Kimber KDS9C 1911 Double Stack Review

[@sootch00]

To Clarify, there was powder residue that some said was a split in the barrel. Here's my Instagram post showing a close up after I wiped it down. instagram.com/p/CxGlYkrum4T/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

[@oopsydaisy07]

Hey sootch00 I still didn't see how you take that Optics plate off did not see any way to access screws underneath the slide just curious how you take the Optics plate off?

[@billyung1086]

Pool pool

[@eric1320]

I have been very pleased with my KDS9c. It has taken almost 6 months to get the optic plate, but the gun has run flawlessly with factory ammo. 147 grain has produced my best groups. I have used a variety of weights & defensive ammo, no issues.

[@Godcountryfamily]

Well, sir, I'm grateful for your time, expertise, and for showcasing this gun. I'm safety-prone, so I was glad to learn that this pistol has it. The appearance is truly captivating, plus you can see impeccable quality in the shape -- down to fluting the barrel itself ... excuisite attention to details. No gun manufacturer can please everyone, but I am pleased with this one ... oh and btw, also pleased with the Ronin EMP review -- that one also is at the top of my list for my next purchase. God bless and protect our country.

[@AllAboutSurvival]

It's impressive how Kimber has managed to create a double-stack 1911 in 9mm at such an affordable price point compared to the Wilson EDC X9.

[@anthonyarcher7268]

Until it jams up and is discontinued.

[@DavidJosephBoth]

Dude, one gun? Tons of people have Kimber dunce, and they've shot thousands of rounds through them. Admittedly the Solo was a bunder imho. @@anthonyarcher7268

[@dieselmutt8865]

​@@anthonyarcher7268D#mb.

[@Noah-pg9co]

The ones we got to test at work were just issues.

[@bondalero0074]

My EXACT Thoughts! Kimber builds the working man’s handgun and only one I’ve found in line with Wilson’s that are top shelf great handgun’s just way overpriced. My Kimber Pro Raptor ll in 45 acp and My Kimber K6s 357 magnum snub nosed revolver were my two “Holy Grail” guns and now they drop this one I gotta have!

[@morromk7538]

Dude I just discovered your channel like 2 weeks ago and almost every gun I’m interested in you have reviewed. The intros are always cool too.

[@Roberta_Esposito]

where ya been?!?!?!

[@morromk7538]

@@Roberta_Esposito no kidding, the pistol and rifles I missed were awesome. It’s nice to find

[@freedomisntfree131]

I'm sure glad I saw this before I bought the Springfield Prodigy. The Prodigy isn't easy on the eyes. This will be my next pistol.

[@garywood2137]

I was pleasantly surprised to see Kimber shipping these with 2 magazines, something Kimber doesn't normally do.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thanks 🇺🇸

[@sootch00]

Thanks for stopping by Mike!

[@tjzulu1]

Another excellent video Don!! Kimber makes good stuff!! Keep'em comin' brother!!

[@dugger5302]

Great looking firearm, I love my Kmber! Good review Don.

[@sootch00]

Thanks Doug~ It's a sweet shooting handgun!

[@Dennisthemenace40]

To me, it looks like the Kimber KDS9C picks up where the 1911 left off. I love it!

[@thompsonjoe93]

I got mine last weekend. Fully stripped it down and I can vouch Kimber upped their quality for sure. For those who may be interested a lot of parts are proprietary. The sear spring only has two legs due to not having a grip safety i guess they said screw it being there. The trigger is definitely proprietary just like the Wilson combat. So hopefully someone comes out with options as i know i would love a flat face trigger. Grips are obviously proprietary but i think we will get more over time. Everything was polished and i didn't notice stamp marks on everything like my prodigy. So not a lot of MIM

[@sootch00]

Thanks for the comment Joe. It's a pretty incredible handgun.

[@MaizeRage23]

Thanks for the honest feedback. Im thinking about buying one soon. Been fan of kimber but have been hesitant buying one lately like everyone else

[@dennisboulais7905]

My son-in=law bought one in 45 ACP. He let me handle it and the quality of the action and trigger is really impersive.

