Everyone has their favorite “style” of gun, even if they love all guns. If you are a 1911 or 2011 guru, you probably find yourself in search of new models being released. While there are a lot of companies out there making 1911-style guns, Kimber is among my favorites. They offer small, compact versions of 1911 guns from .380 up to .45ACP. They also have some of the best finishes I’ve seen, and that alone draws me in.
Besides Glock-style handguns, 1911-based models are about the easiest to find at any gun show or gun store. During SHOT show ’26, I made a point to head over to Kimber’s booth on the first day to check out what they have.
Last year we saw the 2K11 Target, and I’ve been dreaming about it ever since. But I also like to see their more traditional models as well.
Over the years, I’ve carried full-size, compact, and micro-compact pistols from Kimber. In 2025, the 2K11 was a big hit, and in 2026, they introduced some new variants to that lineup. Since 1911-style guns are about all they do, they have also released a lot of other new or improved models.
So, without any more rambling, here are some of my favorite new handguns we have seen from Kimber.
Kimber 2K11 Target AND PRO COMP STAINLESS
The gun that caused the most buzz for Kimber in 2025 was probably their 2K11 Target. This gun has a ton of new features and is nothing less than an eye-catcher. Bathed in a Coyote PVD coating, the slide almost has a soft gold look.
The matte DLC-coated black frame has a great contrast with the slide, which only makes it stand out more. But besides the looks, this double-stack 1911 pistol has some new features.
The first feature is what Kimber is calling a “one-of-a-kind” custom mag-well designed by Stan Chen. Chen mag-wells are among the best you can find for a high-performance 1911 or 2011 pistol. This partnership is an exciting thing to see from Kimber.
Second is the patent-pending tool-less guide rod. This new feature will make disassembly a piece of cake. It also has a 3.5-pound trigger pull on a custom flat trigger that they claim has no creep at all.
The grip module is made from aluminum, so it keeps the weight down, but also keeps that “metal” feeling. I don’t mind polymer-framed handguns, but a 1911 is just better with a metal frame.
Pro Comp Stainless 2K11
In 2026, Kimber built on this line with the release of the 2K11 Pro Comp Stainless model. Following a popular trend, they added an integrated compensator, which helps with muzzle rise.
I’ve also noticed a lot of companies are going back to smooth stainless or matte black finishes. In the photo below, the stainless frame with a black grip and 4-inch barrel is a nice-looking gun. This is one I would carry daily during colder months when I can get away with using an OWB holster.
But as you would guess, the MSRP for this slick-looking gun is a whopping $2,345. For a high-quality gun, that’s not a crazy price, but it’s enough to keep it on my wish list instead of my hip for now.
CDS9 for conceal carry
For those who want to conceal carry in style, the Kimber CDS9 is a workhorse with an elegant finish. When the KDS9c was first released, I ran down to the store and picked one up. I couldn’t pass on a double-stack 1911 from Kimber, and it’s been a blast to shoot.
The new CDS9 lineup (CDS stands for Covert Double Stack) was made to be a personal defense handgun. It has a 10, 13, or 15-round capacity depending on what magazine you wish to use. It’s ambidextrous and features an accessories rail.
Kimber made one improvement on the CDS9 that I wish they had done with the KDS9c, which is the optics footprint.
The only disappointment I had with the KDS9c was finding out I needed to buy a special adaptor plate from Kimber. In today’s world, if a gun has an optics plate, you expect to be able to mount an optic without buying additional plates, right?
Well, with the CDS9, Kimber used the RMSc footprint to make sure the gun was truly optics-ready out of the box. There is no need to purchase a $90 adapter plate before you can mount an optic.
There are multiple grip/finish combinations to pick from in the CDS9 lineup, making it an impressive new collection.
R7 MAKO Kimber’s non-1911 handgun
When I saw Kimber was releasing the R7 MAKO, I wondered if this wasn’t a makeover for the Solo. We won’t talk much about the Solo pistol because, in my opinion, it’s one handgun Kimber should bury in the desert.
But the new R7 MAKO appears to be their non-1911 redemption gun. It has an interesting look to it, including the grip texturing.
The R7 MAKO has Kimber’s side ejection port, performance carry trigger, and is made with a carbon fiber-infused matrix. Kimber claims it has up to 60,000 psi tensile strength for a long-lasting design.
There are four variations to choose from with options including a flared mag-well, optics plate, threaded barrel, and more. A 15-round magazine provides plenty of ammo for a defensive gun. You can purchase the R7 MAKO in a kit with a mag and multiple mags for about $700.00
1911 DS Warrior (OR)
Another interesting release for 2026 was the Kimber 1911 DS Warrior (OR). This gun has a classic 1911/double-stack look to it, but it’s the material, finish, and craftsmanship that make it stand out. It was engineered for performance and uses what Kimber calls a “superior finish” on the frame and slide. It also has a carbon fiber-infused grip, which I thought looked fitting for this style of 1911.
Because Kimber wanted to focus on superior craftsmanship on this model, each gun is individually hand-fitted at the factory. It uses a GT performance trigger with a factory setting of about 4.5 lbs.
To make all those .38 Super fans happy, Kimber is offering the DS Warrior in .38 Super, .45ACP, and 10mm. What is the most surprising to me about this gun, however, is the price. With an MSRP of $1,299, this gun will probably retail for around $1,000 or even a little below. I’m going to keep my eye on this one.
Ready to shop Kimber?
From their ultra-compact Micro .380 to their new 2K11 Target, Kimber offers a wide range of 1911 handguns. Small to big, simple to flashy, it’s hard not to find something you like.
The 1911 pistol has been a classic firearm since Browning first designed it. Used by the military, law enforcement, and civilians, it’s a battle-tested gun. Owning one makes you feel like you own a piece of history, but in a modern package. Check out Kimber’s new lineup and see what you think.
