Tag Archives: double-stack 1911

Kimber goes more carry-oriented with new 2K11 Pro series double-stack 1911s

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Alabama-based Kimber looks to mine more gold from its popular new 2K11 double-stack series pistols by debuting five new, and more carry-oriented, Pro models.

The company debuted the 2K11 line in three models and two calibers (9mm and .45 ACP) last November with an aluminum alloy grip module over an SST steel sub-frame. The slide is made of stainless steel, featuring an external extractor, front and rear slide serrations, and a factory optics cut in the RMR footprint.

Running TAG Precision FiberLok 2 front sights with a suppressor-height serrated rear sight, under the hood is a beast of a deep-crowned, fluted bull barrel. Buyers also got a great GT aluminum trigger, ambi safety levers, an innovative tool-less guide rod/spring assembly, and common (2011 pattern) magazine compatibility.

The Kimber 2K11 standard model
The standard 2K11 is an elegant, if full-sized, tack driver that is slicker than an oyster with a head cold. (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)

Since then, Kimber has added a Stainless model featuring the Carbon Fiber/Kevlar-infused grip module from MJD Solutions, the 2K11 Independence, and the Eclipse.

Now, the company has answered demand for a more compact entry to the 2K11 line in a big way with five new 9mm models, all sporting a 4.25-inch fluted and crowned barrel while offering 19+1 round Checkmate UHD magazines. Two of the new models will also be available in .45 ACP format, shipping with one flush 11+1 round mag and one extended 13+1.

All share many of the more top-shelf 2K11 features, such as its toolless guide rod, external extractor, disconnector ramp, and zero-creep GT Trigger that has a 3 to 4-pound break. All are optics-ready and ship with an RMR plate with RMSc, DPP, ACRO, and 509T available. As with the rest of the line, these guns are constructed, not assembled, by a single technician, from the ground up.

Let’s talk models.

These five finishes available are Coyote, Eclipse, Minotaur, Royal, and Stainless. Of these, the Coyote and Minotaur feature aluminum grip modules, while the other three use MJD carbon fiber and Kevlar molded grips, with the latter shaving off about 6 ounces in weight.

The Kimber 2K11 Pro Coyote
The Coyote. Note its Stan Chen magwell and Kevlar carbon fiber grips on an aluminum grip module. Hitting the scales at 40.9 ounces empty, it is available in 9mm ($2,699) and .45ACP ($2,799). Note the Coyote PVD slide and black DLC barrel
The Kimber 2K11 Pro Eclipse
The Eclipse with its stainless slide and black DLC barrel. Offered only in 9mm, it is lighter at 35 ounces due to its MJD carbon fiber grip module. Price is $2,345. 
The Kimber 2K11 Pro Minotaur
The Minotaur features a distressed Sandstone Cerakote finish over its stainless slide and frame with a black DLC finished barrel. Available in 9mm, it has an ask of $2,575.
The Kimber 2K11 Pro Royal
The aristocratic Royal has a bronze PVD finish and an MJD composite grip module and magwell. It is available in 9mm for $2,499 or .45ACP for $2,599. 
The Kimber 2K11 Pro stainless
Finally, the aptly named Stainless has a Kimpro Granite finish and Kevlar carbon fiber grips. In effect, it is the most attainable 2K11 Pro, priced at $2,245. It is only offered in 9mm. 

We have one of these inbound for a review, so expect to see more on these beautiful – and functional – new pistols in the coming weeks.

So Kimber just went Full Staccato

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Kimber originally started as a rifle brand and pivoted to making M1911-style pistols in 1994, debuting at SHOT ’95. Basic math shows that to be at least a 30-year run in the field. Along the way, they learned a thing or two.

With a new state-of-the-art facility in Troy, Alabama at their fingertips, and a couple of generations of hard-earned tribal knowledge in how to make a 1911, the company is now ready to run in the double-stack/wide-body 1911 game – after a warm-up with the slightly downsized KDS9c – and this week introduced the new 2K11.

Using an aluminum alloy grip module over an SST steel sub-frame, the slide is made of stainless steel, featuring an external extractor, front and rear slide serrations, and a factory optics cut in the RMR footprint. Running TAG Precision FiberLok 2 front sights with a suppressor-height serrated rear sight, under the hood is a beast of a deep crowned, fluted bull barrel.

You’ve also got a great GT aluminum trigger, ambi safety levers, an innovative tool-less guide rod/spring assembly, and common (2011 pattern) magazine compatibility.

I went to Kimber’s facility in Alabama over the summer to try out some early production guns and they ran, and ran, and ran.

My target at the sneak peek event this summer. That’s about 400 rounds just dumped methodically from 15 yards, standing, firing offhand, alternating left and right, often in rapid-fire mag dumps. I promise that Delta isn’t mine.

I’ve also been working on a test gun for evaluation for the past two months and it has done much the same.

My T&E gun, even with fixed sights, continued the trend, delivering boring hits on 3/4 reduced USPSA steel at 15 offhand. Full-sized targets were no problem at 25. Pushing to the 50 and working from a sitting barricade and bag position while applying some concentration in slow fire brought the above. Adding a red dot on this gun is something of a cheat code.

Full review in my column at Guns.com.

Staccato, only smaller…

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Staccato, formerly STI, has been making steady in-roads with police tactical teams in recent years– having been adopted or approved by more than 250 law enforcement agencies including the elite U.S. Marshall Service’s Special Operations Group. At the same time, the company has been marketing its compact “C” series guns which have turned into a hit with consumers.

Speaking of which, the new Staccato CS is single-action like the M1911 but is in a double-stack format like the company’s 2011 line. Moreover, it runs a 3.5-inch bull barrel, making it even akin to a Colt Officer’s model– but carries with it a flush-fitting 16+1 round capacity in 9mm.

“Weighing under 23 ounces with a 3.5-inch bull barrel, this ‘little sibling’ is smaller than other members of the Staccato pistol family and made for concealed carry,” contends Staccato. (Photos: Staccato)

More in my column at Guns.com.