Episode 5.1 - Kimber Ultra Carry Fieldstrip

[carlitosway368]

That was easy!  Thanks

[Klapperbells]

There is a tool called an ultratool (look on google for 1911 ultratool) that makes the little factory pin looking tool unnecessary.

[Klapperbells]

One thing I noticed that doesn't appear to be discussed here...

If the safety (of my [brand new] gun...) isn't slightly up, and is therefore completely pushed down in the lower position as if the safety is completely off, there is a pin that blocks you from putting the last piece back in. If you move the safety 1/16" to 1/8" upwards, that pin now becomes pushable (nonrigid) and allows the last piece to seat.

[Scguitarguy]

Check out NDZ Performance. They make a billet that attaches onto the recoil rod that makes the disassembly/reassembly of Kimbers much much easier. They cost roughly $10 I believe. Hope this helps all Kimber owners.

[sm700Blue]

I just replaced my Glock 30 with a Kimber Ultra Carry II. Great video. I didn't even know about this stupid little tool until I watched your video!

I found it in the bottom of my gun case! Anyway - very tricky to clean compared with the Glock, but I much prefer the handling of this firearm over the Glock 30!

Thanks again for taking the time to make this video!

[wishbone1138]

@sm700Blue I'm glad you found it useful! It's hard to compare anything to a glock in ease of maintenance, but I personally feel the ergonomics are superior and worth the extra hassle.

[jimmi161]

Question, on the Recoil Spring Assembly the little back plate popped off somehow. Is there anyway to get it back on or do I just have to buy a new?

[wishbone1138]

@jimmi161 hmmm, well you can see my video on replacing the springs in the recoil assembly. It's supposed to be screwed on. So if it just popped off it might be damaged beyond repair. It takes a beating so if you can't screw it back together then I'd say you probably need a new one. It might have just come unscrewed?

[gunnyranger2]

I just bought a kimber ultra carry 2 today.This tool is BS!They should give the damn things to you, not charge you for them.Have NEVER seen ANYTHING so RIDICULOUS in all of my 46 years!!!!!!!

[MyBry1234]

That gun is amazing , but your right I don't like that little tool

[midnightrider1100]

My Kimber isn't like this one. The hole in the rod is aligned in the 12/6 o'clock position and it makes using the paper clip tool a pain because I have to force the tool in causing it to rub on the front of the frame. I did it once and I can't figure out how to rotate the hole to the correct angle. I bought it brand new and this is the way it came.

Any suggestions?

[wishbone1138]

@midnightrider1100 Strange, sounds like they may not have aligned that part right. You might want to give kimber a call.

[acalliste]

@midnightrider1100 - Mine is the same way. I have to put the take down tool in through the bottom instead of the top, which makes it a little tricky because then you have to hold the gun upside down or it falls out. I ended up wrapping a rubber band around it to hold it in place.

[lelandvo]

Just received a Kimber Ultra Carry 2. Attempted a field strip, but the slide stop is being very stubborn. With the gun in "slide lock" and take down tool inserted, is the slide stop supposed to engage the disassembly notch? Or is the notch just a position reference? Can not get the slide lock to poke through frame.

[wishbone1138]

@lelandvo You'll need to align the slide lock with the dis-assembly notch. You can't simple push the slide lock out with the slide locked back. Does that make sense? The slide lock rearward hole needs to be aligned with the dis-assembly notch. You have to hold the slide lock back in just the right spot. After practice this will become second nature and there are other methods you can use. However, first try just holding it in the right spot to get the idea down.

[sc12100]

Thats why I stick to GI models and not these modified 1911s. John Browning would find this version of 1911 completely unnecessary. You shouldn't need any tools for a 1911. Even the bushing tool that comes with GI models is completely irrelevant and you can use your fingers to take the bushing out. Oh well, what can you do. Just my opinion.

[psyclr]

Excellent instruction! For personal assurance, it's always nice to see someone else do it properly. Kudos!

[TheSolitarySojourner]

You're a lifesaver. Thanks.

[TacticoolCO]

For a free take down tool, I emailed Kimber and asked for a new Manual for my Kimber Ultra II and they also sent along a take down tool.

[78411]

Very great video, very useful! I feel the same about the 'take-down' tool, at least they made it strong for the tension pressure. Seems like they could have designed the take-down with the same mechanics as the full sized 1911 pistols with the Barrel bushing and etc., without copyright infringements. I will be getting extras, always nice to have extras of a special tool. Also planning on a 1911UltraTool of course!

[sdecesare]

I just purchased my first pistol to conceal, a Kimber Ultra Carry II. I've been raised around firearms - the one thing that my father and I ever really had in common. I don't speak to my father anymore, and while my father may have taught me all there is to know about gun safety and the responsibility that comes with carrying a concealed weapon, I had no idea how to fieldstrip my new pistol. This video made the process very clear, and I fieldstripped my Kimber no problem. Thank you so much!

[mrjon75]

thank you for making this video, as Kimber only provides a manual. Kahr has a nice video for my p380 that was very helpfull. your arms are hairy.

