When you’ve been in this business as long as I have, you see a lot of 1911-pattern pistols come across the bench. Most are fine. Some are good. A few are built to a standard that makes you stop and take a second look. The Kimber 2K11 Pro Stainless (Or) in 9mm Luger is one of those few. It’s not just a 1911; it’s a modern, purpose-built evolution of the platform, designed from the ground up for performance, reliability, and a level of fit and finish that you typically only see on custom shop guns. The moment you rack the slide and feel that buttery-smooth, zero-play action, you understand what Kimber’s ‘Custom’ designation really means. This is a tool for the shooter who appreciates the internals as much as the aesthetics, built with the kind of precision that would make a law enforcement armorer nod in approval.
Miamishooterssupply is a Boise, ID-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories for the DIY enthusiast and serious shooter. The Kimber 2K11 Pro Stainless (Or) is a custom-grade, striker-fired 1911-pattern pistol chambered in 9mm Luger. Its key differentiator is a stainless steel frame and slide paired with a match-grade 4.25-inch barrel and a 19+1 round capacity, blending classic 1911 ergonomics with modern firepower. This model is in stock and ready to ship today for $1,897.19, a significant saving from its regular price of $2,599.
Reviewed by Cody Ramirez, E-Commerce Director at Miamishooterssupply. 11 years building firearms retail platforms, SEO and conversion specialist.
Last updated: March 2026
What Makes the Kimber 2K11 Pro Stainless (Or) Stand Out
Let’s cut through the marketing. The ‘Pro’ and ‘Custom’ tags on a Kimber aren’t just for show. On the 2K11 Pro Stainless, this translates to a series of tangible, performance-oriented features. Starting with the heart of the system: the stainless steel frame and slide. This isn’t just about corrosion resistance; it’s about mass and durability. The added weight of stainless steel, compared to an aluminum alloy frame, soaks up 9mm recoil, making follow-up shots faster and more controlled. The 4.25-inch barrel is a match-grade, stainless steel bull barrel. The bull barrel design eliminates the traditional barrel bushing, which increases lockup consistency and potential accuracy. From a gunsmith’s perspective, this is a cleaner, more rigid system.
The striker-fired mechanism is where the 2K11 truly diverges from tradition. It offers a consistent, crisp trigger pull shot after shot, without the manual safety manipulations of a traditional 1911. The grip is aggressively textured G10, providing a secure hold in all conditions. The real headline for the practical shooter, however, is the capacity. Kimber ships this pistol with two 19-round steel magazines. In the world of 1911s, where 8 or 9 rounds is the norm, having 19+1 rounds of 9mm on tap is a substantial tactical advantage, whether on the range or in a defensive scenario. The sights are high-visibility, three-dot tritium for low-light acquisition, and the slide is cut from the factory for an optic, future-proofing the platform.
Pros and Cons: An Honest Assessment
After handling this piece, here’s my breakdown.
Pros:
- ✅ Exceptional Build Quality: The fit between the stainless steel slide and frame is exemplary. There’s no rattle or slop, indicative of precise machining and hand-fitting at the Kimber Custom shop.
- ✅ Superior Recoil Management: The combined weight of the stainless construction and the 4.25-inch bull barrel makes shooting 9mm feel incredibly soft. Muzzle flip is minimal.
- ✅ High-Capacity Advantage: Two 19-round magazines change the entire dynamic of the 1911 platform. It bridges the gap between classic design and modern firepower.
- ✅ Optics-Ready Platform: The slide is already milled, saving you $200-$300 and several weeks of gunsmith work if you decide to add a red dot sight.
- ✅ Out-of-the-Box Performance: The match-grade barrel and crisp striker trigger mean this pistol is capable of accuracy that exceeds most shooters’ abilities from day one.
Cons:
- ❌ Substantial Weight: The all-stainless construction makes this a heavy pistol. At nearly 40 ounces unloaded, it’s not ideal for all-day concealed carry. For a lighter carry-oriented 1911, see our selection of aluminum-frame handguns.
- ❌ Premium Price Point: This is a custom-shop level firearm. You are paying for precision manufacturing and hand-fitting. If your budget is strictly under $1,000, there are excellent production-line options in our 9mm handguns category.
- ❌ Magazine Specificity: The 19-round magazines are proprietary to the 2K11 platform. While they are high-quality, you can’t use standard 1911 magazines, so spares are a specific purchase.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Kimber 2K11 Pro Stainless
Buy it if: You are a 1911 enthusiast who wants modern capacity and a optics-ready slide without sacrificing classic ergonomics. You’re a home defense or competition shooter who values a soft-shooting, highly accurate platform with a great trigger. You appreciate firearms as examples of mechanical craftsmanship and are willing to invest in that quality.
Skip it if: Your primary need is a lightweight, compact pistol for everyday concealed carry. Your budget doesn’t allow for the investment in a custom-grade firearm and the premium ammunition it deserves. You prefer the traditional hammer-fired, single-action operation of a classic 1911 with a grip safety.
