Last Updated September 15th 2023
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Winners at a Glance
| Image | Product | Detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Kimber Custom TLE |
| Price |
 | Kimber Rapide |
| Price |
 | Kimber Ultra Carry II |
| Price |
 | Kimber Desert Warrior |
| Price |
 | Kimber Aegis Elite |
| Price |
Intro
There is only one company that can truly take the fight to Colt in the 1911 sector. That’s Kimber America.
While others laid down at the feet of the Colt 1911 and tried to compete on cost, rather than prestige, Kimber came at Colt like a spider monkey.
The two are still going hammer and tong to this day in pretty much every category. Colt is the volume seller, but some of the Custom Shop guns are, in our opinion, the absolute benchmark for quality and engineering.
So what are the best Kimber pistols for sale in 2023, and where can you buy them? Well we got the full list down below, but you can check here if you know what you want and just can’t find it.
- Guns.com – Kimber handguns galore. Get a Kimber 1911, or a revolver.
- Euro Optic – Massive selection of Kimber handguns. Great prices too.
1. Kimber Custom TLE II
- Price: $929.99
- Caliber: 45 ACP Auto
- Barrel: 5 inch
- Weight: 2.37lb
- Capacity: 8+1
The Kimber Custom Shop TLE II could be the complete battle pistol. If you’re sure you’re starting with a 45 ACP 1911 then really this is the gun you want as your official sidearm on the daily in the real world.
This Kimber Government Model 1911 is the sensibly priced consumer version of the custom gun that the LAPD SWAT team have on their hip when they go into action.
There is a stainless version, but the KimPro II coated matte black version is the most desirable among gun enthusiasts and collectors.
Technical highlights include a full-length guide rod, beveled magazine well for the single stack mag, lowered and flared ejection port. The usual for a home defense pistol in this price range.
It’s a tactical pistol, rather than a sport shooter. But truthfully it’s awesome at everything.
2. Kimber Rapide 1911
- Price: $1,518.99
- Caliber: 45 ACP
- Barrel: 5 inch
- Total Length: 8.5 inch
- Weight: 2.2lb
- Capacity: 8+1
The factory custom Kimber Rapide 1911 is possibly the company’s best 1911 pistols of recent times
It’s a full size race gun, designed for competition and chambered in 45 ACP, 9mm or 10mm Auto. It also looks wicked bad and I think a lot of these guns are selling on looks alone. There aren’t this many 3 Gunners and target shooters out there.
We also have no problem with that. Gun porn is healthy. Gun porn is good. I mean this thing has the best trigger, lightening cuts, G10 grips and slide serrations…
Rapide Scorpius and Black Ice Special Editions
There’s a collectible Rapide Black Ice, too, which arguably looks even better with a dark chrome finish. And the high capacity Rapide Scorpius chambered in 9mm or 45 ACP is a work of art at a truly decent price point.
Wipe Clean Match Grade Barrel With TiN Coating
Even with the base gun you get the TiN coated barrel peering through the custom porting on the side and top of the slide. It doesn’t just look good, deposits wipe straight off that TiN finished match barrel.
It’s a lot of porting, which results in a serious lightweight gun that cycles a lot faster. You get a 2.2lb, full size 1911 as a payoff. That’s good. Great in fact. And this 1911 really does cycle like a polymer pistol.
There is textured front strap checkering, a flat mainspring housing, Tritium night sights and the G10 grips are aggressive without getting into sharp. This really is a factory custom 1911 for off the peg money.
3. Kimber Ultra Carry II
- Price: $999.99
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel: 3”
- Weight: 1.56lb
- Capacity: 7+1 rounds
The Kimber Ultra Carry II is a custom pistol that comes with a price premium, but we all know by now that’s worth it. This is one of the best 1911 pistols for CCW and definitely one of the best 9mm 1911s you’ll see.
For this money you get to rock the Kimber two-tone finish on your Officer size 1911 concealed carry pistol. There are rosewood grips, rather than the high-tech shiz, but that’s homely and stylish too. Wood is life and all.
You get proper checkering on the back strap, and a smooth, rounded mainspring housing that you can easily get used to. It can make your gun easier to live with on the daily. As can the limited slide serrations on these great guns.
4. Kimber Desert Warrior
- Price: $1,467.99
- Caliber: 45 ACP Auto
- Barrel: 5 inch barrel
- Total Length: 8.7 inch
- Weight: 2.5lb
- Capacity: 7+1
The Desert Warrior is basically an evolution of the TLE with some minor front strap checkering and coating differences.
But we love the single action, trigger, single stack Kimber Warrior, partially because of its starring role in John Wick 2. That remains one of the finest press checks in cinema history. Yes, it’s gratuitous, but you know what? Let’s do it, the whole museum fight scene…
The Kimber Desert Warrior gets a Flat Dark Earth version, or Desert Tan to be specific, of the KimPro II coating that is every bit as good as Colt’s Decobond.