[arjerram]

Thank you so very much for all your advice. It was very nice of you to donate so much of your time and money to help others. Please don't think it wasn't appreciated.

Cordially, Alan

[ronnymac66]

good instruction. saved me time from trying to figure out the manual instructions. thank you.

[tumuaialii]

you sound a lot like nutnfancy

[wishbone1138]

Common question, I think I mention it in my cleaning video. Check all my Kimber videos. First make sure you are not pressing on the grip safety at all when you put the side back on and make sure you are assembling the firearm with the slide on top. Gravity can pull down one of the safeties if you assemble the firearm upside down. Push on the disconnector to make sure it's in it's default position. Sometimes it can get in the way when reassembling.

[ImD2G]

Thanks for the help ; )

[wbwaddle]

Thanks for the detailed instructions! I own the Pro Crimson Carry and had no trouble learning to field strip the Pro series because the Owners Manuel is designed for it. However, my friend got an Ultra and needed me to show him how to disassemble it. I couldn't figure out why they were different procedurally but you answered my question. When you insert the "paperclip" or pin into the hole on the guide rod on the Ultra you have to take the slide lock out BEFORE letting the slide rest on the pin.

[good0ldave]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Wishbone!! I just got my Tactical Ultra II and I was having a devil of a time disassembling it because the manual that comes with it is utterly useless. This video answered all my questions, and now, disassembly is a LOT smoother than I had thought. This is by far the most helpful video I've seen on this. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

[dicortes]

I just received my Custom Ultra Carry II.

I tried to give it the first cleaning to remove the factory oils. I don't think I could have fild stripped it by the Kimber instruction manual. Thank you Wishbone for the great information video. It ws a time saver and answered questions for me that were not clearly understandable in the manual.

[gsquared38]

Nice video, my new crimson carry utlra 2 should be in saturday, can`t wait

[flyfish422]

I just bought an Ultra Carry II today and a friend sent me this link. I found it extremely helpful, as this is my first 1911. Thanks for the great instructional video!

[wishbone1138]

I'm glad you found it helpful, enjoy your new kimber!

[napalm868]

wishbone needs to know that hwen a chamber in a 1911 isn't loaded, u should not let the hammer fly strate home into the fired position. USE A SNAPCAP

[sambnra]

Thank you so much. Now a proud owner of a Pro CC 11. you've made it nice an easy. Nice job!

[avi614614]

Thanks so much i was trying to do it for almost two hours before i found you video god bless

[sangercat]

Just wanted to say thanks.. as I was sitting here trying to figure out how to take my new ultra carry apart.. I took a shot someone had made a video on it and bam, you saved me a TON of time.. thanks again

[pmcload]

Excellent!! Thanks!! Great demo.

Patrick

[Goshen606]

Life saver. I just got my first 1911, a Kimber Ultra Raptor II and I was scared to death of doing something wrong. The manual Kimber gives you is vague at best. This really shed light on doing it properly. THANKS WISHBONE1138!

[rigoletto68]

Thank you so much! My friend has shown me how to take his down but your video is much more detailed and simply wonderful...thank you!

[wishbone1138]

you're very welcome, I'm glad it was helpful!

[bingprads]

hello wishbone,

i would like to know whether Kimber made an ULTRA CARRY 1 in the past? i wonder why kimber is not selling any ultra carry 1 when they are selling ultra carry 2. hope you have an answer to this question, thanks!

[wishbone1138]

Don't hold me to this, but if I recall correctly it was a subtle safety feature change. Maybe the firing pin safety or something similar. I'm sure they're not making the I anymore because they consider the II to be superior safety wise (or maybe even more compliant for more states).

[masoneva4]

I bought a Pro Carry II, and if it weren't for your excellent videos, I'd never have gotten it broken down. I join the chorus of enthusiastic THANKS! Hard to believe such a great gun has such a kludgy take down process w/ that stupid tool - and the Ultratool guy can't make his tool for the Pro because the guide rod doesn't have an end cap like the Ultra. :(

[wishbone1138]

yeah agreed, really wish they would of put some more thought into it. It's not just kimber, lots of 1911 makers that don't use barrel bushing have strange take down procedures. I'm glad the video was helpful! I really wish I had it when I was trying to figure it out!

[454ALASKAN]

Seems both Kimber Ultra and the Springfield EMP share the same general approach for field striping. Springfield simply uses a different special tool. I was begining to suspect I was suffering from deminished mental capacity with all the problems I was having field striping my EMP. Unfortunately, it has become far to common that user guides lack adequate detail any have very few or no illustrations . Thanks to your video problem solved. Thanks again ! ! !

[wishbone1138]

it's becoming very common in designs that are shorter. A youtube viewer just sent me a pretty cool tool that I'll be reviewing very soon that I believe makes this process a bit easier. Watch for that soon. I'm glad the view was helpful, thanks for watching.

