Kimber Solo Carry Ammo Reliability Test

Published on August 8, 2018
Duration: 10:58

This guide details the critical reassembly of the slide stop spring for the Kimber Solo pistol. Proper installation of this small component is essential for preventing malfunctions like failure to feed or eject, which can be caused by the spring being incorrectly seated. The video emphasizes that this specific assembly issue was the root cause of initial reliability problems experienced by the presenter, and correcting it restored the firearm's functionality.

Quick Summary

The Kimber Solo can be finicky with ammunition, often requiring 124-grain or 147-grain loads. A common cause of malfunctions like failure to feed or eject is an improperly installed slide stop spring. Correcting this assembly issue restored the firearm's reliability across various ammo types.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Kimber Solo Desire & Concerns
  2. 00:32Acquisition & Review Plan
  3. 00:56Kimber Solo Reputation & Ammo Prep
  4. 01:31Range Test Setup & Ammo Types
  5. 01:55Specific Ammunition Brands Tested
  6. 02:34More Ammo Testing & Initial Results
  7. 02:50Federal Ammo & Initial Function
  8. 03:25More Ammo Testing & Early Impressions
  9. 04:06Experimenting with Lighter Grain Ammo
  10. 04:39Zero Malfunctions, Potential Assembly Issue
  11. 04:59Slide Stop Spring Issue Explained
  12. 05:12Personal Initial Malfunctions & Resolution
  13. 05:26Re-testing with Corrected Assembly
  14. 05:58Federal Premium Hydra-Shok Test
  15. 06:35Shooting Experience & Snappiness
  16. 06:50Ammo Performance Variability
  17. 06:56Detailed Slide Stop Spring Assembly
  18. 07:20Proper Slide Stop Installation
  19. 07:59Post-Assembly Reliability & Satisfaction
  20. 08:08Positive Reliability Outcome
  21. 09:21Call to Action & Video Summary
  22. 09:39Closing Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common reliability issues with the Kimber Solo pistol?

The Kimber Solo is known to be finicky with ammunition, often requiring specific grain weights like 124 or 147. A frequent cause of malfunctions, such as failure to feed or eject, is an improperly installed slide stop spring.

How can Kimber Solo malfunctions related to the slide stop spring be fixed?

Fixing Kimber Solo malfunctions often involves carefully disassembling the slide stop mechanism and correctly reassembling the small associated spring. Ensuring this spring is properly seated is critical for the firearm's reliable operation.

What ammunition grain weights are recommended for the Kimber Solo?

While the Kimber Solo can be sensitive to ammunition, 124-grain and 147-grain loads are generally recommended for optimal reliability. Testing lighter 115-grain loads may be possible after ensuring the firearm's internal assembly is perfect.

Does the Kimber Solo perform reliably with various ammunition types after proper assembly?

Yes, after correcting an improperly installed slide stop spring, the Kimber Solo demonstrated zero malfunctions with a wide array of tested ammunition, including 115, 124, and 147-grain Full Metal Jacket and Jacketed Hollow Point rounds.

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