Good kimber for carry.

From what I can tell, getting a kimber is like rolling the dice, either you'll get a fine gun that works every time, or a POS. If you get a kimber for carry, don't even consider carrying it until you've have at least 500 trouble free round in a row through it.

Also allow me to take this opportunity to recommend Dan Wesson, which is in about the same price range, and better than Kimber in every way.

I am carrying a Kimber Pro Raptor in Stainless with 4" barrel. The hot weather here in Texas makes stainless a better choice and it's not bad to look at either.

If you get one that works - it is good to carry. Of course there are other options to conside like weight, capacity, concealability ect to make one better suited than others.

Since you asked specifically about which Kimber models are best for carry, I'll keep other comparable mfgrs out of this. I'm no longer a fan of Kimber but I'm not a blinded (by my bad experience) hater either. Kimber makes some good guns. I personally didn't get one of their good ones but lot's of other folks have and you can't throw a blanket statement about a company based on one bad gun.

For carry, IMO the 4" 1911's are your best option. They strike a good balance of all the paramaters I look for in a carry gun. The Pro Carry II, and Tactical Pro II are your 2 best bets from Kimber. I'd like to add that both of these models are offered in 9mm as well as .45ACP if the smaller caliber floats your boat.

Make sure you buy a Kimber with an INTERNAL extractor. If it has an external extractor just say no thanks.
Will

I have the Kimber Ultra Carry II with the 3" barrel. It's amazing. It's the most accurate hand gun I own. Over 500 rounds through it and nary a problem. At 25 yards it outshoots my Glock 17! Go figure.

The Ultra (or Pro) CDP II...its melted and made for CCW! Dennis

Ahhhhhhh RAPTOR arghhhhhhhhh(add drooling noise done by Homer Simpson).

I have an Ultra Eclipse II in stainless steel. It is very controllable despite the 3" barrel and has excellent recoil management design.

Kimber makes a fine 1911. Don't listen to the haters that willl show up in no time to bash them. If the gun's main purpose is for carry, then the Compact CDP II is the best option IMHO. You get the compact frame with a 4" barrel. That's the best combo for concealed carry if you ask me. Only thing I don't like about the CDP is that it has an ambi safety. I'd swap it out for a standard safety myself.

A 4 inch model. That is really the only stipulation I have.

You should shoot any gun a lot before you carry it. at least 200 rounds with the ammo you are going to carry.

I know you specifically excluded full-size pistols, but I've carried a full-size Custom II for several years, including 100+ degree summers. Comfort is relative.

My Ultra Carry II has been the best carry gun I've tried. 100% reliable, and with a set of thin Alumagrips, very thin!

I actually like the stock "rubberized" grips. Not fancy, but no slip, which for me is a plus.

Try one with an aluminium frame much lighter than a steel frame I have a full size tactical custom with an aluminium frame and it is pretty darn light compared to my Springfield Loaded.

Josh, I've owned, over these many years, four different 1911's. This Kimber UCII is simply the best of the lot.

As an AZ Ranger I carry a Glock 17 as regs require a 4" barrel or longer. I'm seriously considering buying a full-sized Kimber and replacing the Glock with it. Just realized the other day that Cochise County uniformed deputy sheriffs (including Sheriff Larry Dever) all seem to carry 1911's, although the Bisbee PD (to which our Ranger company is attached) carry Glocks chambered in .45ACP as per their regs, we can carry whatever we want as long as the barrel is 4" or longer.

I have a full size Custom TLE II that I carry sometimes. Then a ProCarry II that I carry and if I want variety, I carry my Polished Stainless II on other occasions. I've had the two 45's going on six years and never had a hiccup out of either of them. Never had a hiccup from the 38 Super either. Break them in, keep 'em clean, and they won't give you a problem.

Love my ultra cdp... Awesome gun. Extremely accurate for a 3" 1911.

Get a Kimber chambered for 9mm (Pro Carry II). That will allow you to enjoy both of your likes.

I thought the pro and ultra had the same frame. Never had a feed issue with mine, except with Winchester Personal Protection hollow points, and then only one out of a box of 50; all other ammo works fine, even flat-nosed reloads.

Can't discern any ramp angle difference between my UC II and a friend's Taurus PT1911.

I have a SS UCII and it has been trouble free.. 3" bbl

I carry a Custom II full size every day, in south Texas, man. Sure the gun gets sweaty, but it forces me to keep her clean!


I've never had a problem with the gun, with ammo ranging all the way from cor bon to Wolf and Monarch.


Great gun.