First Look: Kimber KDS9c Rail

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Kimber has just announced the KDS9c Rail, a new variant of the 9mm KDS9c that now features an accessory rail.

Kimber released the standard KDS9c in April of 2023, a pistol that Richard Mann described as a modern take on the 1911 in his review for Gun Digest. He walked away impressed, as did many others, but some shooters wanted the ability to mount a weapon light on the pistol. Kimber has just answered these requests with the announcement of the KDS9c Rail.

The KDS9c Rail model is virtually identical to the standard variant besides a few details. That means the pistols are still single-action-only hammer-fired 9mms with aluminum frames, steel slides and a 15-round capacity with flush-fit mags. All other features such as the optics-ready slide were also retained. The primary difference, obviously, is the inclusion of an accessory rail. For those who were only interested in one of these pistols if they could mount a light or laser to it, now you can. TXC light-bearing holsters are already in the works for the KDS9c Rail as well.

The other changes present on the KDS9c Rail include an ambidextrous safety, new grip scales with more aggressive texture and the inclusion of an extended 18-round magazine alongside the 15-round mag. Further, the new railed models are available with either a black or a two-tone dark gray/black finish as opposed to the original options of black or stainless. The final difference is that the new model also demands a higher price.

Everett Deger, Director of Kimber Marketing, said this about the new pistols:

When we started shipping the KDS9c in July of 2023, the most requested addition was for a rail and ambidextrous safety, and we listened to those requests. This line extension is a testament to providing the features and attributes that Kimber customers expect and modern firearms owners are looking for. The KDS9c Rail delivers on all of these latest concealed carry attributes and is machined, assembled and finished by American workers in Troy Alabama.

Kimber says that the KDS9c Rail will begin shipping at the end of January and will also be available with 10-round mags for ban states. MSRP is $1,903 for both color variants.

For more information, please visit kimberamerica.com.

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