Kimber 1911
The Kimber 1911 is a semi-automatic metallic framed gun. With the classic single action design and trigger pull, many find the 1911 very easy to shoot. The 1911 is a very forgiving platform to newer shooters in terms of accuracy and control once they know how to deactivate the safeties.
The Kimber 1911 still features the manual safety on the side of the frame and the grip safety on the pistol grip. While these were on the original design, more modern self-defense concepts have gotten away from external safeties of any design.
External safeties can help new shooters feel safer with handling the gun and the grip safety on the 1911 helps ensure that the user’s grip is in the right place because the gun will not function with the grip safety active.
This adds some complexity to training a new shooter which is why the 1911 is not considered a good beginner’s pistol. However practice will defeat any problems that crop up in relation to the manual safeties.
The biggest drawback to the 1911 in general is the weight and size of the gun itself. Since it is a full-steel frame designed to handle a .45 ACP cartridge, there is a lot of mass to the gun. This is a combination of its construction and the need to mitigate the recoil of the gun.
While this recoil mitigation is beneficial, the 1911 is still multiple pounds of gun that is generally going to be attached to your waistline. This can cause discomfort and deter you from carrying your pistol for protection.
If you accept that you’ll have to deal with this extra weight, the limited capacity, and the limited ammunition options, the Kimber 1911 is a good option, especially if you have to deal with local restrictions. In the modern day, a 1911 fills a role similar to a revolver. It is still effective, but there are nuances to its use that do not make it a great fit with modern self-defense concepts, especially with its higher price point.
In the early 1990s, Kimber Manufacturing was one of the most recommended manufacturers of mid to low cost 1911s, with many of their frames being preferred for custom builds by 1911 gunsmiths. However more recent iterations have been plagued by lower quality internal parts that hamper the potential of the pistol.
Kimber makes multiple variations of their basic 1911 and each will function under the right circumstances. Since many Kimber production models are “assembled” 1911s they tend to be ammunition sensitive with acceptable accuracy. This means they will not perform or be able to use as wide a variety of ammunition as a fully custom built (hand fitted and toleranced) 1911.
But if we recognize these limitations, Kimber 1911s work well within the parameters they were designed for. This means using ball ammunition similar to the standard US issue .45 ACP in WWII and a handful of other cartridge options.
One of the benefits of Kimber’s 1911s is that they come in multiple finishes and lengths. This means you’ll have a selection of full length and under 1911-style pistols in multiple popular calibers. Once you select the size, finish, and caliber of the gun you’ll then have to find the ammunition that works in the gun, and only use that ammunition.
For most people, this is not a problem. A full-sized or commander style 1911 in .45 ACP, 10 mm, or 9 mm that is taken to the range a few times a year and can be used for self defense fits a lot of the needs of most end-users. Add in some of Kimber’s more affordable models and you have a good option for self-defense in most locations.
Due to the age of the design, a 1911 pistol meets the requirements for most areas with magazine restrictions if it is left in its original form. Let’s look at some more of its features.
Kimber 1911 Standard Features:
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The Kimber 1911 features a more classic style of pistol that is accepted in most jurisdictions. If you want a semi-automatic that can help make shooting easier, a 1911 is a great choice. Just be sure to know its limitations and downsides.
Kimber 1911 Variants:
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Price: : $500-$3000
Kimber 1911 Two Tone II (Custom, Pro, Ultra)
This more affordable Kimber 1911 features fewer upgrades. Plane iron sights, a single thumb safety, and brushed carbon slide exemplify the Two Tone II as a bare bones pistol.
It comes in three sizes: Custom (full sized), Pro (compact/commander), and Ultra (sub compact). While it has a lower recommended price than the CDP, the Two Tone comes in with classic 1911 functionality. All variations of the pistol come in .45 ACP or 9 mm.
This means you have more caliber options across the line, but you will have to find the right ammunition that makes your particular gun run.
