Kimber
Kimber has built its reputation on one premise: take the 1911 platform and build it better than anyone else at a production price. Founded in 1979 and operating out of Yonkers, New York, Kimber produces some of the most refined factory 1911s available — tight tolerances, match-grade barrels, and the kind of fit and finish that used to require a custom shop. Beyond the 1911 lineup, Kimber’s K6s revolver series has earned serious respect as a premium small-frame .357 Magnum, and the Micro 9 brings Kimber quality to the concealed carry market.
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The 1911 Lineup: Custom Shop Quality at Production Prices
Kimber’s 1911 lineup spans entry-level Custom series guns to near-custom-shop Pro Carry and Super Match configurations. The Custom II is Kimber’s baseline — a traditionally configured Government-model 1911 in .45 ACP with an aluminum frame option for reduced weight. The Pro Carry series moves to a 4” barrel with a rounded butt for better concealability while retaining the full-size grip frame for capacity. The Ultra series shortens further to 3” for maximum compactness. Across all configurations, Kimber’s match-grade barrel and bushing deliver accuracy that most factory 1911s can’t touch.
The 2K11: Kimber Meets the Modern Era
The Kimber 2K11 is the company’s answer to the modern high-capacity 9mm market — a double-stack, optics-ready 9mm that brings Kimber’s fit and finish to a platform that competes with the Staccato P and Springfield Prodigy. With a 19-round magazine, a match-grade barrel, and the kind of trigger work Kimber is known for, the 2K11 is a serious competition and duty pistol that expands Kimber’s reach beyond traditional 1911 buyers. For shooters who love Kimber quality but want modern capacity, the 2K11 is the current answer.
The K6s: Kimber’s Premium Revolver
The Kimber K6s is the most significant new revolver design in years — a 6-shot .357 Magnum in a small frame, something that J-frame-sized revolvers had never achieved before. The K6s accomplishes this through a unique cylinder geometry that seats six .357 rounds in the space competitors fit five. The trigger is match-grade from the factory — one of the best production double-action triggers available at any price. Available in stainless and two-tone configurations, with fixed or adjustable sights, the K6s has become the default recommendation for shooters who want the best small-frame revolver money can buy.
Micro 9: 1911 Ergonomics in a Carry Package
The Kimber Micro 9 scales the 1911 platform down to a carry-friendly 3.15” barrel single-stack format. The grip angle, controls, and manual of arms are pure 1911 — making it a natural choice for 1911 shooters who want a smaller carry gun without relearning a new platform. The Micro 9 ships with Kimber’s trademark tight tolerances and smooth action. It’s not the most affordable micro 9mm carry option, but for shooters who specifically want 1911 ergonomics and Kimber quality in their daily carry, nothing else delivers the same combination.
Kimber Quality: What You’re Actually Paying For
Kimber firearms cost more than comparable-configuration guns from many manufacturers, and the premium is real. Barrel-to-bushing fit, frame-to-slide fit, and trigger work are all executed at tolerances tighter than most production lines achieve. The result is a gun that shoots accurately out of the box and requires minimal break-in. Kimber’s customer service and warranty back the product adequately. The K6s revolver and 2K11 in particular represent genuine performance advantages over cheaper alternatives — not just badge premium. For buyers who appreciate craftsmanship and plan to keep a firearm for decades, Kimber delivers lasting value.
Related Pages at Impact Guns
For the Kimber 2K11 model page see Kimber 2K11. Compare 1911 options on our 1911 pistols page. For revolver comparisons see our revolvers page. Use our FFL dealer lookup to find a transfer dealer near you.