NRA Gun of the Week: Kimber Aegis Elite Pro OI

by
posted on March 19, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Kimber America’s Aegis Elite Pro OI is another well-crafted addition to the company’s expansive lineup of 1911 pistols. Despite the gun’s full-size frame, this latest model iteration of the famed John Browning pistol design incorporates many elements that make it a capable carry option. In addition, the Aegis Elite Pro comes machined for slide-mounted optic, which further updates the classic handgun design for the 21st century.

Pistol in brown holster tan pants black shirt text on image

Kimber made a concession to CCW holders with a rounded treatment at the heel of the frame, a place that has a tendency to easily print through concealment. Pairing the frame modifications with melted edges throughout, the Commander-size Aegis Elite Pro is further validated as a carry gun with its corrosion-resistant KimPro II finish that gives the pistol a two-tone look. Additionally, Kimber relies on stainless steel for the slide and frame.

Pistol slide hammer steel metal glass optic text on image

Unique slide serrations are supplied to foster positive purchase during manipulation and help to ward off irritation when carried inside the waistband. Kimber employs multi-colored G10 stocks and straight-line serrations on the gun’s mainspring housing for additional grip. An extended beavertail grip safety and over-sized thumb safety are standard equipment. A skeletonized hammer and trigger add a modern look to the gun and quicken lock time.

Handgun grip silver metal color patterns

American Rifleman’s preview sample came chambered for 9 mm Luger and supplied with a 6 m.o.a. Vortex Venom red-dot sight. Our testers noted thoughtful additions such as all-steel construction, full-length steel guide rod, and optic combined with a bushingless, bull barrel and suppressor-height sights bolster the 1911's capability as a modern pistol defense for defensive use.

Metal steel shiny barrel gun muzzle parts handgun pistol

Watch our NRA Gun of the Week video above to learn more about the Kimber Aegis Pro OI.

Kimber Aegis Pro OI Specifications

Manufacturer: Kimber America

Action Type: recoil-operated, single-action, semi-automatic pistol

Chambering: 9 mm Luger

Frame: stainless steel, KimPro II finish

Slide: stainless steel, KimPro II Finish

Barrel: 4” stainless steel

Sights: raised, three-white-dot configuration

Optic: Vortex Venom, 6 m.o.a.

Magazine: nine-round detachable box

Height: 5.25”

Length: 7.7”

Width: 1.28”

Weight: 40 ozs.

MSRP: $1,516

Further Reading:
A Look Inside Kimber

Making an Impression: Kimber’s Rapide Black Ice 10 mm

Review: Kimber EVO SP

NRA Gun of the Week: Kimber K6s Revolver


The Kimber Rifle Story


Latest

Taurus 66 Combat GOTW F
Taurus 66 Combat GOTW F

Gun of the Week: Taurus 66 Combat Revolver

Taurus USA recently expanded its revolver line with the 66 Combat, a larger, all-steel revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge. Watch our "Gun of the Week" video to see the 66 Combat in use on the range.

The Armed Citizen® March 6, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Armed Citizens Outperform the Police in Stopping Mass Murderers

A recent crime study indicates that armed citizens are better at stopping mass killers than the police.

Building A Legacy: One Hunter's Journey Toward a 338 ARC Bolt-Action

Hornady's 338 ARC cartridge was designed to pack plenty of subsonic power into an AR-sized platform. But how does it perform if you're looking to build something a bit more traditional?

Industry Manufacturers Pay $1.3 Billion Tax Bill

Last month, nearly $1.3 billion was delivered to state conservation and wildlife access programs as part of Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson excise taxes paid by manufacturers in the outdoor industry.

250 Years of the U.S. Army: Rifle Muskets, Trapdoors & Early Bolt-Actions

The U.S. Army would enter the 19th century equipped with a smoothbore flintlock musket that differed little from the designs of the past, and it would exit the century with a modern, bolt-action, repeating rifle that used smokeless powder ammunition.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.