Kimber 1911 Two Tone II (Custom, Pro, Ultra) Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Semi-automatic, Single Action Only |
| Caliber: | .45 ACP, 9 mm |
| Capacity: | 7-9 rounds (ammunition/model dependent) |
| Barrel length: | 5 inches, 4 inches , 3 inches |
| Weight: | 25-38 ounces (model dependent) |
| Overall Length: | 8.7 inches, 7.7 inches, 6.8 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.28 inches |
| Sight radius: | 6.8 inches, 5.7 inches, 4.8 inches |
| Sights: | Fixed low profile |
Popular variations:
- Kimber 1911 Stainless II 45 Auto (ACP) 5in Stainless Pistol - 7+1 Rounds
- Kimber 1911 Pro Carry II 45 Auto (ACP) 4in Two Tone Pistol - 7+1 Rounds
- Kimber 1911 Target II 9mm Luger 5in Stainless Pistol - 9+1 Rounds
Browse: Kimber 1911 Pistols
Kimber 1911 Rapide (Dawn, Scorpius, Black Ice, DN/NS)
The Rapide line is designed for faster locking times, better grip, and better durability. These full sized pistols come in .45 ACP, 10 mm, or 9 mm chamberings. Many of these models are visually impressive and feature the Kimber Stiplex TM front strap stippling in addition to G10 grips.
Some variants of the G10 grips are the WavZ TM grips that provide an additional aesthetic to the 1911 grips. The Rapide series also features an ambidextrous safety and Tru Glo Day/Night sights. Beyond caliber and finish, most Rapide Kimbers are essentially identical.
Kimber 1911 Rapide (Dawn, Scorpius, Black Ice, DN/NS) Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Semi-automatic, Single Action Only |
| Caliber: | .45 ACP, 10 mm, 9 mm |
| Capacity: | 8-9 rounds |
| Barrel length: | 5 inches |
| Weight: | 38-40 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 8.7 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.28 inches |
| Sight radius: | 6.8 inches |
| Sights: | Tru Glo TFX Pro Day Night, Day Night w/ Orange ring front |
Popular variations:
- Kimber Micro 9 Rapide Scorpius 9mm Luger 3.15in Black Pistol - 7+1 Rounds
- Kimber Micro 9 Rapide 9mm Luger 3.15in Black Ice Pistol - 7+1 Rounds
Browse: Kimber Rapide
Stainless II (Target LS, Pro Carry, Ultra Carry, Target)
The Rapide line is designed for faster locking times, better grip, and better durability. These full sized pistols come in .45 ACP, 10 mm, or 9 mm chamberings. Many of these models are visually impressive and feature the Kimber Stiplex TM front strap stippling in addition to G10 grips.
Some variants of the G10 grips are the WavZ TM grips that provide an additional aesthetic to the 1911 grips. The Rapide series also features an ambidextrous safety and Tru Glo Day/Night sights. Beyond caliber and finish, most Rapide Kimbers are essentially identical.
Stainless II (Target LS, Pro Carry, Ultra Carry, Target) Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Semi-automatic, Single Action Only |
| Caliber: | .45 ACP, 10 mm, 9 mm |
| Capacity: | 7-9 rounds (caliber/model dependent) |
| Barrel length: | 6 inches, 5 inches, 4 inches , 3 inches |
| Weight: | 25-42 ounces (model dependent) |
| Overall Length: | 9.7 inches 8.7 inches, 7.7 inches, 6.8 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.28 inches |
| Sight radius: | 6.8 inches, 5.7 inches, 4.8 inches |
| Sights: | Fixed rear, adjustable rear, plane front sight, fiber optic front sights |
Popular variations:
- Kimber 1911 Stainless II 45 Auto (ACP) 5in Stainless Pistol - 7+1 Rounds
- Kimber K6S 357 Magnum 3in Stainless Revolver - 6 Rounds
- Kimber Micro 9 9mm Luger 3.15in Stainless Pistol - 7+1 Rounds
Browse: Kimber Stainless Pistols
Aegis (Elite Ultra, Elite Pro/OI, Custom/OI )
These less-shiny Kimbers feature the unique X-shaped slide serrations for the Aegis Elite X line. Some models feature fiber optic front sights while the OI variations feature a pre-mounted Vortex Venom red dot sight.
The Aegis follows the sizing of other Kimber 1911s with the Custom as the full-sized version, the Pro being the compact version, and the ultra being the sub compact.
The OI versions offer the best option of the Aegis group from the pre-mounted red dot. While it is not as modular as other modern handguns, the inclusion of the red dot adds faster aiming and utility to the gun.
