It's not that Kimbers are bad guns. It's just that they are overpriced, and over-rated; all of which is due to their superb marketing, and nothing more. It's kinda like how Jay-Z and Lil' Wayne tell you they're the best rappers in the world in every single one of their songs. Then, after awhile, all the sheep in the world start to believe that.
Kimbers are made with sub-par parts, materials, and machining, and then they throw a flashy paint job on it. They look good sitting on the gun store shelves, but take one apart and really take a good look at it, and you'll realize you've paid entirely too damn much for it.
Recommendations:
-Dan Wesson (though their prices are jumping like crazy now that they've caught on)
-Springer (low end choice)
-Colt
-Wilson
-Nighthawk
-Les Baer
-STI
-SVI
-Fusion