Kimber hit it out of the park with the introduction of their 2K11. It is a well-designed tack driver that 1911 and pistol shooters in general loved. Today, Kimber has incorporated some of the design features of this successful pistol into their legacy line. The result is the Kimber 1911 Next Gen.

A Ballistic Evolution – The Kimber 1911 Next Gen

The Kimber 1911 Next Gen is the latest evolution from Kimber Manufacturing, blending the celebrated aesthetics of the classic 1911 with key modern upgrades. Drawing heavily on the success of its 2K11 platform, the Next Gen makes substantial strides in both form and function, aimed at shooters who appreciate traditional design but expect contemporary performance.

Optics-Ready Slide

Kimber has added a flat-top optics cut at the rear of the slide, complete with a removable cover plate and compatibility with standard RMR-pattern optics. This feature, paired with serrations at both front and rear, allows shooters to quickly fit a red-dot sight without aftermarket modification. The optics plate included in the package is precisely cut with no play or hangover.

External Extractor

One of the most touted upgrades, the external extractor enhances reliability and ease of maintenance. External extractors are more robust, have tighter tolerances, and do not require extensive tuning. By offering better clearance and self-adjusting capability compared to Kimber’s older internal system, it reduces the chance of extraction issues, especially under demanding conditions.

GT Trigger & Internal Upgrades

The pistol features Kimber’s high-performance GT trigger, which delivers a crisp 4– 5 lb pull. It features a nice, short reset, providing a competition-grade feel straight from the factory. The trigger is set to break between four and five pounds, offering a crisp and consistent pull.  Internally, refinements such as a sloped disconnector ramp smooth the cycling experience. The Next Gen features a rounded “fastback” bobtail grip, G10 grip inserts, and 32 LPI front strap checkering. Additionally, ambidextrous thumb safeties are now standard.

The Next Gen features a full-size 1911 profile, a five-inch stainless steel barrel, a deep crown, and a forged stainless frame. The slide is finished in Kimpro II Black and includes front and rear serrations along with a flat top design for reduced glare. A couple of specific features I like are the front strap checkering and the bevel on the slide.

Two Versions

Kimber is offering the Next Gen in both two-tone and stainless models. Both are available in .9mm and .45ACP. The only difference between the 9 and 45 is that the 9mm will have a ramped barrel.

Test Drive

While the gun is obviously good-looking, this was not a beauty contest. This is why I was grateful that Kimber sent me a Stainless Next Gen in 9mm to test drive. Breaking it out on the range is a great experience. In that it included an optics cut, glass was certainly on the list. My choice today was the Trijicon SRO. Mounting was simple, and the SRO mated perfectly with tin plats. The first noteworthy point is the fit of the gun. That term is thrown around quite a bit, and I have even heard it used on guns that sound like maracas when they shake. This is not the case with the Kimber 1911 Next Gen.

These pistols are designed for serious use, requiring a precarious balance between accuracy and reliability. Kimber has struck a good balance in this area. The fit is excellent, neither too tight to affect reliability nor too loose to affect accuracy. While I loathe shooting handguns from a bench, I wanted to check accuracy. At 25 yards, I could easily consistently shoot a 2″ group. I believe that after breaking in, and maybe with someone with younger eyes behind the trigger, it is capable of better groups.

Solid Performance

Regardless, this is absolutely a solid performance for a defensive handgun. In a more fitting test, the gun performed well in close-quarter drills and single-handed on-steel shooting. The combination of the grips, along with the checkering on the front of the grip, allowed me a very consistent grip on the gun. It also gave me an anchor-like grip on the gun as I cycled through the 115-grain ball ammunition.

While a single-day trip to the range is no basis for long-term reliability, the Kimber 1911 Next Gen ran with no malfunctions of any kind. While that may not seem noteworthy, the fact is that most semi-automatic pistols require a break-in period. Yes, even those guns. This is especially true with 1911s.

Granted, I had sufficiently lubed the gun and used good ammo, but the fact that I had no hiccups at all is indeed noteworthy. I ran a mix of ball and defensive loads, and the pistol ran whatever it was fed. The trigger was very nice, and following just a slight take-up, it broke in the three-pound range. Overall and in detail, the gun ran very well.

The Kimber 1911 Next Gen

Overall, the Kimber 1911 Next Gen is a winner. While I rarely bring up price point on guns, this one is noteworthy. The stainless model I tested has an MSRP of only $999.00. This is a lot of 1911 for the money. If you’re looking to enter the 1911 world or simply want to add to your collection, the Kimber 1911 Next Gen should be on your list.

For more information, visit:https://www.kimberamerica.com/gen-ii-stainless-1911-or

Kimber 1911 Next Gen Specs