1911s have long been one of (if not the) most popular pistol models in the U.S. People who love 1911s swear by them, almost as much as Glock fans swear by Glocks.
In short, those who love them really love them.
But with the march forward of technology, there are always those who try to improve upon classic designs. Love them or hate them, companies are constantly looking for ways to move a product line forward, to improve on designs, to improve on how they look, to find ways to appeal to the marketplace so that they can sell more guns.
And that’s a good thing in general. After all, it’s that drive that caused the flurry of higher capacity compact and microcompact pistols that so many of us love and now carry on a daily basis.
Of course, there are times when a company’s attempt at improving on a classic design fails. Either the design changes don’t live up to what people hope that they will, or the marketplace simply doesn’t like the pistol for whatever reason.
And with 1911s, new design variations also face the harsh criticisms of traditionalists who are of the thinking that “if it isn’t broke, don’t ‘fix’ it.” (No criticism from me towards those who prefer traditional designs, just stating the fact that some avoid new design options because they prefer tradition.)
Even with those warning signs to see, Kimber decided that they were going to develop an upgrade to the 1911 design that they are calling the 2K11. Evan Brune gives us details:
Both the standard and target configuration of the Kimber 2K11 are available in 9 mm Luger and .45 ACP, with a 20-round magazine capacity and a 13-round magazine capacity, respectively. Each version is also equipped with a C&H Precision optic mounting plate that accommodates all red-dot optics with a Trijicon RMR footprint. The design incorporates an external extractor for improved reliability, as well as a hard-anodized aluminum grip module. Kimber’s flat-faced, skeletonized GT Trigger, which is found on all models of the 2K11, is designed to break consistently at 3.5 lbs.
Kimber’s 2K11 Target incorporates a few notable upgrades, such as the Stan Chen Customs magazine well that’s exclusive to Kimber. There’s also a 5R-rifled bull barrel compled with a high-polish DLC coating that sits inside of a coyote-tan-colored slide with a polished PVD finish. The slide also features a dovetailed Tag precision FiberLok 2 front sight, which sits just ahead of six lightening cuts incorporated into the front slide serrations.
Brune also notes that all models of the 2K11 “include ambidextrous thumb [safeties], a skeletonized hammer, beavertail grip safety and three-slot Picatinny accessory rail.”
And you know who really, really loves this gun? Well known firearms YouTuber Colion Noir, who gushes more about this pistol than any other gun that I can recall ever seeing him review. You can see him gush in the video below (as well as see the 2K11 in action at the range).
I wasn’t kidding. Noir seems to have found his new favorite toy.
And, if you want a new 1911, like new features and upgrades, and your budget is comfortable with an MSRP of $1,995 for the standard model and $2,495 for the target model ($3,095 for the optics installed target model), then the Kimber 2K11 may be a pistol to consider.
Got your email. No comment for now.
A shooter will need larger than normal hands for the double stack grip on this K211 pistol to feel confortable. The feel of the flat grip on the single stack 1911 is what appeals to many. This is not the first double stack 1911 clone to hit the market and the first eventually became history due to the fact that many shooters did not like the feel of their hand wrapped around a flag pole.
Sorry, maybe I’m just old. Looks like something an inner city pimp might carry. If it doesn’t improve functionality, leave well enough alone.
Sorry, no sale. If I wanted a “whiz-bang self-shucker” I’d buy a CZ, Glock, Tokarev, Browning High-Power, etc.. I do not need a 2011 or some other “new development”.
I have,
1. A Tanfoglio Witness (in 10mm Auto).
2. A well-made 1911 (in 10mm Auto).
3. A Girsan 9mm High-Power clone.
4. A Tisas 1911 (copy of the pre-1926 Colt) in .45 ACP.
And a host of other “Tokarev” copies (Browning-style) pistols in .30 Sovie and .32 ACP. As well as a host of other handguns.
Who cares? All these over hyped, super expensive guns have little appeal to regular people that can’t drop $2000 for a silly version of something practical.
People like Colin Noir and many other people into guns, knives, etc., and that are on YouTube have connections or get stuff for free, but that doesn’t do anything for the rest of us that have to pay those ridiculous prices.
Why is everyone making everything a fashion statement and behaving as if the higher priced fancier version of everything is the norm. Seems like somethings should still be cheaper since they have been produced for many years. I see inflated prices on many things in a crap economy.