By R.K. ‘Bob’ Campbell | Contributing Editor
Not long ago I checked out of the polymer frame world for a pleasant return to the 1911- at least for a few days.
I opened the safe and chose one of my most trusted pistols. The Kimber Custom II is worth a few words. When introduced it was among the best buys in the handgun world. Kimber rocked the world and caused other makers to get into the panic mode and catch up. It featured good sights, a good trigger, a speed safety and a custom grade beavertail safety all in a factory 1911. Coupled with good quality, these features made Kimber the gun to be beat–if it could be beaten at the same price.
The Springfield Loaded Model was one answer to the Kimber Custom II and Colt also offered upgraded pistols with superior sights and features. Today the Custom II is available in a lightweight frame version. Custom II simply means the pistol is fitted with a firing pin block.
The Custom II LW
There have been two basic variations on the 1911 I have favored, the full size steel frame Government Model or the shorter Commander Model.
The Commander is offered in both steel frame and aluminum frame (“Lightweight”) versions. A modern idiom is the LW frame Government-length 1911. Maintaining the sight radius and mostly the balance of the Government Model, the LW frame shaves off about eight ounces of weight. This makes a difference in carrying the pistol in comfort. It will also make a difference in recoil so check your tolerance for recoil.
The Kimber Custom II LW isn’t as harsh as a Commander, as far as smacking the hand, and doesn’t seem that bad in most practice drills. If you fire more than fifty cartridges in a single practice session you may be rubbing your wrists. But this is a genuine quality 1911 that may be carried with confidence. And with greater comfort in day-to-day use.
Particulars
The Custom II is also offered in a stainless pistol with the Stainless II model. My pistol is an all-black LW .45.
This 1911 variation features forward cocking serrations, nice high-visibility sights with a fiber optic front post, a two-dot rear sight, aluminum match trigger, skeletonized hammer, an upswept beavertail grip safety, and good fit and finish. An ambidextrous thumb safety has been added to this personal handgun for all around left hand use.
The synthetic grips are nicely checkered to maintain a good balance of adhesion and abrasion.
My pistol features a full length guide rod. The trigger action is smooth, breaking at 6 pounds even. Trigger compression is free of grit or creep and re-set is rapid. Additionally, the feed ramp is nicely polished. This allows the feeding of all types of hollow point ammunition.
Some say the full length guide rod complicates disassembly, others find that it works well for simply removing the slide and cleaning with the barrel in place. The anodized frame is a different finish than the slide which makes for some contrast on an all business pistol.
The Custom II doesn’t deviate from most Government Model pistols except in weight.
The barrel isn’t a match grade fit but it is tight enough for good accuracy. This seems the right balance of accuracy potential and reliable function in a carry gun.
Unlike some of the less expensive pistols available in a race to the bottom in price, the Kimber Custom II LW seems free of sharp edges. The grip safety properly releases the hammer about halfway into its travel.
The black oxide/anodized slide and frame combination have not picked up any corrosion or scratched during years of use. The front strap is not checkered.
The pistol was stable in the hand thanks to the checkered grips and nicely checkered mainspring housing. Kimber uses a Swartz-type safety to lock the firing pin until the grip safety is depressed. The pistol also features a heavy weight firing pin spring.
Firing the Kimber Custom II
Most of the ammunition fired in the pistol has been from Black Hills Ammunition. This ammunition is reliable, accurate and clean burning. The primary load I have used is the 230-grain FMJ.
The Kimber proved controllable in rapid fire, including double taps, hammers, and rapidly addressing multiple targets. Fire a shot, control the trigger allowing it to reset as you control the pistol and get back on target.
The Kimber handles like a good 1911. While recoil is greater than a steel frame gun, the difference isn’t noticeable if you fire a few magazines. In an emergency you should hardly notice recoil at all.
I also fired a good number of the hard hitting Black Hills Ammunition 230-grain JHP rounds. If you want a Mack Truck or .45 ACP loads this is the one. Accuracy is good to excellent.
I included a table of accuracy results with the Kimber I fired just last week. Below are the results.
The Kimber Custom II is a credible choice for anyone wishing to own a quality 1911 .45 that is lighter to carry than the original.
Accuracy results
From a solid benchrest, 25 yards distance, five shot groups
Load Average group
Black Hills 185-grain JHP 2.4 inch
Black Hills 230-grain JHP 2.0 inch
Black Hills 230-grain JHP 2.5 inch.
Handload 200-grain CAST SWC 2.25 inch
Carrying the Kimber
I carried this gun and all of my favorite 1911 pistols in a very special Galco Concealable holster.
Galco recently introduced a Masterbilt line and also an exotic holster line. This sharkskin holster offers excellent fit and finish.
The sharkskin belt illustrated with the Galco holster is over thirty years old. It is nicely worn in but remains service grade. The Galco Sharkskin holster should last as long.
The draw angle is good and the pistol is worn close to the body. I like this combination very much.
In the end the Kimber Custom II LW is among one of the best buys on the market and a solid choice for concealed carry and general purpose use.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer Kimber
Caliber .45 ACP
Overall length 8.6 inches
Height 5.5 inches
Weight 31 ounces
Magazine capacity 8
Safety Slide lock safety and beavertail grip safety
Warranty One year
