In a world getting filled with compact pistols for concealed carry, there’s a growing competition that’s likely not ending anytime soon. Kimber added the Micro 9 line to their products and they’ve been flying off the shelves.
The Kimber Micro 9 CDP is specifically designed for concealed carry. Let’s take a look at some specs before we continue.
Specifications
- Height (inches) 90° to barrel: 4.07
- Weight (ounces) with empty magazine: 15.6
- Length (inches): 6.1
- Magazine capacity: 6
- Recoil spring (pounds): 16.0
- Full-length guide rod
Frame
- Material: Aluminum
- Finish: KimPro II, Charcoal gray
- Width (inches): 1.06
- 30-lines per-inch front strap checkering
Slide
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Finish: Satin Silver
- Carry Melt treatment
Barrel
- Length (inches): 3.15
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Twist rate (left hand): 16
- Ramped
Sights
- Fixed low-profile 3-dot tritium night sights
- Radius (inches): 4.3
Grips
- Rosewood, checkered.
Trigger
- Solid Aluminum, match grade
- Factory setting (approximate pounds): 7.0
Let’s first talk about concealed carry, since this is Concealed Nation. This firearm features a snag-free design so that you’re not getting hung up on your clothes. Kimber calls it “Carry Melt Treatment” that rounds the edges for a pretty flawless and smooth design.
For the size and capacity (and caliber), this isn’t just a backup pistol. It’s an EDC (Every Day Carry) that stands up against the competition. Sure it’d make a great backup as well and is small enough for that purpose, but make no mistake that this pistol is carried daily by many. As their main EDC. More on capacity later.
In the photo above, take a look at the frame and slide. The frame is made from aluminum and the finish comes from Kimber and is Charcoal Grey. It. Is. Beautiful. Moving onto the slide, it’s made from stainless steel with a Satin Silver finish. This is where the Carry Melt Treatment comes into play, and you can see just how rounded, smooth and elegant it is. It would seem that no corners were cut (but they were… no pun intended) when they were designing and developing this pistol.
Let’s talk sights. I’m a big fan of night sights on a carry firearm, and the Micro 9 CDP offers just that. They are tritium night sights and work wonderfully when the lights go out. And of course, you can change the sights if you prefer something else. They offer a low-profile design, and are also made to be snag-free. That’s good for an unfortunate time when you need to draw your pistol in a hurry.
The grips on the firearm feature a 1911 style and are super comfortable. The texture clings nicely onto your hand and doesn’t offer any type of discomfort, even when shooting. Made of rosewood, they make this firearm extra beautiful and elegant.
The checkered pattern looks absolutely stunning, and is a refreshing look that you don’t see too often. It’s really a sight to see in person, because it’s that good.
The solid aluminum trigger is match-grade, and holds steady at 7 lbs trigger pull. As this is a 1911-style pistol, you’re looking at that style of trigger. Having never owned a 1911 myself, it was my first time with any extended use with this type of trigger. It never really appealed to me but after using this one, I’ve been sold as a life-long fan. It’s super smooth and has a nice, crisp break. The 7 lbs feels about right, although I don’t have a gauge to accurately measure. It’s on my todo list.
One of the features that many people are enjoying is the ambidextrous thumb safety. It’s comfortable and offers the same rounded edges all over, so you’re less likely to have it get caught on any clothing.
If you’re use to full-size 1911’s, you’ll quickly notice that this smaller package has things in different places. By that, I mean if your thumb usually works the thumb safety (because, you know… it’s in the name), you will probably find that your thumb won’t be pushing this one down. When I do it, the safety lands between my thumb and palm. It still works, but it may take a little getting used to.
Same goes for the trigger. While I find it to be a perfect distance away to reach that finger in, it may come up too quickly for some. I’m 5’8″ and my hands are pretty normal in size, so you can use that for some measure.
A little further down the picture above is the 1911 beavertail. This one is particularly perfect for me, because I don’t like the tails that are extremely extended. This one comes out just past my hand, and it’s contour is excellent.
For many, the capacity of these compacts is a deal-breaker, and it should come as no surprise that this pistol doesn’t hold 10 rounds. It comes in at 6, which is what you can expect from a pistol of this size. If you’re looking for more capacity, you’ll have to step down to a .22 caliber, because there aren’t any future plans to make the 9mm round any smaller.
Solution? Carry extra magazines. With this particular pistol, they give you a total of 3. That’s generous, since it seems that many manufacturers only throw in one or two.
Let’s talk recoil, since it’s usually on everyone’s mind when they’re shown a compact pistol that’s higher than a .380 in caliber. While this pistol does have some kick due to its smaller size and short barrel, it’s not uncomfortable or ‘too much’ by any stretch of the imagination. It’s completely manageable, and you shouldn’t have any trouble taking it to the range and throwing a good amount of lead in the other direction.
Overall, this is a solid concealed carry offering from Kimber. In the Micro 9 line, there are a few more to choose from if you’re looking for different styles and features. Be sure to check them all out by clicking this link.
This beauty MSRP’s for $924 and after using it, it’s worth the price. A friend of mine owns many Kimber pistols, and he made me a fan a few years ago. They’re worth every penny and do not disappoint.
If you’re the proud owner of this pistol, let others know what you think in the comments section below. Share your knowledge, and help others on their journey to new ownership.
