Kimber Micro 9 Pistols

With a dozen models, all in 9mm, the Kimber Micro Rapide is an excellent choice for sub-compact, concealed carry. The smaller footprint allows you to carry it in your waistband or fit it easily in a pocket. Modeled along the lines of the classic 1911, the Micro 9 is a miniature version of the highly popular standard-sized Rapide.

Similarities with the full-sized 1911 include the thumb safety, the magazine and slide releases, and the grip angle. The biggest difference between the standard and the sub-compact Rapide is the grip safety, the sub-compact doesn’t have one. Magazine capacities are naturally smaller with the sub-compact. If you want a smooth, obstruction-free pistol in your pocket, the six-round magazine is flush with the base of the grip. The seven-round magazine extends a bit below the grip. No matter the footprint, this is a powerful handgun for close-quarter work and is a favorite for concealed carry use.

You’ve never watched a western where someone wins a gunfight with a Derringer. The accuracy of small pistols is always a question. The tiny grips, shorter barrel, and difficulty of holding these minuscule pistols all create a challenge when it comes to accuracy.

Kimber took the accuracy challenge of a sub-compact seriously when they designed the smaller Rapide. If you fire the sub-compact Rapide the same as you would the standard pistol, you’re going to experience some problems. First, with the slide as it cycles after each shot, and second with target acquisition using the sights on the smaller model. The solution is to grip the subcompact differently, placing the thumb on your dominant hand in line with the trigger. This provides clearance and with the support of your off hand, you can get tight groups at 10 yards. This isn’t a range pistol, but one for intimate self-defense distances.

• Caliber: 9mm
• Height: 4.07 inches
• Length: 6.1 inches
• Width: 1.08 inches
• Magazine Capacity: 7 or 6 with a flush magazine
• Weight: 15.6 ounces with an empty magazine

The part many people forget when choosing a concealed carry pistol is the carry. Concealed is the easy part. A sufficiently small pistol can be hidden easily in a purse, a leg holster, in your waistband or even a pocket. Concealing it is simple enough, carrying it all day can be a challenge. Some choose to carry the Rapide behind their back on their waist. This is a good choice if you’re on your feet walking or standing during the day, but sitting requires a little adjustment by leaning forward away from the back of a chair.

Holsters make or break concealed carry. A well-designed holster, that fits the contour of your clothes while keeping the pistol within easy reach is a design challenge. The Rapide sub-compact is an ideal choice for concealed carry holsters. The smooth profile, especially with the six-shot magazine, lends itself well to concealment. The small footprint fits easily in a pants pocket and it’s perfect for a purse or in the top drawer of a nightstand next to the bed.