The new Optics Included Kimbers are available in 9mm and .45 ACP.
Kimber America is embracing the tactical lifestyle with their updated-for-2018 Aegis Elite carry pistols. Not only are the slides cut for mini red dot sights, these guns come with Vortex optics installed from the factory.
Both the compact Aegis Elite Pro and full-size Aegis Elite Custom have Vortex Venom 6 MOA red dot optics standard, along with raised suppressor sights for backup. And both guns are offered chambered for either 9mm Luger or .45 ACP.
(Kimber isn’t leaving traditionalists out in the cold here. They are also offering the updated Elite models with standard slides and sights.)
Overview
Kimber’s Aegis Elite series of 1911s is designed for people who want a cutting-edge everyday carry pistol and a classic handgun at the same. Aegis handguns are beautiful and functional, built for hard duty.
The Vortex Venom Red Dot has an MSRP of $329 standalone.
These guns have a smooth, matte finish on the slide and frame. The frames are matte silver while the slides have a deep matte black finish for that two-tone look. The machined G10 grips blend the two together with black and silver highlights.
In addition to the G10 grips the frontstraps and backstraps are finely checkered and serrated for a positive grip. The frames are bobcut for added comfort for all-day carry. The compact has diamond-pattern rear slide serrations while the full-size has serrations front and rear.
The guns blend the modern and the traditional well. They have standard right-hand controls and short beavertails that don’t protrude matched with lightened and skeletonized hammers and triggers popular with the bulk of 1911s in production today.
Specifications
- 8+1 in .45 ACP
- 9+1 in 9mm Luger
- Stainless steel construction
- 4-inch (Aegis Elite Pro) or 5-inch (Aegis Elite Custom) barrel
- 7.7 inches long
- 5.25 inches tall
- 1.28 inches wide
- 37 ounces (Aegis Elite Pro) or 39 ounces (Aegis Elite Custom) unloaded
Impressions
The idea behind the updated Aegis series was for Kimber to have an out-of-the-box, ready-to-go modern defensive 1911.
For target shooting, people often choose smaller reticles for their red dot sights. But a 6 MOA dot is better for self-defense. It’s easier for new shooters to take up and the larger dot is faster to acquire and get on target.
Kudos to Kimber for thinking about real-world problems, not Bullseye targets. The new Aegis line is a blast to shoot, and the guns look great to boot.
Pricing
Since these are semi-custom Kimber 1911s it isn’t too surprising to see that they carry a $1,395 MSRP. That’s not too bad considering they have the included and factory-installed Vortex Venom. The Venom alone is worth over $300.
Besides, Kimber isn’t making these for people looking for a bare-bones carry gun. The new Aegis Elites are for shooters that want a little impractical in their tactical.
For more information about these and other Kimber products visit kimberamerica.com.