It’s not lightweight. It’s not in-expensive. And it’s definitely not a plain looking 1911.
What it is, is the 2K11 pistol from Kimber America, and once it hit the pistol market, the 2K11 instantly became a major consideration for anyone interested in a double-stack 1911. Price-wise the pistol comes in at the higher end of the factory offerings and just below where custom 1911s begin.
But when it comes to accuracy, function and looks, the 2K11 has everything a $4,000 custom gun has, and, given its striking appearance, it arguably offers a bit more.
A New 1911
In November 2024, Kimber announced the new 2K11 (OR) and 2K11 Target (OR) pistols. Both double-stack 1911s were offered in 9mm Luger and 45 ACP, with the “OR” tags designating Optics Ready.
These pistols featured 5-inch, stainless steel bull barrels, stainless slides and frames, match triggers and optics ready slides. The pistols also included one 17-round magazine and two 20-round magazines in the 9mm versions, and three 13-round magazines with the 45 ACP models.
The difference between the two options? The Target version featured a flared magwell designed and built by Stan Chen Customs, one of the country’s top 1911 customizers and parts makers, the standard version not.
Since the initial launch, Kimber has added to the 2K11 line with two models under the 2K11 Stainless heading. One Stainless version is designed for those states that have ammunition capacity restrictions, the other a Target model with standard ammunition capacity. Both feature stainless finished slides.
Kimber also added the 2K11 (OI) or Optics Installed, with a Trijicon SRO red-dot already mounted onto the pistol.
A Looker
For my testing and evaluation, I ran a 2K11 Target (OR) model chambered in 9mm Luger.
It’s a looker, with Kimber Custom slide serrations at the front and rear of the slide, and done up in a shiny bronzish finish that Kimber calls “Coyote.” The aluminum flat trigger and the ring around the magwell were also finished in Coyote.
A black, matte DLC coating covered and protected the frame. The muzzle end of the frame sported a built-in accessory rail.
Crafted from an aluminum alloy, the black grip module was well checkered along the front, back and sides. As noted, Stan Chen Customs designed and built the magwell, and it wasn’t simply flared—it was really well flared for very easy insertion of magazines.
The trigger on my test 2K11 snapped off at a very clean 1 pound, 7 ounces on average, and reset quickly.
The slide worked very, very smoothly thanks to some great machining and aided by the serrations cut deeply into the slide steel. Mags popped out positively with the push of the mag release button. The manual butterfly safety clicked up into the SAFE position with a flick of the thumb, down into FIRE with another thumb flick down.
The rear sight blade sported a generous notch and the fiber optic front post centered in the notch fast and naturally.
Applications
As noted, this is a hefty handgun, weighing in at some 42 ounces unloaded. Add in a fully loaded mag at 17+1 or 20+1 rounds and what. That weight did really reduce recoil and muzzle flip from snappy 9mm rounds, but it’s not the kind of pistol the skinny-armed will enjoy shooting more than a few times!
Given its size and weight, the 2K11 isn’t a handgun I’d ever consider for concealed carry. Certainly, the pistol home defense and varmint eradication possibilities.
With the right ammunition and a stout chest holster, the 2K11 would be a great companion for hiking and camping in bear country, too.
Clearly, my Target model has competition applications, as Kimber’s marketing direction confirmed to me (see below). Competitive husband and wife shooting team of Blayr and Nate Drumm have been using their 2k11’s in Tactical Games events and have scored multiple first-place finishes as well as other top 3 finishes. The Drumms are Kimber-sponsored shooters.
And 2K11s are beginning their push into the world of USPSA events, too.
Shooting
I began my shooting using the open sights, and once I was sure they were on (they were, right out of the box), I ran the pistol at seven and eight yards firing offhand. Accuracy was amazing.
At 7 yards, I punched two of my best five shot groups at .65-inches with Remington UMC 9mm and of .50-inches firing Winchester’s USA Ready ammunition.
