Rifleman Review: Kimber KDS9c

by
posted on June 11, 2025
** 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 Mfg. has expanded its M1911-style line of handguns in recent years, and it is one of many companies taking advantage of the growing interest in double-stack, M1911-style handguns in recent years. One of the latest in the Kimber lineup is the KDS9c, and unlike many double-stack, M1911-style handguns on the market, this one is built from the ground up for concealed carry. Watch our "American Rifleman Television" Rifleman Review segment above to see the details of this carry-friendly firearm.

"We've seen all sizes, shapes and variations of the M1911 from Kimber, including Micros, which aren't really 1911s, per se, but they're 1911-ish. And one of the steps that Kimber's taken recently, still in the 1911-ish vein, is with its KDS9c," American Rifleman Executive Editor Evan Brune said. "What makes this gun stand out and makes it a little different is that this is a double-stack M1911-style handgun chambered in 9 mm Luger. And when you start taking a closer look at the KDS9c, you start noticing that they've actually changed quite a lot on this 1911-ish platform."

Left side of the all-black Kimber KDS9c handgun.

Notably, the traditional locking system of the M1911 is gone in the KDS9c. Instead of using locking lugs at the top of the barrel, along with a barrel bushing at the muzzle and a swinging link below, the Kimber uses a barrel hood that locks into the ejection port, like many modern firearms. Also gone is the traditional all-steel configuration.

 "This is an aluminum frame, so this isn't actually your, you know, heavy, competition-style race gun," Brune said. "This is a gun that's been designed for concealed carry, and you know, in this configuration, it weighs just a little over a pound and a half."

Other notable changes and additions include the milled slide that accommodates red-dot optics of the Shield RMSc footprint, as well as the lightening cuts found on along the barrel and chamber hood. Despite many changes, the gun does retain traditional M1911 controls, notably its single-sided manual thumb safety, slide-stop lever and push-button magazine release. A beavertail grip safety is also a nod to traditional M1911 controls and aesthetics.

Detail shot of the right side of the Kimber KDS9c, showing the extractor and ejection port.
The Kimber KDS9c is outfitted with an external extractor as opposed to the traditional internal extractor of the M1911.

"All in all, you know, Kimber's got a couple options in this line. This is the version that is all blacked out with Kimber's KimPro finish," Brune said. "This is just another great option in what we've noticed is a rapidly expanding subset of double-stack 9 mm-chambered M1911-style pistols on the market. But unlike so many of those guns, this is dedicated to concealed carry use."

Kimber KDS9c Specifications
Manufacturer: Kimber Mfg. Inc.
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Slide: Stainless steel; KimPro Black finish
Frame: 7075 aluminum; KimPro Black finish
Barrel: 4.06" stainless steel; 1:10" LH twist
Magazine: 15-round detachable box
Trigger: single-action; 4-lb. pull
Sights: drift-adjustable, fiber-optic front; elevation-adjustable, U-notch rear
Overall Length: 7.75"
Height: 5.25"
Width: 1.3"
Weight: 25.3 ozs.
Accessories: owner's manual, extra magazine, padded case, lock
MSRP: $1,345

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/videos/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Latest

Hammerli Arms Force B1 Rifleman Review 1
Hammerli Arms Force B1 Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Hammerli Arms Force B1

The Hammerli Arms Force B1 is one of the most versatile rimfire rifles on the market, providing room for accessories, allowing for a personal stock fit and even offering caliber-interchangeability.

New For 2025: CZ Scorpion 3+ Magpul Edition

CZ-USA has enhanced its Scorpion 3+ pistol-caliber carbine yet again with a slate of factory-installed Magpul components and accessories.

Summer Suppressor Deals On Now

Whether it is a BOGO deal from SIG or free tax stamps from Guns.com and Silencer Central, there's plenty of hearing-safe savings to be had this summer.

Rifleman Report: Defending Freedom For 250 Years

"Anyone who claims not to understand the plain and simple intent of the Second Amendment—especially if that person happens to be a constitutional law professor, Supreme Court justice, congressman, senator or president—is likely hiding nefarious intent: to strip individual liberty from American citizens for the express purpose of making them susceptible to a tyrannical government."

Book Review: 2025 Traveler’s Guide To The Firearms Laws Of The Fifty States

Newly updated for 2025, the 29th edition of the Traveler’s Guide To The Firearm Laws Of The Fifty States is packed with all the need-to-know information for cross-country trekkers seeking to bring their arms along with them and remain legal in all localities.

Springfield Kuna: A PDW For The Masses

Small, yet fierce, the namesake of Springfield Armory’s latest large-format pistol is a revered forest dweller in the land of its Croatian manufacturing partner, HS Produkt. The new Kuna is poised to be just as welcome in America.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.