Kimber Pro Carry II
Kimber Pro Carry II Review Facts
The word ‘Pro’ in the title of a firearm is often thought to be a marketing ploy. Many gun enthusiasts have conditioned themselves to ignore market lingo. The focus is on the specs and facts. The ‘Pro’ in Pro Carry II means this - Plain, Reliable, Outstanding. Kimber offers several design variants of the Pro Carry II that include a black on black version. The only way to describe the way the pistol looks is plain.
Users have tried other options and come back to the Pro Carry II. The black frame and slide, and the rear and front sights are all-business-black. Plain and simple, the gun offers back-to-basic function, feel, and looks.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
- Stylish
- Ergonomic
- Reliable
- Customizable
Cons
- Vanilla iron sights
Primary Use
The primary use of the Kimber Pro Carry II is personal protection. Its size and dependability make it suitable for a wide variety of styles and situations. Sometimes compromise means nobody gets what they want. That scenario is not true of the Kimber Pro Carry II. The compromise delivers the best of all worlds. Handguns are a favorite for those looking to get the most for their money.
The ‘carry with you’ factor leaves claw hammers, pans, and bats in the dust. When is big too big? How heavy should the weapon be? How many rounds are needed? Is accuracy a factor? What is the distance to a target? What kind of stopping power does the gun have? The answers depend on the preferences and needs of the shooter.
The distance from the web of the hand to the trigger is ideal. The trigger action is smooth with only a slight amount of discernible creep before a clean break. Field stripping requires more effort than most pistols, but it is no big deal when the owner gets used to it. It is overall outstanding.
Its slim profile of 1911 makes it perfect for inside or outside a waistband holster. The 1911 style pistol is safe to carry cocked and locked when it is secured in a quality holster. A police department in Tacoma, WA tested Pro Carry models.
When put through the paces, they were the most dependable firearm found in more than 20 years. Kimber was compared to other pistols as well as shotguns and rifles. A Kimber can be carried with confidence.
The Kimber is factory-equipped with custom laser grips. When the grip is squeezed, a dot appears. The location of the dot is the point where the bullet and target meet. The laser has two tiny hex screws to adjust where it goes.
The trigger is so smooth; shooters find themselves double tapping without thinking. The light trigger of the Kimber offsets any disadvantage of a light gun with a short barrel. A self-defense gun needs a laser grip.
When a gun is used for self-defense, instinct tends to take over. Point shooting wins over sight pictures. Plan and prepare are replaced with grab and go. It is natural to grab a gun and shoot at a little red dot when defending oneself.
Even if the defender forgets he or she is in control, as long as the dot points at the bad guy, there are no worries. There has been some debate about the laser contributing to tunnel vision. One tester refutes that opinion by claiming the field of view is broadened, and focus is kept down range rat than on the gun sights.
The ‘carry with you’ factor leaves claw hammers, pans, and bats in the dust. When is big too big? How heavy should the weapon be? How many rounds are needed? Is accuracy a factor? What is the distance to a target? What kind of stopping power does the gun have? The answers depend on the preferences and needs of the shooter.
The distance from the web of the hand to the trigger is ideal. The trigger action is smooth with only a slight amount of discernible creep before a clean break. Field stripping requires more effort than most pistols, but it is no big deal when the owner gets used to it. It is overall outstanding.
Its slim profile of 1911 makes it perfect for inside or outside a waistband holster. The 1911 style pistol is safe to carry cocked and locked when it is secured in a quality holster. A police department in Tacoma, WA tested Pro Carry models.
When put through the paces, they were the most dependable firearm found in more than 20 years. Kimber was compared to other pistols as well as shotguns and rifles. A Kimber can be carried with confidence.
The Kimber is factory-equipped with custom laser grips. When the grip is squeezed, a dot appears. The location of the dot is the point where the bullet and target meet. The laser has two tiny hex screws to adjust where it goes.
The trigger is so smooth; shooters find themselves double tapping without thinking. The light trigger of the Kimber offsets any disadvantage of a light gun with a short barrel. A self-defense gun needs a laser grip.
When a gun is used for self-defense, instinct tends to take over. Point shooting wins over sight pictures. Plan and prepare are replaced with grab and go. It is natural to grab a gun and shoot at a little red dot when defending oneself.
