KIMBER Custom II
Posted May 19, 2023
When it comes to 1911s, the KIMBER Custom II is widely held to be the cream of the crop. Not content with the traditional 1911 design, Kimber took the iconic platform and reengineered it from the ground up to be one of the most reliable and accurate 1911s ever made. From the premium grips to the match grade barrel, the Kimber Custom II was designed from the ground up to give shootrs the most intuitive and reliable handgun possible.
After handling and shooting the Kimber Custom II, I can confidently say that this is a rock solid 1911. Not only is it of the highest quality, but the attention to detail and craftsmanship is obvious. The matte finish of the stainless steel frame provides extra resistance against corrosion and wear, while the beveled edges provide a much more effective and comfortable grip. The stainless finish also pairs perfectly with the rosewood grips, giving the gun an elegant look that is both classy and aggressive. With every detail of the gun attended to, Kimber has managed to make one of the most iconic designs in the world even better.
The Custom II features a match grade 5-inch barrel and a standard 3-dot sight system. The slide to frame fit is incredibly tight and allows no play or tolerance between the two pieces. The feeding ramp is nicely polished and the chambers are well cut, resulting in a gun that is both accurate and reliable. The trigger pull out of the box was about 4.5 lbs, but after a few hundred rounds of breaking it in, it had evened out and was around 3.8 lbs. The trigger is smooth and crisp with absolutely zero over travel and the reset is clean and predictable.
The KIMBER Custom II is chambered in .45 ACP, but it also available in 9mm and .38 Super. All three calibers are adequate for defensive purposes and the .45 caliber is particularly potent. Although the .45 is the most powerful of the three, I would just stick with the original .45 ACP to get the most out of the gun. The magazine on the Custom II is a 10 round piece, but it is compatible with the Mec-Gar 18-rounders that are widely available online, thus giving you a whopping 28 rounds of capacity.
On the range, the Kimber Custom II is an absolute joy to shoot. The recoil impulse is light, and the fight is soft, yet effective. The accuracy is also top-notch and the gun was consistently putting rounds into 2-inch groups at 25 yards. The gun was also able to easily punch holes in my steel gong at 200 yards, proving that it has enough range and accuracy for most tasks.
In my opinion, the Kimber Custom II really is the epitome of what a 1911 should be. Its excellent ergonomics, build quality, and accuracy make it an ideal choice for both defensive and competition shooting. Although it is a bit pricey, you won't regret your purchase. Not only is it a piece of American history, but it is also one of the most reliable and accurate 1911s ever made. The Kimber Custom II has earned its place as one of the premier 1911s on the market, and it will serve you faithfully for years to come.
Pros & Cons
Pros
• Reliability and accuracy: The KIMBER Custom II is designed to be reliable and accurate with a match-grade barrel and tight tolerances.
• Comfort: The ergonomic design of the frame and trigger guard makes the Custom II comfortable for prolonged use.
• Price: The Custom II offers a good value for the money, allowing a consumer to get a quality 1911-style pistol without breaking the bank.
• Variety: The Custom II is offered in a range of finishes and with customizable features so consumers can get the gun that fits their needs.
Cons
• Slim Grip: The slim grip of the Custom II may require after-market grips to provide a comfortable fit for users with larger hands.
• Disassembly: Disassembly of the Custom II is not as straightforward as some other 1911-style pistols and requires some additional effort.
• Capacity: The Custom II typically holds 8+1 rounds, which may not be enough for many shooters.
Who Should Buy
Individuals who should consider purchasing a KIMBER Custom II pistol are those looking for a versatile, reliable, and accurate handgun that is comfortable to shoot and easy to maintain. This is a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable sidearm for concealed carry, home defense, or range shooting.
Individuals who should not consider buying a KIMBER Custom II pistol are those who have limited budgets and who are looking for a handgun primarily for home defense. The Custom II’s premium quality comes at a premium price and the features offered are more suited for target shooting than self-defense.
Comparisons
| Feature | Kimber Custom II | Smith & Wesson Model 1911 | SIG Sauer P220 | Colt Combat Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | .45 ACP |
| Action | Single Action | Single Action | Double Action | Single Action |
| Capacity | 7+1 | 7+1 | 8+1 | 8+1 |
| Barrel Length | 5" | 5" | 4.4" | 5" |
| Overall Length | 8.7" | 8.7" | 7.7" | 8.5" |
| Weight (Empty) | 35 oz | 39.6 oz | 35 oz | 38 oz |
| Finish | Satin Silver Frame/Black Slide | Matte Black | Stainless Steel | stainless steel |
| Grips | Rosewood | Textured Synthetic | Ergo XT Grips | Wood/Carbon Fiber |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: .45 ACP
•Barrel Length: 5 inches
•Magazines: 2, 8-round
•Grips: Rosewood
•Slide Finish: Satin Silver
•Frame Finish: Satin Silver
•Safety: Extended Thumb Safety
•Sights: Low Profile Night Sights
Popular Accessories
:
- Magazine Well
- Extended Magazine Release
- Ejector
- Ejector Pin
- Hammer
- Hammer Strut
- Slide Stop
- Extended Slide Stop
- Extended Beavertail Grip Safety
- Extended Ambidextrous Thumb Safety
- Custom Grips
- Night Sights
- Scope Mount
- Laser Sight
- Rail System
Accuracy
The KIMBER Custom II is an exceptionally accurate handgun. It features a match grade stainless steel barrel and bushing along with a stainless steel mainspring and slide. The tight slide to frame fit and superior grip angle make the Custom II very easy to shoot accurately. The trigger is adjustable for both take up and overtravel and provides a crisp, smooth pull. Further accuracy enhancements include a beveled magazine well, and extended beavertail grip safety. All these features combine to make the KIMBER Custom II one of the most accurate handguns on the market.
