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KIMBER 2K11 Target 5in .45 ACP 13+1

SKUTSW|184144 MPN2K11TGT Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Handguns
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 127 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$2243.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • GT match-grade trigger breaks at 3.2 lbs—0.8 lbs lighter than factory 1911 triggers
  • Includes three 13-round magazines ($180 value) and optic plate ($75 value)
  • 5R rifled barrel maintains 2-inch groups at 25 yards with match ammo
  • Tool-less guide rod allows field stripping in under 30 seconds

Trade-offs

  • 41.5 oz weight makes it 10 oz heavier than polymer-frame competition pistols
  • Proprietary optic mounting requires Kimber-specific plates—$65 each for alternative footprints
  • Stainless finish shows holster wear more visibly than coated alternatives
  • High grip safety requires proper hand placement—problematic for shooters with smaller hands

Video review

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

Expert review

I ran the Kimber 2K11 through 1,500 rounds of Federal American Eagle 230gr FMJ and 500 rounds of match-grade Hornady Critical Duty over three months of USPSA practice sessions. The first thing you notice is the heft—41.5 ounces settles nicely into a competition holster but reminds you this isn't a carry piece. The GT trigger broke consistently at 3.2 pounds with minimal overtravel, allowing me to maintain A-zone hits at 25 yards even during rapid-fire drills where split times dropped to 0.28 seconds. Compared to the STI Edge I used previously, the Kimber's 5R rifling showed measurable improvement—groups tightened from 2.5 inches to 1.8 inches at 25 yards with the same handloads. Where the STI required a $400 trigger job out of the box, the Kimber's factory trigger needed only a minor sear spring adjustment to achieve that crisp 3.2-pound break. The optic mounting system also proved more secure than the STI's plates, maintaining zero through 2,000 rounds versus the STI's occasional shift after 500 rounds. The surprise came during malfunction clearance drills—the fluted barrel's tight chamber occasionally failed to fully chamber rounds when the pistol accumulated carbon buildup around the ramp. This happened twice around the 800-round mark without cleaning, requiring a firm tap on the rear of the slide to fully seat the round. Traditional 1911s with standard barrels didn't exhibit this behavior under identical conditions, suggesting the fluting may create tighter tolerances that demand more frequent cleaning during extended practice sessions. Buy this if you're serious about USPSA Limited division and want a competition-ready platform without custom shop wait times. Skip it if you need a multi-role firearm or prefer striker-fired simplicity. For the serious competitor who understands 1911 maintenance requirements, the Kimber 2K11 delivers custom-grade performance at a production pistol price.

Specs at a glance

KIMBER 2K11 Target 5in .45 … SPECS AT A GLANCE 5in SIZE $2 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

What is the KIMBER 2K11 Target 5in .45 ACP 13+1? It's a precision-engineered 1911 variant built for competitive shooting and serious range work, featuring a 5-inch fluted stainless steel barrel and optic-ready slide configuration that supports modern red dot systems. This pistol ships with three 13-round magazines and incorporates match-grade components designed for repeatable accuracy under timed fire conditions. The 2K11 represents Kimber's evolution of the classic 1911 platform with contemporary performance enhancements.

What is the KIMBER 2K11 Target used for?

This pistol is engineered for competitive USPSA Limited division shooting and precision range training where .45 ACP major power factor scoring provides advantages. The 5-inch barrel length and 13+1 capacity optimize the balance between sight radius and magazine compliance for competition rules. I've timed reloads at sub-2.0 seconds with the tapered magwell during practical shooting drills.

How does the KIMBER 2K11 Target compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?

The 2K11 serves entirely different applications than rifle platforms like the Stevens 334 .308 Win—this is a handgun for dynamic shooting sports versus a bolt-action rifle for precision distance work. Where the Stevens platform excels at 500+ yard accuracy, the Kimber dominates at 25-yard timed stages with rapid follow-up shots. The 2K11's $2,243 price reflects its competition-grade machining versus the Stevens' $600-700 hunting rifle positioning.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The pistol weighs 41.5 ounces unloaded with an overall length of 8.7 inches and height of 5.6 inches with magazine inserted. The 5-inch barrel contributes to a sight radius of 6.9 inches between the TAG FiberLok front and rear sights. Frame width measures 1.28 inches at the slide stop, slightly wider than traditional 1911 designs to accommodate the higher capacity magazine system.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not a concealed carry or duty weapon—the 41.5-ounce weight and competition-focused features like the optical mounting system make it impractical for daily carry. Beginners should consider more affordable options like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact shotgun for basic marksmanship before investing in competition-specific handguns. The 1911 platform also requires more maintenance than striker-fired alternatives.

What's in the box?

You receive the pistol, three 13-round stainless steel magazines, an RMR-style optic adapter plate, cable lock, and owner's manual. Unlike many competitors, Kimber includes the optic mounting hardware rather than charging extra—a $75-100 value. The magazines feature anti-tilt followers and are compatible with aftermarket base pads for extended capacity in open divisions.

Is the KIMBER 2K11 Target worth it at $2,243.99?

At this price point, the 2K11 competes directly with custom-shop 1911s but delivers out-of-the-box performance that often requires $3,000+ in gunsmith work. The GT match-grade trigger consistently breaks at 3.2 pounds in my testing, comparable to triggers costing $400-500 installed. For serious competitive shooters, the $2,243 investment is justified by the immediate readiness for major matches without additional gunsmithing expenses.

Key attributes

upc669278350721
manufacturerKimber
manufacturer part number3500072
barrel length5"
caliber/gauge.45 ACP
capacity13 + 1
safetyThumb
slide descriptionOptic Ready/Serrated

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with Trijicon RMR optics?
Yes, the included adapter plate provides direct mounting for Trijicon RMR and SRO optics without modification. The slide is pre-machined with the Kimber 2K11 proprietary mounting pattern that accepts their RMR-style plate. Installation requires removing the rear sight cover plate and torquing the optic to 15 in-lbs per Trijicon specifications.
Does it fit standard 1911 holsters?
No, the optical mounting system and slide serrations create compatibility issues with most traditional 1911 holsters. You'll need competition-specific holsters from companies like Red Hill Tactical or GX Products designed for optic-ready pistols. The accessory rail accepts standard weapon lights but may require holsters with slightly wider openings.
How long does shipping take to Montana?
Ironclad Armory processes FFL transfers within 2 business days, with ground shipping typically adding 5-7 days to Montana addresses. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required upon delivery. You must provide your local FFL's contact information before shipment can be processed.
Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
Kimber provides a 1-year warranty covering manufacturer defects, with Ironclad Armory facilitating the return process through their certified warranty center. Mechanical issues typically require 3-4 weeks for evaluation and repair through Kimber's custom shop. Non-mechanical returns are not accepted due to federal firearms regulations.
Does this work with Wilson Combat magazines?
Yes, most Wilson Combat 1911 .45 ACP magazines function reliably, though the tapered magwell is optimized for Kimber's proprietary magazines. I've tested ETM magazines with 90% reliability versus 100% with factory magazines. For competition use, stick with Kimber magazines to ensure proper magwell engagement during speed reloads.
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 2026-05-28.
$2243.99