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- Treat every gun as loaded
- Point the muzzle in a safe direction
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot
- Know your target and what’s beyond
Table of Contents
How we tested: Every pick here is ranked against our testing methodology. Minimum round counts, accuracy and reliability protocols, the failures that disqualify a gun.
Review: Kimber Custom II, the Plain 1911 Kimber Built Everything Else On
Our Rating: 8.0/10
- MSRP: $1,085 for the California-compliant Custom II (3200001CA), the only Custom II Kimber still lists; $871 for the standard gun in 2015
- Street Price: $899.99 for the Custom II (3200001) at Palmetto State Armory on September 28, 2026 (Use our live pricing for the best up to date deal)
- Caliber: .45 ACP (Two-Tone also in 9mm)
- Action: Single action 1911 with an internal firing pin safety tied to the grip safety
- Barrel Length: 5 in., carbon steel, match grade, stainless steel match bushing, 1:16 left-hand twist
- Overall Length: 8.7 in.
- Height and Width: 5.25 in. and 1.28 in.
- Weight: 38 oz with an empty magazine
- Capacity: 7+1
- Frame and Slide: Steel, matte black, front slide serrations
- Sights: Fixed low profile, 6.8 in. sight radius
- Trigger: Aluminum match grade, factory set at 4.0 to 5.0 lb
- Grips: Black synthetic, double diamond
- Recoil System: 16 lb recoil spring, full-length guide rod
Pros
- Match barrel and bushing from the factory
- Crisp trigger, ours broke at 4 lb 6 oz
- Same spec sheet for over a decade
Cons
- Needed a 150-round break-in
- List price up $214 since 2015
- Fixed sights, no rail, 7 rounds
Quick Take
The Custom II is Kimber’s base full-size 1911: a steel .45 with a 5 in. match barrel, fixed sights and a 7-round magazine. Wikipedia calls it the successor to the original Kimber Custom, and the “II” is the internal firing pin safety that stays locked until you squeeze the grip safety.
I put 800 rounds through a standard black Custom II (3200001). It had two failures to return to battery in the first 150 rounds and none in the 650 after that. It shot 1.6 in. five-shot groups at 25 yards with Federal HST, and the trigger broke at 4 lb 6 oz.
Buying one takes some care. Kimber’s own site now lists only the California-compliant Custom II, so the standard gun survives at dealers. PSA had it at $899.99, and the dealer-only Custom II GFO was $752.99 at the same store.
Best For: Anyone who wants a traditional full-size .45 1911 with a match barrel and a good trigger from a big maker. Not for buyers who want an optic, a rail or more than 7 rounds.
Design Intent: Custom Features on a Base Model
The pitch for the original Kimber Custom was simple. It’s the base model, but it comes with features that used to mean a trip to a custom gunsmith. Wikipedia lists a lowered ejection port, a custom trigger, a beveled magazine well, an extended thumb safety and a beavertail grip safety. Kimber’s 2015 page adds a 5 in. match grade barrel and bushing, a frame machined from a solid steel block and low profile sights in machined dovetails with rounded edges.
The Custom II added one thing: an internal firing pin safety. The firing pin is blocked from reaching a chambered round unless the grip safety is pressed in. The idea is extra protection if the gun is dropped. You’ll never feel it at the range. It works through the grip safety you’re already squeezing.
Kimber’s full-length guide rod is the reason for the front slide serrations. It makes a traditional press check awkward, so you press check from the front of the slide instead. For the lighter version of the same gun, see our Kimber Custom LW review.
Ten Years, the Same Spec Sheet and a $214 Price Rise
I compared Kimber’s July 2015 Custom II page with its current Custom II page. The numbers are identical: 38 oz, 8.7 in. long, 5.25 in. tall, 1.28 in. wide, 7 rounds, a 16 lb recoil spring, a 6.8 in. sight radius and a trigger set at 4.0 to 5.0 lb. The one wording change is the barrel material, “steel, match grade” in 2015 and “carbon steel” today.
The price moved. The 2015 page listed the Custom II at $871. Today the only Custom II on Kimber’s site is the California-compliant 3200001CA at $1,085, which adds a high-visibility loaded chamber indicator. Kimber says those guns are sold in all 50 states, not just California.
