As we move into the next round of the 2011 Project, we’re leaving the “budget-friendly” tier for what might be the most competitive grouping yet. These pistols range from about $2,000 to $3,500 and offer higher quality and more features.
Honestly, if you select any of these pistols, I think you’d be happy. Ultimately, it comes down to aesthetics, role, and perhaps brand loyalty.
The Kimber 2K11 was a surprise when it was released in late 2024. No one expected it, especially from Kimber. But they proved the naysayers wrong, and since its release, the pistol has been incredibly popular. It blends some nice touches often found in higher-priced guns with a distinctive aesthetic. On top of that, Kimber has released a ton of options in both 5” and 4.25”, with 9mm and 45 ACP calibers available.
To understand the history of the 2011, Staccato, and the rise of this pistol classification, check out “Party Like It’s 2011: Staccato and the 2011 Revolution,” which tells the origin story. That article lays the groundwork for what follows, and this is meant to give you honest opinions on this growing market.
Unlike other trends that come and go, this one has staying power. But unlike other trends, pistols in this class can cost thousands of dollars. The goal here is to give you an unbiased opinion on how these models stack up and help you decide which is best for your needs and budget.
Thank you to Kimber MFG for providing a sample. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kimber 2K11 SPECS
- Model(s): 2K11
- Action: Single Action, Hammer-Fired
- Frame: Stainless Steel
- Grip: 7075 Aluminum Alloy
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 17+1 standard, 20+1 with extended magazine
- Sights: Fiber Optic
- Optic Cut: Yes, with plates. Ships with RMR plate.
- Magazines: 3
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Overall Length: 8.56”
- Overall Width: 1.4″
- Height: 5.74″
- Weight: 40.9 oz.
- Price: $2,245.00
FEATURES
The Kimber 2K11 brings modern enhancements to the double-stack 1911 platform, combining increased capacity with features tailored for serious shooters. Built around a 7075 aluminum alloy grip module and a CNC-machined stainless steel subframe, the pistol is hand-fitted and finished with a durable black DLC stainless steel slide. Chambered in 9mm, it features a 20-round magazine capacity and ships with three magazines (a nice touch).
The 2K11 comes optics-ready with a factory-cut slide and an adapter plate for Trijicon RMR footprints, though other plates are available for a variety of footprints. A Tag Fiberlok 2 green front sight is bright and easy to track—something many shooters with ailing eyes will appreciate (including me).
Performance-focused features continue with a 5-inch fluted, ramped, highly polished stainless-steel barrel designed for accuracy, paired with Kimber’s GT match-grade trigger that delivers a crisp 3–4-pound pull.
The pistol also incorporates an ambidextrous thumb safety, beavertail grip safety, tool-less guide rod, external extractor, and improved magazine geometry, elevating this pistol and giving it excellent value. Many of these features you’d see on custom pistols are now becoming standard factory offerings.
SETUP
Like the Budget Tier pistols, the setup remains the same. I’m running a Vortex Defender-ST Solar Enclosed red dot. Obviously, this is not an RMR footprint optic, so I picked up a 2K11 C&H adapter plate from the Kimber Webstore. Unlike the C&H plate for the Warrior, I had no issues working with this one.
I’ve also added a Streamlight TLR-1 HL-X. This proven light offers good value. The best part is that it is multi-fuel compatible and delivers about 1,500 lumens and 20,000 Candelas. Depending on where you are shopping, this light hovers around $220.
And as I am throughout this series, I’m otherwise running this pistol stock. That keeps things on an even playing field. For a holster, I’m using the Safariland 6354RDSO – ALS Holster w/ QLS19 Fork and a mid-ride QLS adapter.
This is my go-to setup for any kind of “tactical” shooting or training. Since I’m not in law enforcement, I’ve removed the hood for easier access. This is mounted on the Safariland BASELINE MOLLE Belt, which I’ve grown to like quite a bit.
Now, let’s head to the range.
AT THE RANGE
A note on ammo. All “range ammo” is Blazer Brass 115-gr FMJ (5200). For accuracy testing, I used Hornady American Gunner 115-gr XTP. I picked up all the ammo for testing from Ammunition Depot.
Let’s get into the drills and accuracy testing.
Bill Drills
I like to run Bill Drills first to warm up and get acquainted with the pistol. Just like an athlete before a game or match, you need to warm up your body and go through a stretching routine to perform at your best.
