NRA Gun Of The Week: Kimber R7 Mako

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posted on January 7, 2022
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Following Kimber America’s extensive lineup of M1911 handguns and bolt-action rifles is the latest offering from the Alabama-based manufacturer—the R7 Mako—a polymer-framed, micro-compact handgun with optic-mounting capability. It is safe to say the R7 Mako is a complete departure from the steel-frame M1911s its maker is known to produce.

Man shooting Kimber R7 Mako text noting remote camera

 

Borrowing technology from Browning’s blueprints gives the R7 Mako repeatable functionality through recoil operation, though Kimber has done so rather uniquely. A lug at the top of the barrel locks into a matching recess on the top face of the slide creating an arrangement that is designed to prevent gas and debris from blowing out of the chamber and obscuring a mounted optic.

handgun pistol sights optic rearview

That’s right, the R7 Mako truly is an optic-ready handgun. Kimber produces two models, one with a milled slide and cover plate, and the other with an included Crimson Trace CTS-1500 optic installed. Both feature Glock-pattern sight dovetails and three-dot sights; a set of Truglo Tritium Pro night sights are included and co-witness easily with a mounted red-dot.

pistol handgun Kimber R7 Mako disassembled parts gun metal steel plastic black

Ergonomic styling of the micro-compact frame is designed to assist operators with achieving positive purchase, thanks to the high relief cut under the magazine release, as well as a rounded backstrap, texturing panels throughout, beveled magazine baseplates and a well-contoured slide. Bilateral controls provided with the R7 Mako mean that even right-handed shooters can make full, effective use of a gun should their strong hand be injured or otherwise occupied in a fight. Watch our NRA Gun of the Week video above to watch the R7 Mako in action.

From holster to target, our experience on the range with Kimber’s striker-fired R7 Mako proved that the diminutive concealed-carry gun packs a big punch. Formal testing of the Kimber R7 Mako by American Rifleman staff recorded an average accuracy spread of 0.76” from five consecutive, five-shot groups at 7 yards.

right side pistol handgun black plastic steel gun text on image noting "Kimber R7 Mako"

 

Kimber America R7 Mako Specifications
Manufacturer: Kimber MFG., Inc.
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Slide: stainless steel
Frame: glass-filled nylon
Barrel: 3.37” stainless steel
Magazine: 11-round detachable box
Sights: steel; three-dot
Trigger: stiker-fired
Height: 5” (with optic installed)
Length: 6.2”
Width: 1.18”
Weight: 22.6 ozs. with optic
MSRP: $599 (base), $799 (optic included)

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