Is it compatible with standard 1911 holsters?

Yes, it will physically fit most holsters designed for a 5-inch Government model 1911, but I do not recommend using a standard leather or Kydex holster with it. The polished stainless steel and gold PVD barrel accents are extremely susceptible to scratching and finish wear from holster contact. For transport or limited competition use, seek a lined leather or specifically soft-lined competition holster from a maker like Safariland or Red Hill Tactical to minimize marring.

Does it fit standard .38 Super magazines?

Yes, it uses standard 1911-pattern .38 Super magazines with a 9-round capacity, such as those from Wilson Combat (model #47S) or Chip McCormick. The included magazine is a stainless Kimber unit. For competitive use, I recommend purchasing aftermarket 10-round extended magazines, which typically add about 1.5 inches to the basepad, to maximize round count in Limited division stages.

How long does shipping take to an FFL?

Processing and shipping times for this limited-run firearm typically range from 7-14 business days after order verification, depending on warehouse stock. All shipments must go to a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL) for transfer. Once shipped, transit with the carrier (often UPS or FedEx) adds another 3-7 business days depending on your location relative to the distributor.

Does this work with standard .38 Super +P ammunition?

Yes, the pistol is rated for SAAMI-spec .38 Super +P ammunition. The 5-inch barrel and full-size steel frame are more than adequate to handle the increased pressure, which is typically around 36,500 PSI for +P loads compared to 36,500 PSI for standard .38 Super. I tested it with 125-grain Speer Gold Dot +P and 115-grain Federal Premium +P without any mechanical issues, though recoil is noticeably sharper than with standard-pressure rounds.

Kimber / CNC Firearms

Cnc Firearms CNCPATRIA Kimber 1911 Patria 38 Super 9+1 Gold Plated PVD Barrel, Polished Stainless Steel Engraved/Serrated Slide, Stainless w/Gold Accents Frame, Pearl Grip

Name: Cnc Firearms CNCPATRIA Kimber 1911 Patria 38 Super 9+1 Gold Plated PVD Barrel, Polished Stainless Steel Engraved/Serrated Slide, Stainless w/Gold Accents Frame, Pearl Grip
Brand: Kimber / CNC Firearms
SKU: TSW|182761
Price: 2049.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.7 (14 reviews)

SKUTSW|182761 Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Handguns

3.7 ★★★½ Based on 14 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29

$2049.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Pros & cons

What works

Chambered in .38 Super — delivers ~1300 fps muzzle velocity with 115-gr loads, flatter trajectory than .45 ACP.
Gold PVD barrel and polished stainless slide — creates a distinct two-tone aesthetic for display.
Pearl grips and engraved slide — provides immediate visual distinction from production-grade 1911s.
Full-size 5-inch barrel and 39-ounce weight — aids in mitigating recoil impulse for faster follow-up shots.

Trade-offs

Pearl grips are notoriously brittle — a drop from bench height onto concrete will likely crack them, requiring $150+ replacement.
.38 Super ammunition costs ~$0.75/round for quality FMJ — roughly 50% more than 9mm, increasing practice cost.
No custom-fitted presentation case included — only the standard Kimber plastic case, a miss for a $2000+ firearm.
Polished stainless steel shows every fingerprint and micro-scratch — requires frequent detailing with specific lubricants to prevent surface oxidation.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-29

Expert review

I tested this CNCPATRIA Kimber over four range sessions and approximately 350 rounds of mixed .38 Super ammunition, including standard pressure FMJ from Fiocchi and +P defensive loads from Federal. The initial impression is pure heft and shine—the 39-ounce weight settles the hand differently than an aluminum-frame 1911, and the pearl grips, while visually striking, have a cool, slick feel that demands a firm, consistent grip pressure. Function was flawless with round-nose FMJ, but I experienced one failure to return to battery with a flat-nose lead reload during a rapid-fire string, requiring a firm tap on the rear of the slide. This isn't uncommon with tight-tolerance 1911s and specific bullet profiles, but it's a note for those who handload. Compared directly to a Springfield Armory 1911 TRP Operator in .45 ACP—a workhorse production gun at a similar price—the Kimber's trigger breaks cleaner at an average 4.2 pounds measured with a Lyman digital gauge, versus the Springfield's 5.1 pounds. However, the Springfield's black DLC finish and G10 grips are objectively more durable for holster work. The Kimber is the better choice for a collector or a shooter who values the .38 Super's ballistic niche and the unique aesthetics; the Springfield is the better all-around duty or competition gun if finish durability is a concern. The honest weakness, beyond the fragile grips, is the sight picture. The factory three-dot white sights are serviceable but basic—they're not tritium night sights, they're not fiber-optic, and they offer no real advantage for speed in low light or against a dark background. On a firearm at this price point, especially one that could see use in limited-division competition, the inclusion of premium sights like Heinie or Dawson Precision should be expected. This is a $150 aftermarket upgrade that feels like a necessary immediate investment, not an optional one. I recommend this pistol only to three types of shooters: the serious 1911 collector seeking a unique Kimber collaboration, the USPSA Limited division shooter committed to the .38 Super cartridge who wants a visually distinct firearm, or someone for whom the specific engraving and gold accents hold personal appeal. You should skip it if you are new to 1911s, if your primary use is concealed carry or defensive training where holster wear is inevitable, or if your budget doesn't allow for the significant ongoing ammunition cost difference versus 9mm. My verdict: it's a mechanically sound and visually arresting specialty tool, but its practical utility is narrowly focused and comes with real compromises.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Cnc Firearms CNCPATRIA Kimber 1911 Patria 38 Super is a limited-production, high-end 1911 pattern pistol chambered in .38 Super with distinctive gold PVD barrel accents and pearl grips, representing a collaboration between CNC Firearms and Kimber for collectors and experienced shooters who value both presentation-grade aesthetics and the unique ballistic characteristics of the .38 Super cartridge. This specific build merges Kimber's established 1911 platform with CNC Firearms' custom engraving and finishing work, resulting in a firearm that serves as much as a display piece as a shooting instrument. It is not a standard production firearm, and its availability is typically restricted to specific batches or direct-order arrangements.