Aegis (Elite Ultra, Elite Pro/OI, Custom/OI ) Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Semi-automatic, Single Action Only |
| Caliber: | .45 ACP, 9 mm |
| Capacity: | 7-9 rounds (caliber/model dependent) |
| Barrel length: | 5 inches, 4 inches , 3 inches |
| Weight: | 25-41 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 8.7 inches, 7.7 inches, 6.8 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.28 inches |
| Sight radius: | 6.8 inches, 5.7 inches, 4.8 inches |
| Sights: | Fiber optic front sight, Vortex Venom red dot |
Popular variations:
- Kimber Aegis Elite Pro With Venom Optic 9mm Luger 4in Stainless/Black Pistol - 9+1 Rounds
- Kimber Aegis Elite 45 Auto (ACP) 3in Matte Black and Satin Silver Pistol - 7+1 Rounds
- Kimber Aegis Elite 45 Auto (ACP) 5in Matte Black and Satin Silver Pistol - 8+1 Rounds
Browse: Kimber Aegis Pistols
TLE II (RL II, RL II TFS, Stainless, Pro, Ultra)
The Tactical Law Enforcement 1911s offer two major options for their full sized pistols. While the smaller Pro and Ultra pistols remain roughly the same in features when compared to other lines. The TLE II also offers 1911s with tactical rails. This allows the end user to mount lights to the pistol.
These models are referred to as the TLE/RL II and offer a better option for carry than their non-railed counterparts. This starts to bring the Kimber 1911 closer to the modern preferences for concealed carry and duty.
Additionally the RL II TFS (Threaded For Suppression) model features a threaded barrel to attach a suppressor. If you were looking for a 1911 that is better for carry, the TLE/ RL II is worth looking into.
TLE II (RL II, RL II TFS, Stainless, Pro, Ultra) Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Semi-automatic, Single Action Only |
| Caliber: | .45 ACP, 10 mm, 9 mm |
| Capacity: | 7-9 rounds (caliber/model dependent) |
| Barrel length: | 5.5 inches, 5 inches, 4 inches , 3 inches |
| Weight: | 25-39 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 9.19 inches, 8.7 inches, 7.7 inches, 6.8 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.28 inches |
| Sight radius: | 6.8 inches, 5.7 inches, 4.8 inches |
| Sights: | Suppressor height 3-dot night sights w/ fixed cocking shoulder, Low profile 3-dot night sights |
Browse: Kimber TLE Pistols
KHX (Custom OR/RL, Pro, Ultra)
The KHX is another good option for carry. Depending on the model, the KHX will come with an optics ready slide (OR models), a red dot sight installed (OI models), or standard fiber optic iron sights. Some Custom models will also feature a laser attached to the grip of the Hogue Enhanced MagGrip G10 grips.
The Custom RL (OI) version of the KHX offers the most out of the box features, including a rail for lights and a pre-installed Trijicon Type 2 red dot sight.
KHX (Custom OR/RL, Pro, Ultra) Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Semi-automatic, Single Action Only |
| Caliber: | .45 ACP, 10 mm, 9 mm |
| Capacity: | 7-9 rounds (caliber/model dependent) |
| Barrel length: | 5 inches, 4 inches , 3 inches |
| Weight: | 25-39 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 8.7 inches, 7.7 inches, 6.8 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.28 inches |
| Sight radius: | 6.8 inches, 5.7 inches, 4.8 inches |
| Sights: | Fiber optic front and rear sight, white dot co-witness sights, Trijicon RMR Type 2 |
Popular variations:
- Kimber KHX Ultra Laser Enhanced Grip 9mm Luger 3in Black/Green Pistol - 8+1 Rounds
- Kimber KHX Pro Red Laser 9mm Luger 4in Black/Green Pistol - 9+1 Rounds
- Kimber KHX Custom Trijicon RMW Type 2 Optic 9mm Luger 5in Black/Green Pistol - 8+1 Rounds
Browse: Kimber KHX Pistols
Warrior (TFS)
A more simplistic 1911, the Warrior features an ambidextrous thumb safety, 1913 picatinny rail, and a singular caliber option.
If you were looking for an upgraded 1911 without an optics option, the Warrior is a good choice. The TFS version features a threaded barrel for suppression and comes with suppressor height night sights.
If you’re not ready to adopt a red dot on your handgun, the Warrior will give you modularity while maintaining the 1911’s classic lines.