[ThePsychogoalie]

Great video, I was having trouble getting the slide lock back in as well.  This is my first 1911 and the strange thing is I had no problem stripping the Kimber Ultra Carry II completely without the tool. I removed the slide and with very little pressure I was able to remove the guide rod and spring and get them back in place. I've done it several times now and it seems to work great.

[wishbone1138]

excellent! On mine it takes quite a bit of force, so I usually stick to the factory suggest way, but I know a lot of people are fond of the alternate method. Thanks for watching!

[cymru1978]

this is why i'd rather just get a full size 5 inch barrel 1911 w/ a bushing on the barrel...easier to disassemble/assemble

[who8dmous]

Thank you!! I have always had revolvers and now I have my first Kimber Ultra Carry. I have been going crazy re-reading the directions to break it down. Your video is excellent!

[wishbone1138]

hah thanks!

[wishbone1138]

Following the manual is difficult, maybe I'll do another video just on cleaning since the kimber has been such a popular video. I shot mine right out of the box, but some people like to clean off the shipping grease first. Can't detail a full procedure here, but remember not to over oil. A few drops here and there are generally all that's needed. Do your best to follow the manual. I'll try to work up a maintenance clean video.

[tutorray1]

Thanks, "show & tell" is better for me. The re-assembly was just what I needed...was having a difficult time with the "slide stop"..

[wishbone1138]

I'm glad it helped. The slide stop on 1911s can be tricky and you have to be careful not to get the plunger stuck in the lock. That can be a pain. You get use to it after awhile though. Thanks for watching.

[luci734]

check your Kimber manual. It provides instructions on how to field strip without using that stupid paper clip.

Ohh.. be careful putting your slide lock back in, u can scratch your frame nicely. Trust me I know :/

[wishbone1138]

Are you sure that method works on the ultra? I read it several times and I still don't see how you can do that with the 3" version. If it can be done, I'd love to see a video of it!

As for scratching, that's the same with any 1911. I've already scratched mine a bit as well. =(

[wishbone1138]

The only alternate method I see in the manual *linked now in the show notes* shows you taking off the slide before you use the takedown tool. You still have to use the wire tool to remove the recoil spring though.  If there's another method documented out there please let me know and I'll try to make a video of it!

[luci734]

I use a modified version of wht you just mentioned.

1. Remove slide

2. Push Guide rod head forward and lift at the same time.

3. Pull the Guide rod head out of recoil spring bushing ( the spring assembly should be angeled as you are pulling it out)

It takes a little practice. maybe I should make a video

[wishbone1138]

You're doing this on an ultra carry 3"? I just don't see how that's possible, I've definitely tried what you're suggesting. I could see doing on something longer without that extra spring tension, but I'd love to see a video!

[luci734]

ya its a 3inch, I'll get a video up soon.

[rrstu615]

Just bought a Ultra CDP II and I love it but have a few questions. Can it hold 7 in the clip PLUS one in the chamber? also this is my first experience with a single action only pistol. Do you carry it cocked(hammer pulled back) with the safety on?I always carried my pistols with one in the chamber ready to fire but with this one the hammer has to be pulled back since it is not a DA also pistol.

[wishbone1138]

The pistol is designed to be carried with the hammer back and the safety on. This is how the 1911 platform is designed. How you carry is completely up to you, but I do NOT recommend carrying with one in the chamber and the hammer down. That is not a safe way to carry the pistol because you cannot engage the thumb safety to block the hammer from moving. I do carry mine with 7 in the clip +1 in the chamber. Don't just take my word for it, read your manual/pick up a good handgun book. goodluck

[Pyloff]

thanks bro, just got an eclipse and I thought i broke it until i watched this. Heheh.

[wishbone1138]

you're very welcome, I'm glad it helped!

[ian4563]

Thanks so much for making this video. I just bought an ultra carry II stainless and couldn't figure out how to get the damned thing apart with that tool. The instructions in the manual are terrible.

[wishbone1138]

hah don't feel so bad. Took me forever to figure it out too. I couldn't find a video and had to figure it out on my own. Horrible design, glad it helped you!

[scinnamontsys]

How sturdy is that guide rod tool? For example, if the slide release were accidentally dropped with that tool in place, would it bend the tool?

[wishbone1138]

No I don't believe it would. Because most of it would be inside of the guide rod I don't think the slide would provide enough force to damage the tool. It's certainly not indestructible though and you could bend it if you really tried I suppose. It's made of some pretty strong material. That's why I caution to using paperclips, because the force of the slide did cause my paperclip idea to get stuck inside the recoil assembly. Hope that helps,.

[scinnamontsys]

How do you clean the guide rod spring system with this different Kimber system? I've heard many good things about Kimber, but this non standard field strip makes me wonder. Can the guide rod be disassembled to clean?

[wishbone1138]

Good question.  Basically the recoil spring bushing comes off the end of the assembly (similar to a typical 1911) and then you can pull the outer spring off pretty easily. This will allow you to clean a portion of the "rod". For the inner or 2nd spring you have to unscrew the head guide from the recoil spring rod. Not trivial, but not terribly difficult. For a general cleaning I don't normally break that piece down. YMMV