It is one of the finest 1911 pistols at this price, offering reliable, accurate target shooting, as well as dependability and reliability.
A 16lb recoil spring and full length guide rod helps damp down the muzzle rise. So much so that this is a favorite 1911 for law enforcement officers that aren’t quite ready to ‘go Glock and like 1911 combat handguns.
5. Kimber Super Jagare
- Price: $2,506.99
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Barrel: 6 inch
- Total: 9.7 inch
- Weight: 2.63lb
The Kimber Super Jagare 10mm is pure gun porn, as well as an absolutely sensational hunting pistol. It knows what it is, and even with all the extravagance, there’s a single-minded purpose to this 10mm predator.
This Kimber Custom Shop is the stuff of legend in the pistol hunting community. It is also functional art with perfect fit and finish, and easily one of the best 1911 pistols you will ever buy for hunting or competitive shooting.
Lightening cuts in the stainless steel slide help control the recoil on this snappy little 10mm round. Porting in the match grade barrel actually lines up with the slide ports and this is the first of 1000 little tales of OCD that turned this into one of the most desirable 1911s on the market.
It might be the best long range handgun here, especially with high quality red dots/optics installed. John Moses Browning would approve…
A Leupold Deltapoint comes with the package and it’s ready to go as a complete hunting semi-auto handgun and critter canon. Obviously the trigger pull is adjustable and this might just be the best trigger here on a technical level.
6. Kimber Pro Carry Stainless
- Price: $779.99
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Barrel: 4 inch
- Total Length: 6.8 inch
- Weight: 1.75lb
- Capacity: 9+1
If you’re looking for a carry 1911 and you’re sure you want a Kimber, then the Kimber Pro Carry kind of has to be on your list
You have to decide between the 45 ACP and 9mm pistols that are tailored to the most popular personal defense round. Here we decided to go with the smaller hollow points. Just for variety really.
In either caliber, it’s the ultimate example of a Kimber compact 1911 and one of the most respected carry guns in the world.
Low profile rear sight and a bobbed hammer are the obvious points, but Kimber also polishes every single edge on its custom carry guns to reduce snags. It’s that kind of attention to detail you’re paying for.
7. Kimber Aegis Elite
- Price: $948.99
- Caliber: 45 ACP
- Barrel Length: 5 inch
- Total Length: 8 inch
- Weight: 2.38lb
- Capacity: 7+1
The Kimber Aegis line was designed around 9mm ammo, although you can buy a 45 now too. Either one is like the Bentley of the concealed carry gun world…
It’s a big, heavy, luxury gun with perfect fit and finish. But it gets carry touches like the rounded heel that looks set for the carry crowd. But then it’s built on a heavyweight frame for durability, rather than aluminum for extra savings.
This looks much expensive than it is thanks to 24 LPI checkering on the front strap, a two-tone finish and fiber optic night sights. Every edge gets the patented Kimber Carry Melt treatment, to round them to perfection for a snag free draw.
It’s a curious combination that somehow works out. It even comes with optic cuts for red dot sights. And somehow we’re fine with that contradiction too with these great guns.
8. Kimber Stainless Raptor II
- Price: $1,466.99
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 5 inch
- Total Length: 8.6 inch
- Weight: 2.38lb
- Capacity: 8+1
The Kimber Raptor Stainless II is one of those big, shiny Government sized 1911s that look just about perfect from every angle. It’s a great gun.
It’s actually pretty hard to make a 1911 that is so instantly recognizable that it becomes an icon and a niche in its own right. There’s not so much you can do that’s different with the basic John Moses Browning design.
Of course, those feather-style serrations are what truly mark out this big, solid hunk of handgun. The steel slide and grip work looks amazing, as does the extended safety, slide release and mag release.
The Raptor II is just different enough, while absolutely staying true to the 1911 traditions. It’s kinda brilliant when you think about it. If you think about it…
9. Kimber Target Long Slide
- Price: $1,119.99
- Caliber: 45 ACP
- Barrel: 6 inch
- Weight:2.63lb
Never underestimate the impact of an additional inch. On the barrel of a gun or, well, yeah…
The Kimber Target is a great gun. Both the match grade barrel and slide are CNC machined steel and the trigger pull and rear sight are adjustable. Natch. You get Tritium night sights at the front and this is high quality, reliable, accurate and optics ready.
You can buy the best 10mm version that is making quite a splash as a hunting handgun and can take on the Colt Delta Elite 10mm American classic. But the 45 is much cheaper to run if you’re just shooting targets for fun at long range for handguns.
Either one is much more cost effective than the Super Jagare, obviously, but these are some of the best Kimber pistols and great guns too.
