With the aluminum-framed EVO SP line, Kimber aims to tackle the striker-fired market.
What are the EVO SP Models:
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
9mm: Guide to America’s Most Popular Caliber
Follow the unlikely rise of the 9mm from its humble roots in the German Empire to America’s No. 1 pistol cartridge in 9mm: Guide to America’s Most Popular Caliber. A must-have reference for anyone remotely interested in the 9mm, author Robert Sadowski cuts through the myths and misconceptions about the cartridge and drills down on why it is the top choice for American crime fighting, self-defense and competition. Learn more
