Rifleman Review: Kimber KDS9c

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."

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.

"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.