[@waynecastleman1363]

Kimber makes a most beautiful pistol and I'm not having issues with any I've purchased however, before a range trip I clean them up and put a bit of full synthetic oil on the slide rails and use a high quality proprietary gun oil where you need it , so when that rail starts singing Oh what a feeling! It's staying cooler during break in , Kimbers generally require a break in . Guys the days have arrived where you no longer need to pay four grand for a butter smooth pistol, 1500 to 2000 is about all you need. Excellent review on this pistol 👍

[@douglasdaugherty5337]

The Kimber KDS9C will be my next gun purchase, but it will have to wait until next year because my gun buying budget is finished for this year. It will make a nice birthday present to myself next year. I bought a Kimber II 1911 9mm target pistol with a 5 inch barrel in February this year and it is my favorite pistol to shoot. I bought a Kimber Eclipse 1911 10mm in July this year and I am still breaking it in with about 150 rounds through the gun. I also bought three Smith & Wesson's this year, the M&P 2.0 10mm with a 4.6 inch barrel, the Equalizer 9mm, and the M&P 2.0 22 magnum.

[@kevmac1230]

I own the Mako, and I'm very happy with it. I, however, don't get all the stuff about having to put 15 hundred to 2k rounds to "break in " the pistol.No matter the brand. I own a sub $250 Stoeger STR 9 that shoots great and has performed 100% out of the box. As a retired mechanical engineer imo , I expect firearms, engines, tools, and 98% of mechanical items to work immediately as it is designed to operate. I recognize parts mesh and things smooth out in a reasonable manner, but constant failures aren't acceptable .

[@jameslogan6127]

Well I own several 1911’s including a Dan Wesson Specialist and an Sig 1911 5” and a Kimber 1911 Ultra Carry II 45 ACP 3 in. Barrel 8 Rds Pistol Two Tone, which is the cheapest of the three. Nevertheless, I love the way it shoots and it’s frequently in my EDC rotation. I definitely have tremendous respect for Kimber Pistols and I also own the Kimber K6s DASA. The jury is out but odds are I’ll end up owning this pistol and based on owning using 2 Kimber pistols I have zero concerns about Kimber quality. I also like the disassembly process for this pistol over the Kimber 1911 that I own which requires a little pin or paperclip to disassemble. Anyway as usual an excellent and appropriately detailed review. 😅 bad thing is I just wanna go by most of the pistols you review. 😂

[@dalerobbins4737]

Excellent review of the Kimber ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@SeeTheManipulation]

*I've had my reservations about Kimber but this one looks nice and seems to shoot well. Who knows maybe I'll finally give in. Thanks for the great review.*

[@spartan7042]

It's really a good looking piece and I love the fluted barrel and definitely shoots nice.

[@SlimShadySkip1]

I have always Loved my Kimber Pistols. And thought that they great pistols but also show pieces. This one tho, Im in Love. It is absolutely Beautiful. And YES > That fluted barrel is just the Icing on the Cake. So Nice. If it runs as good as all my other Kimbers, I will probably be purchasing a second one quickly after the first. Just found out this even existed and I am Ready to Order it like "Yesterday" Any suggestions on best place to Order From. I want it in the Stainless Version like shown here. Saw a few on GunBroker for between $1200 and $1250. Any suggestions of better places to give my $ to would be appreciated.

[@curtsantner6023]

Rear sight not adjustable for windage?

[@rexhanson2197]

the cavalry demanded the grip safety to avoid ADs while on horseback . When John Browing was working on the P35 high power he got rid of it as unnecessary. carried a P35 for awhile no problem without a grip safety, just one more thing to worry about during a time of stress.

[@nova68cutie]

If you're holding the gun correctly, the grip safety is a non issue. This coming from someone who could care less ether way.

[@lawdog490]

At 9:27, you talk about how if you don't depress the grip safety, the gun doesn't fire...2 Kimber 1911's 45 acp came into my store brand new...both fired w/o depressing the safety...Kimber is the #2 firearm I send back to the mfg. for factory service...I am in business going on 40+ years now. I will give their new revolvers kudos though...they seem well made and no issues so far.

