Estimated studying time: 15 minutes
Everybody has their distinctive style in firearms that revolves round appears to be like, perform, or historical past. Kimber’s 2K11 Goal (OR) is a type of weapons that checks all of the bins for everybody. It’s aesthetically beautiful with its distinctive two-tone PVD-coated look. The 2K11 can also be a double-stack 1911 (hereafter to be known as a 2011), which will be praised for its match and really feel and its hyperlink to the historic 1911 that your grandpa used to win not one, however two World Wars!
Okay, so the Kimber 2K11 Goal (OR) shouldn’t be on the identical stage as your grandpa’s 1911. It’s higher! This compact handgun boasts a 20+1 spherical capability in 9mm caliber, together with the equipped magazines. It is usually out there in .45 ACP with a capability of 13+1, and prices a further $100 over the 9mm providing. The 9mm and .45 ACP fashions include three magazines and a pleasant case.
First Impressions of the Kimber 2K11 Goal (OR)
Once I first ordered the Kimber 2K11 Goal (OR), I used to be anticipating a cosmetically dressed-up 2011, just like what’s already out there from different producers. In case you’ve seen, plainly many gun producers are realizing that there’s a massive market revolving round this platform, and lots of have launched slightly run-of-the-mill handguns to get their lower of gross sales. As soon as I obtained the 2K11 Goal (OR), I noticed I used to be incorrect. Sure, this handgun appears to be like higher than most, if not all, 2011 choices presently out there. However Kimber, an organization that is aware of pistols, snuck some unbelievable enhancements into the 2K11. One other non-surprise was the plain high quality machinework, evident from the exact match and really feel. The 2K11 seems like a tuned stitching machine.
2K11 Distinctive Elements
The primary platform enchancment I seen can also be my favourite: the tool-less information rod. There are only some distinctive tool-less information rod techniques I’m conscious of, and Kimber’s is totally different than any of those. To interact it, merely take away the slide cease, pull the slide to the rear, and twist the top of the information rod. At this level, the reverse plug and information rod compress the spring and lock it in place.
The 2K11 has an exterior extractor, which is totally different than the traditional inner, hand-fitted extractor that different 2011s have. The benefit of the exterior extractor depends upon your perspective, however there are a number of. If you’re Kimber, the benefit can be the shortage of hand-fitting and tuning wanted for set up, permitting them to make extra dependable handguns, faster. The patron features improved sturdiness together with simpler upkeep and substitute. Don’t idiot your self, whatever the design, you’ll ultimately be altering the extractor on a 2011 in the event you shoot so much. The extractor is such a high-wear half by nature that there are guidelines about not dropping the slide with a spherical already within the chamber of a 2011 (or 1911) particularly. The concept is that this exterior extractor is extra dependable and makes inspection and substitute simpler when wanted.
Iron Sights
Although I run the Kimber 2K11 with an optic, I nonetheless respect the standard iron sights that the gun got here with. The blacked-out rear sight is constructed into the duvet plate and is totally adjustable. The entrance sight, nonetheless, is what I appreciated most. This sight is a TAG Precision Fiberlock 2 entrance sight. The fiber will be swapped out for a lot of totally different coloration choices. In my case, I modified the pink fiber to a black fiber purely for aesthetic causes after I mounted the pink dot. Doing this was straightforward, requiring a set screw to be faraway from the entrance of the sight, adopted by the fiber, and ending with the substitute of the brand new fiber and set screw.
2K11 – Goal-Constructed Design
In fact, there are a number of different enhancements which might be lower than distinctive however are removed from normal that I need to point out. These embrace the Stan Chen Customs flared magwell, ambidextrous security, aluminum grip module, and superior coatings. The flared magwell is each purposeful and ergonomic. The flare is massive sufficient to help in fast journal insertion, but it surely’s additionally slim sufficient that folks with bigger arms gained’t really feel prefer it’s hindering their grip on the gun. The ambidextrous security is self-explanatory, however is particularly vital on any handgun aside from a spread toy. In a tactical setting, ambidextrous controls are vital for firearm manipulation in case your sturdy hand turns into injured. In a aggressive setting, ambidextrous controls are helpful if a stage design specifies using your weak hand solely.
Aluminum Grip
The most effective grip module materials will be argued about endlessly: polymer vs aluminum vs metal. I need to level out a number of benefits and downsides of every. With polymer, it’s mentioned that some felt recoil is absorbed from its inherent properties. I’ve additionally had failures that have been attributable to polymer grip modules sporting in particular methods (primarily round journal releases). The aluminum grip module on the 2K11 is an improve over polymer as a result of it’s extra rugged than polymer and won’t put on in the identical approach. It’s additionally marginally heavier than polymer, conserving the system gentle if that’s desired. Metal, after all, is extraordinarily heavy in comparison with polymer and aluminum. Typically that is desired to cut back felt recoil and reduce splits and improve accuracy, however in something aside from particular competitors rigs, the added weight generally is a hindrance.