Then I switched to Fiocchi’s new CovertX self-defense ammunition loaded with a 124-grain jacketed hollow point bullet. I was soon making 1.0-inch groups at 8 yards. So, and just to change up things, I loaded ten rounds and took on the head area of a Caldwell 12x18-inch Dual Zone Silhouette Target.
Final score, a nice 1.1-inch “cluster” headache, definitely a migraine.
Optic Ready
Before I shot at longer distances, I removed the rear sight plate and, using the provided Kimber RMR adapter plate, mounted a Trijicon RMR HD 2red dot onto the 2K11.
My RMR featured a 3.25 MOA red dot surrounded by a 55 MOA circle, a multi-coated lens, and 1 MOA elevation and windage adjustments. The electronics on this line represent an upgrade over the RMR 1 models, though like the original the electrical components are protected inside a rugged, forged aluminum housing.
I gave the RMR and 2K11 a quick zeroing at 10 yards, then moved onto my range’s 20 yard lane. A few more adjustments to the RMR were required at this distance and then I made several five shot groups of each ammunition, shooting from a rest.
Average and best groups, in inches, were:
Remington, 1.5 and 1.2.
Winchester, 1.6 and 1.35
CovertX, 1.25 and 1.0.
I’m sure there are people who can shoot even tighter groups with the 2K11, but I’ll never complain about this level of accuracy.
Sales
“We designed the Target 2K11 to be the best out of the box competition gun available on the market today,” said Everett C. Deger II, Kimber’s Director of Marketing. “Stan Chen and Stan Chen Customs were a huge part of making the pistol a great choice for competitive shooters. His magwell design allows for extremely speedy reloads, a prime consideration for anyone shooting events.”
As noted, home defense and property owners may well be interested in one of the 2K11 models given their accuracy and excellent functionality. The pistol would seem a little too large for concealed carry, though Deger noted he has heard of some people doing so with the 2K11.
Dealers that decide to offer the 2K11s should also check out the various 2K11 accessories. In addition to optic plate adapters, Deger said Kimber would soon be rolling out a line of 2K11 hats and shirts.
Dealers
For those FFL dealers who want to purchase the occasional Kimber firearms, Deger noted that such buys need to go through a distributor. Bill Hicks & Company, Chattanooga Shooting Supplies, Inc. and Sports South are among the many distributors carrying Kimber firearms.
For those establishments in need of more than the occasional or special order Kimber, Deger suggested applying for the Kimber Master Dealer program. Master Dealers agree to purchase a minimum order over a 12-month period.
As a Master Dealer, these FFLs receive a better pricing structure on Kimber products, and have more options available for POP displays, counter mats, signage, and display cases.
For a Master Dealer application, contact Kimber America directly at (888) 243-4522 or
customerservice@kimberamerica.com.
Sales people working at Master Dealer establishments are eligible for Kimber’s Counter Staff Sales Incentive Program, to gain credit towards Kimber firearms for each Kimber firearm they sell.
More to Come
Deger urged industry dealers to keep an eye on Kimber this fall and beyond.
“The 2K11 is the lead-off to Kimber’s resurgence into the high-end pistol market,” Deger said. “Our plan includes a focus on the whole gamut of accessories to go with the pistols. New 2K11 line extensions on the near horizon, too, and other high-end pistols will follow.”
SPECS: 2K11 Target (OR)
SKU: 3500053 (as tested)
Caliber: 9mm Luger (as tested)
Capacity: 17+1, 20+1
Action: Single, Semi-Auto
Barrel: 5-inch, Stainless Steel, Fluted, Recessed Crown
Slide: Stainless Steel, Custom 2K11 Front, Rear Serrations, Coyote PVD Coating
Frame: Stainless Steel, SST Steel Sub-Frame, Matte DLC Coating
Grip: 7075-Aluminum Alloy Grip Module, Stan Chen Customs Magwell
Sights: Fiber Optic Front, Adjustable Rear
Safeties: Ambi Manual, and Grip
Magazines Included: (1) 17 Round, (2) 20 Round
Length: 8.56 inches
Width: 1.4 inches
Height: 5.74 inches
Weight: 42.3 ounces w/Empty Magazine
MSRP: $2,699.00
