Kimber stepped outside the norm with their new KDS9c double stack 1911 pistol. A first for them, this mostly-1911 pistol is light, great looking, and holds 15 rounds of 9mm ammo. Every time Kimber comes out with a new model, it almost casts a shadow over their previous ones. Just like the new Rapide Heat and Ice, the KDS9 makes you want to put your older model up and buy the new one.
Well, that’s what I did anyway. The KDS9c comes in black and stainless, so I went with stainless. While it uses a double stack magazine, they kept the overall width of the gun thin. G10 gray and black grips have been shaved down to a surprisingly thin scale. Because of this, the gun isn’t much thicker than a single stack 1911 pistol. Here are some of the details I like about Kimber’s new double stack.
Kimbers double stack 1911 compared to a traditional 1911?
Kimber removed the grip safety on the KDS9c. This doesn’t bother me any as most modern guns do not have a grip safety either. 1911 pistols are single action only, meaning they have a much shorter trigger pull, but their thumb safety is still there. The trigger, manual safety, and mag release are all 1911. When holding it, you can feel a small difference in width, but other than that, you feel like you are holding a classic.
Because the size is not much different, I tried out several of my 1911 holsters to see how the KDS9c would fit in them. It worked great in all my leather holsters including my Galco and custom Craft shoulder holsters. It worked great which is not a surprise. Kimber offers multiple leather holsters for the KDS9c, but they are the same models they offer for their 1911 pistols. With my Black Hawk Serpa holster, it worked, but wiggled just enough that I decided not to carry it in that holster.
Breaking the gun down is where you start to see the difference between it and traditional 1911 handguns. The slide comes off by removing a retaining pin in the side of the gun like most modern handguns. With the pin removed, the slide comes off and the barrel, guide rod, and recoil spring come out. There is a small retaining cap that goes on the end of the recoil spring. Kimber also used a double recoil spring to reduce the felt recoil.
On the range with the KDS9c
Thanks to Global Ordnance for supplying the ammo, I was able to do some extensive shooting with the KDS9c. I started out at 7 yards and then moved to 15 and 20. The rear block sight and front fiber optic sight made it easy to find targets. The rear sight is a patented adjustable sight from Kimber. The recoil was light even though the entire gun only weighs 25.3 ounces. Kimber was able to do this by making the frame from 7075 aerospace grade aluminum.
That’s a little heavier than a Glock, but lighter than a standard 1911. I did some rapid-fire drills which felt nice with the 4.5-pound trigger. Some may like the trigger even lighter on a 1911 trigger, but this gun was intended for self-defense. I’m not sure I would want a lighter trigger than that for a defensive gun. After firing a few hundred rounds through the Kimber, I fired a few mags of various hollow point ammunition as well. It ate up anything I put through it.
Is a double stack 1911 right for you?
There is no doubt this gun is great looking, high-quality, and a good contender for self-defense. The only downside is the price. Selling for around $1,400, there are a lot of other reliable and affordable guns out there. Some of it comes down to what you are looking for. If you just want a durable gun for self-defense, find a Glock, Hellcat, or even a Ruger Max 9. But if you want a 1911 style handgun that holds 15 rounds of 9mm but keeps that classy look, this is a great option.
I’ve said for years, Glocks are built like tanks, but they’re not known for their looks. There is also the matter of carrying a gun with the hammer in the cocked position. This doesn’t bother people who are used to carrying 1911 guns. But if you are used to carrying a modern striker fired gun, it may feel a little weird. Make the choice that works best for you. But if you decide to go with the Kimber KDS9c, you will fall in love with it.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Height (inches): 5.35″
- Weight (ounces): with empty magazine: 25.3
- Length (inches): 7.75″
- Width (inches): at grip 1.33
- Magazine capacity: 15 (2 included)
- Skeletonized squared serrated hammer
- Recoil spring (pounds): 16.9 lbs
FRAME
- Material: 7075 Aluminum
- KimPro Silver
- SLIDE
- Material: stainless steel
- Front and rear cocking serrations
- KimPro Silver
BARREL
- Length (inches): 4.09″
- Stainless Steel
- 20° Flush-cut deep crown
- Twist rate: 1:10 LH
SIGHTS
- Proprietary serrated adjustable rear sight
- Green fiber optic front sight
- Optic ready w/ removable cover plate
- Micro optic (RMSC/ Holosun-K) mounting plates available
GRIPS
- Gray and black G10 Crosshatch
TRIGGER
- Factory setting: 3.5-4.5 lbs
PRODUCT CODE
- Product #: 3100012
- UPC: 669278310121
- 10 Round Magazine: 1500141A
- 15 Round Magazine: 1500142A