Straight from SHOT: Three New Kimber Handguns

Kimber Cranks Out Two New 9mm Semi-Autos & a Six-Shot .38 Special +P Revolver

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SHOT SHOW 2024 revealed that there’s no sign of Kimber slowing down this year. Here are three new Kimber handguns that caught our eye!

Kimber KDS9c Rail

Following the tremendous response to the launch of the KDS9c in April of 2023, Kimber has released a highly anticipated line extension featuring a Picatinny rail and ambidextrous safety—the KDS9c Rail. Like the original KDS9c, the railed model is built to be the next generation of hammer-fired, semi-automatic Kimber handguns. This latest addition highlights the continuing shift toward optic and light-bearing firearms demanded by today’s concealed carry owner. 

This new offering will come standard with one 15-round magazine and one 18-round magazine with alloy extended base. The optics capability mimics that of the legacy KDS9c and features mounting plates for the Trijicon RMR family of footprints, Holosun K and Vortex Venom red dot optics. With an MSRP of $1,903, the complete combined features of the KDS9c Rail deliver a concealed carry firearm of simply outstanding value. 

Featuring an alloy frame made with 7075 aerospace-grade aluminum and a fully integrated crosshatch textured design for the front strap and grip panels, the ergonomics of the KDS9c deliver terrific comfort and superior control. A crisp 3.5- 4.5-pound trigger pull provides the superior characteristics you have come to expect from Kimber. It currently is available in black and a two-tone dark gray/black finish with cross hatch cut G10 grips scales. Light-bearing holsters that are compatible with Surefire X-300’s will be available from TXC in their X1 Pro in both right and left-handed as well as their OVRT holster in both right and left hand.

Specifications: Kimber KDS9c Rail 9mm

Caliber: 9mm
Barrel Length: 4 inches
OA Length: 7.75 inches
Weight: 29.6 Oz. (w/Empty 15-Rd. Mag)
Sights: Sight Plate w/TruGlo Night Sight Rear, White Dot Front Post
Action: Single, Semi-automatic
Finish: KimPro Gray Finish
Capacity: 15+1/18+1
MSRP: $1,903

For a full Hook & Barrel Kimber INSIDER review, please visit hookandbarrel.com/kimber-kds9c-rail-9mm-review

Kimber R7 Mako Tactical

Next on our list of new Kimber handguns is the Kimber R7 Mako Tactical. The polymer-framed R7 Mako was released by Kimber in 2021. The standard variation comes with three magazines: an 11-round, a 13-round and a 15-round. This year, in true Kimber style, they are releasing the R7 Mako Tactical that comes from the factory with all the upgrades many consumers were paying to add onto the standard model.

First, it comes in two versions: OR (Optics Ready) or OI (Optics Included). On the OI model, a Holosun HS 407K is already installed. Both models come with 3-Dot TruGlo Tritium Pro night sights. The original R7 had a small rail on the dust cover while the Tactical model has a full-sized picatinny rail which provides more options for lights or light/laser combos. It also comes standard with a threaded barrel for suppressors. Even if you don’t add a suppressor, the barrel length is now increased from 3.37 to 3.8 inches which increases bullet velocity and performance.

Finally, it foregoes the smaller magazines and comes with two 15-rounders to extend the grip and accommodate larger hands. That said, the pistol is still just 1 inch wide which makes it more comfortable and concealable than many other 15+1 capacity 9mm pistols. A Mission First Tactical holster is included. MSRP is $734 (OR model) and $951 (OI model).

Specifications: Kimber R7 Mako Tactical

Caliber: 9mm
Barrel Length: 3.92 inches
OA Length: 6.8 inches
Grips: Polymer
Weight: 24.2 ounces (empty)
Sights: 3-Dot TruGlo Tritium Pro Night Sights w/ Orange front ring and White rear rings
Action: Semi-automatic
Finish: Stainless slide with FNC finish
Capacity: 15+1
MSRP: $679

For a complete Hook & Barrel review of the Kimber R7 Mako Tactical, check out hookandbarrel.com/kimber-r7-mako-tactical-pistol-review

Kimber K6xs Revolver

Last on our list of new Kimber handguns is the Kimber K6xs revolver. The K6xs was designed around being the perfect concealed-carry revolver. It is an extra small, ultra-lightweight gun with all the features of its larger framed sibling, the K6s, but optimized for concealment. Like the full-size version, the edges are rounded and blended to prevent snagging on clothing. The K6xs takes it one step further and completely shrouds the hammer so there is nothing to catch when you draw. It uses the same lightweight, buttery smooth, non-stacking trigger system as the K6s. It also features a fluted, glass-bead finish cylinder and barrel slot cut further to lighten the K6xs for the perfect carry weight.

The big surprise with the K6xs is its six-round capacity. Revolvers this size have traditionally been built around a 5-shot cylinder. Built specifically for concealed carry and chambered in .38 SPL +P, the aluminum alloy frame and fluted cylinder keep the revolver’s total weight under a pound (15.9 ounces). The K6xs has a silver KimPro II finish on the frame and a glass-bead finish on the 2-inch, stainless-steel barrel. The Hogue rubber Cobblestone grips with finger grooves make it more comfortable to shoot, even with +P ammunition.

Specifications: Kimber K6xs

Caliber: .38 Special +P
Barrel: 2 inches
OA Length: 6.8 inches
Grips: Hogue
Weight: 15.9 ounces (empty)
Sights: Orange-dot blade front, fixed notch rear
Action: Double Action Only
Finish: Silver KimPro II
Capacity: 6
MSRP: $679

For more information on Kimber, please visit kimberamerica.com