The Kimber KDS9c is a double stack 9mm with 1911 style controls, a 4.09 inch barrel and an optic ready slide. My test gun’s trigger broke at 3.25 pounds, and its best 5 shot group was 1.42 inches at 10 yards with Norma Hexagon 124 grain. It fed every bullet shape I tried, but the magazine dropped free during early shooting; Kimber fixed it under warranty in a few days.
Range results, specs and the verdict come first, then the full review.
Table of contents
Kimber KDS9c Test Results
| Load | 5 shot group |
|---|---|
| Norma Hexagon 124 gr | 1.42 in at 10 yd |
| Winchester USA Ready 124 gr | 1.66 in at 10 yd |
| MagTech steel case 115 gr | 1.87 in at 15 yd |
| Blazer 115 gr FMJ | 1.99 in at 10 yd |
| Remington Golden Saber 124 gr | 2.27 in at 10 yd |
| Norma frangible 65 gr | 2.46 in at 10 yd |
| Norma MHP 108 gr | 2.49 in at 10 yd |
| Federal Punch 124 gr | 2.57 in at 10 yd |
| Blazer 147 gr FMJ | 5.06 in at 10 yd |
Kimber KDS9c Specs
| Kimber KDS9c | |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Barrel | 4.09 in stainless, 1:10 twist |
| Height / length / width | 5.35 / 7.75 / 1.33 in |
| Weight | 25.3 oz with empty magazine |
| Capacity | 15 or 10 rounds, two magazines included |
| Frame / slide | 7075 aluminum / stainless steel |
| Trigger | 3.5 to 4.5 lb factory; mine measured 3.25 lb |
| Optics | RMSC or Holosun K footprint plate |
| MSRP when tested | $1,495 |
Verdict
- Good: crisp, short reset trigger, accurate for a carry 9mm, adjustable rear sight, optic ready, reversible magazine release.
- Know this: proprietary magazines (not 2011 magazines), right side only thumb safety, no rail on the base model (Kimber added a KDS9c Rail), and my gun needed one warranty fix.
Is it a 2011? Not quite: it shares 1911 style controls and a double stack magazine, but it does not take 2011 magazines. See other models in our Kimber pistol rankings.
Other versions: KDS9c TFS threaded barrel and KDS9c Rail.
🛒 Check Current Price for Kimber KDS9c on GunsAmerica
The Kimber KDS9C is a 2011-esque carry gun that was brought to the market last year. I can only assume that KDS9C stands for “Kimber double stack 9 compact”, which properly describes exactly what it is. At launch it was offered with 10-round compliant magazines or 15-round standard capacity mags. Both versions come with two magazines and were slated to accept 18 round magazines Kimber announced. This compact handgun has a 4.09″ barrel and is compatible with an RMSC or Holosun K footprint optic mount, which adds to its abilities and appeal as a concealed carry weapon.
Overview of the Kimber KDS9C
As mentioned, the KDS9C is a compact handgun that shares many similarities to the 1911 in construction. However, it also has some improvements made and features a large-capacity double-stack magazine. One improvement is the adjustable, serrated rear sight. The front sight is green fiber but comes with a red fiber if you prefer. The rear sight is blacked out and can be tuned for windage or elevation. Each type of ammunition impacts in slightly different locations when fired out of the same gun, but with an adjustable rear sight, you can zero the ammo you use, specifically. In a carry gun, that precision helps. Also, the rear sight can be removed to swap the cover plate with an optic plate of the RMSC or Holosun K footprint flavor.
The barrel is stainless steel and 4.09″ long with a 20-degree flush-cut deep crown. It’s also been fluted to reduce the overall weight of the platform. The KDS9C barrel also has a loaded chamber indicator and is ramped for feeding. During my testing, I found that the KDS9C would feed and function with every bullet design that I used, including truncated cone, hollowpoint, FMJ, flat nose, and more.
Kimber KDS9C Frame and Dimensions
The frame on the KDS9C is 7075 aluminum and is painted black with Cerakote. The slide has a slightly different, stainless steel construction with the same KimPro Black coating. The KDS9C is offered in this black version as well as stainless. You’ll find front and rear cocking serrations on the slide, which I like on a carry gun. The overall dimensions of this gun are 5.35″ in height, 7.75″ in length, and 1.33″ wide with an unloaded weight of 25.3 ounces. You’ll also find a reversible magazine release to accommodate a right or left-handed shooter.
