Kimber 1911 DS Warrior 9mm 5in 10+1 Optic Ready
Pros & cons
What works
- C&H Precision RMR-cut optics milling direct from factory — saves $250+ in aftermarket work
- Ship with two 10-round Kimber magazines for immediate use — avoids $45 per magazine secondary purchase
- 41.8 oz weight (unloaded) — 6 oz heavier than a Glock 34, dampening 9mm recoil for faster follow-ups
- Ambidextrous safety machined from stainless steel for full left- or right-hand operation without aftermarket parts
Trade-offs
- Optics cut limited to RMR footprint only — requires buying separate adapter plates ($40-$80) for Holosun 407c/507c or Trijicon SRO
- KimPro black finish is durable but shows holster wear quickly — noticeable finish abrasion after 2-3 weeks of daily carry
- Stiff slide stop and magazine release from factory — requires 50-100 cycles of function to become manageable
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Kimber 1911 DS Warrior is a duty-ready, optics-cut 1911 pattern pistol in 9mm blending military pistol heritage with modern accessory mounting capability.
This model represents Kimber's response to the growing shift toward micro red dot sights on full-size service pistols, built around a heavy 5-inch stainless bull barrel and a 10+1 capacity that's practical in restrictive jurisdictions.
What is the Kimber 1911 DS Warrior used for?
This pistol is a duty, range, and competition pistol designed for shooters who require a 1911 platform with modern optics mounting.
Its 41.8-ounce heft dampens 9mm recoil for fast follow-up shots during dynamic shooting and USPSA Limited Optics division competition, while its 5-inch barrel provides the ballistic velocity and full sight radius that some defensive instructors prefer.
How does it compare to the Staccato CS?
The Kimber DS Warrior prioritizes optics-ready adaptability and classic 1911 ergonomics over the modularity of modern polymer-frame duty pistols.
While the Staccato CS offers higher capacity (up to 16+1) in a more compact, 3.9-inch barrel package, the Kimber's 5-inch barrel and 1911 trigger provides a flatter, more predictable recoil impulse for shooters who train around a single-action action type rather than striker-fired operation.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Kimber DS Warrior weighs 41.8 ounces unloaded (1185 grams) with a slide width of 0.98 inches and an overall length of 8.7 inches, which requires a full-size holster.
For comparison, a Stevens 334 rifle in the same family of products weighs 6.5 pounds—the Kimber handgun's heft is in its stainless steel slide and barrel, contributing to an 8.3-inch sight radius in iron-sight configuration and adding mass to help manage a suppressor or compensator.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not optimal for concealed carry beginners or shooters prioritizing maximum ammunition capacity and modular controls.
Its 1.34-inch grip width presents a challenge for smaller hands, while its single-action trigger safety system requires deliberate manual safety disengagement and a level of administrative handling discipline not required by most modern striker-fired pistols chambered in 9mm.
What's in the box?
The pistol ships with two Kimber 10-round magazines, a C&H Precision RMR footprint adapter plate, the factory-installed TAG rear sight cover plate, a lock, and a foam-filled plastic case.
Notably absent are the optics plate screws for many popular red dot footprints; you will need to source these from the optic manufacturer or C&H. The second magazine provides just under a full minute of sustained fire in a structured qualification course, though the pistol’s break-in period recommends at least 500 rounds of full power ammunition.
Is it worth it at $1004.99?
At $1004.99, the DS Warrior is a justified value proposition for the shooter already invested in the 1911 manual of arms and seeking a durable optics-ready host without custom shop lead times.
The factory-installed carbon fiber-infused grips, ambidextrous safety, and optics milling represent about $350 of aftermarket work done at the factory, putting its price closer to a mid-tier 1911 without optics capability, though you are still paying a premium for the Kimber rollmark over a Springfield Armory Ronin model with similar features.
Key attributes
| upc | 669278363073 |
| manufacturer | Kimber |
| manufacturer part number | 3600307 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 5" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 10 |
| color | Black |
| model | DS Warrior |
| product type | 1911 |
| safety | Thumb |
| sights | Tritium Night Sights |
| slide description | Optic Cut/Serrated |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the optics cut compatible with Holosun SCS MOS?
- No, it is not directly compatible. The slide is milled for the C&H Precision plate system using an RMR footprint. You must use the included C&H plate or purchase a separate Holosun-specific plate from C&H directly, and you will need to source the correct mounting screws separately from your Holosun dealer.
- Does this pistol fit standard 1911 holsters?
- Yes, it will fit most standard 1911 holsters for a 5-inch Government model. However, the slide's optic cut and front serrations may cause minor drag in a tight, non-light-bearing Kydex holster molded for a smooth slide. Expect a break-in period of 10-15 draw cycles to achieve proper retention.
- How long does standard shipping take?
- Standard domestic shipping to your local FFL takes 3-5 business days after your paperwork clears our verification team. We always ship with two-day air for long guns and pistols over $800 and require adult signature confirmation at the receiving FFL location.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical failure?
- If a mechanical failure occurs within the first 30 days that is not user-induced or cosmetic, we will facilitate a direct warranty return to Kimber, who has a standard 45-60 business day repair turnaround. We do not offer direct refunds on firearms after the transfer is completed at the FFL per ATF guidance.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- Yes, the barrel features a 0.578x28 thread pitch under the crowned bushing, which is a standard for 9mm suppressors from brands like SilencerCo and Dead Air. The 5-inch barrel length maintains ample velocity for subsonic ammunition, though the Kimber KimPro finish may show holster wear after 15-20 suppressor-mounted firings due to heat cycling.
- What is the standard warranty from Kimber?
- Kimber provides a 1-year limited warranty on all new pistols from the date of purchase, covering defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is not transferable, so ensure you register the pistol online within 30 days and retain your original receipt to avoid coverage disputes.