[@murphymmc]

I have a Kimber Pro Carry with Crimson Trace grips. Mine is extremely accurate, reliable and a joy to shoot. Somewhere between 6000 and 10000 rounds through it. I have other pistols that I've purchased for carry, different calibers, but my favorite is the Kimber. Accuracy and trigger along with a .45 projectile is comforting.

[@kevmac1230]

My first handgun was a Kimber Mako 9mm. I've had good service with it,no problems. Like the moderator notes, they make beautiful weapons. However I'd hesitate buying Kimber in the future, too many horror stories.

[@jrranch9712]

Sootch Always a crowd pleaser.

[@williame.boylejr.3011]

This pistol is perfect for me. I was in the army LPs and had a 45 that I shot perfectly. Then I get out and I’m by pistols that don’t fit me right my last text Dylan FN 509 tacticle and I really don’t like that I wish I saw this Kimber before I bought the Fn 509!I am going to change that . I am definitely going to buy one as soon as I find one in my dealers store!! Thank You for this review 😅😊Wild Bill

[@KevinNiven]

I have two Kimbers from about 10 years ago. Both jam all the time. I also have a Staccato. that runs perfectly.

[@nova68cutie]

I have both the Staccato & this kds9. From a reliability standpoint there is no difference. In fact the biggest difference I see is price.

[@luigisavoia2401]

Some of their guns are underrated but they're never under priced. 😂

[@66racer]

Guessing this is the way to go over the Springfield 1911ds? My Kimber Raptor 1911 is why I would love to carry something with that amazing 1911 trigger.

[@Isaac556x45]

What a wonderful Wilson Combat you have there!

[@KantoCacho]

Lmfao 😂

[@quarters-eye8922]

This train wreck isn’t anywhere near the quality of a Wilson Combat.

[@williamcarter1381]

My thought exactly, I don’t think this gun is in same ballpark as WC, maybe not in same league.

[@Isaac556x45]

​@@williamcarter1381Not even in the same universe.

[@ghostdog1581]

Not anywhere near a WC.

[@grumpyoletroll]

I’ve got one. So far I really like it!

[@maximusjoseppi5904]

I wonder what's better.. this or the shadow 2 compact

[@AndrewMartinez1776Redux]

CZ Shadow 2 compact. 😤 I own the CZ Shadow 2 & I want a compact as well. Awesome trigger, sights, grips, extended mag release, and accuracy will impress you.

[@life_of_riley88]

Seriously? The CZ.

[@maximusjoseppi5904]

@@life_of_riley88 have you handled and shot both?

[@life_of_riley88]

@@maximusjoseppi5904 No, but from an overall quality standpoint, CZ is hands down a much better built pistol.

[@Johnnyo1300]

Absolutely love it. I have a Kimber ultra carry to. I always wanted to be able to use this platform at 9 mm prices when it comes to planking and I think you just solve my problem. Not really a problem I’m just particular lol absolutely love it I guess I’ll be heading down to the gun store. Lol.

[@redcarrot1148]

What would be the argument for this over the CZ Shadow 2 Compact that has a far better pedigree and happens to be $200 less? Pretty lazy to put a plate over where the grip safety would have been instead of a solid single piece grip module. Takedown also looks clumsy and more complicated than it needs to be. But I guess I can't be mad for having more options for double-stack 1911 in the marketplace. More competitions can only be good for consumers like myself.

[@johnmohanmusic]

Waiting and hoping for a KDS45C and Crimson Trace Lasergrips to go along with it.

[@chrisredwolf3130]

Hey have you ever heard of a “2011” called the Stealth Arm Platypus. I know it more of a custom piece, But i love to you do a review of it & see what you do with that, what options you go with. At Base it’s basically a 1911 / 2011 that uses Glock 17 & up Mags.

[@unixfool]

@sootch00, is that a crack in the crown of the barrel at 6:50??

[@sootch00]

I reexamined the barrel and they are no flaws. Must have been the lighting. The barrel is solid.

[@unixfool]

@@sootch00 Thanks for the update!