Coating
The coatings on the 2k11 Goal (OR) are superior to most different weapons in the marketplace. The slide has a PVD, or bodily vapor deposition coating. That is a particularly skinny coating that reduces friction, will increase put on resistance, and will increase corrosion resistance. The sub-frame of the 2K11 has a matte DLC coating. This stands for diamond-like carbon coating. DLC coatings cut back friction whereas rising the longevity of high-wear components. The final coating on the 2K11 Goal (OR) price point out is the Cerakote end on the Stan Chen Customs magwell. Cerakote, as lots of you understand, is a thin-film ceramic coating that has excessive corrosion and put on resistance. As you possibly can see, the coatings on the 2K11 Goal are particularly chosen to lower friction and improve the longevity of high-wear elements of the firearm.
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Sub-Body and Journal Fitment: Probably Over-Engineered?
The 2K11 Goal (OR) is, as designated by the identify, designed to shoot targets rapidly and precisely. One pistol taking pictures sport that I get pleasure from is USPSA. I’ve used this handgun in a number of matches now and have realized some issues concerning the gun. In a aggressive setting, splitting hairs to realize an edge is widespread. One technique to achieve an edge is to make use of magazines which might be particularly designed to be inside the authorized size (in your USPSA class), whereas additionally holding extra rounds than different magazines. MBX is {a magazine} model that you will notice everyone utilizing at these occasions as a result of they’re dependable, high-quality magazines that may present one or two further rounds over another journal. I’ve by no means heard of a 2011 that wasn’t appropriate with these magazines… till now.
The sub-frame on the 2K11 is tapered into the magwell to “stabilize the magazine throughout biking.” In concept, it is a phenomenal thought. This taper prevents over-insertion of magazines, lowering put on on the ejector. This can be a identified downside with the 2011 usually, leading to sheared ejectors. The taper additionally helps the journal throughout operation, probably rising reliability.
If this gun weren’t designed in a approach that implies its supposed use is in aggressive taking pictures sports activities, I might don’t have anything however reward for this “characteristic.” Nevertheless, being unable to make use of the most well-liked journal in mentioned taking pictures sports activities to realize a aggressive edge is a giant difficulty.
2K11 Accuracy Check
To chop to the chase, the Kimber 2K11 Goal (OR) is essentially the most constant and correct handgun I’ve examined to this point. At a distance of 16 yards, I shot 5-round teams utilizing 10 totally different 9mm choices. These consisted of ammunition ranging in weight from 65 to 147 grains throughout seven totally different producers: Norma, Remington, Hornady, Federal, Winchester, Blazer, and Magtech. The Bulk of the ammunition used to check the 2K11 was bought via Ammo To Go, and my favourite is the most cost effective, AKA Magtech Metal 115 grain. I’ll break up the outcomes between “vary ammo” and “protection ammo,” the place 4 teams fall into the primary class, whereas the remaining six are with protection ammo.
The primary ammunition within the vary ammo class is Norma Vary and Coaching Frangible 65 grain. This ammunition shoots nice in each gun I take a look at, with no exceptions right here, placing down a 0.85″ group. Blazer Aluminum Case 115 grain shot the worst on this class, however nonetheless carried out properly with a 1.62″ group. Magtech Metal Case 115 grain fell within the center with its 1.24″ group. And at last, Blazer Brass 147 grain put down the best-in-category group of 0.814″ with just one “flyer.”
Protection Ammo
The protection ammo class begins with 1.36″ group from Norma MHP 108 grain. Subsequent, Remington Final Protection 124 grain Golden Saber printed the second-best-in-class 0.78″ group, which outperforms something within the vary ammo class. In first place, essentially the most correct ammunition total, goes to Federal Punch 124 grain with a completely unimaginable 0.42″ group! Winchester USA Prepared +P 124 grain shot a 1.28″ group. Hornady Important Responsibility 124 grain +P FlexLock put 4 rounds inside 0.82″ and had a first-round flyer that introduced the 5-round group to 2.06″ total. The final ammunition shot on this take a look at is Hornady Customized 147 grain XTP, which gave me a 1.73″ group.
2K11 Match Use
Early within the USPSA season, my principal gun, a customized 2011, suffered a catastrophic failure that required me to ship it in to a gunsmith for restore. This successfully eliminated me from a big portion of the season. Nevertheless, I obtained the Kimber 2K11 Goal (OR) in time to shoot a number of matches in my regular Restricted Optics class. All I used to be in a position to do earlier than the primary upcoming match was take away the 2K11 from the field, swap the iron sight for a Holosun HS507C (not perfect, but it surely’s what I had that was appropriate with the C&H Precision RMR mount that was included), sight the optic in utilizing a laser cartridge, and present as much as the match.
Holster
The ultimate factor I needed to do to make use of the 2K11 Goal (OR) in USPSA was to amass a appropriate holster. I borrowed a Streamlight TLR-1 and a holster match for a 2011 with this gentle. Once more, lower than Supreme, however I used to be taking pictures this match a technique or one other.
