Tuesday, October 20, 2009

KIMBER Tactical Custom II .45 ACP


The M1911 has been in service for almost 100 years!  For the majority of us, it is the best designed handgun of all time, hence the longevity and variations by so many manufacturers from all over the world.  The KIMBER Tactical Custom II in .45 ACP is a fine pistol and John Browning would approve of it.  Kimber is a relative newcomer and they've introduced their 1911's in 1996. But in that short amount of time they've produced an extensive line of 1911's, with custom features.

ERGONOMICS
KIMBER's Tactical Custom II are built with shooters in mind.  Unlike the typical 1911's this Kimber is lighter because the frame is made of aluminum.  The controls are well laid out.  It comes with night sights, which is super nice in low lights or in the dark.  It also has a beavertail grip safety that allows a shooter to grip it higher and prevent hammerbites.  The safety is ambidextrous and easy to manipulate with the shooting hand.  It has a beveled magazine well that makes reloading pretty fast and smooth (if you use the right magazine).  My only complain is with the magazine they supply.  It's not up to par in quality and when doing fast reloading it dings and scrapes the magazine well. 

SHOOTING IMPRESSIONS
KIMBER's Tactical Custom II shoots like a dream.  The trigger is done just right and once you fire it you wish all pistols would have the same trigger.  The sights have tritium so at night you can align it, and it's indispensable in defensive situations.  If you'd never experienced shooting in low lights or in the dark, you should try it and you'll appreciate night sights.  I would definitely recommend it for every defensive gun.  Overall accuracy was excellent.  I used reloads and at 25 yards offhand they all hit a 6" plate.  During rapid fire drills, all rounds fed without fail.  Magazine changes were a snap and it became easier as I practiced many times. 

MY BUY RATINGS:
I was very impressed with the KIMBER Tactical Custom II.  It is a dream to shoot it and if you are looking for an out of the box "loaded" 1911 with custom features, you can't beat this model.  For the price and features, you'll get the ideal 1911.  However, if you're into double action, polymer style handguns, then it's not for you. 

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED



SPECIFICATIONS

Height (inches) 90° to barrel: 5.50

Weight (ounces) with empty magazine: 31
Length (inches): 8.7
Magazine capacity: 7
Magazine well
Ambidextrous thumb safety
Recoil spring (pounds): 16.0
Full length guide rod

Frame: Material: Aluminum
Finish: Matte gray
KimPro II™ frame finish
Width (inches): 1.28
Frontstrap checkering
Checkering under trigger guard

Slide: Material: Steel
Finish: Matte black
Front serrations

Barrel: Length (inches): 5
Steel, match grade
Stainless steel match grade bushing
Twist rate (left hand): 16

Sights: Meprolight Tritium 3-dot night sight, fixed
Radius (inches): 6.8

Grips: Laminated, Double diamond

Trigger: Premium Aluminum Match Grade

Factory setting (approx. pounds): 4.0 - 5.0

SuggestedRetail Price: $1250.00 .45 ACP

CA CompliantYes