KIMBER CUSTOM LW
Posted Jun 13, 2023
A true beauty from the makers of fine firearms, Kimber’s Custom LW is a semiautomatic pistol that any gun enthusiast will appreciate. Designed for competition shooting, this lightweight .45 ACP is ergonomically designed and comes equipped with all the high-quality Kimber features you would expect in a top-of-the-line sidearm.
It’s compact yet substantial size give it a balanced feel when held, almost as if it was molded to fit one specific hand. When I first picked it up, I instantly felt the need to grip it tight and protect it like a precious heirloom. Its curvy metal frame adds a touch of luxury to the otherwise functional design and the convenient ambidextrous thumb safety gives added peace of mind.
The match grade CNC machined barrel makes the Kimber Custom LW a great choice for those who shoot competitively. Its crisp trigger-pull gives a satisfying break every time, allowing for quick, accurate follow up shots. The curved, solid steel mainspring housing enhances grip and recoil, which means you can shoot more accurately for longer.
On the slide you’ll notice the classic Kimber logo as well as the vertical grooves that run down the slide. It adds some interesting texture, which not only looks awesome but provide grip too.
As with all high-end firearms, the Kimber Custom LW also comes with a bunch of custom options that let you tailor the gun to fit your specific shooting needs. You can choose from a variety of triggers, barrels, slide finishes and grips.
The build quality of the Kimber Custom LW is also top-notch, with no loose screws or any visible defects. Even when I field-stripped it down, everything looked flawlessly finished and factory-new. It felt robust as well and I’m sure that it’ll take a lot of abuse before it starts showing any signs of wear.
To top it all off, the Kimber Custom LW also comes with an aesthetically pleasing hard-shell case with plenty of room to store accessories and additional magazines. It’s the kind of case you’ll be proud to show off to all your gun enthusiast friends.
In conclusion, the Kimber Custom LW is certainly a pistol that all gun enthusiasts should consider; it’s a high quality, precision crafted firearm with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a top-of-the-line sidearm. The comfortable ergonomics and impressive build quality make it a gun you won’t soon forget and with all the customization options, you’re sure to find a gun that you can call your own.
Pros & Cons
Pros
-High quality build and materials
-Accurate and reliable
-Small, lightweight, and easy to carry
-Extremely durable design
-Features a beavertail grip safety for more accurate shooting
Cons
-Expensive
-Limited customization options
-Limited availability
-Limited aftermarket parts and accessories
Who Should Buy
Anyone who wants a versatile handgun with excellent accuracy and a great fit should consider the KIMBER CUSTOM LW. It is relatively lightweight and can accommodate a variety of hand sizes, making it ideal for personal defense or target shooting.
Those who are on a budget, don’t want to invest in a custom handgun, or are looking for a handgun for home defense may want to look at other options. The KIMBER CUSTOM LW is a fine handgun but its higher price tag may be too much for some people.
Comparisons
| KIMBER CUSTOM LW | SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER PC1911 | WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE | HECKLER & KOCH HK 416 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | 5.56 NATO |
| Barrel length | 4” | 5” | 5” | 16.5” |
| Weight (unloaded) | 26 oz. | 39 oz. | 41.2 oz. | 7.56 lb. |
| Magazine capacity | 7+1 | 8+1 | 8+1 | 30+1 |
| Trigger Pull | 4-5 lbs. | 4-5 lbs. | 4-5 lbs. | 4.5-5.5 lbs |
| Overall Length | 7.7” | 8.7” | 8.7” | 28.3” |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Length: 8.7”
• Height: 5.25”
• Barrel: 4” Match Grade
• Magazine Capacity: 8+1
• Weight: 30 oz.
• Frame: Aluminum
• Slide: Carbon Steel
• Finish: Stainless Steel with Matte Black KimPro II
• Grips: Smooth Rosewood
• Sight: Fixed Low Profile 3-Dot Night Sights
• Trigger: Aluminum Match Grade
Popular Accessories
TLE II
- Extra Magazines: Extra magazines are a must-have for anyone carrying a Kimber Custom LW TLE II.
- Holsters: A quality holster is essential to safely carry and securely hold your firearm.
- Laser Sights: Laser sights help increase accuracy and provide an alternative sighting option.
- Recoil Springs: Replacing the factory recoil springs with upgraded aftermarket parts can improve your firearms performance.
- Cleaning Supplies: Keeping your firearm in top condition with regular cleaning will ensure it's in proper working order.
Accuracy
The Kimber Custom LW is a highly-accurate pistol, thanks to its focused attention to precision and reliability. It is designed to provide superior accuracy and consistency every time, boasting a match grade chamber and barrel, adjustable trigger, and smooth-shooting operation. The Kimber Custom LW comes equipped with Novak sights and is machined from stainless steel, allowing it to stand up to long-term use in extreme weather conditions. Test fired rounds from the Kimber Custom LW have seen less than 1 inch groups at 25 yards, providing a level of accuracy that few handguns can match. Additionally, the Kimber Custom LW is a popular choice for competitive shooting in both Production and Open Division IPSC and IPSC/USPSA categories, where its accuracy and reliability are second to none.
