The Commander length 1911 is the favorite variant of many 1911 fans. The Commander retains the same grip length as the full size Government model, but features a slide that is three-quarters of an inch shorter. For many, the shorter slide makes the commander more appealing as a concealed carry pistol that then full size gun.
Kimber’s version of the popular Commander features a four inch bull barrel rather than a four and one quarter inch barrel with a barrel bushing (like the Government model). This is not a bad thing, just different than the classic Colt.
The Kimber Pro Carry is available in two different frame materials, steel or aluminum. The steel models weigh approximately 35 ounces, very close to the full size Government model. This weight makes for a pistol that is easy to shoot, keeping recoil to a manageable level for most shooters.
The aluminum framed version weighs in at 28 ounces, almost half a pound lighter than its steel relative. The lighter weight makes this version very popular for concealed carry as well. While it is easier to carry, the many shooters remark that the penalty comes on the range when they pull the trigger – the aluminum gun recoils more than the steel gun. I do not feel the aluminum gun is difficult to shoot – using proper grip and stance the gun is very controllable.
The Kimber Pro Carry is known for its quality and reliability. All Kimber pistols feature a match grade barrel, chamber and trigger. Pro Carry bull barrels are fitted directly to the slide, keeping maximum weight forward to reduce recoil and speed sight recovery time between shots. To ensure dependability, aluminum frames are machined on the same computer-driven machines and to the same tolerances as Kimber steel frames. The frames are machined from solid bricks of 7075-T7 aluminum have been tested by the factory to over 20,000 rounds without meaningful wear.
These appealing features make selecting a holster for the Kimber Pro Carry series relatively easy. Almost all (if not all) holster manufacturers make a holster for the 1911 style pistols. This means the selection of styles, colors, materials, and quality range is tremendous. A user can select anything from a basic nylon holster designed for a “medium frame automatic”, to a custom made leather holster by one of the world famous holster makers that carries a hefty price tag as well as a wait that could be as long as two years or more. The choices are limitless.
The two most popular ways to carry the Kimber Pro Carry are in a belt holster of some kind or in an inside the waistband (IWB) model. Belt holster vary in style- leather open top models, leather belt models with a thumb break, leather paddle holsters, kydex belt holster, kydex paddle holster – all are a great choice for carrying the Pro Carry concealed. Many people may own more than one holster for their Pro Carry also. For example, if you live in a warm climate, a kydex holster may be a great choice for summer carry, while a leather holster may be the preferred choice in the cooler months.
I find the steel versions of the Pro Carry (or any Commander) to be just as easy to carry and conceal as the aluminum variant. Carrying a heavy gun for a long period of time requires a good holster, as well as a good sturdy belt. This foundation provides support for the added weight and makes the gun easy to carry for longer periods of time. My favorite way to carry a steel frame 1911 is in a good IWB holster with a good sturdy belt. My body and the belt provide a good foundation to support the gun and after a while, I do not even notice the pistol.
There are many great holster choices from a variety of very good holster manufacturers. Finding a Kimber Ultra Carry holster will not be difficult, it will just take some experimentation to find which holster or holsters will work for you.
[phpbay]Kimber Pro Carry, 20, 177885, “”[/phpbay]