The standard 3200001 has no live Kimber page, but dealers still stock it. PSA had it at $899.99, and Sportsman’s Outdoor Superstore listed it at $709.99. That puts the street price close to the 2015 list price.
Kimber Custom II Variants
These are the Custom II versions we found on Kimber pages, current or archived, and in dealer listings.
Custom II (3200001): .45 ACP, matte black steel, black synthetic grips, 7+1 $871 MSRP in 2015
Custom II California Compliant (3200001CA): .45 ACP, loaded chamber indicator, 7+1 $1,085 MSRP
Custom II Two-Tone: stainless frame, brushed black steel slide, stainless match barrel, rosewood grips; .45 ACP 7+1 (3200301) or 9mm 9+1 (3200334) $979 (Kimber, Dec. 2023)
Custom II Two-Tone (LG) (3200387): Two-Tone with Crimson Trace rosewood Lasergrips, .45 ACP $1,136 MSRP (2020)
Custom II GFO (3700549 .45 ACP, 3700551 10mm): dealer-only, green fiber-optic front sight, 8-round magazines per dealer listings $699.77 to $827.99 street
The Two-Tone is worth a closer look. On Kimber’s December 2023 page, the 9mm and .45 versions both weigh 38 oz, but the 9mm holds 9 rounds to the .45’s 7 and runs a 12 lb recoil spring instead of 16 lb. Order spare springs by caliber. The Two-Tone also gets a stainless match barrel, while the black Custom II’s barrel is carbon steel.
The GFO isn’t on Kimber’s website at all, so everything we know comes from dealers. They list it as a black .45 Custom II with 8-round magazines, one more than the standard gun, plus a 10mm version. Product photos show a green fiber-optic front sight. It’s also cheaper. PSA had the .45 at $752.99, $147 under the standard Custom II at the same store.
You’ll also see a Custom II Walnut (3200002) and a Custom II with night sights (3200015) at dealers. Kimber’s Walnut page is an empty listing with a $0.00 MSRP and no specs, so check the grips in the dealer photos before you buy.
Competitor Comparison
Here’s the Custom II against the full-size 1911s it competes with, from budget to premium.
Colt Government ($819.99 to $1,249)
The Colt is the 1911 the Custom II is copying, and it costs about the same. Brownells had the Government Classic .45 at $880, close to the Kimber’s $899.99 at PSA. The Colt has the name and the history. The Kimber’s case is what it ships with: a match barrel and bushing, an extended thumb safety, a beavertail and a trigger set at 4.0 to 5.0 lb.
Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison ($662 to $925)
The Garrison is Springfield’s traditional steel 1911, and it’s cheaper. Midway had the 5 in. .45 Garrison at $748.99, about $150 under the Kimber at PSA. It also comes in 9mm and in a 4.25 in. version. If you want a traditional steel 1911 and don’t care about the Kimber name, it’s the one to compare.
Ruger SR1911 ($581.33 to $1,307.99)
Ruger’s 1911 is the value pick of the big-name guns. PSA had the 5 in. 9mm two-tone SR1911 at $619.99, about $280 under the Kimber. Our Ruger SR1911 review covers the lineup. The Kimber’s trigger and fit were better on the guns we’ve shot, but the Ruger is the smarter buy on a budget.
Tisas 1911 ($349.99 to $702.99)
Tisas sells GI-style and upgraded 1911s for a fraction of the Kimber’s price. Classic Firearms had the GI-style 1911-A1 U.S. Army .45 at $349.99. On that model you give up the match barrel, the beavertail and the Kimber trigger, but it’s a working .45 for less than half the money. Our Tisas 1911 Duty DS review covers one of the upgraded models.
Verdict: The Custom II sits between the budget 1911s and the Colt, and it’s priced close to the Colt. You buy it for the match barrel and the trigger. For more options, see our best 1911 pistols under $1,000 and best Kimber 1911 pistols.
Testing Protocol
We tested a standard black Custom II in .45 ACP (3200001) over four sessions in September, from 62 to 84 degrees, at 7, 15 and 25 yards. I used the two factory magazines and two more Kimber 7-round magazines.
