KIMBER Custom II
Posted Jun 16, 2023
The KIMBER Custom II is one of the most popular handguns on the market today, and for good reason. It is dependable, reliable and accurate, and has been lauded by experts and novice gun owners alike. It is also easy to use and maintain, and the design offers many features that make it a great choice for personal protection and sport shooting.
The KIMBER Custom II is a full-size 1911-style pistol chambered in .45 ACP. The frame is made from stainless steel, with a black hard-anodized finish on the slide and frame. The barrel is 5-inch match-grade steel with a polished feed ramp, and the overall length is 8.7 inches, with a weight of 37 ounces.
The KIMBER Custom II has a modern-style beavertail grip safety, ambidextrous thumb safeties, and a trigger pull of 4 to 5.5 pounds. The sights are a three-dot adjustable that is drift adjustable for windage. The gun comes standard with an 8-round magazine and optional 10-round magazines are available. It is easy to use and maintain, with a straightforward disassembly process.
The craftsmanship and attention to detail that KIMBER puts into their Custom II is impressive. The fit and finish are superb, and it is obvious that quality controls are in place to ensure that each gun meets the highest standards. The barrel is made from high-grade steel and the slide and frame are finished with a black hard anodize that adds to the durability of the gun. The feel of the gun in your hand is solid and comfortable, thanks to the ergonomically shaped grips.
The accuracy of the gun is excellent, and it is capable of producing groups of an inch or less, depending on your ability and ammunition. The adjustable sights are intuitive to use and the trigger has a great feel. The best part is that the gun runs reliably with almost any ammunition, making it well-suited for defensive use.
When it comes to reliability, the KIMBER Custom II has proven to be a dependable performer. It is robust enough to handle thousands of rounds without any major problems, and is capable of firing any ammunition, from standard hollow-points to +P+ loads. The gun also has a proven track record for reliability when it comes to self-defense, and its solid construction ensures that it is unlikely to jam when you need it most.
Overall, the KIMBER Custom II is one of the most popular pistols for both target shooting and personal protection. It is a robust and reliable machine that offers superior accuracy, a great trigger, and excellent ergonomics. It is also easy to maintain, and parts are readily available from KIMBER and other gun parts suppliers. For those reasons, the KIMBER Custom II is one of the best choices for self-defense or sport shooting.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-High-Quality Components: The Kimber Custom II features stainless steel match-grade barrels, a 4-inch match-grade bull barrel and a beveled magazine well for faster reloading.
-Accurate Long Range Shooting: The 6-inch barrel and target-style sights provide a stable shooting platform and make extreme long-range shooting possible with the Kimber Custom II.
-Attractive Exterior: The Kimber Custom II features fine engravings and checkering for a polished, clean appearance.
Cons:
-Expensive: The Kimber Custom II is one of the most expensive pistols available and is inaccessible to those on a budget.
-High Maintenance: Due to its high-end components, the Kimber Custom II requires regular care and cleaning. This includes oiling, lubrication and other routine maintenance to ensure its performance and durability.
-Frequent Recoil: The Kimber Custom II’s match-grade components can produce a strong recoil, which some users may not enjoy.
Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for a reliable, well-made and accurate handgun for self-defense or target shooting should consider the KIMBER Custom II. This pistol is well-suited for professional shooters and recreational shooters alike. Those who need a concealed carry gun, however, should look for a smaller, lighter model such as the KIMBER Ultra Carry. Additionally, anyone on a tight budget should look for a less expensive handgun.
Comparisons
| Feature | KIMBER Custom II | S&W PC1911 | Wilson CQB | HK416 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45ACP | .45ACP | .45ACP | 5.56x45mm |
| Capacity | 7+1 rounds | 8+1 rounds | 8+1 rounds | 30 rounds |
| Action | SA | SA | SA | Gas-operated |
| Trigger Pull | 4 - 5 lbs | 5.5 lbs | 4.5 lbs | ~7.5 lbs |
| Barrel Length | 5" | 5" | 4.6" | 14.5" |
| Length | 8.7" | 8.7" | 8.7" | 33" |
| Weight | 39 oz. | 37.3 oz. | 37.9 oz. | 6.88 lbs |
| Sights | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed | Mil-spec |
| Finish | Satin Silver | Matte Black | Black Armor-Tuff | Black phosphate |
Features / Specs
•Barrel Length: 5"
•Sights: Front 3-dot with adjustable rear
•Weight: 37 oz
•Height (inches): 5.25
•Magazine Capacity: 8 Rounds
•Recoil Spring (pounds): 16 lbs
•Frame Material: Alloy
•Slide Finish: Brushed Polished
•Length (inches): 8.7
•Width (inches): 1.28
•Manual Safety: Yes
•Grips: Black/Grey G-10
•Trigger Pull: 4.0-5.0 pounds (approximate)
Popular Accessories
- Magazine Extensions
- Hogue Grips
- Laser Sights
- Flashlights
- Trigger Kits
- Extended Slide Release
- Extended Mag Release
- Recoil Spring
- Scope Mounts
- Sights (Dot, Night, etc)
Accuracy
The Kimber Custom II is quite renowned for its accuracy, with a rifled barrel, match grade trigger, and adjustable sights all coming as standard. Despite having a short sight radius, the gun is highly capable of hitting small targets at medium to long ranges and with a high level of accuracy. The Custom II also features a match grade barrel and stainless-steel match grade chamber, ensuring a reliable performance and also tight groupings when sighting in. To top it all off, the Kimber also features a patented match grade trigger that is extremely crisp and free of creep, allowing the shooter for more precise control of the trigger.
