Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II .45 ACP 3-inch 7+1
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II is a compact 1911-format pistol chambered in .45 ACP, built for concealed carry with a 3-inch barrel and 7+1 capacity. It combines aluminum frame weight reduction with stainless steel slide durability in a package that maintains traditional 1911 controls. As someone who's carried everything from full-size service pistols to micro-compacts, I appreciate how this pistol bridges the gap between shootability and concealment.
What is the Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II used for?
This pistol is built for daily concealed carry where .45 ACP stopping power is preferred over higher capacity options. The 3-inch barrel and shortened grip profile reduce printing under clothing while maintaining enough real estate for a solid firing grip. At 25 ounces unloaded, it's lighter than all-steel alternatives like the Springfield Armory EMP 4" but heavier than polymer-frame micro-nines.
How does the Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II compare to the Sig Sauer P365 XL?
The Kimber trades capacity for cartridge power, offering 7+1 rounds of .45 ACP versus the P365 XL's 12+1 9mm configuration. While the Sig Sauer platform provides nearly double the ammunition capacity in a similar footprint, the Kimber delivers larger diameter projectiles with historically proven terminal ballistics. For shooters who prioritize shot placement over round count, the Ultra Carry II's single-action trigger provides a crisp 4.5-pound break that's superior to the P365 XL's striker-fired mechanism.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The pistol weighs 25 ounces empty with an overall length of 6.8 inches and height of 4.75 inches. The 3-inch barrel provides sufficient velocity for reliable expansion with quality defensive ammunition while keeping the slide width at a slim 1.28 inches. These dimensions make it approximately 0.3 inches shorter in both length and height compared to our Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle, though obviously serving entirely different purposes.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol isn't suitable for beginners or those unwilling to invest in quality holsters and training. The 1911 platform requires understanding of manual thumb safeties and grip safeties, plus the .45 ACP cartridge generates substantial recoil in a 25-ounce package. Shooters with smaller hands may struggle with the grip circumference, and those seeking maximum capacity should look toward modern striker-fired options.
What's in the box?
Kimber includes one 7-round stainless steel magazine, a cable lock, and basic documentation. Unlike some competitors, they don't include additional baseplates or carrying cases, which keeps the package price competitive but means you'll likely spend another $40-60 on a proper holster immediately. The magazine features a polymer baseplate that's slimmer than metal alternatives but may require replacement if dropped repeatedly on hard surfaces.
Is the Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II worth it at $1105.99?
At this price point, you're paying for American manufacturing and premium materials rather than maximum features. The aluminum/stainless construction provides better heat dissipation and longevity than all-aluminum or polymer alternatives, and the match-grade trigger is genuinely excellent out of the box. For shooters who specifically want a compact 1911 in .45 ACP, this represents solid value compared to custom builds that start around $2000.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 25 oz unloaded weight — 5 oz lighter than all-steel 1911 compacts
- 4.5 lb match trigger — 1.5 lb lighter than most factory 1911 pulls
- Stainless slide — provides corrosion resistance superior to blued finishes
Trade-offs
- Single magazine included — additional 7-round mags cost $45 each
- Aluminum frame wear — requires regular lubrication to prevent galling
- No optics cut — milling costs $200-300 plus refinishing
Key attributes
| upc | 669278320625 |
| manufacturer | Kimber |
| manufacturer part number | 3200062CA |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 7 + 1 |
| number of magazines | 1 7 rd. |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| shipping weight | 3.3 |
| sights | Fixed Low Profile |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| slide description | Serrated |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 holsters?
- Yes, it fits most compact 1911 holsters designed for 3-inch barrels, but the shortened dust cover may require specific models. I recommend checking with Kramer Leather or Galco for confirmed compatibility before purchasing.
- Does it fit suppressor-height sights?
- No, the fixed low-profile sights are not suppressor-ready. Adding suppressor-height sights requires milling the slide, which typically costs $150-250 and voids Kimber's warranty if not performed by their custom shop.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Standard shipping takes 5-7 business days to most Montana addresses via FedEx Ground. FFL transfer processing adds 1-2 additional days depending on your local dealer's workload.
- Can I use .45 Super ammunition in this pistol?
- No, the aluminum frame and compact slide aren't rated for .45 Super pressures. Stick with standard pressure .45 ACP loads or +P ammunition in moderation to avoid premature wear on the frame rails.