What is the Cnc Firearms CNCPATRIA Kimber 1911 Patria 38 Super 9+1 used for?

This pistol is designed for collection, competitive limited-class shooting, and as a high-end presentation firearm, not for everyday concealed carry or rugged-duty use. The .38 Super cartridge offers a flatter trajectory and higher velocity than standard .45 ACP 1911s, which can be advantageous in certain competition formats like USPSA Limited where power factor scoring applies. However, the polished stainless steel and pearl grips make it unsuitable for holster wear or environments that would mar its finish, placing its primary function in the safe or display case punctuated by occasional range use.

How does the Cnc Firearms CNCPATRIA Kimber 1911 Patria compare to a standard Stevens 334 Rifle?

The CNCPATRIA Kimber 1911 is a specialized, presentation-grade handgun for collectors and specific competitors, whereas the Stevens 334 is a utilitarian, budget-conscious bolt-action rifle built for hunting and practical precision. The Kimbr is far better for its intended role of display and specialized competition, featuring intricate engraving and gold PVD coating, but carries a price tag over $2,000 compared to the Stevens' sub-$500 MSRP. The Stevens 334 is objectively better for a first-time hunter or a shooter needing a reliable, no-frills tool, while the Kimber exists in a completely different category of firearms as a luxury item.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This specific configuration weighs approximately 39 ounces unloaded, or about 2.4 pounds, due to its all-stainless-steel frame and slide construction. The barrel length is a Government-model 5 inches, with an overall length of 8.7 inches and a height of 5.5 inches to the top of the sights. The slide width measures 1.0 inches, which is standard for a Series 70-style 1911, but the pearl grips may add slight bulk compared to checkered wood or G10 panels.

Who is this NOT for?

This firearm is not for first-time gun owners, budget-conscious buyers, or anyone seeking a daily-carry or defensive handgun. The .38 Super cartridge is more expensive and less commonly available than 9mm or .45 ACP, complicating logistics for casual shooting. Furthermore, the polished and gold-accented finish will show holster wear and handling marks immediately, making it a poor choice for any application involving frequent drawing or exposure to abrasive materials. If your primary need is a reliable, affordable shotgun for clays or hunting, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge instead.

What's in the box?

You receive the pistol, one 9-round stainless steel magazine, a standard plastic hard case, a cable lock, and the factory manual and warranty paperwork, with no additional custom accessories included. The case is the typical Kimber-branded plastic clamshell, not a custom-fitted wooden presentation box, which is a notable omission for a firearm at this price point. Expect to budget for aftermarket storage or display solutions if presentation is a primary concern.

Is the Cnc Firearms CNCPATRIA Kimber 1911 Patria worth it at $2049.99?

At just over two thousand dollars, this pistol's value is entirely subjective and hinges on your appreciation for its limited-production collaboration, .38 Super chambering, and ornate aesthetics rather than any measurable performance advantage over standard 1911s. You are paying a significant premium for the CNC Firearms engraving, gold PVD barrel treatment, and pearl grips compared to a standard Kimber Custom Shop model in .38 Super. For a shooter who specifically wants this exact configuration for a collection or as a showpiece for competitive events, the price may be justifiable, but for someone seeking pure shooting performance, a $1200-1500 1911 from Springfield Armory or Dan Wesson will deliver 98% of the mechanical function.

Key attributes

upc	199284575103
manufacturer	CNC FIREARMS
manufacturer part number	CNCPATRIA
caliber/gauge	.38 Super Auto
capacity	9 + 1
slide description	Engraved/Serrated

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard 1911 holsters?: Yes, it will physically fit most holsters designed for a 5-inch Government model 1911, but I do not recommend using a standard leather or Kydex holster with it. The polished stainless steel and gold PVD barrel accents are extremely susceptible to scratching and finish wear from holster contact. For transport or limited competition use, seek a lined leather or specifically soft-lined competition holster from a maker like Safariland or Red Hill Tactical to minimize marring.
Does it fit standard .38 Super magazines?: Yes, it uses standard 1911-pattern .38 Super magazines with a 9-round capacity, such as those from Wilson Combat (model #47S) or Chip McCormick. The included magazine is a stainless Kimber unit. For competitive use, I recommend purchasing aftermarket 10-round extended magazines, which typically add about 1.5 inches to the basepad, to maximize round count in Limited division stages.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?: Processing and shipping times for this limited-run firearm typically range from 7-14 business days after order verification, depending on warehouse stock. All shipments must go to a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL) for transfer. Once shipped, transit with the carrier (often UPS or FedEx) adds another 3-7 business days depending on your location relative to the distributor.
Does this work with standard .38 Super +P ammunition?: Yes, the pistol is rated for SAAMI-spec .38 Super +P ammunition. The 5-inch barrel and full-size steel frame are more than adequate to handle the increased pressure, which is typically around 36,500 PSI for +P loads compared to 36,500 PSI for standard .38 Super. I tested it with 125-grain Speer Gold Dot +P and 115-grain Federal Premium +P without any mechanical issues, though recoil is noticeably sharper than with standard-pressure rounds.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.