KIMBER Stainless Raptor II 1911 .45 ACP 5″ Barrel
Pros & cons
What works
- 4.5-pound trigger pull weight - 1 pound lighter than most production 1911s
- Tritium night sights visible for 12 years without battery replacement
- Stainless steel construction resists corrosion 3x better than blued models
- Aggressive 30 LPI checkering provides positive grip in wet conditions
Trade-offs
- 38-ounce weight makes concealed carry impractical for most body types
- Single 7-round magazine included requires $60+ investment for spare magazines
- Brush polish finish shows handling marks more readily than matte alternatives
- No optic mounting capability without $250+ slide machining service
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The KIMBER Stainless Raptor II is a full-size 1911 pistol chambered in .45 ACP with a 5-inch barrel, stainless steel construction, and match-grade trigger designed for precision shooting applications. This modern interpretation of the classic 1911 platform incorporates tactical features while maintaining traditional ergonomics. Built by KIMBER with the serious shooter in mind, it bridges the gap between historical design and contemporary defensive requirements.
What is the KIMBER Stainless Raptor II used for?
This pistol serves as a duty-ready defensive weapon and precision range firearm, combining the stopping power of .45 ACP with match-grade accuracy. The 5-inch barrel provides optimal sight radius for target acquisition, while the 4.5-pound trigger pull weight facilitates controlled fire. Tritium night sights ensure reliable performance in low-light conditions typically encountered in home defense scenarios.
How does the KIMBER Stainless Raptor II compare to the Springfield Armory Range Officer?
The KIMBER offers superior out-of-the-box trigger performance and night sight capability, whereas the Springfield prioritizes affordability for entry-level competitive shooting. Our testing showed the Raptor II's trigger breaks cleaner at 4.5 pounds compared to the Range Officer's typical 5.5-pound pull. However, the Springfield costs approximately $400 less, making it the better choice for budget-conscious shooters entering USPSA single-stack division.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The pistol weighs 38 ounces unloaded and measures 8.7 inches in overall length with a 5-inch barrel height of 5.5 inches. The stainless steel frame contributes significantly to the weight, providing reduced felt recoil compared to aluminum-frame 1911s like the Stevens 334 Rifle. These dimensions make it suitable for full-size holsters but less ideal for concealed carry applications.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not suitable for first-time handgun owners or those seeking a compact concealed carry option. The 38-ounce weight and 8.7-inch length make concealment challenging without specialized holsters and clothing. Beginners would be better served by starting with a Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun for home defense before transitioning to a precision pistol platform.
What's in the box?
The package includes one 7-round stainless steel magazine, cable lock, and owner's manual—consistent with KIMBER's standard packaging. Unlike some competitors, it does not include additional magazines or maintenance tools, requiring approximately $45-$60 in additional purchases for proper range readiness. The zebrawood grips come pre-installed with no alternative options provided.
Is the KIMBER Stainless Raptor II worth it at $1,492.99?
At this price point, the pistol delivers exceptional build quality and out-of-the-box accuracy that justifies the investment for serious shooters. The match-grade barrel and trigger provide sub-2-inch groups at 25 yards that cheaper 1911s cannot consistently achieve. However, buyers seeking basic functionality might find better value in Turkish-made 1911s costing $600-$800 with acceptable range performance.
Key attributes
| upc | 669278921815 |
| manufacturer | Kimber |
| manufacturer part number | 3200181CA |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 5" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 8 + 1 |
| number of magazines | 1 8 rd. |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Ambidextrous Thumb |
| shipping weight | 4.05 |
| sights | Tactical Wedge Tritium NS |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| slide description | Serrated |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with standard 1911 holsters?
- Yes, it fits most full-size 1911 holsters designed for 5-inch barrel models. The ambidextrous safety may require verification with molded Kydex designs. Standard Wilson Combat and Galco holsters accommodate it without modification.
- Is it compatible with aftermarket 1911 magazines?
- It functions reliably with Wilson Combat 47D and Chip McCormick Power Mag models. We experienced no feeding issues during 500-round testing with these aftermarket magazines. Kimber's proprietary magazines are not required for proper function.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days via FedEx 2Day to your selected FFL. Total transit time typically ranges from 5-7 business days depending on dealer location and verification procedures.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturer defects, with Kimber providing lifetime warranty service. All returns must go through FFL transfer both directions, adding approximately 7-10 days to the process.