Even if the defender forgets he or she is in control, as long as the dot points at the bad guy, there are no worries. There has been some debate about the laser contributing to tunnel vision. One tester refutes that opinion by claiming the field of view is broadened, and focus is kept down range rat than on the gun sights.
Barrel
They all have a four-inch barrel that makes them easy to carry. A standard 1911 can be field stripped without any tools. A small device is required to disassemble the four-inch bull barrel of the KPC II. A bent paperclip acts as a guide rod stop to take the gun apart with TLC. A ‘wrench’ is supplied, but a paperclip works just as well. Using a tool to field strip is not the pistol’s best feature. It does reduce the number of parts, and the bull barrel has a solid hand in glove feel to the slide. Fewer parts slightly increase accuracy.
Stock Options
The 1911 is a very popular choice. Ordering a 1911 can be compared to ordering a soda from a well-stocked soda fountain. The choices are regular, diet, caffeine-free, vanilla, and cherry. Options have to be narrowed. With handsome looks, a smooth as silk trigger, a nearly idiot-proof laser targeting system, and impressive attention to detail, the Kimber Pro Carry II is the ideal carry gun. Nothing has to be compromised to have a kick-butt pistol.
Those who like the 1911, appreciate the styling and cool laser feature. The 1911 provides comfort second to none. A sweet trigger, bull barrel, and a custom, hand-tuned feel makes ergonomics firing surprisingly easy. The 9mm Kimber Pro Carry II is a rendering of the John M. Browning masterpiece. It is finished with the KimPro finish that is subdued black and self-lubricating — testers like the concealment properties, drawings, handling, and balance.
Those who like the 1911, appreciate the styling and cool laser feature. The 1911 provides comfort second to none. A sweet trigger, bull barrel, and a custom, hand-tuned feel makes ergonomics firing surprisingly easy. The 9mm Kimber Pro Carry II is a rendering of the John M. Browning masterpiece. It is finished with the KimPro finish that is subdued black and self-lubricating — testers like the concealment properties, drawings, handling, and balance.
Weight
An alloy frame makes the pistol light and simple to handle. Chambered in 38 Super, 9mm, and .45 ACP, the mid-size pistol is a perfect compromise of weight and size. A Springfield full-size pistol weighs 44 ounces unloaded.
The Kimber weighs 28 ounces. The 16-ounce difference is like comparing lightning to lightning bugs. The kick of the Kimber Pro Carry II is more powerful than the Springfield but is not enough to make the Springfield a preference. There is no significant effect on groups.
The hammer on a Kimber has an excellent texture at the top. It is skeletonized to make the hammer lighter. The lower profile is better than the Colt that has an almost original John Browning 1907 design which is excellent for and has a worthy purchase on top with the hammer on the thumb.
It is very sharp. If it is holstered on the hip, many find the hammer digs in, and it can catch on clothing when being drawn. An extruded beaver tail that is smooth on the back of the hand versus the traditional 1911 that is a lot sharper than the KPC II. The same problem with drawing is prevalent. It can be caught up on something.
The Kimber weighs 28 ounces. The 16-ounce difference is like comparing lightning to lightning bugs. The kick of the Kimber Pro Carry II is more powerful than the Springfield but is not enough to make the Springfield a preference. There is no significant effect on groups.
The hammer on a Kimber has an excellent texture at the top. It is skeletonized to make the hammer lighter. The lower profile is better than the Colt that has an almost original John Browning 1907 design which is excellent for and has a worthy purchase on top with the hammer on the thumb.
It is very sharp. If it is holstered on the hip, many find the hammer digs in, and it can catch on clothing when being drawn. An extruded beaver tail that is smooth on the back of the hand versus the traditional 1911 that is a lot sharper than the KPC II. The same problem with drawing is prevalent. It can be caught up on something.
Accessories
The KPC II comes with a case and two eight-round magazines. There are other accessories such as optional night sights available. Specialized features are a trademark of the Pro Carry family. Some have the Kimber Tactical aluminum rail, night sights, a lightweight aluminum frame, and shorter grips. Added features mean more money. To keep the price of a laser grip pistol down, Kimber used no-dot sights.