The KDS9C comes in a soft-carry case that would be great for transporting the gun to the range. It has one main compartment that holds the gun, another that holds magazines (the KDS9C comes standard with 2 mags), and several other compartments for holding cleaning tools and other items. This gun comes in 10-round compliant, 15-round standard capacity, black or stainless, and any combination thereof. All versions of the KDS9C have an MSRP of $1,495.00.
Kimber KDS9C Magazines
Now that you know the basics of what the Kimber KDS9C is, let’s go over the whole gun in a bit more detail. Earlier, I called this handgun “2011-esque” when the only similarity that the KDS9C shares with the 2011 is that it shares the same construction and mechanics as a 1911, but features a double-stacked magazine. But wait, the KDS9C does not use the same magazines as the 2011. I tried. Instead, it uses a slightly narrower, proprietary magazine that Kimber sells here at their accessory shop and they will cost you anywhere from $50 to $65 each, depending on which capacity you want. At first, I assumed that this narrower magazine would yield a narrower grip, which would be desirable since this is marketed to be a carry gun. However, both of the 2011s that I own have a marginally narrower grip than the KDS9C.
KDS9C Trigger
The trigger on the KDS9C is advertised to have a 3.5-4.5 pound pull weight. I like this range for a carry gun because it provides the shooter with good control while still being conducive to precision and speed. The trigger on my KDS9C (measured after tons of dry-firing practice and range time), came in at 3.25 pounds as measured by a Wheeler Trigger Pull Scale. Overall, I really like the trigger on this gun. As can be expected from any handgun that shares 1911 design inspiration, the trigger is crisp and light with a very short reset. There is very little takeup, followed by zero creep and a crisp 3.25-pound break. The trigger shoe is curved and radiused and is positioned well for my medium-sized hands.
Compared to John Browning’s single-action handguns, namely the Model 1911 and, the short and crisp trigger pull of the KDS9c was a welcome change from many of the squishy striker-fired triggers. The ability to carry the gun cocked-and-locked is a virtue as well; disengaging that thumb safety lever becomes a subconscious part of bringing the gun on target.
Kimber KDS9C Accuracy Test
The accuracy testing that I performed with the KDS9C was done with iron sights. I shot many different ammunition types at a distance of 10 yards in 5-shot groupings. However, the MagTech ammo was shot at a distance of 15 yards for no reason except I forgot to move the target closer at the beginning. As you’ll see, I tested many defensive ammunition offerings as well as some range-type ammo. These included Blazer, Winchester, MagTech, Federal, Remington, and Norma offerings.
Most of the ammo was provided by the manufacturer for this gun review, while some were also provided by Ammo To Go, whom I’d like to thank because it is currently hard to get enough ammo for these tests. Overall, the KDS9C grouped well in my accuracy test, which Kimber might attribute to Kimber’s “proprietary bore sizing process,” as they state on their webpage. You’ll find pictures of the ammunition and groupings below:
KDS9C Ammo And Groupings
The KDS9C Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the KDS9C was a good one. I did have an issue when I first received the gun where the magazine would fall out after firing a few rounds. I ended up returning the gun to Kimber for some warranty work and they had it fixed and put it back in my hands within a few days. Since the repair, it has run without problems for me. Another thought I had about the KDS9C was that I’d prefer if the gun had an accessory rail: well, now they offer a model with an accessory rail, aptly named the KDS9C Rail.
Available on GunsAmerica Now
The magazine release is reversible so this gun can be configured to be ergonomic for both right and left-handed shooters. But, the safety is only on the left side of the gun and is not reversible. This only serves right-handed shooters and I think, following in the steps of the mag release, an ambidextrous safety would have made more sense.
Pros and Cons of the Kimber KDS9C
I’m quite frustrated with the fact that Kimber chose to use a proprietary magazine instead of going with a 2011 magazine for the KDS9C. This would open up more options to the owners of this gun, and I don’t see any advantage of the slimmer mag that they use. As mentioned, the grip on the KDS9C is slightly wider than the grip on both of my 2011s. Unless the advantage is obvious, I don’t ever like to see a platform using a proprietary magazine.
