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

Ruger LC Carbine In 10 mm Auto
Ruger LC Carbine In 10 mm Auto

Review: Ruger LC Carbine In 10 mm Auto

Following the success of its .45 ACP-chambered LC Carbine, Ruger realized that this platform would go a long way toward making the 10 mm Auto more controllable and fun to shoot, and a new 10 mm version was released in 2024.

The Armed Citizen® July 14, 2025

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

Favorite Firearms: A Little Stevens From Chicago

"Over the next five or six years, and before I went off to college, I fired hundreds and hundreds of rounds of .22 BB Caps, CB Caps, Shorts and Longs through this rifle."

Preview: Strike Industries T-Bone Charging Handle

The T-Bone from Strike Industries is an ideal fit for suppressed applications, as it can be configured by the user to redirect gas blowback entirely to either side ...

New For 2025: Weatherby Model 307 Range XP 2.0 & Alpine ST Rifles

Weatherby's Model 307 bolt-action rifle opens up a world of aftermarket components to consumers, thanks to its Model 700 receiver footprint, and the company now has two new models for hunters and sport shooters.

Preview: Thunderbolt To The Rebels | The United States Sharpshooters In The Civil War

Author Darin Wipperman provides a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Berdan’s sharpshooters during the American Civil War.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.