KIMBER 1911 RAPTOR II .45
Posted May 19, 2023
KIMBER 1911 RAPTOR II .45: An In-Depth Review
The year 2021 marks the 110th anniversary of the Colt 1911, a gun design released in 1911 and now recognised as one of the most iconic firearms ever made. Over the years, many other manufacturers have made modern variants on the 1911 design, such as the Kimber 1911 Raptor II .45. This particular handgun is one of the most advanced and modern 1911s ever made, and it is a truly impressive specimen. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Raptor II and explore what makes it so great.
Design
The Raptor II is a modern variant of the 1911 design. It has all of the hallmarks of the original model such as a single-action trigger, a beavertail grip safety, a flat mainspring housing, and a commander-style curved hammer. There are a few updates to the design, however. The Raptor II features a short, slanted slide release instead of the traditional full-length slide release, and it also has an extended beavertail grip safety. The gun also boasts a solid steel frame which adds to its durability and longevity.
The Raptor II has a few other unique features. Most notably, it has a Cerakote finish with an attractive rear slide serration pattern. This finish is highly durable and corrosion-resistant, making it perfect for high-usage guns like the Raptor II. The gun also comes with a match grade barrel designed to maximize accuracy and reliability. Lastly, the Raptor II has Hogue G10 grip panels for a secure and comfortable grip.
In terms of size, the Raptor II is about the same size as a full-size 1911. It has a length of 8.7 inches, a height of 5.25 inches, and a width of 1.36 inches. It weighs in at 38.4 ounces, which is just a bit heavier than a standard 1911.
Ergonomics
The Raptor II has good ergonomics. The extended beavertail grip safety and Hogue G10 grips combine to provide a secure and comfortable grip. The beavertail is also contoured ergonomically so that it fits in the shooter’s hand naturally. The gun also has a low bore axis, which helps reduce felt recoil and makes for a more comfortable shooting experience. The curved trigger also helps to provide a natural and comfortable trigger pull.
Reliability
The Raptor II is a highly reliable gun. It is made with the highest quality materials and is machined to exacting specifications. The machined parts make sure that the gun runs smoothly and reliably without any hiccups or stoppages. The Cerakote finish is also highly durable, which means that the Raptor II can withstand wear and tear without losing its looks or performance. The match grade barrel helps improve accuracy and reliability even further.
Accuracy
When you combine the match grade barrel and the low bore axis, you get a gun that is highly accurate. The trigger is smooth and crisp, and the gun has low felt recoil so that the shooter can remain stable while aiming and shooting. They should also have no problems making precise and delicate shots.
Extras
The Kimber 1911 Raptor II comes with a few extras. It comes with two 8-round magazines and a pistol rug with an integral magazine adapter. There are also three interchangeable grip panels included. You can choose from black, Flat Dark Earth, or Cobalt to customize the look of your gun. The Raptor II also comes with an optional G10 CrossCave Hogue grip set for a more secure grip.
Price
The Raptor II has a price tag of around $1200. This may seem like a lot of money, but it’s actually a pretty good price for such a high-end weapon. The quality materials and tight machining mean that you’re getting a gun that should last you a lifetime if you take good care of it. It’s certainly not the cheapest 1911 out there, but it is a great choice if you’re looking for a top-tier 1911.
Conclusion
The Kimber 1911 Raptor II .45 is a modern take on a timeless classic. It features all of the traditional components of the 1911 along with some modern updates. It has a solid steel frame, a Cerakote finish, a match-grade barrel, and Hogue G10 grips. It is reliable, accurate, and comfortable to shoot. It also comes with a few extras like two 8-round magazines and an optional G10 CrossCave Hogue grip set. The price tag may be steep but it is a great value for a gun like this.
If you’re looking for a modern 1911 with top-notch quality and performance, the Kimber 1911 Raptor II .45 is an excellent choice. It is one of the most advanced 1911s you can find, and it is sure to be a reliable and accurate companion for many years to come.
Pros & Cons
Pros
-Very reliable and accurate
-Nice ergonomic grip and grip safety
-Relatively low felt recoil
-Compact size allows for easy carry and concealment
-Upgraded aesthetics with unique stainless steel slide and frame
-Affordable
Cons
- May be too small for larger hand sizes
-Limited magazine capacity of 7 rounds
-Difficult to accessorize with aftermarket parts
-Overview of manual safety mechanisms may be daunting to some
Who Should Buy
The Kimber 1911 Raptor II .45 is an excellent pistol and is a great choice for many pistol shooters. It is reliable, accurate, and easy to use. Generally, this pistol is appropriate for anyone looking for an excellent 1911 style pistol. However, it is a bit on the expensive side, so it may not be the best option for newer shooters on a limited budget, as there are many other 1911 style pistols available that are less expensive. Experienced shooters looking for a reliable and accurate pistol suitable for competition shooting or concealed carry will love the Kimber 1911 Raptor II.
Comparisons
| KEY FEATURES | KIMBER 1911 RAPTOR II .45 | SIMILAR PRODUCT 1 | SIMILAR PRODUCT 2 | SIMILAR PRODUCT 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 ACP | 9mm/.40 | 9mm/.45 | 9mm/.40 |
| Capacity | 8+1 (.45 ACP) | 10+1 (9mm) | 10+1 (9mm) | 8+1 (9mm) |
| Finish | Satin Silver | Matte Black | Matte Black | Matte Black |
| Frame | Steel | Steel | Steel | Steel |
| Grips | Zirgonia | Polymer | G10 | Polymer |
| Sights | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed |
| Trigger | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Operation | Single Action | Double Action | Double Action | Single Action |
Features / Specs
• .45 caliber
• Semi-automatic
• 7+1 capacity
• 4.25" barrel
• Alloy frame
• Steel slide
• Flat checkered mainspring housing
• Ambi safety
• Non-reflective black finish
• Custom Red Hawk Composite grips
• Fixed Novak 3-dot sights
• Weight: 33 oz. (unloaded)
Popular Accessories
ACP?
- Sights - Night sights, fiber optics, and adjustable sights are all popular accessories for the Kimber 1911 Raptor II.
- Grips - There are a variety of custom grip options available for the Kimber 1911 Raptor II, including Meprolight, wraparound, Hogue G10, and more.
- Magazines - Extended magazines are a popular choice for those looking to get the most out of their Kimber 1911 Raptor II.
- Recoil Spring - Recoil springs are an important part of the operation of the Kimber 1911 Raptor II, so it's important to get the right spring for the job.
- Laser Sights - Laser sights are a popular upgrade for 1911s, and the Kimber 1911 Raptor II is no exception. They help with accuracy, and also offer an increased level of protection for the shooter.
Accuracy
The KIMBER 1911 RAPTOR II .45 is highly accurate and reliable while still managing to maintain a small size. This thoroughbred among guns features a 3” match-grade CNC machined stainless steel barrel and an adjustable rear sight to ensure top-notch accuracy. The dovetail cut front sight and slide are topped off with a durable Cerakote finish, making the gun durable enough to withstand tough use. Even without customizing the barrel and sights, the RAPTOR II .45 offers outstanding accuracy for a gun in its class. In short, the KIMBER 1911 RAPTOR II .45 is an excellent handgun with accuracy and reliability that goes beyond expectations.
