While many modern handguns have made great advancements in terms of weight, ammo capacity, and concealability, Browning’s iconic 1911 design still provides a great option for self-defense.
The Kimber Pro Carry II is no exception. Chambered in the classic .45 ACP cartridge, the Pro Carry II features a 4-inch barrel, which provides a good balance between concealability and accuracy. Its overall length is 7.7 inches, and its height is 5.25 inches. It weighs 28 ounces unloaded, which isn’t bad compared to a Glock 17, which weighs 24.8 ounces.
This pistol features an aluminum frame and a steel slide, ensuring durability and a solid feel. The Kimber Pro Carry II comes with fixed low-profile sights, which are adequate for most defensive situations. The single-action trigger pull is crisp and breaks cleanly at around 4-5 pounds. This model comes with a standard 7-round magazine, but aftermarket options can increase capacity.
Ergonomically Friendly
The grip on 1911 handguns is just one of many features that make the 1911 so user-friendly. Not many handguns can beat the natural point-of-aim of a 1911 pistol. With the Pro Carry II, you get Kimber’s classic checkered grips, but they can be swapped for any standard 1911 grips.
The lower rear portion of the frame (back of the grip) has a heavy checkered texturing, which really helps with keeping a firm grip when firing the powerful .45 ACP. Serrations on the rear of the slide allow for a good grip when racking the slide. A rounded skeleton trigger also looks nice and is comfortable to use.
Trigger Control and Reliability
Browning’s unique trigger system on 1911 pistols is why they remain so accurate and viable in today’s handgun world. Most trigger systems work on a pivoting system, where the bottom of the trigger swings toward the rear of the gun. A 1911 trigger, however, pushes directly towards the back of the gun. There is a small amount of take-up and then a clean, crisp break.
Kimber did an excellent job with the trigger on the Pro Carry II, with mine coming in at 3.75 pounds. This can help with accuracy both on the range and during self-defense incidents.
It’s important to remember, however, that Browning designed the 1911 to fire the .45 ACP cartridge. This doesn’t mean 1911s chambered in other calibers are not reliable, but a quality-made 1911 handgun chambered in .45 ACP will almost always outperform other chamberings in terms of reliability.
Benefits of Carrying a .45 ACP for Self-Defense
The .45 ACP round has been used for self-defense for over a century. Although there are many conflicting opinions, it’s hard to argue that it is not an effective cartridge.
Its stopping power is legendary, providing a level of confidence unmatched by smaller calibers. The larger, slower-moving bullet transfers more energy upon impact, increasing the likelihood of incapacitating an attacker with fewer shots.
But even though it’s an effective round, it has its drawbacks, as any caliber does. Because of the larger cartridge, many 1911s have a relatively anemic capacity of just 7+1 rounds. When you compare this to the 17+ rounds of today’s modern 9mm handguns, capacity is a concern for some people.
Recoil is another consideration for self-defense weapons. A .45 ACP has a lot of kick behind it, which makes it difficult to stay on target during rapid fire. Recoil is not bad with the Pro Carry II, but it is obviously much more noticeable than that of 9mm. How much this affects someone will depend on their size and how comfortable they are shooting.
When you get past the recoil and magazine capacity, however, the .45 ACP has some great benefits for self-defense. Because of its size, it has great target impact and less risk of over-penetration than some other calibers. With a .45, you have less ammo, but what ammo you do have is very effective.
Holster Options and Upgrade Options for the Kimber PRO Carry II
Before selecting a handgun, holster availability should also be considered, along with the caliber, ammo capacity, and weight of the gun.
Larger guns like the 1911 are a little more difficult to conceal than many of today’s newer, compact handguns. Inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters are popular for concealed carry, and there are lots of options for 1911 handguns.
Brands like Galco, Safariland, Alien Gear, and others offer a variety of holster options.
Can you upgrade the Kimber Pro Carry II?
Absolutely. Upgrading your Kimber PRO Carry II can enhance its performance, and one of the first upgrades to consider is the sights. While the standard fixed sights are serviceable, night sights or fiber optic sights are a great upgrade for any handgun and improve your ability to hit a target in low light. Trijicon and Meprolight offer high-quality options.
Grips are another area for customization. Changing the grips can improve comfort and control. Further, new grips can offer an affordable way to achieve a custom look. You can find grips in just about every price range. From G10 grips to custom bone or buffalo horn gaps, there’s something out there for everyone.
The trigger on the Pro Carry II is great, but if you really want to hone in on every little detail of your 1911, upgrading the trigger is another option. This is a popular choice for competitive shooters, but I personally think the trigger on the Pro Cary is sufficient for CCW.
Are you a .45 ACP fan?
Like I said before, I see the benefits of multiple calibers. I’m not sure there is one that I would say is better than all the others. It always comes down to what works for you. Everyone must find that middle ground of caliber vs capacity vs recoil.
There are times I carry a .380 because I don’t have the option of concealing a larger gun. On other occasions, I carry a 9mm because it’s a concealable size with a lot of ammo. But, when I can pull it off, I like to carry a classic 1911 handgun.
Regardless of your method of carry, the Kimber Pro Carry II is a great choice if you want a light, quality-made, and attractive-looking 1911 handgun.
