Kimber as base gun for bullseye?

I want a really accurate 9mm 1911 with a reflex red dot optic on it.  Specifically, I want a slide that can take multiple brands of optics like Glock’s MOS or the M&P CORE.  The only options out there are an STI for $2300 or a new Kimber KHX for $1000.  I want to put a reflex sight on it because it will make it more useful for games other than bullseye, of which there is very little where I live.  I figure if I need to I will change out the ignition system for a better trigger pull and have a Kart barrel and bushing installed on the Kimber.  My question is will the Kimber be a good enough jumping off point to wind up with a really accurate and reliable pistol?

http://www.kimberamerica.com/khx-custom-or-2/

Thanks,
Jeff

If you're tossing most of the factory stuff, might as well start with a bare frame and build up? Caspian frame and the Accuracy X multisight slide; https://accuracyx.com/multi-sight-system/

Personally I think you would be better off starting with a Springfield RO and mounting a RRA Bullseye rib which comes with irons plus you can mount any dot on it.  The RO has proven itself as a great value/starting point for a precision gun.

- Dave

Most gunsmiths don't care for Kimbers. But they can be built into good accurate pistols. Personal choice is really what we're dealing with. I do recommend Caspian or similiar build over a Kimber though.
Jon

The main reason I’m looking at the Kimber is because of its optics ready slide.  I don’t like the Accuracy X system - the optic sits up higher than I would like.  Might as well just put an EGW plate in the rear sight dovetail.  I had heard that Kimber frames were consistent with their dimensions being true to spec.  I also like the radius of the Kimber beavertail better than the Springfield - I can get a bit higher grip.  If money was no object I would just have a pistol built from scratch, but I do have a financial limit.  I’d have to sell some other stuff to get the STI, which is a very nice gun, but don’t know if it is accurate enough.
Jeff

Curious, what is it about Kimbers that gunsmiths don’t like?

Tolerances, grip safety/firing pin stop design, exterior coating/finish on pistol. Lotta crud to deal with: extra work.
Jon

I got a Kimber Gold Match when they first came out.  Dave Salyer tightened it up a bit, and it's been great!  Still has the original barrel, sights, etc.
I added a Videki short trigger, and an arched mainspring housing.  That's it.
Sad to hear they have let things slide...

Best Regards,
Jim

For what it’s worth the Kimber I’m looking at does not have the firing pin safety.

I did some work with an old Kimber Super Match II that I gave my son for Christmas. It had the Swartz style safety which makes you pay a little more attention during assembly but has no affect on the trigger pull. I did install a new sear and barrel bushing. The pistol locked up tight and shot great. It will give him a good start as a bullseye shooter.

Jim

I have a couple. I think they worked out pretty good. Lot's of playing with the GMII. Nothing to do but shoot it for the Limited.

As an addendum to my above post:
When Dave Salyer worked on mine, I had already fitted the arched mainspring housing and stoned the sear and hammer.  Dave just tightened it up a little and fitted an NM bushing.  
He said that was all it needed.  He provided a nice 50 yd target that he shot (clean 100) offhand.