Everyone has their favorite “style” of gun, even if they love all guns. If you are a 1911 guru, you would probably find yourself in search of some new 1911’s at SHOT Show 2025. And it’s also possible that Kimber would be on your list to check out.
Kimber has released several new models recently that are pretty cool. For those 1911 fans, it was like Christmas in, well, January. I was able to shoot each one during the range day along with some friends and take a closer look on the show floor.
Kimber has always been a company I keep an eye on because their handguns have a unique look and finish. I’m not sure exactly what it is that makes them stand out, but they do. When glancing at a case full of 1911 pistols at any gun store, the Kimber’s are easy to pick out.
Over the years, I’ve carried full-size Kimber pistols, compact, and micro-compact for concealed carry. This year, they have some new releases in all sizes, and one that is not even a 1911. But we will get to that shortly.
Without any more rambling, here are some of my favorite new Kimber handguns on display at SHOT Show 2025.
Kimber 2K11 Target
The gun that caused the most buzz for Kimber was probably their new 2K11 Target. This gun has a ton of new features from Kimber and it is nothing less than an eye-catcher. Bathed in a Coyote PVD coating, the slide almost has a soft gold look to it.
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 that was 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 that was introduced via the Kimber 2K11 Target. This new feature will make disassembly a piece of cake. It also has a 3.5-pound trigger pull on a custom flat trigger 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.
It’s flashy, it’s appealing, and it shot like a champ on the range. This won’t be on my budget-friendly list, but it will be on my wish list.
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 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 texturing on the sides of the grip.
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
Ready to shop Kimber?
Kimber had a few other guns at the range, but these three were by far the most popular. From their ultra-compact Micro .380 to their new 2K11 Target, Kimber offers a wide range of 1911 handguns. From small to big, simple to flashy, it’s hard to not 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.
