On opening day of the 2011 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show, the Kimber booth was bustling with activity around the company's new 1911s. The only thing missing were party hats for the 100-year anniversary celebration of the Model 1911, but nobody noticed that, probably because of the guns themselves that were on display. So here they are.
Kimber Super Carry Pro HD
For concealed carry and tactical applications, the Kimber Super Carry Pro HD is new to the Kimber “Super Carry” line and it is one hefty little bugger. It's made of stainless steel and features a dark KimberPro II finish. The HD part stands for “Heavy Duty.”
When you pick it up, you immediately notice how solid it is, yet the rounded heel allows it to nest comfortably in your hand for a good grip.
Call me old-fashioned, but I like my guns heavy. It makes them more pleasant to shoot, and in my opinion gives you a more stable sight picture.
The HD model 1911 represents the “second version” of the Super Carry line, as opposed to the standard Super Carry models, which feature a light weight aluminum frame.
As already mentioned, both the standard and new HD Super Carry guns have a nice rounded heel frame that makes the pistol more comfortable to carry and fire.
In true Kimber-speak, the HD Super Carry pistols are available as Super Carry Custom HD (5-inch), Super Carry Pro (4-inch) and the Super Carry Ultra (3-inch).
My personal choice for concealed carry would be the 4-inch model, but whatever your personal philosophy is with respect to pistol size, Kimber has something to help you stop the threat.
The MSRP on the Super Carry HD models is $1625.
Kimber Royal II
The other new Kimber 1911Â that caught my eye was a classy ivory-gripped model called the Royal II. This gun is only available in a full-size 1911 frame.
It features a charcoal blued finish on slide and frame with solid bone grips. One rep described this gun to me as “not a concealed carry pistol.”
With an MSRP of just shy of $2000, you might be tempted to store the thing as a collectible. Dare I suggest it is too pretty to shoot?
For more information on Kimber 1911s click here.
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