Kimber Tries Striker-Fired Again With EVO SP Line

With the aluminum-framed EVO SP line, Kimber aims to tackle the striker-fired market.

What are the EVO SP Models:

• TLE
• Two-Tone
• CDP
• Custom Shop

Best known for its stylish and dead-accurate 1911s, Kimber has shifted its attention an entirely different direction with its newest defensive pistol line. Continuing to hitch its star to recent trends, the company has gone striker-fired again with the EVO SP.

As expected from Kimber, the 9mms have all the moves to make them top EDC options. Swimming against the tide of polymer-framed pistols, one of the most notable features of the 7-round EVOs is the use of aluminum. Adding a level of ruggedness and resiliency in the frame, it doesn’t bog the pistols down in the weight department, with the EVO SP options each tipping the scales at a nimble 19-ounces — 18 ounces on the Custom Shop model.

Kimber is releasing four models in all, three of which — TLE, Two-Tone and CDP — are essentially the same, except cosmetic differences. Very similar to the other variations, the Custom Shop version does have a few other notable differences. As previously mentioned, the top-of-the-line model is lighter. Furthermore it also has Stiplex-inspired grips, backstrap and cocking serrations.

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The pistols come with a load of other aspects certain to pique discriminating arm citizens’ interest, including TruGlo Tritium Pro night sights, 7-pound trigger, match-grade crowned barrel and G10 grips and backstraps. The trigger is heavy for a striker-fired, but, on the plus side, the guns are good lookers — it’s Kimber after all. And it being the Yonkers, NY concern, they also tend to the expensive side, especially for striker-fired: $856-$1,047.

Available since November, the newest striker-fired pistols to hit the market certainly break from the herd. But also gives shooters plenty of reason to consider a premium option in this style of pistol.

TLE Specs:
Height (inches): 4.03
Weight (ounces empty) with empty magazine: 19
Length (inches): 6.1
Magazine capacity: 7
Operation: Striker Fired
Frame Material: Aluminum
Finish: KimPro Black
Width (inches): 1.06
Front strap checkering: 30 LPI
Slide Material: Stainless Steel
Slide Finish: FNC Black
Barrel Length (inches): 3.16
Barrel Material: Stainless steel, match grade, Deep Crown and bushingless design
Twist rate (left hand): 16
Sights: Tritium night sights
Grips: Green/Black G10 with TLE Slant-Checkered Pattern
Back Strap: Green/Black G10 with diamond checkering
Trigger: Premium aluminum
Factory setting (approximate pounds): 6.0- 7.0
MSRP: $949

Two-Tone
Height (inches): 4.03
Weight (ounces) with empty magazine: 19
Length (inches): 6.1
Magazine capacity: 7
Operation: Striker Fired
Frame Material: Aluminum
Frame Finish: KimPro Silver
Width (inches): 1.06
Front strap checkering: 30 LPI
Slide Material: Stainless Steel
Slide Finish: FNC Black
Barrel Length (inches): 3.16
Barrel Material: Stainless steel, match grade, Deep Crown and bushingless design
Twist rate (left hand): 16
Sights: Tritium night sights
Grips: Nylon with Diamond Checkering
Grip Size: Small, Medium, and Large
Back Strap: Nylon with Diamond checkering
Back Strap Size: Regular and Large
Trigger: Premium aluminum
Factory setting (approximate pounds): 6.0- 7.0
MSRP: $856

CDP
Height (inches): 4.03
Weight (ounces) with empty magazine: 19
Length (inches): 6.1
Magazine capacity: 7
Operation: Striker Fired
Frame Material: Aluminum
Frame Finish: KimPro Charcoal Gray
Width (inches): 1.06
Front strap checkering: 30 LPI, Carry Melt Treatment
Slide Material: Stainless Steel
Slide Finish: FNC Black
Barrel Length (inches): 3.16
Barrel Material: Stainless steel, match grade, Deep Crown and bushingless design
Twist rate (left hand): 16
Sights: Tritium night sights
Grips: Red/Black G10 with diamond checkering
Grip Size: Medium
Back Strap: Red/Black G10 with diamond checkering
Back Strap Size: Regular
Trigger: Premium aluminum
Factory setting (approximate pounds): 6.0- 7.0
MSRP: $949

Custom Shop
Height (inches): 4.03
Weight (ounces) with empty magazine: 18
Length (inches): 6.1
Magazine capacity: 7
Operation: Striker Fired
Frame Material: Aluminum
Frame Finish: KimPro Charcoal Gray
Width (inches): 1.06
Front strap checkering: Stiplex Inspired
Slide Material: Stainless Steel
Finish: FNC Black
Barrel Length (inches): 3.16
Barrel Material: Stainless steel, match grade, Deep Crown and bushingless design
Twist rate (left hand): 16
Sights: Tritium night sights
Grips: Gray/Black G10 with Stiplex Inspired texture
Grip Size: Medium
Back Strap: Gray/Black G10 with Stiplex Inspired texture
Back Strap Size: Large
Trigger: Premium aluminum
Factory setting (approximate pounds): 6.0- 7.0
MSRP: $1,047