Warrior (TFS) Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Semi-automatic, Single Action Only |
| Caliber: | .45 ACP |
| Capacity: | 7 rounds |
| Barrel length: | 5.5 inches, 5 inches |
| Weight: | 40 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 9.19 inches, 8.7 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.28 inches |
| Sight radius: | 6.8 inches |
| Sights: | Suppressor height tritium night sights w/fixed cocking shoulder, Tactical Wedge tritium night sights fixed |
Popular variations:
Browse: Kimber Warrior Pistols
Eclipse
The Eclipse is the 1911 for someone who wants a good looking, brushed stainless finish. The charcoal accents contrast the stainless areas while the pistol provides standard 1911 features such as a single thumb safety and .45 ACP chambering. If you’re into a good looking pistol without a lot of modularity, the Eclipse might be what you’re looking for.
Eclipse Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Semi-automatic, Single Action Only |
| Caliber: | .45 ACP |
| Capacity: | 7 rounds |
| Barrel length: | 5 inches |
| Weight: | 38 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 8.7 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.28 inches |
| Sight radius: | 6.8 inches |
| Sights: | Fixed low-profile 3-dot tritium night sights |
Popular variations:
- Kimber Eclipse Ultra II 45 Auto (ACP) 3in Stainless Pistol - 7+1 Rounds
- Kimber Eclipse Custom 45 Auto (ACP) 5in Black/Gray Pistol - 7+1 Rounds
- Kimber Eclipse Custom II 45 Auto (ACP) 5in Stainless Pistol - 8+1 Rounds
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Custom Shop (Super Jägare and Super Match II)
While the custom shop options are not truly custom 1911s, they do fill specific roles compared to the normal Kimber 1911.
The Super Jägare is geared towards pistol hunting or predator defense. Chambered in 10 mm with a DeltaPoint Pro as the only sighting system, this gun features a ported barrel to help control the more powerful chambering. If you intend to deal with animal based threats or pests, this pistol is worth your consideration.
The Super Match II on the other hand is designed for competition. It is chambered in .45 ACP with a standard of 5-shot groups at 25 yards with a 1-inch or less group size This is aided by the Kimber adjustable sights, but the steep price point is not for the casual target shooter.
Custom Shop (Super Jägare and Super Match II) Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Semi-automatic, Single Action Only |
| Caliber: | 10mm or .45 ACP |
| Capacity: | 8 rounds |
| Barrel length: | 5 inches, 4 inches , 3 inches |
| Weight: | 42 ounces, 38 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 9.7 inches, 8.7 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.28 inches |
| Sight radius: | 6.8 inches |
| Sights: | DeltaPoint Pro(Super Jägare), Kimber adjustable (Super Match II) |
Popular variations:
- Kimber Custom LW Night Patrol 9mm Luger 5in Black Pistol - 9+1 Rounds
- Kimber Custom II Two Tone 45 Auto (ACP) 5in Stainless/Rosewood Pistol - 7+1 Rounds
- Kimber Custom II 45 Auto (ACP) 5in Blued Pistol - 7+1 Rounds - California Compliant
Browse: Kimber Custom Pistols
Covert (Custom, Pro, Ultra)
While the custom shop options are not truly custom 1911s, they do fill specific roles compared to the normal Kimber 1911.
The Covert line is geared towards concealed carry. The Crimson trace grips can help with training, revealing any issues in your trigger pull. They can also be used at very close ranges for more point shooting techniques.
However the Covert lacks a lot of modularity as it does not feature a rail or a threaded barrel. There is some benefit as the full-sized version of the Covert has some weight savings, bringing it closer to a modern preference for concealed carry. If you are not a fan of more stainless or flashy designs, the Covert line might be the option for your needs.
Covert (Custom, Pro, Ultra) Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Semi-automatic, Single Action Only |
| Caliber: | .45 ACP |
| Capacity: | 7 rounds |
| Barrel length: | 5 inches, 4 inches , 3 inches |
| Weight: | 25-31 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 8.7 inches, 7.7 inches, 6.8 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.28 inches |
| Sight radius: | 6.8 inches, 5.7 inches, 4.8 inches |
| Sights: | Tactical Wedge 3-dot tritium night sights |
Popular variations:
- Kimber Covert II 45 Auto (ACP) 5in Charcoal Gray Pistol - 7+1 Rounds
- Kimber Custom LW Night Patrol 45 Auto (ACP) Luger 5in Black Pistol - 7+1 Rounds
Browse: Kimber Pistols
Special Editions (Hero Custom, Camp Guard 10, Rose Gold/Amethyst/Sapphire Ultra II)
The Special Edition Kimbers are an eclectic collection of designs. Most are specialty finishes for the sub-compact Ultra II with ambidextrous safeties, tritium sights, and multiple caliber options and include the Sapphire (blue), Amethyst (purple), and Rose Gold colorations.