[@sootch00]

Here's a close up I posted in my Instagram account instagram.com/p/CxGlYkrum4T/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

[@johnhunter9967]

Hope Kimber is back, this gun looks pretty nice.

[@bobodean1]

Did the barrel have a crack at the crown?? At about 7 thirty.

[@sootch00]

I reexamined the barrel and they are no flaws. Must have been the lighting. The barrel is solid.

[@sootch00]

Here's a close up I posted in my Instagram account instagram.com/p/CxGlYkrum4T/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

[@jbwjr54]

Great review. Thanks for the video.

[@sootch00]

Thanks for watching Brother!

[@earltate56]

Yyyeeeaaahhh... they need to include the cover piece for those who don't want an optic.

[@earldelsanto]

I preferred the good old 1911. Don't care for double stack 2011s. I had many 1911s but my favorite was a Kumber 3 inch un 45. What a great a at gun.

[@nealfry2230]

With Thanksgiving a day away and Black Friday I suggest that People Should be prepared to Protect themselves from Thieves and Protect yourselves from the Bad guys until after the 1ST of 2024.

[@habibidon]

How does it shoot compared to the bul sas ii ultralight?

[@timsmith9645]

Awesome Kimber 1911 beautiful gun thanks for sharing sootch00

[@sootch00]

Thanks for stopping by Tim!

[@timsmith9645]

You're welcome friend anytime

[@Justice-ian]

Good call by Kimber. A grip safety is either A, stiff and awkward enough to disable the pistol when you _really_ need it to fire, or B, an "ND-prevention device" that is disabled whenever you're holding it (when all NDs happen).

[@gameragodzilla]

The grip safety is meant to be an inertia drop safety to prevent the trigger from being pulled from a drop. If the manual safety is engaged, not necessary, but the gun could fire if the gun is dropped without the safety engaged and it drops muzzle up. Most modern guns use the trigger safety (dingus) to do the same thing. So while not entirely necessary, I prefer it there.

[@palpatov]

Also reholstering with grip/inertia safety is a lot safer against nd

[@Justice-ian]

@@palpatov That is one of two times when I most want ND protection, but a grip safety doesn't provide it. It makes far more sense to make sure the thumb safety is on, and place your thumb on the hammer.

[@michaelmartino5100]

Not really a fan of beautiful firearms that either require 500 rnd break-in periods or rusting mim parts. Two friends, who really care for their firearms, are not really happy. If I was in the market for a .45 I would get a CZ Dan Wesson....good review!

[@strider8933]

I am looking REAL hard at this one!!!

[@froggydog46]

Looks like a great gun EXCEPT no rail for a light.

[@samuelfitzpatrick9739]

My new favorite firearm.

[@MartilloGranda]

Thank Ya SOOTCH... for Yet Another Addition to Our Wish/ Want List

[@sootch00]

Thanks Martillo!

[@zurnie]

coincidence!! Was just going to do a KZbin search for reviews of this model and here it is, freshly uploaded by one of the reviewers I trust.

[@sootch00]

Thanks Zurnie!

[@DiegotheDon00]

It was shooting like butter. Trying to decide if I want to splurge on a FN 5.7 or a Kimber 9mm

[@robertsalyers1351]

This is looking very much like it's probably going to be my next 9mm pistol

[@18wheeler77]

This gun reminds me of my Ruger P95!

[@tbone4919]

Must've gotten better after leaving leftard state of ny. Alabama is good to go. It's about time Kimber.

[@plynwow]

If they'd make a .45 option that looks exactly like this, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. I'm not a fan of the grip safety on the 1911 and this KDS is such a nice design.

[@DTreatz]

Needs ambi safety, Needs front rail for lights, and Needs .45ACP option. otherwise, looks decent, also like they have stainless look option, need more guns with that.

[@briankillian5248]

I'm 67 and am just getting into the purchase of hand guns. I'm currently entertaining an FN Reflex, but this 1911 review has really caught my attention. Would you consider this weapon to be suitable for EDC?

[@James-Lifts]

I’ll never buy another kimber after buying one brand new one and following all instructions! Sorry for the bad review kimber, maybe I got a lemon. Jams just about once every mag, I’d never depend on it! My HK, Glocks, sigs, S&W, jam never or extremely rarely. Never again!

