Kimber Ultra Covert II .45 ACP 3-inch 7+1
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 25 ounces – 35% lighter than steel-framed 1911 counterparts
- Tritium sights provide 12-year glow life for low-light readiness
- 4-5 pound match trigger outperforms most factory 1911 triggers by 1-2 pounds
- 6.8-inch length conceals easier than 8.7-inch full-size 1911s
Trade-offs
- 7-round capacity limits tactical advantage against modern 12+ round pistols
- Aluminum frame shows wear faster than steel after 5,000+ rounds
- No included holster adds $60-120 to true carry-ready cost
- 3-inch barrel reduces velocity by approximately 75 fps versus 5-inch models
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Kimber Ultra Covert II .45 ACP is a compact 1911-style pistol engineered for discreet carry, featuring a 3-inch barrel, 7+1 capacity, and aluminum frame weighing 25 ounces. This single-action semi-automatic combines Kimber's precision machining with practical everyday carry dimensions. Its Dark Earth KimPro II finish and Tritium night sights make it suitable for both concealed carry and low-light defense scenarios.
What is the Kimber Ultra Covert II used for?
This pistol is designed primarily for concealed carry and personal defense, with its 3-inch barrel maintaining .45 ACP terminal ballistics in a compact package. The 25-ounce weight balances controllability with all-day carry comfort, while Tritium sights provide immediate target acquisition in low-light conditions. Full-size 1911 muscle in a subcompact frame makes it ideal for urban environments where discretion matters.
How does the Kimber Ultra Covert II compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Kimber specializes in concealed handgun defense while the Stevens 334 serves as a precision rifle platform chambered for .308 Win or .243 Win. The Kimber's 6.8-inch overall length contrasts sharply with the Stevens' 20-inch barrel alone, making the pistol 73% shorter for carry purposes. For home defense within 25 yards, the Kimber offers rapid deployment; beyond 100 yards, the Stevens 334 Rifle dominates with superior accuracy.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The pistol weighs 25 ounces empty and measures 6.8 inches long with a 3-inch carbon steel barrel. Height with magazine inserted is 4.7 inches, while width across the grips measures 1.28 inches. These dimensions allow comfortable inside-waistband carry while maintaining a full-power .45 ACP chambering that rivals larger service pistols.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol isn't suitable for beginners seeking their first firearm or shooters prioritizing maximum capacity. The 7+1 capacity falls short against modern polymer pistols holding 12-15 rounds, and the 4-5 pound single-action trigger requires disciplined finger discipline. Those needing high-volume practice should consider the Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun for more affordable training.
What's in the box?
Kimber includes one 7-round magazine and the pistol with installed Tritium night sights. Documentation includes owner's manual and warranty information, but notably excludes a holster or cleaning kit. The aluminum match-grade trigger comes preset to 4-5 pounds pull weight from the factory.
Is the Kimber Ultra Covert II worth it at $1767.99?
At this price point, the Kimber justifies its cost through precision machining and premium materials not found in sub-$800 pistols. The KimPro II finish provides corrosion resistance exceeding standard bluing, while the hand-fitted slide-to-frame match rivals custom shop pieces. For shooters valuing American manufacturing and 1911 ergonomics, this represents fair value; budget-conscious buyers should consider polymer alternatives.
Key attributes
| upc | 669278321677 |
| manufacturer | Kimber |
| manufacturer part number | 3200167CA |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 7 + 1 |
| number of magazines | 1 7 rd. |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| shipping weight | 3.35 |
| sights | Tactical Wedge Tritium NS |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| slide description | Serrated |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 holsters?
- The 3-inch Officer-sized frame requires holsters specifically designed for compact 1911s, not full-sized Government models. Most Kydex manufacturers like Alien Gear offer dedicated molds for Kimber Ultra models. Standard 5-inch 1911 holsters will not secure properly due to the 2-inch length difference.
- Does it fit .45 ACP +P ammunition?
- Kimber rates this pistol for limited +P use but recommends standard pressure ammunition for longevity. The carbon steel barrel can handle occasional +P rounds, but sustained use may accelerate wear on the aluminum frame. Federal HST 230 grain represents the ideal balance of performance and pressure for this platform.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL transfers within 3 business days after payment verification. Shipping typically adds 2-5 business days via FedEx or UPS to your selected FFL holder. Delays may occur during peak seasons or regulatory review periods requiring additional documentation.
- Does this work with suppressor-height sights?
- The factory Tactical Wedge Tritium sights clear most compact suppressors but may require replacement for larger cans. Dawson Precision offers co-witness sets specifically for suppressed Kimber Ultra models. The 1/16-inch dovetail cut matches standard 1911 sight footprints for easy upgrading.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. Ironclad Armory recommends handling similar models at local ranges before purchase. The grip circumference measures 5.2 inches – comparable to most compact 1911s but slimmer than double-stack pistols.
- What's the thread pitch for barrel accessories?
- The factory barrel is not threaded, requiring aftermarket modification for muzzle devices. Kimber offers custom threading services for $225 with a 6-8 week turnaround. Common thread patterns for .45 ACP include .578x28 or .578x36 depending on suppressor compatibility.