The Hero Custom features custom engraving, fiber optic sights, and Kryptek Highlander pattern grips. This model was designed for Boot Campaign, who provides programs and initiatives to help veterans and their families transition from military to civilian life.
The Camp Guard 10 is a full-sized 1911 chambered in 10 mm. A Kimber/RMEF collaboration, this pistol combines Kimber’s self-defense features with the 10 mm cartridge’s effectiveness on larger predators. This gun is designed for use in the backcountry where your biggest threat is from the local wildlife.
Special Editions (Hero Custom, Camp Guard 10, Rose Gold/Amethyst/Sapphire Ultra II) Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Semi-automatic, Single Action Only |
| Caliber: | .45 ACP, 10 mm, 9 mm |
| Capacity: | 7-8 rounds (caliber/model dependent) |
| Barrel length: | 5 inches, 3 inches |
| Weight: | 25-38 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 8.7 inches, 6.8 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.28 inches |
| Sight radius: | 6.8 inches, 4.8 inches |
| Sights: | Tactical wedge night sights, Green & red fiber optic, Tactical wedge 3-dot tritium |
Popular variations:
- Kimber Micro 9 Bel Air 9mm 3.15in Bel Air Blue Pistol - 7+1 Rounds
- Kimber Micro 9 SS Crimson Trace 9mm Luger 3.15in Stainless Pistol - 7+1 Rounds
- Kimber Micro 380 Auto (ACP) 2.75in Brush Polish/Satin Silver Pistol - 7+1 Rounds
Browse: Kimber Special Edition
Raptor II (Stainless, Pro, Ultra)
Another handsome set of pistols from Kimber, the Raptor II features ambidextrous thumb safeties, tritium night sights, and multiple calibers. While the Stainless variations have the most caliber selections the normal Raptor II’s only come in .45 ACP.
These pistols look great but still lack the weight savings and modularity of a modern self-defense handgun.
Raptor II (Stainless, Pro, Ultra) Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Semi-automatic, Single Action Only |
| Caliber: | .45 ACP, 10 mm, 9 mm |
| Capacity: | 7-8 rounds (caliber/model dependent) |
| Barrel length: | 5 inches, 4 inches, 3 inches |
| Weight: | 25-38 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 8.7 inches, 7.7 inches, 6.8 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.28 inches |
| Sight radius: | 6.8 inches, 5.7 inches, 4.8 inches |
| Sights: | Tactical wedge tritium night sights |
Popular variations:
- Kimber Raptor II 45 Auto (ACP) 5in Black/Wood Pistol - 8+1 Rounds
- Kimber Raptor II 45 Auto (ACP) 5in Stainless/Wood Pistol - 8+1 Rounds
Browse: Kimber Raptor Pistols
Rimfire (Compact conversion, Target conversion)
These conversion kits allow you to swap out the slide and magazine of your 1911 so it can use .22 LR ammunition. This allows for more cost effective live fire training in addition to hours of enjoyment.
The Compact conversion is for the Ultra, Compact, and Pro models of Kimber or similarly sized 1911s in .45 ACP.
The Target conversion fits full-sized 1911s in .45 ACP whether they are Kimber brand or not.
Rimfire (Compact conversion, Target conversion) Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Semi-automatic, Single Action Only |
| Caliber: | .22 LR |
| Capacity: | 7-8 rounds (caliber/model dependent) |
| Barrel length: | 10 rounds |
| Weight: | 25-38 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 5 inches, 4 inches |
| Overall Width: | N/A |
| Sight radius: | 6.8 inches |
| Sights: | Kimber adjustable |
Popular variations:
- Knight Mountaineer 209 Bare Primer Conversion Kit
- CVA 209 Conversion Kit
- Traditions Pursuit G4 Northwest And Buckstaker Northwest Magnum Conversion Kit
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