10. Kimber Gold Combat RL II
- Price: $2,143.99
- Caliber: 45 ACP Auto
- Barrel: 5 inch
- Weight: 2.37lb
- Capacity: 8+1
The Kimber Custom Gold Combat RL II is a legend and one of the best 1911 pistols on sale anywhere. Only a true connoisseur will spot the Gold Combat G10 grips that mark this thoroughbred apart from the common-or-garden TLE. But you won’t care.
Because you’ll have arguably the finest battle pistol that Kimber makes. This is a full Custom Shop gun, which we all know is in a different league to the production stuff.
Classic, Understated Style
Kimber’s understated approach with a 45 pistol of this magnitude is refreshing and all the touches from the special police partners have helped mold this gun into an institution.
Including quirky stuff like the gold bead front sight that you can replace with a luminescent fiber and the slide release that is notoriously stiff during the break-in period.
Now competition shooters use them, movie stars carry them and Bad Boys style cops with trust funds too. Maybe.
11. Kimber Micro 9 Desert Tan
- Price: $816.99
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel: 3.15 inch
- Weight: 0.96lb
This is one of the sexiest everyday carry guns we have seen in a while, but the Kimber Micro 9 Desert Tan is also one of the most divisive guns out there.
Is the Kimber Micro 9 a 1911 at all? Now you could probably argue not thanks to the lack of a beavertail grip safety and some other purist issues.
But the truth is that it functions kind of like a 1911, looks like one and the Kimber Micro 9 pretty much handles like one. There’s no beavertail grip safety, but that isn’t an absolute requirement in 2023.
If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it’s pretty much a duck…
So we say yes, the Kimber Micro 9 Desert Night et al is a real 1911. Kind of. These new products are definitely a breakout success and one of the best Kimber pistols, in terms of sales at least, in recent times.
And the Kimber Micro 9 two tone finish is a great concealed carry gun and a deep concealment 1911. If you’re looking for that very specific thing for personal defense and you like the Desert Tan color combo and laser grips.
Look at the Complete Kimber Micro 9 Line
For a full range of Kimber Micro 9 Stainless Steel and cerakote finishes for sale, as well as some with front strap checkering, or not. For the perfect fit and finish, or low budget entry level models, try these live links to what’s in stock at our favorite dealers:
- Guns.com – A healthy selection of Kimber handguns on offer, new and used pistols for sale.
- Euro Optic – A great range of Kimber handguns, including Kimber Micro 9..
What About Parts & Accessories For Your 1911?
You might be looking for the best pistol red dot sights for your everyday carry if the white dot set-up on your Kimber pistols aren’t working for you quite like they should. Or Crimson Trace laser grips and other gear & accessories for your gun safes.
Or you might just want some grip screws, or better gun cleaning cloths in your range bags. Gun cleaning is important, you know, for a reliable concealed carry pistol…
For everything from the best red dot sights to a new recoil spring and a Crimson Trace laser, try these dealers.
- Brownells – Awesome parts section. From a new slide and frame to a coated barrel and range bags.
- Primary Arms – From a new thumb safety to a slide and frame.
- Our post of the best online gun stores.
Natural Rivals for the Kimber 1911
Colt and Kimber have been at each other for decades. Even law enforcement is split between them, let alone for home defense.
But there is another solid contender with the stainless steel frame and slide Springfield TRP, allloy frame Range Officer, the Springfield Loaded Operator and the Springfield Mil Spec.
Sig could also lay some form of claim and you could include everything, even the Metro Arms American Classic.
You can throw all of these into the mix honestly.
Colt vs Kimber
Colt and Kimber have been engaged in, well, a gunfight for decades. For every Kimber model there’s a direct competitor from Colt.
The Gold Combat goes head to head with the Colt Combat Unit, the Kimber Ultra Carry goes to war with the Colt Defendeer and there’s direct competition right through the model line.
In most cases it comes down to personal preference, but the Colt Delta Elite 10mm is the one that Kimber can’t compete with. The Colt Delta Elite was a law enforcement special that found favor with the general public and is now highly prized and hard to find.
Wilson Combat is an Obvious Kimber Rival
Of course we haven’t even mentioned Dan Wesson and Wilson Combat CQB. Both of these premium manufacturers feature heavily on these lists:
No post on 1911 is complete without a little part on the Wilson Combat CQB, which is one of our favorite handguns ever. We’ll let the video do the talking and when you’re done there then you might want to just go here.
The Wilson Combat CQB is a great gun, and we like the smaller carry gun options, although our favorite is the Wilson Combat EDC9 XL.
Yes you’ll find the Wilson Combat on other lists, and you’ll find a Wilson Combat rifle on most of our high end AR-15 and AR-10 lists too. But mainly we like the single action Wilson Combat CQB and its off the charts accuracy, and the grip panels.