I start Bill Drills at a low ready, with the target about 5-7 yards away. The goal is six A-zone hits in 1.25 seconds or less. With the 2K11, my average time over five attempts was 1.28 seconds. I had a bad first attempt of 1.62, but everything after that fell at 1.25 or below. Apparently, I need to knock off some rust.
First shots were around a half second, while follow-ups hovered in the .15/.16 range. Accuracy was good, though a little sporadic at first. I really began to settle in with the 2K11. Unlike shooting a shorter, comped gun, I find full-sized 5” guns with aluminum and steel frames easy to shoot well, and the 2K11 was no different.
Accuracy Testing
For this portion, I’m shooting off a pistol rest mounted to a tripod. This keeps things as stable as possible and really showcases the pistol’s capability.
At 10 yards, the 2K11 accuracy of this pistol was great, with two small clusters about .5” apart. The 5-hole sits a little lower than the two clusters, but overall, it’s pretty good shooting. The same can’t be said at 25 yards.
Hand up, I will admit this could have been shooter error. I’d say the group was about 6-7”, with none of the shots touching. A more in-depth accuracy test is needed. However, I think there’s potential here. I just need to eke it out.
1-and-1 Drills
This is my favorite drill to run. I start the same as I do for Bill Drills. 1 shot fired, slide lock, reload, 1 shot. My goal is to hit a 3.25-second par time.
I have small hands, which can make shooting 2011-style pistols interesting. For this, I’d roll my strong hand to engage the magazine release, then use my support hand to hit the side release before moving back into position. The grip module on the Kimber is bigger in circumference, and the controls are more normal in size (definitely not oversized). Because of that, my times suffered. My average over five attempts was 3.36 seconds. I definitely need more practice with this one.
The Humbler
A quick note before this one: if you’ve heard of “The Humbler” before, it’s likely the 70-round, 700-point aggregate drill popularized by Larry Vickers and associated with Delta Force training. This is not that drill — it’s a different, shorter exercise that happens to share the same nickname.
This is a good finisher I picked up from James Williamson of HK. It’s a 10-second par time. Either start with the pistol holster or on a bench. Ten shots into the A-Zone, reload, two shots into the head A-Zone. My time was 10.03 with clean hits. Technically I failed, but that was a darn good run. Missed it by .03—I can’t complain.
Sizing Up the Kimber 2K11
Where the 2K11 Delivers
I really like the aesthetic of the 2K11 series, both in this model and the others in the line. Kimber isn’t afraid to stand out. You don’t buy a 2011 to be boring. And Kimber is definitely not boring.
The aluminum grip module, while a bit large, has excellent texturing and really deadens the recoil. The trigger is nice, with a short, crisp take-up and a distinct, audible reset. Overall, the pistol’s styling, controls, and features lean toward the traditional 1911, which I’m a fan of. It feels “high-end” without the associated price.
Mixed Result Here
The optic plate I used on the 2K11 was much better than the DS Warrior’s. However, that doesn’t mean I’m a fan of it. I still much prefer the AOS system used by Springfield and MAC, as well as other 2011-style pistols.
The magwell is on the smaller side. Kimber offers a much larger funnel-style magwell (Stan Chen) as an aftermarket option. They also offer 2K11 models with it preinstalled. If I were to run this in competition, I’d swap out the magwell immediately.
Where It Falls Short
My biggest complaint is the controls. They aren’t oversized, like many others in this category—which is a shame. Kimber could easily add a threaded magazine release, allowing the end user to add an enlarged paddle to engage. That seems like a simple switch. Even the trigger is longer than I’d prefer.
For some, this might not be a big deal; it just depends on your hand size and what you are comfortable with.
Zooming Out
The Kimber 2K11 is definitely worth your consideration. Its price point, feature set, and appearance will appeal to many enthusiasts. I especially like its more traditional lines (albeit with a modern flair), trigger, and overall feel.
But, as I mentioned previously, this is a very competitive grouping of pistols. All of them are good; it’s about finding what best fits your needs. With a little tuning, I’d be more than happy to run the 2K11 in a match.
While Kimber is a large, well-established brand, Race City Defense is not. They are offering a very compelling 2011-style pistol for just under three grand. Will the upstart be knocking on the big boys’ doors? Stay tuned.