On the finish of the primary day of utilizing the Kimber 2K11 Goal (OR), I used to be a bit lower than glad with my efficiency, however the gun ran flawlessly. In fact, this gun has its distinctive variations in really feel, and a brand new holster has its nuances, however any missed photographs or further time was my fault, and my fault alone.
Extra Matches
I continued to make use of the Kimber 2K11 for 4 extra matches, and I shot higher every time. As you’ve already seen, this gun is extra correct than I’m able to being, and it proved to be extremely dependable as properly. My solely grievance concerning the gun itself all through 5 160+ spherical matches was the shortcoming to make use of my MBX magazines, however I’ve already totally aired out this grievance. On the flipside, the 2K11 Goal (OR) will run 140mm Atlas magazines with 23+1 spherical capability.
Specs and Options
Caliber Choices: 9mm or .45 ACP Top (90° to Barrel): 5.74 inches Weight (with empty journal): 42.3 oz Size: 8.56 inches Journal Capability: (1) 17-round journal (2) 20-round magazines Recoil Spring: 10 lb Information Rod: Instrument-less, patent-pending design Grip Module: Materials: Aluminum Design: Aluminum Foremost Spring Housing End: Matte with Kind III Hardcoat Anodizing Body: Materials: Stainless Metal SST Metal Sub-Body: Matte DLC Coating Width: 1.4 inches Tapered Magwell: Offers a clean, fast reload Slide: Materials: Stainless Metal Extractor: Exterior extractor End: Brush polish with Coyote PVD Coating Serrations: Customized 2K11 entrance and rear serrations for improved grip Barrel: Size: 5 inches Materials: Stainless Metal Rifling: 5R Rifling, 1:10 Twist Fee (left hand) Options: Fluted Ramped Extremely polished with DLC end Sights: Entrance Sight: TAG FiberLok 2 Purple for enhanced visibility Rear Sight: SST cowl plate with built-in adjustable rear sight Optics: C&H Precision RMR Optic Adapter Plate included Further optic adapter plates out there for RMR, RMSc, DPP, ACRO, and 509T Set off: Kind: GT Match Grade Set off Pull Weight: 3-4 lbs Materials: Aluminum Security: Ambidextrous Security: For each left- and right-handed customers Fashions Obtainable: 2K11 (OR) 9mm/45 2K11 Goal (OR) 9mm/45 2K11 Stainless Goal (OR) 9mm/45 2K11 Goal (OI) 9mm
READ MORE HERE: Full Unique Interview: SIG P211 – SIG Sauer Enters the Double-Stack 1911 Area with a Sport-Changer
Ultimate Ideas on the Kimber 2K11 Goal (OR)
Throughout my time with Kimber’s 2K11 Goal (OR), I went from a wholesome skeptic to a loyal supporter. I really feel that the MBX journal incompatibility is a large enough purpose to replicate in your intent when contemplating the acquisition of the gun. However every little thing else concerning the 2K11 almost outshines this “difficulty.” The design, coatings, and aesthetics of this double-stacked 1911 are top-notch. Kimber designed a press release and a dialog starter with this gun. No, critically, I can’t rely the variety of constructive feedback I obtained concerning the 2K11 in a contest setting, the place many different individuals are carrying round $5,000.00+ handguns. And the accuracy?! I’ve by no means shot a handgun as precisely as I did on this accuracy take a look at, and albeit, I didn’t know that I used to be able to that form of consistency — OR the gun for that matter!
I actually loved the 2K11. Many small particulars make this gun shine above the remainder, which is a big ask with the massive variety of new 2011-style pistols coming into the market. To call a few my favorites is the distinctive and user-friendly tool-less information rod system, exterior extractor, and menagerie of high-tech coatings that may extend the lifetime of this gun whereas aiding in perform and reliability. The match and really feel of the 2K11 is exemplary, like a completely customized, fully hand-fitted gun. I’m going to have a tough time letting this one go with out buying it for myself, so I promise you’d be proud of this gun too.
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Riley Baxter is a seasoned hunter, outdoorsman, and aggressive shooter with deep roots within the backcountry. He has guided professionally for bears, bighorn sheep, and different large recreation throughout rugged terrain, bringing firsthand information of what gear truly works within the discipline. When he’s not chasing recreation or operating drills on the vary, Riley is probably going within the storage customizing his rifles, pistols, or backcountry package.A aggressive pistol shooter and lifelong firearms fanatic, Riley brings each precision and creativity to each piece of kit he touches. Outdoors of the gun world, he works as a perfusionist in Montana, an important position in coronary heart surgical procedure that calls for consideration to element, crucial considering, and psychological fortitude.Expertise:– Skilled Looking Information – Guided for bears, bighorn sheep, and extra in among the West’s hardest nation.– Aggressive Shooter – Expert USPSA pistol shooter with a ardour for precision and efficiency underneath stress.– Customized Builder – Enjoys constructing and tuning firearms and gear to satisfy the precise calls for of the hunt or the vary.– Skilled Marksman – Skilled in long-range searching and precision rifles to satisfy the calls for of the terrain of the West.– Montana-Based mostly Perfusionist – Medical skilled accustomed to creating crucial selections in high-stakes environments.
