KIMBER SOLO CARRY STS
Posted Jun 15, 2023
KIMBER SOLO CARRY STS
The Kimber Solo Carry STS is one of the most highly acclaimed single-stack, 9mm pistols on the market today. The pistol is light, reliable, and accurate. It is specifically designed to be an excellent concealed carry firearm that can be easily concealed without drawing undue attention. In this review, I will go into great detail about the various features and specifications of this pistol, and provide an in-depth analysis of its performance.
Design
The Kimber Solo Carry STS is a semi-automatic, hammerless, single action, recoil-operated pistol. The pistol is built on an alloy frame with a stainless steel slide and a beaver tail grip safety. The Solo Carry STS utilizes a match-grade, 3" barrel for greater accuracy and reliability and comes with green fiber sights. The frame and slide are designed to fit comfortably in the shooter’s hand, making for a comfortable feel that is conducive to accuracy. The trigger is smooth and consistent, with a clean break and minimal take up. The gun also features a manual safety.
The Solo Carry STS also utilizes a mouse-length recoil system, which ensures that the slide is under control regardless of the level of power of the cartridge. This feature, combined with the low bore axis the lower bore-axis, contributes to the pistol’s ease of control and accuracy.
Performance
The Kimber Solo Carry STS is a reliable firearm. I was able to consistently fire the pistol without any zero malfunctions. I found that the recoil was very manageable, which allowed me to maintain a tight shooting group even after firing multiple rounds. The trigger is smooth with a clean break, and minimal take up.
The accuracy of the Solo Carry STS is impressive. I was able to consistently achieve groupings of 2” or less at 25 yards. The gun is certainly capable of much better accuracy, and I expect that with some practice and better ammunition, it is possible to achieve even better groupings.
The build quality of the Solo Carry STS is excellent. The fit and finish of the pistol are superb. I was particularly impressed with the tight machining tolerances of the frame and slide. All of the controls are well designed and easy to operate. The trigger is also smooth and consistent.
Conclusion
The Kimber Solo Carry STS is an impressive pistol. It is lightweight, reliable, accurate and easy to control. The pistol is specifically designed for concealed carry purposes, making it an excellent choice for shooters who require an easily concealable pistol with excellent performance. The Solo Carry STS is also reasonably priced, making it an attractive option for those who are looking for a quality, single-stack 9mm pistol at a good price. In conclusion, the Kimber Solo Carry STS is a great value for the money and an excellent option for concealed carry.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and slim profile for improved concealment.
- Extremely accurate due to its single-action only design.
- Extended beavertail on the frame helps protect your hands from the hammer.
- Match grade barrel provides a tight fit that can help improve accuracy.
- 3-dot sights provide a clear sight picture that is easy to acquire.
Cons:
- Recoil can be quite a bit snappier than other small 9mm handguns.
- Short sight radius can make longer shots more difficult.
- Magazines and other accessories can be difficult to come by.
- No external safety or decocker.
- Expensive for a subcompact pistol.
Who Should Buy
People who want a reliable and easy-to-carry handgun should consider the Kimber Solo Carry STS. People looking for a concealed carry weapon that is reliable and compact should also consider this option. On the other hand, people who are looking for a larger handgun for competitive shooting should look elsewhere, as this handgun is only designed as a concealed carry weapon.
Comparisons
| Parameters | Kimber Solo Carry STS | Smith & Wesson Performance Center PC1911 | Wilson Combat CQB Tactical LE | Heckler & Koch HK 416 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trigger Pull | ~7 lbs | ~6.5 lbs | ~4 lbs | ~7 lbs |
| Capacity | 6+1+1 | 8+1 | 9+1 | 30+1 |
| Caliber | 9mm | .45ACP | .45ACP | 5.56mm |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Steel |
| Barrel Length | 3 inches | 5 inches | 5 inches | 14.5 inches |
Features / Specs
• Overall Length: 5.5”
• Barrel Length: 2.7”
• Overall Height: 3.9”
• Overall Width: 1.06”
• Sight Radius: 3.7”
• Sight: Fixed Low Profile
• Weight (empty): 17 oz.
• Magazine Capacity: 6 Rounds
• Grip: Rosewood
• Slide Finish: Satin Aluminum
• Frame Finish: Satin Silver and Black
• Trigger: Single Action Only (SAO)
Popular Accessories
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The most popular accessories for the Kimber Solo Carry STS include a holster, grip sleeve, magazine extension, night sights, laser engraving and grip modification, extended and bobbed hammer, grip replacement, sights replacement, and stippling. Other useful accessories include a magazine loader, recoil spring, and guide rod.
Accuracy
The KIMBER SOLO CARRY STS is designed to provide reliable accuracy. Every model is machined to exacting tolerances and the trigger has been tested independently to ensure a consistent 6-pound trigger pull. This gun also features a steel frame and slide with a matte black finish and a carry bevel treatment to aid in drawing from a holster. As a compact, single-stack 9mm Luger, the gun features a highly-maneuverable 3-inch barrel that is designed to provide tight patterning with factory loads. In tests, the KIMBER SOLO CARRY STS achieved ballistics readings of 3" to 3-1/2" groups at 25 yards, making it very accurate for its size and class.