[@nono-jj9rr]

Yeah they haven't fixed their QC

[@palpatov]

Not sure how i feel about ccw without grip safety and firing pin block. I think the absence of redundancy disqualifies it from ccw

[@kl6911]

Just picked this up at Midwsy USA in black for 846!!

[@constitutionallyconscious165]

Why in the world didn't they add rail?

[@idigbebop]

Excellent review as always. That is a nice pistol. Well done Kimber. I want one. P.S. FSU is coming up to kick some Tiger butt this year.

[@sootch00]

Thanks Brother! I hope you're wrong but FSU is looking pretty good this year! 😂

[@richardespinoza6243]

Kimber never disappoints me! The only issue is that Kimber needs to improve on their relationship on gun shop owners . There are some gun shops that won’t sell Kimber because of issues dealers are having with Kimber management.

[@almostontimehero5415]

I have 3 pictures of Kimber quality problems. One of those pictures has 8 different kimbers with quality problems. Kimbers look beautiful, but they have over 10 years of problems. Look at user reviews by owners, not reviewers.

[@nikolaibonnkarovsky6621]

@@happyamerican3235 holy shit i missed that

[@nikolaibonnkarovsky6621]

@@happyamerican3235 if it's actually fractured that'd be insane. It's a bul barrel

[@sootch00]

I checked it after I saw some comments and it was power residue. It wiped right off

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

@@happyamerican3235 Turns out it was powder oil residue and wiped right off Sootch said

[@Chase_N]

Is that a crack in the barrel crown @19:31? Just checked, it's visible @6:50 too. It sure looks like one😬

[@sootch00]

No, I checked it after I saw some comments and it was power residue. It wiped right off

[@sootch00]

Here's a close up I posted in my Instagram account instagram.com/p/CxGlYkrum4T/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

[@bobwampler3387]

I’m a fan of grip safeties. It’s just that extra safeguard especially in re-holstering.

[@trullmann]

Love the looks, looks nice and clean.

[@jrbailey3208]

Kimber can STILL kiss my posterior for NOT offering Full Ambi Controls on this model! There is NO excuse for not offering the Full Ambi Controls, except DISRESPECT for Left Handed Shooters! Cheers from the Oil Patch in Central WY

[@d0bbs]

I’m actually really liking this Kimber. They have been a little bland for a while, but this is an affordable W.C. Only wish it had a railed dust cover. Maybe I’ll hold out for that model.

[@elberttanner6189]

That would be a great candidate for .38 Super. But I'm not sure the Aluminum Frame would hold up to the .158 gr. hollow point load at 1150 fps I use to load for my 1911's back in the 70's.

[@danav3387]

Is that barrel cracked at the crown? Looks like the riffeling has started a stress crack? Could just be dirty but some clarification would be helpful. Thnx!

[@life_of_riley88]

Looks cracked to me too.

[@sootch00]

I reexamined the barrel and they are no flaws. Must have been the lighting. The barrel is solid.

[@danav3387]

@@sootch00 Good to hear thnx!

[@sootch00]

Here's a close up I posted in my Instagram account instagram.com/p/CxGlYkrum4T/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

[@georgboone6086]

Never been a Kimber fan but this is a nice one.

[@ScreaminpirateEDC]

Please correct me if I am wrong, but there isn't much difference in this and the CZ Shadow 2 compact, right?

[@ryanrawlins]

Looks great. I’m left handed, so it won’t make it into my inventory. With all their updates they could at least figure out how to do ambi controls.

[@richki.24]

that is a nice looking Kimber

[@josephbanoub8392]

Excellent review thanks

[@sootch00]

Thanks Joseph!

[@Quality_Guru]

Looks like a great pistol at a fair price, but they face some very stiff competition with the release of the CZ Shadow 2 Compact and a dark horse contender from the Live Free Armory Apollo 11 pistol. And yes this is the golden age of firearms!