An improvement would be replacing the iron sights with a sight with more visibility. White paint used on the sights would be helpful. The absence of decent sights is the only weakness of the Kimber Pro Carry II. As for customization, a 1911 is to pistols what Jeeps are to SUVs. Begin with the sights and customize away. Night sights used with the Kimber Pro Carry II are great both during the day and at night. White shows up nicely. The standard sights are blacked out. White dots stand out and make the front focal plane easy to see.
An improvement would be replacing the iron sights with a sight with more visibility. White paint used on the sights would be helpful. The absence of decent sights is the only weakness of the Kimber Pro Carry II. As for customization, a 1911 is to pistols what Jeeps are to SUVs. Begin with the sights and customize away. Night sights used with the Kimber Pro Carry II are great both during the day and at night. White shows up nicely. The standard sights are blacked out. White dots stand out and make the front focal plane easy to see.
Ammunition
A tester used a variety of ball and jacketed hollow point ammo that was sometimes staggered in the same magazine. The Pro Carry II demonstrated feeding, firing, and ejecting reliability of 100 percent. The variety of .45 ACP ammunition that is available comes in all types of shapes and bullet weights. Not one hung up or failed to go into battery — every round fires when the trigger is squeezed. Every spent shell ejects. Those are reasons that make the ‘Pro Carry’ reliable.
Thousands of .45 ACP rounds are fired with no replacement of breakage of any of the gun’s parts. All guns are eventually going to malfunction. Percentage-wise, the Kimber Pro Carry II is admirable. The art of compromise is used in the manufacture of guns. Large calibers render large holes, but they come with expensive rounds, and few fit the averagely sized magazine. Bigger does not always mean better. It depends on what is to be accomplished. The reliable weapon does not choke on any ammunition used.
Thousands of .45 ACP rounds are fired with no replacement of breakage of any of the gun’s parts. All guns are eventually going to malfunction. Percentage-wise, the Kimber Pro Carry II is admirable. The art of compromise is used in the manufacture of guns. Large calibers render large holes, but they come with expensive rounds, and few fit the averagely sized magazine. Bigger does not always mean better. It depends on what is to be accomplished. The reliable weapon does not choke on any ammunition used.
Finish
There are many finishes, calibers, and configurations from which to choose as well as limited edition guns and custom shop pistols. The KPC II is a four-inch barrel commander size pistol for concealed carry. The matte stainless finish enables the owner to carry the gun in all sorts of conditions without worry of rust or corrosion. Reasonable care is required to keep it clean inside and out. Owners pay tribute to the attributes of the Kimber Pro Carry II.
The pistol arrives in a lockable, padded case made of hard polymer. It has the fit and finish that has come to be expected from Kimber. Edges and sights were smoothed or broken to eliminate sharp edges. The tight slide to frame fit has no discernable play.
A slide in battery does not move the barrel downward. The trigger has a miniscule amount of vertical movement. The forged steel slide of the Pro Carry II has rear-cocking serrations. A lowered ejection port is flared. The KPC II employs the tried and true ‘internal’ extractor. Kimber mounts the fixed combat sights in dovetails. The Kimber logo is roll-marked on the left side of the slide and the right, ‘Pro Carry II.’
The pistol arrives in a lockable, padded case made of hard polymer. It has the fit and finish that has come to be expected from Kimber. Edges and sights were smoothed or broken to eliminate sharp edges. The tight slide to frame fit has no discernable play.
A slide in battery does not move the barrel downward. The trigger has a miniscule amount of vertical movement. The forged steel slide of the Pro Carry II has rear-cocking serrations. A lowered ejection port is flared. The KPC II employs the tried and true ‘internal’ extractor. Kimber mounts the fixed combat sights in dovetails. The Kimber logo is roll-marked on the left side of the slide and the right, ‘Pro Carry II.’
Safety
Its grip safety works in accordance with the hand. The safety on the back strap sticks out which means in a self-defense situation and under stress when a good grip on the weapon is not obtained; it is easier to depress the safety to produce bang rather than a misfire.
