Review: Kimber COMP X Hunter 10mm

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Kimber America recently introduced a new 10mm AUTO hunting pistol, the Comp X Hunter 10. The “comp” in the name refers to the compensator affixed to the end of the 5-inch barrel, and the pistol represents the company’s first production 1911 complete with compensator.

This new single stack holds 8+1 rounds of 10mm AUTO and is optics-ready using Kimber's optic plate mounting system. Built with a stainless steel barrel, frame, and slide, it’s a true heavyweight coming in at just a bit over 42 ounces unloaded. But that weight plus compensator also reduces 10mm recoil to a very manageable level.

Frankly, it has a badass look to it, too. I know. Gun guys don’t care about looks. It’s all about the function, only sissies care about how a gun appears, and a big round of applause for another 100K black-on-black handguns.

No thanks.

I really liked the gray and black KimPro II finish as well as the G-10 Bawidamann Ragnarök 1911 grips from weapon and EDC designer Andrew Bawidamann. The X’s cut into the grips really stand out, and the compensator not only worked to reduce muzzle flip but added to the badass look of the Comp X Hunter.

Oh, and the pistol is a for-real shooter.

I ran the Kimber Comp X with Winchester Target rounds loaded with 180-grain full metal jacket bullets. For hunting ammunition, I shot Federal Ammunition Fusion, launching a 200-grain bonded soft-point, and Black Hills Honey Badger, featuring a 115-grain all-copper bullet.

To kick things off, I began shooting from a rest at 12 yards to get used to the pistol and to make sure the sights were on. They were. The best five-shot groups included Honey Badger at 1.25 inches, Fusion at 1 inch, and Winchester pegging in at 1.1 inches.

From my 25-yard lane, the pistol kept drilling tight groups. Honey Badger came in at 1.75 inches for three rounds and 2.5 inches for five rounds, while Fusion made three rounds at 1.5 inches and five at an even 2 inches.

I had four rounds left of the Winchester Target ammo, and they nailed a nice 1.75-inch group at this distance.

In approximately 100 rounds, I only had one miscue with the pistol—a failure to fully eject the brass from a fired Fusion round. I can’t say if that empty brass hanging up in the chamber was the fault of that particular round or the pistol.

I also shot the pistol off-hand, and that’s where I really appreciated the compensator. Now, it’s a 10mm, and especially with the full-power Fusion load, recoil was significant. But the compensator kept the end of the barrel down more than other 10mm’s I’ve used and helped push the pistol back firmly into my hands.

The pistol’s 16-pound recoil spring was very tight but should loosen a bit with use. Of course, a 10mm pistol like the Comp X requires a stout spring.

The three-hole aluminum trigger featured serrations on the trigger face, and they provided a solid finger-to-trigger interface. Trigger pull averaged 2 lbs., 5 ounces and broke very cleanly.

The manual safety on the left side of the slide went into and out of SAFE with an easy push of my thumb, while the grip safety engaged without undue pressure. Checkering on the back strap metal added to the solid hold.

Magazines popped out with a firm press of the mag release. Magazines slid right into the magwell, too, aided by gentle beveling at the sides of the well.

Is Kimber’s Comp X Hunter 10 pricey? Yes. But unless the owner accidentally drops it off a cliff, the hunter who buys the Kimber Comp X Hunter 10 should get decades of use from the pistol.

I just received the optics plate for the pistol and will soon be mounting a red or preferably a green dot onto the Comp X Hunter for the hunting I’m planning with the pistol.

I’ve also found a fine hunting holster for the pistol, the Johnson Timeless Roto-Shoulder Holster with Counterbalance (Item D633) from Falco Holsters. This tan leather shoulder rig keeps the pistol under my armpit, with a double magazine pouch on the other side. It also allows for an optic.

I’m going to run some other 10mm hunting rounds to see if any perform better than the Fusion. But if I had to head out the door for a hunt tomorrow, it would be with several boxes of Federal Fusion. The 200-grain Fusion load looks formidable, and the round actually had stouter recoil than the other two loads, suggesting that there’s a little more punch on target. And when hunting in Texas or Oklahoma and trying to drop a big wild boar, a little more punch is just what you need!

• CALIBER: 10mm
• ACTION: Single-action semiautomatic
• BARREL: 5 inches
• OA LENGTH: X inches
• WEIGHT: pounds/ounces (empty)
• GRIPS: VZ Bawidamann Ragnarök Black and Gray G-10s
• SIGHTS: Rear on optic cover plate; Front, Green fiber-optic
• FINISH: Stainless Steel frame with KimPro II Black; stainless steel slide with KimPro II Gray
• CAPACITY: 8+1
• MSRP: $1,320