When it comes to firearms, the ultimate test is time… and a lot of ammo. Sure, a gun might feel great out of the box, but how does it perform after it’s had 1,000 rounds fired through it? Does it maintain its reliability, accuracy, and overall functionality? Today, we’re taking a second, post-1,000-round look at the Kimber KDS9c, a 9mm 1911-style handgun.
When double-stack 1911 handguns first came out years ago, I thought they were cool but not practical to carry. This was mostly because of their weight. A full-size 1911 is already on the heavy side. Double the ammo, and you get a super heavy, hard-to-carry handgun. Even in a smaller cartridge like the 9mm, it gets heavy quickly.
After purchasing it, I took it to the range multiple times before doing my first review. The only trouble I really had was that the fiber optic front sight fell off. Kimber sends extra fiber optic sights with the gun, so this was more of an annoyance than anything.
Since picking up the KDS9c, I’ve fired just over 1,000 rounds of ammo through it, so I thought it was high time for a follow-up review. Let’s get to it.
About the Kimber KDS9c
The Kimber KDS9c was released in April of 2023, so in the big picture, it’s still a relatively new model. What is mostly 1911 DNA, the high-quality 9mm handgun combines performance and aesthetics, manufactured to incredibly precise tolerances under close attention to detail.
Its lightweight frame helped me decide to purchase it, but it was the KDS9c’s looks that initially got my attention. I like the multiple grey tones that make up the frame, slide, and grips. Kimber pistols have always been attractive pieces, and this one is no exception. Plus, the oversized slide release, safety, and mag release make it comfortable to shoot.
The KDS9c is a sleek, well-balanced handgun that feels great in the hand. Its lightweight aluminum frame makes it easy to carry, while the stainless-steel slide ensures durability. The fiber-optic front sight and blacked-out rear sight offer a clear sight picture, making target acquisition swift and precise. Kimber’s signature attention to detail is evident in the gun’s overall finish, with smooth lines and an ergonomic design. Overall, it’s just a comfortable, fun gun to shoot.
1,000 Rounds Later
After running 1,000 rounds through the Kimber KDS9c, it’s safe to say that this gun has held up exceptionally well. Reliability is paramount for any firearm, but this is especially true if you plan to carry it for self-defense. Most people want to shoot at least a few hundred rounds through a gun before they feel confident in carrying the firearm. Others like to see even more rounds down range before trusting their sidearms.
The fiber optic stem fell out of the frame during my first shooting session. Thankfully, Kimber provides extra fiber stems in both green and orange. I was able to replace it without much hassle. But then it did it a second time after about 500 rounds. Knowing this could very well be my poor optic instillation skills, I had someone with more experience with fiber-optic sights install the next one.
I am skeptical of the fiber stems and wonder if I got a bad batch. After careful inspection, it doesn’t appear anything is wrong with the front sight’s metal housing, so I’m guessing this is the case. My friend and I installed another brand and will see how this one holds up over time, but so far, I’ve not been overly pleased with the front sight.
Even when the fiber stem comes out, the metal front sight is adequate enough to continue firing at your target, so it’s not a huge deal to me; it’s just a matter of figuring out the issue.
Lighter Gun = Heavier Recoil
Another point to note on the KDS9c is the recoil. Because of the gun’s lighter weight, the KDS9c does have a bit more recoil than some other full-sized 9mm handguns. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not bad, but it’s heavier than I would have guessed. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s worth mentioning, especially for those who might be looking for something with extremely low recoil. The heavier the gun, the lighter the recoil is, and vice versa.
The aluminum frame makes it much more comfortable to carry, so I’m fine with this trade-off. After 1,000 rounds, you get used to it, but there’s a noticeable difference compared to my other 9mm 1911s.
A worthy handgun for the price?
One of the biggest questions when considering the Kimber KDS9c is whether it’s worth the price tag. Kimber firearms are known for their premium pricing, and the KDS9c is no exception. When it first came out, the KDS9c retailed for about $1,400. The price has dropped slightly over the past year, and you can now find them in the $1,000 range.
This isn’t an outrageous price, but it is still a lot of money. Deciding if it’s worth that much to you may depend on several factors. Having a higher ammo capacity, being chambered in 9mm, and an application for 1911’s are all deciding factors.
However, if you’re looking purely at the performance-to-cost ratio, there are other options available that might offer similar reliability and accuracy at a lower price point. This is really the case with any firearm. What’s practical and what’s “nice” are not always the same.
Still Running Strong
After 1,000 rounds, the Kimber KDS9c has proven to be a reliable, well-crafted handgun that lives up to its reputation. The feeding has been flawless, and despite a couple of hiccups with the front sight, the overall performance has been impressive. The slightly higher recoil, due to its lightweight design, is something to consider, but it’s manageable and doesn’t detract significantly from the shooting experience.
One of the KDS9c’s added benefits is its compatibility with most standard 1911 holsters. This makes finding a good holster for carry or range use straightforward, adding to the gun’s overall convenience. After cleaning it, it’s hard to see any wear on the gun, which is a great sign after 1,000 rounds. I plan to keep carrying it and keep shooting. Maybe we can see if anything changes once we hit the 2,000-round mark.
