven't had a 1911 in many years, so I wanted to get some input.

I noticed that the right edge of the barrel's feed ramp had some notches in it (I wanted to shoot it first and see if that caused a problem). It didn't cause any issues today; I don't think. I think the FTFs were mag related or break-in related. Should I leave it, tray and carefully smooth them out with a Dremel. Or could this eventually be an issue, and I should send back to Kimber? If you look straight at the chamber you'll see a gouge at about 2o'clock. ??

One obnoxious thing was that the slide stop kept engaging while I was firing. Sometimes even when I was sure to keep my left thumb away from it while firing. I think I might know what the issue is. I noticed that the plunger spring was not straight, there is a Kink in the middle that sends the spring in another direction, at about a 45 degree angle. So the spring starts straight and then bends at an angle. There seems to be tension on the plungers. The safety works and so does they slide stop. If I replace the spring will that solve the issue.

The firing pin leaves a weird dimple on the primer, just below the strike crater. Is this an issue?

Lastly, the action does not seem smooth It feels like it gets hung up on the disconnector  (and the part that sticks up to the right of it - dunno what that is). Will this smooth out with time, or did I put the sear spring in wrong?

What is the advantage of a stronger mainspring?

ETA: Creates greater resistance for the slide and slows it down during recoil. Got it. Hope a 25 or 26 lb spring won't increase my trigger pull too much .

A-ha. Please school me on the benefits of a stronger mainspring. I'm ignorant.

I was planning on ordering a 20 lb and 22 lb recoil spring to experiment with (the benefits of those are obvious). Any experiences and input on this is most welcome.

A-ha. Please school me on the benefits of a stronger mainspring. I'm ignorant.

I was planning on ordering a 20 lb and 22 lb recoil spring to experiment with (the benefits of those are obvious). Any experiences and input on this is most welcome

I did notice the plastic MSH  . I'm wondering if i should try it without replacing, but I probably know the answer to that already.

I decided on the Kimber TLE II. Put some $ down on it yesterday. 


Thanks for all the info and input. Hopefully I'll be buying another 10 in the future. Now, for some ammo...

Hi All:

This is my my first post. I've wanted a 10mm for 15 years, and have never got around to it. I've finally decided to drop the hammer. I've been looking at a number of 10mm pistols and need your input. 

I may want to reload, and would like the option of shooting the full power Buffalo Bore, Underwood, Cor-Bon, etc. So, I'm wanting a fully supported chamber (Delta Elite is out).

I like the feel of the Kimbers, and they have a couple of good options. I'm impressed with how tight their actions are. Triggers were decent, but I'd still want a trigger job.

The new Para Ord 6" Hunter is OK; the slide to frame fit was much looser than the Kimbers. The trigger was heavy and creepy. I'd expect better from a gun that costs so much.

I'm a big Glock fan, and own several. Even the Gen 4 G20 seems like it has the girth of an oil tanker. If I went this route I'd need to get a quality grip reduction, and that's a roll of the dice, because I'm not sure if it will be slim enough. I'd need to get an aftermarket barrel with fully supported chamber, and I'd need some work on the trigger.

I've shot some STIs and have been impressed with their quality. The Nitro 10 looks interesting, and expensive it's so new that there aren't a lot of reviews there in it right now. Big risk.

Some folks have said "Look, maybe you won't like the 10. Get an RIA. If you like it, either sell it and get the primo brand or enhance it with quality parts." Intriguing.

Thoughts? Suggestions?