CADRE Dispatch

The New Kimber CDS9: An All Metal Microcompact

James Maybrick

Shrink a 9mm handgun enough and it can be obnoxious to shoot, let alone shoot well. Kimber’s newest microcompact addresses that challenge in the CDS9. This micro-compact 9mm is designed for everyday carry, but instead of going the striker-fired polymer-framed route, Kimber went for a light, hammer-fired single-action trigger and a more substantial aluminum frame.

The new Kimber CDS9 represents the next step in the KD9 family, offering new options like a threaded barrel, optics compatibility, and a weapon light.

kimber csd9 pistol
Kimber is pleased to introduce the new optics-ready CDS9. [Kimber Manufacturing]

Features and Design

The Kimber CDS9 marries 1911-esque aesthetics to the microcompact platform with a flat-faced single-action trigger, slim profile, and ambidextrous manual thumb safety. The anodized aluminum frame wears a pair of checkered VZ Frag G10 grips. It features an ambi slide release and a reversible magazine release as well as a double-slot Picatinny rail to accommodate a small weapon light.

The slide includes forward and rearward fish scale cocking serrations, TAC sights with a locking fiber optic front sight, and a dovetailed flat-faced steel rear U-notch. The slide is also cut for an RMSc footprint optic.

Internally, the CDS9 features a dual recoil spring to dampen recoil and uses a 3.18-inch stainless steel barrel. Kimber also offers a threaded barrel model with a 3.6-inch barrel and 1/2 x28 TPI threads for the appropriate suppressor or compensator.

Although it weighs only 20.8 ounces unloaded, the feature-rich CDS9 ships with 10- and 13-round magazines, with extended 15-round magazines now available. This new offering from Kimber Manufacturing is now shipping and has a starting MSRP of $1,075.

Specs

Caliber: 9mm
Action: Semi-Auto
Barrel: 3.64 inches (TFS), 3.18 inches (Non TFS)
Overall Length: 6.7 inches (TFS), 6.2 inches (Non TFS)
Weight: 20.8 ounces (empty)
Grips: VZ Grips in a Frag pattern w/G10 grip panels
Sights: Tag Fiber Lock Front, Tactical Rear 
Finish: KimPro Gray or Black
Capacity: 10-, 13-, and 15-Round Magazines Available
MSRP: $1,075.00 – $1,095.00

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