I've worked on multiple Kimber 2K11 pistols for customers at RFV Tactical, and I was not really that impressed with them. Mainly due to the longer length of the slide and having a short dust cover frame. I also don't like that they use MIM internal components in a $2200-$2700 gun. When Kimber came out with the 2K11 Pro, which is a 4.25" version with a full-length dust cover frame, I got a little more interested in them. I randomly stumbled across an online retailer selling the Stainless version brand new for only $1750, which is about $250 cheaper than most other retailers, so I decided to pick one up. Then I got really excited when I realized that Kimber actually sells a 2K11 optic plate for the Holosun 509T that has an integrated rear backup iron sight. I have never seen a 2K11 with anything other than an RMR footprint optic and none of those had rear backup iron sights despite positioning the optic really far forward.
I specifically wanted the "Stainless" version, because I wanted the MJD Solutions grip module rather than their aluminum grip module and the Stainless version is the only one with the bronze PVD barrel. I thought the bronze barrel would look really good with the slide and frame done in a custom mix of black Cerakote. I also wasn't interested in any of the other fancy looking color options that they offer with the 2K11 Pro series.
The front of the slide and frame have a really nice chamfer, but there were still a few spots in other areas that needed some dehorning. Most notably was the left side thumb safety lever. This is a consistently complained about issue with all of the 2K11 pistols. Kimber had supposedly redesigned it with a better chamfer due to all the complaints, but I have yet to see the redesigned part on a production gun out in the real world. While reprofiling the lever, I also thinned it down to work with my high grip as I do with most of my personal 2011 style guns.
Rather than go with my custom DLC Mimic color mix of Cerakote, I wanted to try a new custom mix of Graphite Black and Stainless with a 12:1 ratio of catalyst for a slightly higher gloss that would hopefully mimic Black Nitride. It doesn't really show up well in the photos, but there is a slight metallic flake in the black. I'm really happy with the way it turned out and the contrast of the bronze PVD barrel looks great.
With the MJD grip module, I only stippled over the factory checkered areas and left the 2K11 styling lines in place, added a smooth border at the bottom of the mainspring housing to match the magwell border, and did a step-cut grip chop to accept 16-round Staccato C2 magazines. I really like the step-cut grip chop because it gives you a little more concealability while still maintaining a full-size feel in the hand. Unlike STI/Staccato grip modules, the MJD grip still has a little bit of a magwell flare left after the grip chop as does the Prodigy 1911DS grip module.
The pistol had a decent trigger right out of the box at 3.5 pounds, but I tuned it down to my preferred weight of just under 3 pounds using the factory components. The trigger shoe itself is a little longer than my other 2011 style guns, but it's not a problem for me. No other tuning or refinements were needed. The gun looks great and runs great. The recoil impulse is just as soft as my non-ported Prodigy 1911DS with my reloaded training/match ammo, and only slightly snappier with off-the-shelf factory ammo. I'm really happy with this gun, especially for what I paid for it.
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