By R.K. Campbell | Contributing Editor
When Kimber introduced their Kimber Custom 1911 some decades ago they rocked the world.
The pistol was offered at a fair price and with good sights, extended controls, and a good trigger. The Kimber Custom also was higher quality than anything available from the factory.
Kimber not only took the 1911 to a different level with good sights and other improved features they also tightened the pistol up. The company tightened tolerances and produced a pistol that was not only accurate but also reliable. Long story short, the Kimber Custom was a sensation, and became a catalyst for improvement in the 1911 field.
The Springfield Loaded Model was introduced as a competitor. Some criticized the Kimber as it was not ‘mil spec’ and did not accept the generalized parts used to upgrade the standard 1911. No, these parts don’t fit and the Kimber demands its own .22 conversion unit.
The same criticism was leveled at the Les Baer handguns a few years later. I said simply “big deal!” When you improve a machine by tightening tolerances you increase performance. Barrels, magazines and grips for the 1911 fit the Kimber, and in the event you really need an upgrade, fitting isn’t difficult. A World War Two slide will not fit a Kimber frame but why would you desire such a lash up?
A few years after the introduction of the Kimber Custom pistol, the company added a firing pin block or drop safety and called it the Custom II. Other models have followed.
The Custom II is still my favorite model.
A recent addition to the Kimber line is the Hero Custom Model. This is a pistol with special engraving and markings. The company will be making donations to the Boot Campaign based on sales of this model. The Boot Campaign helps veterans with quality of life and other struggles.
The Hero Custom is a distinctive handgun. The pistol features the usual Kimber Custom II appointments such as a well fitted five-inch barrel, a solid full length recoil guide rod, an extended slide lock, beavertail grip safety, and match grade trigger. The pistol features a tan finish and nicely done engraving. Kryptek Highlander grips set the piece off and offer a good balance of adhesion and abrasion. The Custom II also features forward cocking serrations. Among the better features are the brilliantly visible fiber optic insert sights. The rear sight is a modern wedge type.
The pistol is well made and well fitted. The barrel bushing is tight but doesn’t need a tool for disassembly. Trigger compression is ideal for most uses at 5.2 pounds. The feed ramp is properly polished with the requisite 1/32-inch gap between the two halves of the feed ramp. The safety indents sharply, while the grip safety properly releases its hold on the trigger about half way into compression.
I lubricated the long bearing surfaces of the pistol and collected a likely supply of ammunition.
Kimber supplies the Hero Custom with a single magazine. I added a likely collection of MecGar and Wilson Combat magazines. Most of the ammunition fired in a handful of range trips has been Remington UMC 230-grain ball. I have also fired a number of handloads using a 200-grain hard cast SWC and a number of hollow point loads.
The Hero Custom handles like most 38-ounce 1911 handguns. Recoil is modest. There is no pistol faster to an accurate first shot than a Government Model 1911. Draw, get on target, line up the sights, press the trigger and you have a hit. As the pistol recoils, let the trigger reset and fire again after the sights have been re-aligned.
The Kimber trigger and excellent high visibility sights make for high hit probability. I didn’t expect anything else but the sights especially are attractive and useful for speed shooting. Firing off hand at small and large targets at known and unknown ranges is a better test of practical combat accuracy than firing off a bench rest. The Kimber Hero has practical accuracy.
We live in a potentially violent world. I have a railroad track of sutures that confirm this statement. Just the same had I not worn a uniform and badge my life would have been far less exciting. Whatever the catalyst for violence we wish to be able to answer the threat as efficiently as possible.
The Kimber Hero is a good answer and the pistol is handsome while helping a reputable organization as a bonus. The pistol has been proofed and now rides in a Galco Royal Guard inside the waistband holster. The IWB hides the bulk of the long but flat 1911 inside the pants. Only a light covering garment is needed to conceal the handle. A Galco magazine carrier and gun belt make up the combination. The Royal Guard features dual belt loops, a reinforced holstering welt, and excellent stitching. The Hero will ride well in this rig. I like the Kimber Hero on many levels. I think you will as well.
Accuracy testing- from an MTM Caseguard K Zone shooting rest
Cartridge Velocity (fps) Group
Rem. UMC 230 grain FMJ 844 fps 2.2 in.
Rem. 185 grain Golden Saber 990 fps 2.5 in.
Rem. 230 grain Golden Saber 868 fps 2.45 in.
Specifications
Length 8.7 inches
Height 5.25 inches
Weight 38 ounces
Magazine capacity 7 or 8 round magazines
Finish Kim Pro
Width 1. 25 in.
Barrel Length 5.0 inches
Grips Kryptex
Trigger compression 5.2 pounds
Average price $920
