Kimber has displayed amazing versatility in the 1911 market, introducing a plethora of models to suit all tastes. In addition, each and every Kimber pistol displays a high degree of individual attention, resulting in outstanding reliability and accuracy. This is especially the case when it comes to the company’s subcompact and pocket pistols.

The company’s introduction of the Ultra RCP II (LG) represents a new level of craftsmanship that equals that of custom shops while remaining extremely competitive on price. Like all Kimber pistols, it is made in the U.S., with all the critical components made by Kimber to an extreme high-quality standard. Because of this, Kimber 1911s are the pistols of choice for several elite law enforcement and military units, including the Los Angeles Police Department SWAT team and the U.S. Marines assigned to special operations. Many top competitive shooters also rely on Kimber pistols for their accuracy and reliability.

Sapphire Ultra II

A firearm is as much a self-defense tool as it is a reflection of one’s personality and tastes. For those who have a flair for the dramatic there is the Sapphire Ultra II from Kimber, which offers unique style and extreme performance in a very small package. This SA pistol is chambered in 9mm for enhanced control and reduced recoil. Another advantage of this chambering is added magazine capacity, and it also keeps the gun’s dimensions and weight as slim as possible. Weight reduction is also achieved by the use of an aluminum frame. Most notably, however, is the bright and highly polished sapphire blue finish on the stainless steel slide, with added touches of attractive engraving. That finish is also found in the pins and controls of the pistol, including the beavertail grip safety, magazine release, slide stop and extended ambidextrous thumb safety. The blue/black G10 grips also contrast nicely with the matte silver frame. The Sapphire Ultra II also features Tactical Wedge three-dot sights.

Ultra RCP II (LG)

The Ultra RCP II (LG) is the smallest and lightest pistol of its kind that Kimber has made. This is a single-action (SA) pistol chambered in .45 ACP and loaded with innovative features for defensive use. The entire pistol has been “dehorned,” meaning that all of the sharp edges have been smoothed and rounded, giving it a distinctive “melted” look. This process makes the pistol much smoother and faster on the draw.

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Most 1911s have big sights befitting a big pistol, but not so on the Ultra RCP II (LG). Instead, the sights are virtually non-existent—unless you are looking at them from the shooter’s perspective. Here Kimber uses a channel to enclose the rear sight for a completely snag-free profile.

Instead of a high-swept beavertail grip safety, Kimber has bobbed the grip safety so that the web of the shooter’s hand is still fully protected against “hammer bite” but the pistol becomes much more concealable. The Commander-style hammer and ambidextrous thumb safety have been similarly treated and are also bobbed, making them both smaller but still fully functional.

In order to bring the weight down to just 25 ounces (unloaded), Kimber uses an aluminum frame with a matte grey finish. This nicely complements the matte black finish on the steel slide and the stainless steel, match-grade barrel. As befitting a pistol meant for defense in the harshest conditions, which often means low light, the Ultra RCP II (LG) comes with top-of-the-line, grip-activated Crimson Trace red Lasergrips. The polymer grips have a rosewood finish with a double-diamond design and feature the Kimber logo.

Master Carry Ultra

Just because you carry a subcompact doesn’t mean it has to be a “mouse gun,” and if a big-bore .45 ACP is the only defensive round for you, then the Kimber Master Carry Ultra will deliver with 7+1 capacity. Built for concealed carry, this gun features a weight-reducing aluminum satin silver frame with a rounded heel to help prevent printing and offer more comfortable close-to-the-body carry. The match-grade barrel and low-profile three-dot sights will keep you on target, and for low-light conditions the gun also comes standard with Crimson Trace Lasergrips. The stainless steel slide features a matte black KimPro II finish and the pistol also boasts a full-length guide rod. The aluminum match-grade trigger is factory set to between 4 and 5 pounds on this SA pistol, and the no-nonsense design has a left-side-only thumb safety release to keep the width to a minimum.

Micro Carry

As the name implies, the Kimber Micro Carry is a small pocket pistol. Very similar to a standard 1911, this is also an SA, semi-automatic handgun. However, several differences are apparent, most notably the .380 ACP chambering and the lack of a grip safety. A left-side thumb safety is still standard. For those who prefer a compact, real-metal, reliable pocket pistol, the Micro Carry certainly fits. Weighing only 13.4 ounces, this pistol uses a stainless steel slide and aluminum frame. For improved function and reliability the Micro has a lowered and flared ejection port. The magazine well has been beveled for easier and faster mag changes and reloading. The pistol also comes with fully functional steel sights dovetailed into the slide. The standard flush-fit magazine offers 6+1 capacity, and an extended seven-round capacity magazine is available, which makes for a good backup.

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Solo Carry

The Solo Carry subcompact pocket pistol from Kimber represents a radical departure from the traditional 1911 pistols the company is known for. This is truly a modern design that still incorporates the classic feel and ergonomics of the 1911 with a smooth, 7-pound, striker-fired trigger mechanism. Chambered for the 9mm cartridge, the Solo offers 6+1 capacity and the benefits of an ambidextrous magazine release and thumb safety. The low-profile fixed sights provide fast target acquisition, and the entire pistol has been dehorned for a very smooth and snag-free draw. The frame is machined from aluminum for weight reduction, topping the scales at a low 17 ounces, and the slide and barrel are stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance. The synthetic grips feature aggressive checkering for a solid purchase and the triggerguard is undercut for a higher grip.

No matter what your needs are for concealed carry, Kimber’s subcompact pistols are ready for everyday defense.

For more information, visit http://www.kimberamerica.com or call 888-243-4522.