If you like 1911 pistols, you are probably familiar with Kimber. They make a lot of 1911 variants, both traditional and modern.
Some would argue the classic 1911 pistol is outdated and we should move on to bigger and better things. I’m glad Kimber didn’t have that opinion. Unlike other “old” guns in our arsenal, there is something special about the 1911. This is probably a combination of the legendary inventor, its history in the US and its use in war.
For some, me included, the 1911 will forever be placed on a pedestal in the firearms hall of fame. But just because I love the original 1911 doesn’t mean I don’t like all the upgraded, mutated variants out there. When someone copies a design, hoping to add some modern improvement to it, it’s really a nod to the original version. And because the 1911 is one of the most famous guns to ever debut in the United States, we have lots of variants.
One such variant I picked up a couple of years ago is the Kimber KDS9c, a double stack, 1911 style pistol. I’ve carried it some and trained with it on and off over the past few years. Let’s look at the details of this pistol and how it has held up for me.
The Kimber KDS9c
Kimber released the KDS9c in mid-2023. It was created specifically as a modern concealed carry option. Even though it has that “1911” look to it, Kimber redesigned this pistol to avoid common issues of adapting older designs.
Starting with the frame, Kimber uses lightweight 7075 aluminum to reduce the weight. As you know, 1911 pistols are known for reliability and a natural feeling grip, but not their weight. I used to carry my full-size Government 1911, but anymore, I only do this with a shoulder holster. The lighter weight of modern handguns has spoiled me just a little.
Kimber also cut out metal anywhere they could to help reduce weight. The stainless-steel barrel has dimpled areas on the outside, making it as light as possible. With an empty magazine, the Kimber KDS9c weighs about 25.3 ounces.
The trigger system, of course, remains the classic straight-back style of the original 1911 and is single-action-only. From the factory, it has trigger weight of about 3.5 to 4.5 pounds. Mine registers at 3.7 on average.
I grew a little tired of G10 grips because they were used so much on 1911’s in the past. I now prefer wood, bone, ivory, or something a little different. Having said that, the slim G10 grip panels on the KDS9c won me over. They feel good when gripping the double stack handle, and they look nice as well.
One of the most noticeable changes from the 1911 is the lack of a grip safety. Instead, Kimber used an oversized thumb safety.
Optics ready… kind of
Like most modern pistols, Kimber wanted the KDS9c to be optics ready. But unlike most modern pistols, the KDS9c does not come with an “optics ready” adaptor plate.
The plate cover is removed from the bottom side of the slide. This isn’t a big deal, but it’s not as simple as removing it from the top. I’m guessing Kimber did this because the outside of the gun looks nicer without two screws on the top.
To add a plate adaptor however, you must purchase one from Kimber for $99. The rear sight is attached to the cover/adaptor plate so this may be one reason Kimber opted not to include it with the gun. When purchasing an adaptor plate, you can choose between RMSc, Holosun K, Docter/Noblex, and RMR footprints.
Kimber KDS9c Key Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Action: Semi-Automatic, Single-Action Only
- Barrel Length: 4.09 Inches
- Overall Length: 7.7 Inches
- Weight (Empty): 25.3 Ounces
- Frame Material: 7075 Aluminum
- Slide Material: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 15+1 Rounds (Standard)
- Sights: Fiber Optic Front, Adjustable Serrated Rear
- Optic Cut: Requires Plate Adapter
Two Years Later with the Kimber KDS9c
It’s easy to take a new gun to the range and come back happy with it, unless there are problems right out of the box. But the real test of a firearm isn’t just how it does on the first 500-1000 rounds, it’s how it does a year or two years later.
My only issue with the KDS9c during my first range sessions back in 2023 was the fiber optic front sight. It flew out while I was shooting, and I had to replace it. A few range sessions later, it flew out again. If you are familiar with this type of sight, it’s a small fiberoptic rod that you slide through the sight and melt each end to hold it in.
Kimber does send a replacement rod for it but because I lost that one too, I had to call them. They were easy to get ahold of and sent me a small envelope with four more in it. After installing the third one, I have been to the range multiple times over the past couple of years and it has been fine. I’m guessing the first one I installed did not melt correctly on each end. The good thing is they are cheap and easy to install.
More than 2000 rounds
Besides the issue with the fiber optic post, the gun has functioned flawlessly. It has a smooth feel to the recoil, and the trigger is what you would expect from a 1911 style handgun.
Over the years, I’ve fired all kinds of ammo through it including range and defensive ammo. AmmoToGo.com provided 500 rounds of Blazer 115 grain ammo for a testing session. When I add this to my other sessions, I have at least 2,000 rounds through the KDS9c. That may not be a ton for a long-term test, but it’s not bad for a handgun that has never malfunctioned.
A good carry gun?
As I mentioned before, I like carrying 1911 pistols, but the weight is what makes it hard sometimes. When carrying a full-metal 1911, I like to use a shoulder rig to help distribute the weight. With the KDS9c however, I can carry it in my Safariland M1911 ALS Paddle holster or my favorite, the Bianchi Vicopisano Thumbsnap Belt holster.
Even though it’s much lighter than a standard 1911, it’s not really a small gun, at least not when comparing it to modern compact carry guns. It feels more like a lightweight, full-size gun to me. Because of this, I like to carry it in the colder months when I can cover it up with my jacket or hoodie.
Nothing about this gun has caused me to doubt its ability to hold up in a self-defense situation, and the 15-round capacity is on par with most other guns this size.
It’s a nice looking, reliable, double stack, 1911 style handgun. Even though I understand why, I still wish an optics plate adaptor came with it, but we can’t have everything we want can we?
Questions & Answers: Kimber KDS9c
What makes the Kimber KDS9c a “modern” variant of the 1911 pistol?
The Kimber KDS9c incorporates several modern design elements, including a lightweight 7075 aluminum frame and material cutouts (like the dimpled barrel) to significantly reduce weight compared to a classic 1911. It also has a double stack design for higher capacity and is designed to be optics ready (though the plate is sold separately).
A key difference is the lack of a traditional grip safety, instead utilizing an oversized thumb safety.
What is the reliability like after two years
Besides an initial issue with the fiber optic front sight coming out, the gun has functioned flawlessly over at least 2,000 rounds of various types of ammunition. The recoil is smooth and the trigger is meeting the high expectations of a 1911-style handgun.
How does the weight of the KDS9c compare to a full-size 1911, and how does this affect its suitability for concealed carry?
The KDS9c has an empty weight of approximately 25.3 ounces thanks to its aluminum frame and other weight-reducing cuts, making it much lighter than a standard full-metal 1911.
While its size makes it feel more like a lightweight, full-size gun compared to modern compacts, its reduced weight allows it to be carried in a holster belt without the need for a shoulder rig, which some prefer for a heavier, traditional 1911.
How is the KDS9c made “optics ready,” and what is required to mount a red dot sight?
The KDS9c has an optics cut, but it does not come with an optics adapter plate. The plate cover is removed from the bottom side of the slide. To mount an optic, a separate adapter plate must be purchased from Kimber for $99. When purchasing the plate, users can choose from several common footprints, including RMSc, Holosun K, Docter/Noblex, and RMR.