But that is where my petty complaints stop. After the warranty fix, the Kimber KDS9C proved reliable and accurate for me, with no feeding issues or malfunctions. The recoil was what one would expect from a handgun in this weight range, very manageable, making shooting accurate groups very easy and enjoyable. The trigger is excellent. The KDS9c’s accuracy was impressive, and I found it to be a pleasure to shoot with consistent precision. Overall, I would have no hesitations about relying on this handgun for defensive purposes. And having the capability to mount RMSC or Holosun K footprint optics is a big plus. Also, the KDS9C does not have a grip safety, which is my preference. This is a good choice for a gun that is designed to be used in high-stress situations where you may not have a proper grip on the gun when you need it to go off. In the end, the KDS9c has earned my respect and I would depend on it to save my life if it came down to it.
FAQ
Is the Kimber KDS9c a 2011?
Not exactly. It has 1911 style controls and a double stack magazine, but it uses its own narrower magazines, not 2011 magazines.
What is the Kimber KDS9c barrel length?
4.09 inches.
What optics fit the KDS9c?
Kimber offers mounting plates for RMSC and Holosun K footprint optics.
Riley Baxter is a seasoned hunter, outdoorsman, and competitive shooter with deep roots in the backcountry. He has guided professionally for bears, bighorn sheep, and other big game across rugged terrain, bringing firsthand knowledge of what gear actually works in the field. When he’s not chasing game or running drills on the range, Riley is likely in the garage customizing his rifles, pistols, or backcountry kit.
A competitive pistol shooter and lifelong firearms enthusiast, Riley brings both precision and creativity to every piece of equipment he touches. Outside of the gun world, he works as a perfusionist in Montana, a vital role in heart surgery that demands attention to detail, critical thinking, and mental fortitude.
Experience:
– Professional Hunting Guide – Guided for bears, bighorn sheep, and more in some of the West’s toughest country.
– Competitive Shooter – Skilled USPSA pistol shooter with a passion for precision and performance under pressure.
– Custom Builder – Enjoys building and tuning firearms and equipment to meet the exact demands of the hunt or the range.
– Experienced Marksman – Experienced in long-range hunting and precision rifles to meet the demands of the terrain of the West.
– Montana-Based Perfusionist – Medical professional accustomed to making critical decisions in high-stakes environments.
May 2024
My new KDS9c has a very poor barrel fit. Rear hood area has sloppy fit, verticle play from improper fit lower lug to slide stop was evident.
Kimber states barrels “drop in fit”, this is true, and sloppy drop in fit. In this price range this is entirely inappropriate. Other pistols in this range are far better fit. Side to side play approximate 0.022″, verticle near same. Imagine the impact that much play would have if the rear sight had that much play? Results in barrel rear are same. Kimber has no remedy, and seems disinterested in resolving. Avoid this model for now. Future may see improvements, but now is not likely. A well worn Beretta 92 groups better.
My new KDS9c exhibits poor barrel fit. The hood area has over .020″ play, and bottom barrel lugs poorly fit.
Kimber is aware and offers no assistance.
Prodigy is a better buy.
Pass on this one folks.
Want to buy mine?
People wonder why the basic 1911 design is still being used. This 2011 is a prime example of why John Browning is considered the greatest firearm designer of all time. For new shooters, the 1911 style pistols are almost ideal, and the 9mm round is currently a good self-defense round for these new shooters. The “poly pistol/DA action” striker fire pistols can be too much for the first-time shooter, as an 8 – 10 lb. trigger in an 18 – 25 oz pistol can lead to many bad habits. A “heavy” pistol, with a 4 +/- lb. trigger, is a much better choice. This same ulira light snub nose revolver craze also causes many bad habits to be formed. Those “poly pistol/ultra light revolver” firearms are best left to the more experienced shooters.
Who uses a Double Action Striker-Fired pistol and not a DA/SA instead? The only ones that come to mind that have good triggers and are ultra affordable are made by SCCY.
” I don’t ever like to see a platform using a proprietary magazine. But that is where my petty complaints stop. In the end, The KDS9C proved to be extremely reliable and accurate. I experienced no feeding issues or malfunctions.”…………I wouldn’t consider a malfunction that dropped the mag, in the middle of firing, rendering the gun a paperweight, a petty complaint. Your sample may have worked, but only after a trip back to the factory, hardly an endorsement of their quality control.
Thank you Chris, you must have been reading my mind! The article writer should have been screaming bloody hell about this!
Oh look! Kimber made a Sig!
Oh look! Sig made a Staccato!