With a Colt, the safety is extruded every so slightly which can cause nothing to happen when the pistol is not gripped correctly and the safety not depressed. The pause could make a difference in an excellent competition day or a good day in the field for those in law enforcement.When place on safety, the rear safety of the Colt is much smaller than the Kimber. ON the Kimber, it is elongated and has a sharper texture on top. There are two safety systems, but the hammer has to be back for double action on the rest of the weapon’s operation
When it is drawn, it is necessary to grip the safety, then off safety with the thumb, then fire the gun. There is a significant difference in the finish and the ease of operating the safety when comparing the Colt, Springfield, and Kimber.
The Kimber is super smooth and easy to operate. It has a clean, well-defined snap that allows muscle building on the drawn. Because the Kimber Pro Carry II is a single/double, the hammer is carried back when the chamber has a round, and the safety is on.
With a Colt, the safety is extruded every so slightly which can cause nothing to happen when the pistol is not gripped correctly and the safety not depressed. The pause could make a difference in an excellent competition day or a good day in the field for those in law enforcement.When place on safety, the rear safety of the Colt is much smaller than the Kimber. ON the Kimber, it is elongated and has a sharper texture on top. There are two safety systems, but the hammer has to be back for double action on the rest of the weapon’s operation
When it is drawn, it is necessary to grip the safety, then off safety with the thumb, then fire the gun. There is a significant difference in the finish and the ease of operating the safety when comparing the Colt, Springfield, and Kimber.
The Kimber is super smooth and easy to operate. It has a clean, well-defined snap that allows muscle building on the drawn. Because the Kimber Pro Carry II is a single/double, the hammer is carried back when the chamber has a round, and the safety is on.
Price
The MSRP ranges from $979 to $1088 depending on the model. The Stainless Pro Carry II .45 ACP is $979, Stainless Pro Carry II 9mm $1022, and the Stainless Pro Carry II with night sights .45 ACP $1088. The Colt, Springfield, and Kimber have the same MSRP, but the Kimber offers a lot of value in extra fit, finish, and features.
Key Features
* 1.28 inches wide
* 4-inch barrel length
* 4 to 5-pound factory setting
* 5.7-inch radius
* 7-pound recoil spring
* 7.7 inches long
* 8-round magazine capacity
* 16-inch left-hand twist.
* 22.0 full-length guide rod
* Aluminum frame
* Aluminum Match Grade double diamond trigger
* Fixed low profile sights
* Full-length guide rod
* Semi-automatic action
* Stainless steel slide
* Synthetic grip
* Weighs 28 ounces when empty
* 4-inch barrel length
* 4 to 5-pound factory setting
* 5.7-inch radius
* 7-pound recoil spring
* 7.7 inches long
* 8-round magazine capacity
* 16-inch left-hand twist.
* 22.0 full-length guide rod
* Aluminum frame
* Aluminum Match Grade double diamond trigger
* Fixed low profile sights
* Full-length guide rod
* Semi-automatic action
* Stainless steel slide
* Synthetic grip
* Weighs 28 ounces when empty
Bottom Line
Out of the box, the stainless Pro Carry II is as dependable and accurate as any brand. Its size and dependability make it suitable for a wide variety of dress styles and situations. Owners pay tribute to the attributes of the Kimber Pro Carry II.
Specialized features are a trademark of the Pro Carry family. Some have the Kimber Tactical rail, night sights, a lightweight aluminum frame, and shorter grips. They all have a 4-inch barrel that makes them easy to carry.
With the various features and options every need for duty, concealed carry, or home defense is covered. When asked to rate the KPC II on style, ergonomics, ergonomics firing, reliability, customization, and overall on a rating of one to five, a tester gave each category except overall rating a five out of five. A half point was deducted from the overall rating due to vanilla iron sights.
Specialized features are a trademark of the Pro Carry family. Some have the Kimber Tactical rail, night sights, a lightweight aluminum frame, and shorter grips. They all have a 4-inch barrel that makes them easy to carry.
With the various features and options every need for duty, concealed carry, or home defense is covered. When asked to rate the KPC II on style, ergonomics, ergonomics firing, reliability, customization, and overall on a rating of one to five, a tester gave each category except overall rating a five out of five. A half point was deducted from the overall rating due to vanilla iron sights.