Kimber Eclipse Custom 1911 45 ACP Review

Published on July 13, 2024
Duration: 25:40

This review of the Kimber Eclipse Custom 1911 in .45 ACP highlights its aesthetic appeal, custom features, and performance. The video details the firearm's construction, including its stainless steel slide, all-steel frame, G10 grips, and Novak-style sights. It also provides a comprehensive guide to the disassembly and reassembly process, emphasizing the differences introduced by the full-length guide rod. The reviewer notes the pistol's comfortable shooting characteristics and high level of craftsmanship.

Quick Summary

The Kimber Eclipse Custom 1911 is a high-quality semi-automatic pistol featuring a 5-inch stainless steel slide, all-steel frame, G10 grips with 30 LPI checkering, and Novak-style sights. It offers a comfortable shooting experience with its .45 ACP caliber and a crisp, approximately 3.5 lb trigger pull. The pistol includes custom features like a full-length guide rod and enhanced safeties, making it a refined take on the classic 1911 design.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Kimber Eclipse Custom 1911
  2. 01:11Kimber's History and Quality
  3. 01:27Focus on the Eclipse Model (.45 ACP)
  4. 03:53Magazine Drop and Capacity
  5. 04:35Comparing to a Basic 1911
  6. 04:37Slide and Frame Features
  7. 05:14G10 Grips and Checkering
  8. 05:42Sights and Frame Safety
  9. 06:01Beaver Tail and Hammer Style
  10. 06:28Slide Stop and Front Strap Checkering
  11. 06:40Main Spring Housing
  12. 07:06Magazine Release and Trigger
  13. 07:36Kimber Engraving and Model Name
  14. 07:49Colt Government Model 70 Comparison
  15. 08:05Upgrades on Modern 1911s
  16. 08:20Grip Safety and Main Spring Housing Comparison
  17. 08:54Front Strap Grip Importance
  18. 09:33Frame Safety Comparison
  19. 09:46Sight Comparison
  20. 09:57Finish Comparison (Bluing vs. Kim Coat)
  21. 10:18Trigger Comparison
  22. 10:26Full-Length Guide Rod
  23. 10:46Barrel Bushings
  24. 11:02Ejection Port Design
  25. 11:16Improvements for Shootability
  26. 11:311911 Operation (Single Action)
  27. 12:03Carrying Condition (Cocked and Locked)
  28. 12:21Trigger Pull Analysis
  29. 12:44Trigger Pull Weight Measurement
  30. 13:36Kimber Eclipse Custom Aesthetics
  31. 14:07Shooting Impressions (.45 ACP)
  32. 14:11Slide Racking and Front Serrations
  33. 14:21Extended Slide Release (Gas Pedal)
  34. 14:28Smooth Shooting and Fit/Finish
  35. 15:38Disassembly Procedure
  36. 17:31Interior of the Slide
  37. 18:11Reassembly Procedure
  38. 19:58Included Gun Case
  39. 20:24Retail Price and Market Value
  40. 20:33Pros and Cons
  41. 21:25Comparison to Other Kimber Models
  42. 21:52Accuracy and Reliability
  43. 22:06Cost Consideration
  44. 22:42Final Thoughts on Kimber 1911s
  45. 23:18Caliber Preference (.45 ACP vs. 10mm vs. 9mm)
  46. 23:23Conclusion: Kimber Eclipse Custom Beauty
  47. 24:38Post-Review Banter

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Kimber Eclipse Custom 1911?

The Kimber Eclipse Custom 1911 features a 5-inch stainless steel slide and all-steel frame, G10 grips with extensive checkering (30 LPI), Novak-style three-dot sights, a high-ride beaver tail grip safety, commander hammer, and a skeletonized match trigger with adjustable overtravel.

How does the Kimber Eclipse Custom 1911 handle recoil?

The pistol's weight from its all-steel construction, combined with the 5-inch barrel and .45 ACP caliber, makes for a comfortable shooting experience. The high-ride beaver tail also helps distribute recoil at the web of the hand.

What is the trigger pull weight on the Kimber Eclipse Custom 1911?

The trigger pull weight on the Kimber Eclipse Custom 1911 was measured to be consistently around 3 pounds 7-8 ounces (approximately 3.5 lbs). It features a crisp break and a short reset, characteristic of quality single-action triggers.

What are the main differences between the Kimber Eclipse Custom and a basic 1911?

The Eclipse Custom offers significant upgrades over a basic 1911, including a full-length guide rod for smoother recoil, enhanced grip safety and frame safety, three-dot sights instead of basic combat sights, and superior checkering on the front strap and mainspring housing for better control.

What is the retail price of the Kimber Eclipse Custom 1911?

The retail price for the Kimber Eclipse Custom 1911 is listed at $1,470. Market prices at local gun shops are typically less, but it represents a significant investment for a production handgun with custom-level features.

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