The Kimber Rapide Black Ice is a stunning, high-performance 1911-style pistol designed for those with discerning tastes and a love for fine firearms. Known for its sleek black and silver finish, striking slide serrations, and advanced features such as a V-Cut trigger and Tru-Glo TFX Pro Day/Night Sights, the Rapide Black Ice is a force to be reckoned with at the range.
While the Kimber Rapide Black Ice is an impressive pistol that consistently receives high praise for its design, performance, and craftsmanship, some owners have reported various problems and issues. In this blog post, we will delve into these problems and provide detailed solutions, fixes, and troubleshooting methods to help Kim Black Ice owners maintain their exquisite firearms in peak operating condition.
Problem #1: Stiff Slide Lock
Some Kimber Rapide Black Ice owners have reported experiencing a stiff slide lock, making it difficult to engage or disengage the slide when necessary. This issue can be problematic and frustrating while trying to ensure proper function and safety during use.
Solution: Lubricate and/or Replace Slide Lock
1. Begin by disassembling your Kimber Rapide Black Ice according to the owner’s manual instructions.
2. Carefully inspect the slide lock and slide lock notch on your pistol for any signs of wear, damage, or burrs.
3. Lightly lubricate the slide lock and slide lock notch with a high-quality gun lubricant.
4. Reassemble your pistol and test the slide lock function, ensuring that it moves smoothly and effortlessly.
5. If lubricating the slide lock does not improve its function, consider replacing the slide lock with a new one from a reliable parts supplier. Upgrading to an extended slide stop may also remedy this problem and enhance the overall ease of use and functionality of your pistol.
Problem #2: Failure to Feed or Eject
Another common problem cited by Kimber Rapide Black Ice owners is the failure to feed or eject rounds consistently. This issue can stem from various reasons, such as magazine issues, ammunition inconsistencies, or extractor problems.
Solution: Magazine, Ammunition, and Extractor Troubleshooting
1. Magazine: Inspect your magazines for any defects or damage that could impede their function. Ensure that the magazine springs are in good condition and that the follower moves freely. If necessary, replace the magazine springs or obtain new magazines to see if this resolves the problem.
2. Ammunition: Experiment with different types and brands of ammunition to see if certain ones feed and eject more reliably in your Kimber Rapide Black Ice. Remember to stick with factory-loaded ammunition, as reloaded ammo may cause additional issues.
3. Extractor: Disassemble your pistol and inspect the extractor for any signs of wear, damage, or crud build-up. Clean the extractor and extractor channel thoroughly, then lightly lubricate the extractor before reassembling your pistol. If the extractor appears damaged or worn, consider replacing it with a new one.
Problem #3: Heavy Trigger Pull
A heavy trigger pull can negatively impact a shooter’s accuracy and overall shooting experience. While the Kimber Rapide Black Ice comes with a V-Cut trigger advertised as providing an improved trigger feel, some users may still find the trigger pull heavier than desired.
Solution: Trigger Adjustment or Replacement
1. If your Kimber Rapide Black Ice features an adjustable trigger, consult your owner’s manual to learn how to make adjustments properly. Make small, incremental adjustments until you achieve your desired trigger pull weight.
2. If your pistol does not have an adjustable trigger or you cannot achieve your desired trigger pull weight through adjustments, consider replacing your trigger with an aftermarket trigger. Numerous aftermarket triggers offer a wide range of adjustment options or lighter pull weights, which may provide a more enjoyable shooting experience.
Problem #4: Barrel Bushing Wear
The Kimber Rapide Black Ice’s barrel bushing is a crucial component that ensures proper barrel-to-slide fit, impacting both accuracy and reliability. Over time, barrel bushings can wear out or become damaged, potentially causing problems for your pistol.
Solution: Inspect and Replace Barrel Bushing
1. Begin by disassembling your Kimber Rapide Black Ice according to the owner’s manual instructions.
2. Examine the barrel bushing for any signs of excessive wear or damage. This can include deep scratches, gouges, or deformation of the bushing.
3. If you find that your barrel bushing is in poor condition, replace it with a new, high-quality replacement bushing. Be sure to properly fit the new bushing to your pistol, or consult a qualified gunsmith for assistance.
Problem #5: High-Round Usage Slide Wear
While the unique slide serrations of the Kimber Rapide Black Ice add to its visual appeal, some users who frequently use their pistols for extensive range sessions might experience some slight wear over time.
Solution: Slide Maintenance
1. Periodically inspect your Kimber Rapide Black Ice slide for any signs of wear, particularly around the serrations and rails.
2. Clean and lubricate the slide regularly, ensuring that any grit or debris that could cause unnecessary wear is removed.
3. If you find that your slide is suffering from excessive wear, consider replacing it with a new, high-quality slide or even a slide with a different material, such as stainless steel, to prevent future wear issues.
In conclusion, while the Kimber Rapide Black Ice is a remarkable and well-engineered pistol, it is not immune to potential issues and problems. By staying vigilant and addressing these issues proactively, Kimber owners can be sure to enjoy their Rapide Black Ice pistols for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Kimber Rapide good?
Yes, Kimber Rapide is a high-quality handgun that offers excellent accuracy and reliability. It is well-designed and well-built using premium materials.
2. What does rapide mean for Kimber?
Rapide is a French word that means “fast.” For Kimber, it means a line of high-performance 1911 pistols that are designed for speed and accuracy. These pistols are built with features that enhance accuracy and speed, such as a match-grade barrel, high-visibility sights, and an ergonomic grip.
3. How much is the Micro 9 Rapide black ice?
The Micro 9 Rapide black ice has a suggested retail price of $849. However, prices may vary depending on the dealer and location.
4. Does Kimber Rapide have a safety?
Yes, Kimber Rapide has a few safety features including a grip safety, a firing pin safety, and a thumb safety. These safety features work together to prevent accidental firing and ensure safe handling.
5. What are some common Kimber Rapide problems?
There haven’t been many reported problems with Kimber Rapide, but some owners have experienced issues with the slide failing to lock back after the last shot, the trigger breaking, or the front sight falling off. These problems are relatively rare and can usually be resolved quickly with help from a qualified gunsmith.
6. How accurate is Kimber Rapide?
Kimber Rapide is known for its excellent accuracy due to its match-grade barrel, high-visibility sights, and crisp trigger. With proper handling and practice, this handgun can produce tight groupings at considerable distances.
7. What makes Kimber Rapide stand out?
Kimber Rapide stands out for its premium-quality components, durability, and excellent accuracy. It is designed to be a high-performance handgun that can handle any shooting situation with ease.
8. What is the barrel length of Kimber Rapide?
Kimber Rapide has a barrel length of 5 inches, which is the standard barrel length for 1911 handguns. This length is ideal for target shooting, self-defense, or tactical use.
9. What type of ammunition can be used with Kimber Rapide?
Kimber Rapide is designed to use standard .45 ACP ammunition that can be easily found at most gun stores. It can also handle +P loads for enhanced performance.
10. How easy is it to clean and maintain Kimber Rapide?
Kimber Rapide is relatively easy to clean and maintain using standard gun-cleaning procedures. It is recommended to clean the handgun regularly after use and inspect it for any signs of wear and tear.