Dan Wesson is on there too
You will find plenty of Dan Wesson pistols on our best handguns lists. It’s a love affair that started with the Dan Wesson Bruin LS hunting handgun and the Dan Wesson Eco subcompact 1911.
Now we have the likes of the Dan Wesson Valor, the Dan Wesson Kodiak LA hunter and the almighty Dan Wesson Specialist to take on the likes of the Gold Combat. Look out for the Dan Wesson V-Bob carry guns with the elegant bobtail.
The new Dan Wesson DWX is an amazing tool, as well. that double stack 1911 9mm.Dan Wesson took the CZ75 and turned it into a proper competition spec 1911. And the resulting single action trigger Dan Wesson pistol is as good as it sounds.
The Dan Wesson ECP and TCP concealed carry pistols have taken over from the ECO, too, and those are solid pistols for the real world and a great price range. For the full line, and to buy a pistol online now. Go here.
Ruger SR1911 is Seriously Competitive, too.
Various forms of the Ruger SR1911 single action handgun can be found on our pages.
You’ll find the Ruger 1911 Commander competing with the likes of the Colt Commander and Kimber carry handguns. A triple recoil spring is a real USP in that sector and has won the small gun an army of fans.
Then you get the compact version of the Ruger SR1911 with the 4 inch barrel and the Ruger SR1911 Government goes against the Kimber TLE.
Custom Parts Give Ruger a New Life
You can find heavily modified Ruger SR1911 with Koenig Custom parts that is every bit a rival for the Kimber match grade guns.
They come with a new barrel, new parts from Koenig and are a match for anything when it comes to accuracy. A hand matched slide and frame are all part of the package at that price point and the singhle action trigger is sweet.
Smith & Wesson is Still a Market Leader
You can choose from a wide range of Smith & Wesson 1911 pistols, including the new Scandium alloy lightweight 1911 E Series that shaves serious weight off the final gun.
Also, the Smith & Wesson Performance Center offers top tier handguns & rifles that have been fettled by the best.
Les Baer is a Niche Choice
Some people will only shoot a Les Baer 1911. For them the Les Baer 1911 Custom Carry and Les Baer 1911 Boss 45 are the pinnacle of firearms technology and the best pistol in any price range.
The Les Baer 1911 Premier 2 model, meanwhile is considered the all round duty and tactical pistol line.
The compact carry Les Baer Black Baer is probably our favorite Les Baer pistol. Check the full line of used Les Baer 1911 pistols you can buy.
Springfield Armory Has Big Options
Springfield Armory has a 1911 for every occasion, too, and the Springfield Loaded Operator is currently one of our favorites. The cheaper Springfield Armory mil Spec was our best $500 1911, until a series of small price hikes. But it’s still one of the best pistols for sane money.
The aluminum frame Springfield Armory Range Officer is the lightweight gun and arguably the company’s most famous 1911. The Springfield Loaded Operator sells way more, as does the Springfield Armory Mil Spec with its white dot sights.
We love the Springfield Loaded, but the Springfield Armory Range Officer is a classic as well.
Sig Sauer Emperor Scorpion Brings the Glamor
The Desert Tan Sig Sauer Emperor Scorpion is a dramatic looking pistol with a sort of Flat Dark Earth cerakote finish and contrasting ambidextrous thumb safety, slide release, magazine release etc.
Honestly we love the Sig Sauer Emperor Scorpion, and the smaller, compact Sig Sauer carry fastback with a rounded heel and 4 inch barrel. Buy yours here.
The Sig Sauer STX, 1911 Rail Gun, Sig P227 and compact 1911s are good as well. We do love the Sig Sauer Emperor Scorpion honestly, if you don’t mind a fashion gun then this or several special editions of the Sig Sauer STX crop up from time to time.
Get a metallic flat dark Earth 1911 with contrasting accent colors at a really attractive price point.
Forget the Best Kimber, Nighthawk Custom is in a New Price Range
We have a few Nighthawk Custom semi-automatic pistol offers on the site, and a couple of Korth revolvers. We even have a post on the best ones here.
The prices are insane, but then so is the engineering and the feel in the hand is something else, even in the break in period. Even the mag release feels special.
Customer service, too, probably…
Have a look at Nighthawk Custom pistols you can buy today here for United States Special Operations.
Also have a look at our favorite Dan Wesson 1911 handguns.
Check These Posts Now
- Best Sub compact 9mm pistols for CCW.
- The best Glock for Sale in 2023, 45 ACP, 9mm and 10mmm pistol caliber.
Check your local gun laws too, not all of these are California compliant, Massachusetts compliant, Ohio compliant, yeah you know…
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Dear Sirs: My Nephew sent me a picture of a Kimber Custom LW Night Patrol 1911 Semi-Auto Pistol. Is this a new or old product? I cannot find it in you catalog of Pistols(1911’s) thank you for any information