Kimber KDS9c Vs the CZ 75 Compact: A Comparison Review

The Kimber KDS9c is the new kid on the block in a crowded market of 1911-style pistols. CZ and their 75 series of guns are far from new and are already proven defense weapons. Both pistols, however, have a few things that stand out and make them great self-defense weapons. They are both hammer-fired, about the same size and both hold 15 rounds of 9mm ammo. The Kimber is, of course, a direct descendant of Browning, but the CZ also has some Browning DNA. However, both guns operate differently.

If someone wants a mid-size gun that is reliable, hammer-fired, and comfortable to shoot, these are both great contenders. One of the most obvious deciding factors when purchasing, however, is the price. You can buy a CZ-75 compact for about $650, while Kimber’s KDS9c runs closer to $1,500. Is there a big difference in quality to justify the price difference? Not really, but there may be other differences that sway an eager buyer one way or the other.

When I first shot the KDS9c, I thought it felt just a little different than a traditional 1911 pistol. I couldn’t nail down what made it feel different until I picked up my CZ. My 75 D (compact) has been in the safe for a while, so I pulled it out for some shooting. Strangely enough, the grip and angle of the handle remind me of the KDS9c. Mechanically, the two guns are nothing alike. The triggers, the way the slide fits over the frame, and a few other things are different. But the overall size and feel of the two guns are not foreign to each other.

The classic CZ-75 compact

Of all my guns, the CZ-75 remains the one I can shoot most quickly while staying on target. The combination of the trigger and recoil makes it a wonder on the range. CZ mills their slide to ride inside the frame instead of on the outside like most other guns. IWI also does this with the Jericho 941. Having the slide sit inside the frame instead of the outside allows the slide to be shorter. This in turn makes the gun less top-heavy and reduces felt recoil when shooting.

Overall, the weight is 27.5 ounces, which is just two ounces heavier than the KDS9c. CZ uses a curved grip that runs into a trigger guard and in many aspects reflects John Moses Browning’s 1911 and Hi-Power designs. The two-stage double-action trigger is much different than a 1911 pistol. CZ designed this gun to be carried in a half-cock mode which uses a de-cocker instead of a thumb safety. When you rack the slide, press down on it, and the hammer falls to the half-cocked position.

This makes the first trigger pull long and heavy, but some people like that on a carry gun. The second pull, however, is in single-action mode and is much lighter. On the range, I can fire this gun faster than any other because there is very little muzzle rise. When compared against more modern guns, this remains one of the smoothest shooting guns I have.

Kimber KDS9c

Kimber’s new KDS9c is a great-looking gun and probably wins the beauty contest between the two. As I mentioned above, it is a 1911 double-stack pistol that retails for about $1,500. The grip on the KDS9c is not as curvy as CZ’s but they still have similarities to them. I like the grip on the CZ just a little more, but that’s my preference. When you start to look at triggers, it’s hard to beat a 1911 pistol. A 1911 trigger, pulls directly to the rear, instead of pivoting from the top.

Instead of a de-cocker, the KDS9c has a traditional thumb safety. This function is where you notice the most difference between these two guns. The Kimber was made to carry locked and cocked, which means the hammer pulled all the way to the rear. And, of course, the CZ is made to carry in half-cock. While the difference isn’t much, the Kimber is 2 ounces lighter and has just a bit longer barrel. I carry my KDS9c in my 1911 holsters, but it also fits in my CZ-75 shoulder holster.

Kimber put a fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear sight on the KDS9c. While not as common on 1911 handguns, Kimber has a removable optics plate on the KDS9c. You do have to buy an adapter plate from Kimber to fit the optic of your choice, but the option is there. Even though it’s a double-stack magazine, Kimber kept the thickness down by using ultra-thin G10 grips.

On the range with Kimber and CZ

Shooting these two guns at the range is like test-driving two luxury cars. There isn’t a good and bad one, just two good ones that are a little different. For longer shots that require a steady, slow trigger pull, I shoot better with the Kimber. When shooting a little closer at fast speeds, the CZ is better. But when I’m doing some up-close self-defense drills at 10 yards or less, both guns shoot great. As I mentioned above, the CZ has less of a muzzle rise making it easier for follow-up shots.

Don’t get me wrong, the Kimber is a nice, smooth shooting gun. The CZ is just a little better in this area. I fired multiple mags from both guns, and I can’t complain about either one of them. Kimber and CZ both have excellent reputations, so it comes down to this. Do you want a single or double-action trigger? And do you want to pay more for a little better finish and options? A single-action trigger like the Kimber will have the same trigger pull all the time. Double-action triggers carried with the hammer down will have a longer trigger pull on the first shot.

Summary

Kimber’s KDS9c hasn’t been tested extensively yet because it’s so new. I’m sure it won’t have any issues holding up over time, but as with anything, only time will tell. CZ, however, has been tested and used around the world. Some countries’ military and police still carry the CZ-75 because it’s so reliable. I love the new Kimber and I’ve carried mine around on several occasions.

But for the price and quality, the CZ-75 D Compact, I would say, is a better deal than the Kimber KDS9c. If you are looking for a gun that holds its value longer and looks a little nicer, the KDS9c is the way to go. But you will pay double the price for it. Pick the one that’s best for you, but both guns are great quality pieces that will serve you well for home defense, CCW, or fun on the range.