[@DazdnCofuzd]

I'm on the waiting list for the LFA Apollo 11, but the compact version isn't coming out until sometime next year, so the Kimber is a good option until then. I'm opting for CZ Shadow 2 Compact or Kimber.

[@Quality_Guru]

@@DazdnCofuzd It’s an easy choice as they all appear to be great models. It’s like going to the Miss America Pageant and getting a date with one of the contestants. Of course you will have put up with the humanitarian, intelligence, ambition, and beauty, if you like that in a relationship.

[@gerardmcquade9102]

that is a really beautiful looking gun

[@kenf2662]

When do you awkwardly pull the trigger without griping the gun ?. Sorry I had to edit this; Show us how to holster and remove just with the trigger. I'm I missing something.

[@fuzzyreticle]

I’d buy a CZ PO1 or a Shadow II compact first.

[@chrisray2603]

It reminds me of the Dan Wesson Dwx compact

[@nikolaibonnkarovsky6621]

Terrible time for the release considering the Shadow 2 Compact is out now lol.

[@SS-ek5lz]

I've been watching Sootch's videos for over a decade.... I've never once seen him give a negative review...which, in itself, makes me not able to trust the reviews.

[@dnelson7565]

Funny part is smith and Wesson discontinued guns like this. You might be able to get one from the performance center. But it’s funny how metal guns are making a comeback.

[@KommKarl]

Nice. Great review!

[@sootch00]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@earldelsanto]

Love the crown barrel. Sweet

[@threesons270]

I personally prefer the classic look. No rail on the bottom

[@micahweeks9459]

I wonder how many rounds they could get in a 1.5 stack in .45 ACP. If they could get 12, i would buy two today.

[@shazmodeus2795]

how are the grips held in place with only a single screw? Are there pegs on the backside that fit into notches in the frame?

[@DARTHDANSAN]

This looks awesome

[@paulfryejr2918]

Looks like.gun in a good review, in a good review, by a good reviewer. Thanks

[@ecowper]

First thing I noticed …. You’re stacking (hehe) that Kimber KDS9C up against a Kimber 4” Stainless LW …. Similar, very similar, to the Springfield Ronin EMP 4. Both Great guns. I happen to have both. But the KDS9C looks like it will beat both out and be much more competitive with the WC EDC

[@ecowper]

Odd question … that Kimber looks amazingly similar to my Springfield Ronin EMP 4 …. Are they the same pistol?

[@williame.boylejr.3011]

My phone screwed up and I was in the MPs. I don’t know what an LP is?? Sincerely Wild Bill😮

[@richardespinoza6243]

Don great review! Please do a view on Iver Johnson 1911’s in the further.

[@sootch00]

Thanks Richard! I know you love Iver Johnson's and I need to get my hands on one for sure.

[@mmgee]

Kimber only uses the finest MIM components 😊

[@andrewstadeker7679]

An XL Micro 9, Yes!!!

[@mikehaynes8647]

Do you think Kimber will develop a pistol like the Wilson experiment one?

[@77godzilla777]

Choosing between this Kimber KDS9c or an Sig 229 Legion. What would you choose?

[@mr.goldenrod291]

The KDS9c is not a 1911 (nor 2011). It looks one, but the internals are completely different. (Similarly, Kimber’s Micro 9 looks like a micro 1911, but it is not.) Comparing it to a 1911/2011 is the same as comparing a F150 to a Silverado. The normal 1911 grip angle is 18 degrees, not 17. The only other handgun that I know of with an 18 degree grip angle are the S&W M&Ps.

[@SmokesKwazukii]

whats the difference?

[@dieselmutt8865]

Micro 9's have a pivoting trigger vs the sliding trigger of a 1911. This gun in this video looks to be the same sliding trigger other 1911's have so without seeing one in person, I question your argument.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

Its a heavily modified 1911 I guess I would call it. Many proprietary parts for sure. I think He should call it a 1911 "Style". @@happyamerican3235

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

Watch him slowly firing it . That trigger doesnt fire like any 1911 trigger I have ever seen. I can tell from that, the internals are proprietary. Another guy in the comments even confirmed it, as he disassembled his. @@dieselmutt8865