Kimber

Kimber Manufacturing is an American firearms company with manufacturing facilities in Yonkers, New York, and Troy, Alabama, that has established itself as one of the most prominent producers of premium 1911-style pistols in the United States. Founded in its current form in 1979 and substantially reorganized and revitalized in the early 1990s, Kimber helped spark a renaissance of interest in the 1911 platform by producing well-finished, accurate pistols at prices that undercut the established custom gunsmithing market while delivering quality well above typical production standards.

Kimber’s 1911 lineup spans a vast range of configurations, from basic single-stack Government-size models intended for duty and home defense use to lightweight alloy-frame models for concealed carry, enhanced competition models with match-grade barrels and adjustable sights, and elaborately finished collector pieces featuring hand engraving and premium wood grips. The company’s Custom, Pro, Ultra, and various special editions have enabled Kimber to serve virtually every segment of the 1911 market simultaneously.

The company extended its product line beyond the 1911 in the 2010s, introducing a line of micro-compact 9mm and .380 ACP pistols under the Micro and EVO designations, as well as 1911-style single-stack pistols in 9mm under the Rapide name. These smaller-caliber offerings expanded Kimber’s appeal among concealed-carry customers and shooters who prefer 9mm to the traditional .45 ACP.

Kimber also produces a line of bolt-action hunting rifles, continuing a tradition from the company’s earlier identity as a manufacturer of quality rimfire and centerfire rifles. While Kimber has faced some criticism regarding quality consistency on certain models, its best products represent genuine value in the premium production pistol market, and the brand remains one of the most recognized names in American 1911 manufacturing.