CH gets slammed in the kimber comments

Published on August 17, 2025
Duration: 17:47

This video discusses common issues with the Kimber 2011's optic plate system, particularly its tendency to fail or loosen after a few hundred to a couple thousand rounds. The speaker, Ben Stoeger, highlights that the included plate system is not ideal for a gun intended for frequent training and shooting. He suggests that while the gun itself has potential, the optic mounting solution requires attention and potentially aftermarket solutions for long-term reliability.

Quick Summary

The Kimber 2011's optic plate system is a significant point of failure, with screws often shearing or loosening within 1,000-2,000 rounds. The grip texture is also considered too slick by many users. While more affordable than Staccato or Atlas, the Kimber 2011 may require aftermarket upgrades for comparable reliability.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Kimber 2011 Review
  2. 00:25Optic Plate System Problems
  3. 01:01Cross-Dominance Training Discussion
  4. 01:22Grip Tape vs. Stippling
  5. 01:37Kimber 2011 as a Competition Option
  6. 01:57Kimber 2011 vs. Staccato Price/Value
  7. 02:30Stainless Kimber 2011 Grip Comparison
  8. 03:06Slide Racking Technique for Chamber Check
  9. 03:54CH Plate Failures and Kimber 2011
  10. 04:27Grip and Safety Comfort
  11. 04:50Metal Grips vs. Plastic Grips
  12. 04:57Round Count and Break-in
  13. 05:07Kimber 2011 MSRP vs. Staccato P
  14. 05:36Kimber vs. Staccato Plate Design
  15. 05:44Plate Loosening and Failure
  16. 06:31Grip Texture and Safety Hot Spot
  17. 06:58Atlas Gun Issues and Modifications
  18. 07:34Atlas Grip Customization
  19. 07:50Kimber 2011 Grip Slickness
  20. 07:56Optic Plate Screw Failure
  21. 08:05Feedback for Kimber
  22. 08:10Kimber's Direction and Market Segment
  23. 08:42Optic Plate Screw Sheared Off
  24. 08:51Grip Tape Solution for Kimber 2011
  25. 09:07Kimber Target Version Grip Suggestion
  26. 09:24Kimber and CH Issues Noted
  27. 09:30San Francisco PD P320 vs. 226R Rumor
  28. 09:59FCD Plate Suggestion
  29. 10:14Fair and Honest Review
  30. 10:31CH Plate Quality Decline
  31. 10:41Smoking Gun Sig Article Discussion
  32. 11:05Stainless Kimber 2011 Grip Safety Edges
  33. 11:25Optic Plate Screw Walking
  34. 11:43Sig Sauer 2011 Review Request
  35. 11:54CH Plates Failing
  36. 12:01Kimber Executives Reacting to Video
  37. 12:09Kimber's Amenability to Improvement
  38. 12:28Kimber 2011 as an Introductory Model
  39. 12:38Optic Plate Solution Criticism
  40. 13:19Shim Solution for Optic Plate
  41. 13:39Sitemark Marketing
  42. 13:50Request for Functional Parts
  43. 14:13CH Build for Tanfoglio
  44. 14:30One-Piece Optic Plates
  45. 14:44Kimber's Chance to Compete with Sig
  46. 14:54Kimber's New Market Focus
  47. 15:13Glock MOS Plate Criticism
  48. 15:30CH Consistency
  49. 15:37Kimber 2011 Grip and Safety
  50. 15:49Proprietary Parts Concerns
  51. 16:06Overbuilt vs. Life-Saving Device
  52. 16:14Ideal 2011 Features
  53. 16:23Motivation for Manufacturers
  54. 16:35YouTube Firearms Experts
  55. 16:41Kimber Reliability Reputation
  56. 17:07Who Buys Kimbers?
  57. 17:15EU Hollison vs. iPhone
  58. 17:27Avoid CH at All Costs
  59. 17:37Continued Testing of Kimber 2011

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main issues with the Kimber 2011's optic mounting system?

The primary issue is the included optic plate system, which is prone to failure. Screws can shear off or walk loose after a few hundred to a couple thousand rounds, even when torqued correctly. This makes it unreliable for frequent shooting or competition.

Is the grip on the Kimber 2011 comfortable and secure?

Many users find the grip texture on the Kimber 2011 to be too slick. This can lead to handling issues, especially during recoil. Adding grip tape is a common solution to improve the grip security.

How does the Kimber 2011 compare to Staccato or Atlas pistols in terms of value?

While the Kimber 2011 offers a lower entry price, it's often seen as a compromise on component quality and reliability compared to higher-end brands like Staccato and Atlas. Those brands justify their higher cost with better materials and more robust designs.

What are potential solutions for the Kimber 2011 optic plate problems?

Users have reported success with using red Loctite on the optic plate screws and re-torquing them. Some suggest shimming the plate to ensure it sits level. Exploring aftermarket optic plates from reputable manufacturers is also a viable option for improved reliability.

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