Ammunition Log
- Federal American Eagle 230 gr FMJ, 300 rounds
- CCI Blazer Brass 230 gr FMJ, 200 rounds
- Speer Gold Dot 230 gr JHP, 100 rounds
- Federal HST 230 gr JHP, 100 rounds
- Hornady Critical Defense 185 gr FTX, 100 rounds
That’s 800 rounds in total. We cleaned and lubed the gun before the first session and again after round 400.
Phase 1: Break-In
The Custom II arrived tight. The slide was stiff to rack and the 16 lb spring felt heavy for the first few boxes. At rounds 42 and 117, both American Eagle FMJ, the slide stopped just short of battery. A tap on the back of the slide finished it each time. After 150 rounds the action had loosened up and it never happened again.
Phase 2: Reliability
From round 151 to 800 the gun ran every load we fed it, including all 300 hollow points. Gold Dot, HST and Critical Defense fed without a hitch from all four magazines. Empties landed in a tight pile about five feet to the right. I kept the gun lubed and didn’t clean it between rounds 400 and 800.
Phase 3: Accuracy
From a rest at 25 yards, five-shot groups averaged 1.6 inches with Federal HST, 1.8 with Gold Dot, 2.1 with American Eagle and 2.3 with Blazer Brass. Critical Defense grouped 2.4 inches and hit about 2 inches high at 25 yards, which I’d expect from a lighter 185 gr bullet. Our trigger gauge read 4 lb 6 oz, with a short, clean break and little overtravel.
Tracking & Observations
After 800 rounds, the matte black finish showed a thin wear line where the barrel bushing turns and a little holster wear at the muzzle. The slide-to-frame fit stayed tight with no new play. The double diamond grips held well with sweaty hands, and at 38 oz the gun soaked up .45 recoil easily.
What This Means for You
- Reliability: Plan on a break-in. Shoot 150 to 200 rounds of FMJ before you trust it.
- Ammo Preference: 230 gr hollow points grouped best, led by Federal HST.
- Accuracy Expectation: About 1.5 to 2 inches at 25 yards with good ammo.
- Maintenance: Keep it lubed. A clean every 400 rounds was plenty.
- Upgrade Impact: Sights are the first upgrade, since the factory sights are plain black.
Performance Testing Results
Reliability (8/10)
Two failures to return to battery in the first 150 rounds, then 650 clean. A new Kimber needs a break-in, and ours did.
Accuracy (9/10)
A 1.6 in. average at 25 yards with HST is excellent for a production 1911 with fixed sights. The match barrel and bushing earn their place.
Ergonomics & Recoil (8/10)
The beavertail and extended thumb safety make it easy to get a high grip. At 38 oz, recoil is a push, not a snap. The plain black sights are hard to pick up fast in low light.
Fit, Finish, and Quality Control (9/10)
The slide-to-frame fit was tight, the rollmarks were crisp and the finish was even. Nothing loosened over 800 rounds.
Value (7/10)
At $899.99 at PSA, it cost about the same as a Colt Government and more than the Springfield Garrison. The GFO at $752.99 is the better buy if you don’t need the standard gun.
Features (7/10)
Match barrel, match trigger, extended controls and front serrations. No rail, no optic cut and 7 rounds in a world of double stacks.
Technical Deep Dive
Custom II Specs, 2015 vs Today
From Kimber’s July 2015 Custom II page and its current Custom II California Compliant page.
| Spec | Custom II (2015 page) | Custom II CA (current page) |
| Weight (empty magazine) | 38 oz | 38 oz |
| Length / Height / Width | 8.7 / 5.25 / 1.28 in. | 8.7 / 5.25 / 1.28 in. |
| Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Barrel | 5 in. steel, match grade | 5 in. carbon steel |
| Bushing | Stainless steel, match grade | Stainless steel, match grade |
| Twist | 1:16 left hand | 1:16 left hand |
| Recoil spring | 16 lb, full-length guide rod | 16 lb, full-length guide rod |
| Trigger | Aluminum, match grade, 4.0 to 5.0 lb | Aluminum, match grade, 4.0 to 5.0 lb |
| Sights | Fixed low profile, 6.8 in. radius | Fixed low profile, 6.8 in. radius |
| Loaded chamber indicator | No | Yes |
| MSRP | $871 | $1,085 |
The Firing Pin Safety
The “II” in Custom II is an internal firing pin safety. The firing pin can’t reach a chambered round unless the grip safety is pressed in. It adds protection if the gun is dropped, and it works through the grip safety, so there’s nothing new to learn. Our trigger still broke at 4 lb 6 oz.
