KIMBER SOLO CARRY
Posted May 19, 2023
In the last decade, the Kimber Solo Carry has established itself as the go-to handgun for those seeking an incredibly small and discreet carry option. No matter your shooting style, the Solo Carry is an ideal concealed carry choice that you’ll want to keep in your pocket no matter what. The small footprint makes it perfect for long days of concealed carry while allowing for a fast, accurate draw.
Design
From the 1911-style frame to the lightweight aluminum alloy body, the Kimber Solo Carry was designed to perform as a reliable, user-friendly pistol. At just 17.9 ounces, the all-aluminum construction of the Solo Carry ensures that this single-stack 9mm firearm is comfortable and easy to carry all day.
The beavertail grip safety is one of the Solo Carry’s signature features, allowing for a better grip and extra security when drawing the gun from its holster. The texturized grip, with logo etches, provides extra traction and an additional layer of security. There’s also a rounded trigger guard and front cocking serrations for reliable magazine release.
The slide-lock lever ensures that the slide can be locked back when necessary. Moreover, the Solos Carry features an 8-pound trigger pull and a 13-pound hammer spring to ensure that the gun is always ready and on target. As an added piece of safety, the lone fire pin drop safety mechanism keeps the pin from falling out, reducing the chances of accidental discharges.
Performance
The Kimber Solo Carry features a 3-inch match-grade barrel combined with a coned barrel for better accuracy and reduced muzzle flip. With its compact size and minimized recoil, the Solo Carry is an advantageous firearm for new and experienced shooters alike. The match-grade barrel also features a polygonal rifling that promotes stable fuel pressure, meaning that the gun will always fire away accurately and reliably.
The Kimber Solo Carry also sports a two-dot, adjustable rear sight, allowing shooters to dial in their accuracy at the range. The enclosed barrel also allows for lower felt recoil than many other models in its class, particularly given its small size. With its three-dot, low-profile sights, the Solo Carry is definitely a great choice for those who favor target shooting and self-defense.
Shooter Comfort
Considering its compact size, the Kimber Solo Carry is surprisingly comfortable to shoot. The ergonomic handle feels good in the hand, with its rounded edges that fit the natural contours of the palm. The grip safety also ensures that your fingers stay in the correct place while firing.
The positive safety lever and magazine release allows for smooth action when operating the gun. The beavertail grip safety allows for a secure hand position, making sure your knuckle doesn’t get pinched and rubbed raw after a long day of shooting. The textured rubber grip also ensures that there’s no slipping while gripping the gun, even in wet conditions.
The Kimber Solo Carry also offers a milder recoil than many other guns in its class thanks to its all-metal construction and 3-inch match-grade barrel. The coned barrel further reduces felt recoil, and the curved grip helps soften the kickback.
Aesthetics
The Kimber Solo Carry features a sleek and stylish finish that’s perfect for all occasions. The modern design looks formidable, yet discreet. The all-aluminum frame gives the gun a lightweight feel without compromising its strength, while the alloy slide and beveled edges give it an eye-catching look.
The final finish was given to the Solo Carry after the frame and slide were machined from solid steel and fed into robotic machines to ensure tight tolerances. All edges were then rounded off and polished for a smooth finish. The gun shines with a brilliant black finish, while the stainless steel slide has been engraved with the Kimber logo and a serial number.
Conclusion
The Kimber Solo Carry is a reliable and compact handgun that’s perfect for everyday carry. With its lightweight all-aluminum frame, the Solo Carry is incredibly comfortable to hold and won’t weigh you down. The match-grade barrel, three-dot adjustable rear sight, and beavertail grip safety make it easy to shoot accurately and securely. Its sleek design further ups the aesthetics, making it an optimal choice for deep conceal carry or home defense. It’s no wonder why the Kimber Solo Carry has become the go-to pistol for those looking for a reliable and discreet carry option.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- The Kimber Solo Carry is a highly reliable pocket pistol with solid performance.
- It is lightweight and slim making it easy to carry.
- Its trigger is smooth with a short travel distance, making it great for fast shooting.
- The angled grip and beavertail design makes the pistol comfortable to hold and shoot.
Cons:
- It is an expensive model, and can be tough to find.
- Its magazine capacity is limited to only 6 rounds.
- It does not have many accessory options.
- The hammer can slip off the safety when firing in rapid succession.
Who Should Buy
Anyone who is looking for a reliable and lightweight handgun should consider the Kimber Solo Carry. This is a great choice for anyone, including first-time buyers, as it has a simple, straightforward design and is easy to operate. Those new to handguns may want to consider taking a gun safety class prior to purchase in order to get the most out of this firearm.
People who are looking for a handgun for hunting or larger target shooting would not be ideal for the Kimber Solo Carry, as it is too small for these applications. Those looking for a heavier, more powerful handgun would be better off looking at other options.
Comparisons
| Kimber Solo Carry | Sig Sauer P238 | Bersa Thunder 380 | Glock 42 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber: 9mm | .380 ACP | .380 ACP | .380 ACP |
| Barrel Length: 2.7" | 2.7" | 3.5" | 3.25" |
| Overall Length: 5.5” | 5.5” | 6.3” | 5.95" |
| Height: 3.9" | 3.9" | 4.8" | 4.13" |
| Weight: 17 oz | 15.2 oz | 22 oz | 12.34 oz |
| Capacity: 6+1 | 6+1 | 7+1 | 6+1 |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: 9mm or .380 ACP
• Magazine Capacity: 6 or 7 rounds
• Barrel Length: 2.7"/6.85 cm
• Overall Length: 5.5"/13.9 cm
• Height: 4.4"/11.2 cm
• Width: 0.99"/2.5 cm
• Weight (empty): 17.2 oz./489 g
• Sights: Fixed Front & Fixed Rear
• Grips: Rosewood
• Trigger: .25"/.64 cm
Popular Accessories
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- Spare magazines.
- Extra grip extension.
- Laser sights.
- Tactical holster.
- Magazine loader.
- Replacement rear sight.
- High capacity magazine.
- Trigger kit.
- Magazine well.
- Extended slide stop.
Accuracy
The Kimber Solo Carry is a reliable and incredibly accurate handgun. It features a match grade barrel and trigger, ensuring that shooters are able to take full advantage of the gun's tight tolerances and accuracy. Many gun ranges have experienced a noticeable decrease in group sizes with the Solo Carry, leading to a greater degree of precision during target practice and competitions. Additionally, many range reviews report time and time again that the Kimber Solo Carry is very easy to control, with minimal recoil and muzzle jump. All in all, Kimber Solo Carry users can expect to be amazed at the pistol's accuracy.
