Kimber CDS9 Micro 1911 9mm Review
Kimber Takes Small & Double-Stack Mighty 9mm Carry To The Next Level
I ran 200 rounds of 9mm through the new Kimber CDS9 pistol with only one malfunction, even with magazine dumps of 10 and 15 rounds of range and hollow-point self-defense ammunition.
Next, I did a series of defensive shooting drills with the handy, smallish semi-automatic.
Standing 5 yards from my silhouette target, I practiced the double-tap—drawing from the holster and firing two shots quickly at center mass. Then, I performed the Mozambique/Failure Drill—two shots to center mass, the last one to the noggin. I ended with several mags of point shooting, pointing the pistol where my eyes were looking (trying to, anyway) to save time in the worst-case scenario.
The CDS9 performed exceptionally, got on target fast in the drills, and put all shots where they were aimed.
One reality about smaller carry guns is they are often very hard to shoot. Yes, they conceal fine. Short barrel, low sights, and a thin grip width make them perfect for hiding. However, those same attributes can make accurate and effective shooting difficult.
That’s not a problem with Kimber’s CDS9. The CDS stands for “Covert Double Stack.” Even with a 3.1-inch barrel, the pistol regularly drilled five-shot groups of 1.0 inches at 5 yards offhand and 1.3 inches at 7 yards.
I carried the pistol concealed for five days; it rode very comfortably and deployed quickly. It really has everything I require in an everyday carry gun, including considerable firepower, with double-stack magazines available in 10-, 13- and 15-round options.
Tiny Titan Anatomy
Recoil springs are one key to the CDS9’s success as a fine-shooting smaller pistol. Kimber designed the pistol with a dual recoil spring assembly instead of only traditional guide rods. These springs substantially reduced the impact of the slide coming back, decreasing the overall recoil pulse and keeping me on target.
The CDS9 features a stout, stainless steel slide and match-grade stainless barrel, an all-metal frame, and aggressive G10 grips that really grabbed my hands. At nearly 21 ounces unloaded, it’s heavier than poly-framed compact pistols, which also helps corral recoil of snappy, high-velocity 9mm rounds.
The CDS9’s flat-faced trigger was crisp and broke cleanly. The trigger pull on my test pistol averaged three pounds, four ounces.
The ambidextrous safety and slide release are standard, as well as the reversible magazine release.
To maximize concealability, a 10-round flush-fit mag is an option. Extended grip 10-rounders are available.
More Shooter-Friendly Kimber CDS9 Features
I actually saw the CDS9’s sights and placed them on my targets, too. That’s a nice change from other small carry guns sporting a nub for a front sight and a rear blade that often disappears altogether. Premium sights, made by TAG, come standard with the CDS9s with a fiber-optic front post and a tactical rear blade.
Plus, the CDS9 is optics-ready and compatible with all RMSc optic footprints with no optic plate required. Simply remove the optic cover. It also sports an accessory rail for lights and laser add-ons.
The CDS9 pistol is available in a TFS Model (Threaded For Suppression) with a Black KimPro II Frame and a Gray KimPro II Slide. Mine was a non-TFS model sporting a Gray KimPro II Frame and a Black KimPro II Slide. The TFS runs another $20 over the non-TFS model.
Specifications: Kimber CDS9 (Non-TFS)
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Hammer-fired, semi-auto
- Barrel: 3.18 inches
- OA Length: 6.2 inches
- Weight: 20.8 ounces (empty)
- Grips: VZ Grips in Frag Pattern w/G10 Grip Panels
- Sights: TAG fiber front, tactical rear
- Finish: KimPro Gray or Black
- Capacity: 10+1, 13+1, 15+1
- MSRP: $1,075 (as tested)
- URL: kimberamerica.com
Pairs Well With: SIG Sauer Elite Defense V-Crown
SIG Sauer Elite Defense V-Crown 9mm self-defense ammunition, launching a 115-grain, jacketed hollow-point bullet. It was very accurate in my shooting and a hard-hitting round. Sold in 20-count boxes. MRSP: $20 (sigsauer.com)