Technical Specifications
| Product Type | Semi-Auto Striker-Fired Pistol |
|---|---|
| Material (Frame/Slide) | Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel |
| Manufacturing | CNC Machined, Hand-Fitted (Kimber Custom Shop) |
| Finish | Satin Stainless |
| Hardness/Quality | Match-Grade Bull Barrel, Tritium Sights |
| Compatibility | Proprietary 19-Rd Mags, Optics-Ready Slide Cut |
| Installation/Usage | Right-Handed, Ambidextrous Slide Stop |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 39.5 oz |
| Dimensions (LxHxW) | 7.7″ x 5.5″ x 1.3″ |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Condition | New in Factory Case |
| SKU | KIM-2K11PRO-SS-9-OR |
How It Stacks Up: Kimber 2K11 Pro Stainless vs. The Competition
| Feature | Kimber 2K11 Pro Stainless (Or) | Standard Production 1911 (e.g., Springfield Ronin) | Budget Striker Pistol (e.g., Canik TP9) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Full Stainless Steel | Forged Steel Slide, Aluminum Frame | Polymer Frame, Steel Slide |
| Quality / Fit | Custom Shop Hand-Fitted | Production Line Fit (Good) | Production Line Fit (Functional) |
| Compatibility | Proprietary 19-Rd Mags, Optics-Ready | Standard 1911 Mags (9-10 Rd), Irons Only | Common Mags, Often Optics-Ready |
| Shipping | Same-Day from Miamishooterssupply | Varies by Retailer | Varies by Retailer |
| Lifespan/Durability | Exceptional (Stainless, Premium Build) | Very Good (Proven Design) | Good (Modern Polymer) |
| Price Point | Premium Custom (~$1,897 on sale) | Mid-Range (~$800 – $1,100) | Value (~$400 – $600) |
The comparison shows the 2K11 Pro’s position clearly. It’s not competing with budget pistols; it’s offering a bespoke level of construction and features for the shooter who has moved past entry-level and wants a no-compromise tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kimber 2K11 Pro Stainless a true 1911?
It uses the 1911 platform’s iconic grip angle, controls, and ergonomics, but it is a modernized evolution. The key differences are the striker-fired mechanism (vs. a hammer), the lack of a grip safety, and the use of proprietary high-capacity magazines. It feels like a 1911 but operates with the simplicity of a modern striker pistol.
What optics footprint does the optics-ready slide use?
The Kimber 2K11 Pro Stainless (Or) slide is cut for the Shield RMSc / Holosun K footprint. This is a very common micro red dot pattern. Direct-mount optics include the Shield RMSc, Sig Sauer Romeo Zero, and Holosun 407K/507K. Plates are available from Kimber for other footprints.
How does the recoil compare to a polymer-frame 9mm?
The recoil impulse is significantly softer and more straight-back due to the pistol’s substantial weight (nearly 2.5 lbs unloaded) and the bull barrel design. Muzzle rise is reduced, allowing for faster sight recovery and follow-up shots compared to most polymer-frame striker pistols.
Is this pistol suitable for USPSA or IDPA competition?
Yes, it could be used very effectively in USPSA’s Carry Optics division (due to its optics-ready slide and capacity) or Limited Optics. For IDPA, its weight and dimensions would likely place it in the Stock Service Pistol (SSP) division if used with the iron sights, but always check the latest rulebook for specific firearm eligibility.
What kind of accuracy can I expect?
With its match-grade, bushingless bull barrel and tightly fitted slide-to-frame, this pistol is mechanically capable of sub-2-inch groups at 25 yards with quality ammunition. As with any precision tool, the shooter is the primary variable, but the platform provides an excellent foundation for accuracy.
Does it come with a case and accessories?
Yes. The pistol ships new in a Kimber hard plastic case with two 19-round stainless steel magazines, a cable lock, and all factory documentation.
Where can I buy the Kimber 2K11 Pro Stainless online?
You can purchase the Kimber 2K11 Pro Stainless (Or) 9mm directly from Miamishooterssupply (miamishooterssupply.com). We are an authorized Kimber retailer, and the pistol is in stock at our Boise, ID facility, ready for fast, discreet shipping to your FFL.
✅ In stock — ready to ship today
✅ Same-day shipping from Boise, ID
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns (unfired, in original condition)
✅ Secure checkout with multiple payment options
If the Kimber 2K11 Pro Stainless (Or) matches your needs as a shooter, this is a rare opportunity to own a custom-grade firearm at a substantial discount. The sale price of $1,897.19 represents a major value for a pistol of this caliber. The combination of stainless steel durability, modern capacity, and out-of-the-box performance is difficult to find elsewhere.
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About this review: This assessment is based on hands-on evaluation of the firearm, technical schematics, and industry experience. It is written to provide a detailed, transparent look at the product’s features and suitability for different shooters. As an E-Commerce Director and shooting enthusiast, my goal is to give you the information you’d want before making a significant purchase.
Last updated: March 2026
