Gun of the Week: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior LW

Kimber recently entered into the double-stack 1911 market with a number of new designs, first starting with its carry-oriented KDS9c, then expanding the line to include the competition-oriented 2K11. But in 2026, the company developed its 1911 DS Warrior, an American-made, double-stack design that is intended to be an affordable entry point into Kimber's double-stack handgun line. Watch our "Gun of the Week" video above to see the details of the 1911 DS Warrior.

"Kimber's long been known for its line of single-stack 1911s, and recently, it came out with the 2K11, which is their double-stack," American Rifleman Executive Editor Jay Grazio said. "The 1911 DS Warrior is also a double stack, but it's much more affordable now. It's still hand-fitted, made in the USA, but the MSRP is under $1,100 for a double-stack 1911 from Kimber."

The Kimber 1911 DS Warrior is built using an aluminum subframe and a carbon-fiber-infused polymer grip frame. Typical 1911-style construction and controls are found on the design, including a single-sided slide-stop lever, push-button magazine release, beavertail grip safety, skeletonized trigger and external hammer.

"Typical 1911 dimensions. Five-inch barrel, 8.7-inch overall length, 5.5-inch height. And the weight, because of the aluminum, is only 33 ounces, which is not terrible for a full size handgun," Grazio said. "Capacity is pretty astonishing. Seventeen rounds in the flush-fit magazine, and there's a slightly extended 20 round magazine available."

Kimber offers several variations of its 1911 DS Warrior design. In addition to the 9 mm-chambered LW model, there's a heavier, steel-framed 1911 DS Warrior available in .45 ACP, .38 Super and 10 mm Auto.

"Slightly contentious in the world of 1911s, it does have an accessory rail on the dustcover, with three slots if you want to pull a light, laser, any other accessory of that nature," Grazio said. "We do have an ambidextrous thumb safety, so southpaws and folks who are smart and practiced with their off hand are all set."

For more information, visit the Kimber website here.