Parts, Accessories and Upgrades
| Upgrade Category | Recommended Component | Why It Matters | Cost Estimate |
| Sights | Night sights or a fiber-optic front sight | The factory sights are plain black and slow in low light | $60 to $150 |
| Magazines | Spare Kimber 7-round .45 magazines | Two in the box isn’t enough for a range day | $35 to $45 each |
| Recoil Spring | A spare 16 lb spring (.45) | Springs wear, and the 9mm Two-Tone uses 12 lb | $10 to $20 |
| Grips | Rosewood or G10 panels | A different look or more texture | $40 to $100 |
For more ideas, see our best 1911 upgrade parts, and for ammo, our best .45 ACP ammo.
Common Problems & Solutions
- Slide stops short of battery when new: Normal for a tight new 1911. Shoot 150 to 200 rounds of FMJ, keep it lubed and let it wear in.
- Awkward press check: The full-length guide rod gets in the way. Use the front slide serrations.
- Hard-to-see sights: The factory sights are plain black. Night sights, or the GFO’s fiber-optic front, fix it.
- Wrong recoil spring: The 9mm Two-Tone uses a 12 lb spring and the .45 a 16 lb spring. Check the caliber before you order.
Who Should NOT Buy This Gun
The Custom II is a very good traditional 1911, but it isn’t for everyone.
- Budget buyers: The Tisas 1911, from $349.99, gets you a working .45 for less than half the price.
- Buyers who want a big-name 1911 for less: The Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison, from $662, and the Ruger SR1911, from $581.33, both undercut it.
- Buyers who want the original: The Colt Government, from $819.99, costs about the same and carries the name.
- Anyone who wants an optic or high capacity: The Custom II has neither. Look at a double-stack like the one in our Kimber 2K11 review.
Final Verdict
The Kimber Custom II is a plain, well-made full-size 1911 with a match barrel and a trigger that broke at 4 lb 6 oz on ours. After a 150-round break-in, it ran 650 rounds without a problem and shot 1.6 in. groups at 25 yards. Kimber hasn’t changed the spec in over a decade, and it hasn’t needed to.
Shop carefully. The standard gun is only at dealers now, and the dealer-only GFO was $147 cheaper at PSA with an extra round and a fiber-optic front sight. If you want the classic black Custom II, it’s still a great 1911.
Specs and list prices in this Kimber Custom II review come from Kimber’s current Custom II California Compliant page, its archived 2015 Custom II page and Custom II Two-Tone page. Street prices are what our live cards showed on September 28, 2026.
Final Score: 8.0/10. A match-barrel 1911 that shoots better than its plain looks suggest, once it’s broken in.
FAQ: Kimber Custom II
Is the Kimber Custom II a good gun?
Yes. Ours ran 800 rounds with two stoppages, both in the first 150 during break-in, and shot 1.6 in. groups at 25 yards with Federal HST. The trigger broke at 4 lb 6 oz.
How much does a Kimber Custom II cost?
Kimber lists the California-compliant Custom II at $1,085. On September 28, 2026, PSA had the standard Custom II (3200001) at $899.99.
Is the Kimber Custom II discontinued?
Kimber's website now lists only the California-compliant Custom II (3200001CA), which Kimber says is sold in all 50 states. The standard 3200001 has no live Kimber page but is still sold by dealers.
What does the II mean on a Kimber Custom II?
It marks the internal firing pin safety. The firing pin can't reach a chambered round unless the grip safety is pressed in.
How many rounds does a Kimber Custom II hold?
The .45 ACP Custom II holds 7+1. The 9mm Two-Tone holds 9+1, and dealers list the Custom II GFO with 8-round magazines.
What is the difference between the Kimber Custom II and the Custom II GFO?
The GFO is a dealer-only version Kimber doesn't list on its site. Dealers show it with a green fiber-optic front sight and 8-round magazines, and PSA had it at $752.99, $147 under the standard gun.
How much does a Kimber Custom II weigh?
Kimber lists 38 oz with an empty magazine, 8.7 in. long, the same figures as its 2015 spec sheet.
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