KIMBER CUSTOM II GFO .45 ACP 5in Matte Black
Pros & cons
What works
- Match-grade 5-inch barrel with 1-in-16-inch twist — delivers 2.5-inch groups at 25 yards with factory 230-grain FMJ
- Green fiber-optic front sight — 30% faster sight picture acquisition in daylight versus standard white-dot configurations
- 39-ounce all-steel frame — reduces muzzle rise by approximately 15% compared to a 25-ounce polymer .45
- Skeletonized hammer and 3-hole trigger — provides a clean, consistent 4.5-pound single-action pull weight out of the box
Trade-offs
- Single 8-round magazine included — insufficient for competition; requires $35-$45 per additional magazine (KIM1911MAG8)
- No frontstrap checkering — the smooth steel surface lacks positive traction for high-grip shooting, a $120 upgrade
- Matte black finish shows holster wear rapidly — expect visible slide wear marks after 50 draws from a Kydex holster
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Kimber Custom II GFO .45 ACP 5in Matte Black is a full-size, single-action 1911-pattern pistol engineered for mechanical precision and duty-ready reliability from the first round. It uses a match-grade 5-inch barrel with a 1-in-16-inch twist rate to stabilize 230-grain .45 ACP rounds within a 2.5-inch group at 25 yards from a benched rest. Its design philosophy emphasizes traditional 1911 controls enhanced with modern sighting and ergonomic upgrades for consistent performance under time pressure.
What is the Kimber Custom II GFO used for?
This pistol is primarily built for practical marksmanship, service-style competition, and as a high-fidelity training analog for duty 1911 platforms. Its match-grade barrel and crisp 4.5-pound trigger pull lend themselves directly to USPSA Single Stack division or Steel Challenge matches where .45 ACP major power factor is required. The serrated stainless slide and Hogue rubber grips provide positive manipulation whether your hands are wet, dry, or gloved, making it suitable for all-weather range sessions or structured defensive pistol courses.
How does the Kimber Custom II GFO compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Kimber is a dedicated handgun platform for dynamic, close-to-mid-range engagement, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is a bolt-action rifle system for deliberate, long-range precision. The Kimber's 8-round magazine capacity and 39-ounce weight make it a mobile, fast-handling sidearm, whereas the Stevens 334's 20-inch barrel and 3-round internal magazine are optimized for stationary shooting at distances exceeding 300 yards. For tactical shotgun training, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The pistol weighs 39 ounces (1106 grams) unloaded and measures 8.7 inches in overall length, with a slide width of 1.28 inches. Its 5-inch barrel contributes to the traditional full-size 1911 balance, giving a sight radius of 6.4 inches between the green fiber-optic front and white-dot rear sights. For context, that's 14 ounces heavier than a polymer-frame striker-fired pistol in the same caliber, which directly translates to reduced perceived recoil and faster follow-up shot placement.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a firearm for a first-time buyer looking for a simple, modern defensive handgun with a passive safety system. The single-action-only operation requires explicit manual safety engagement for carry, and the 1911 platform demands more disciplined maintenance than a Glock or Smith & Wesson M&P. If your priority is maximum round capacity, a double-stack 9mm pistol holds nearly double the ammunition in a similar footprint, making this Kimber a poor choice for those valuing sheer volume of fire over shot-for-shot precision.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol, one 8-round stainless steel magazine, a cable lock, and the manufacturer's manual and warranty card. Kimber does not include a cleaning kit or holster, which is standard for pistols in this price tier. The magazine features a flush-fit baseplate, and I recommend purchasing at least two additional magazines (part number KIM1911MAG8) for competition or training, as the single included unit is insufficient for sustained range work.
Is the Kimber Custom II GFO worth it at $746.99?
At this price point, yes—if you specifically require a .45 ACP 1911 with a match-grade barrel and fiber-optic sights out of the box. The $746.99 MSRP positions it between entry-level production 1911s and semi-custom models, delivering critical performance components without a $300-upcharge for aftermarket barrel fitting. Compared to a basic Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec at around $650, the Kimber's green fiber-optic front sight and skeletonized hammer represent a tangible $100-value upgrade for faster sight acquisition and a cleaner trigger arc.
Key attributes
| upc | 669278375496 |
| manufacturer | Kimber |
| manufacturer part number | 3700549 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 5" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 8 + 1 |
| number of magazines | 1 8 rd. |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 4.25 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front, White Dot Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| slide description | Serrated |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 holsters?
- Yes, the Kimber Custom II GFO fits most holsters designed for a full-size 1911 with a 5-inch barrel and no rail. The slide width of 1.28 inches and standard frame profile ensure compatibility with common Kydex or leather models from brands like Galco, Safariland, and Blade-Tech. Verify that the holster accommodates the front serrations, as some older designs may have retention issues.
- Does it fit in a Glock 17-sized safe?
- No, a dedicated 1911 compartment is required. The Kimber's overall length of 8.7 inches and height of 5.25 inches with the magazine inserted exceeds the typical internal dimensions of a compact safe designed for polymer striker-fired pistols. For secure storage, use a safe with a minimum interior length of 9.5 inches, such as the Vaultek VT20i or Fort Knox PB1.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard processing is 1-3 business days before shipment, with transit times of 2-5 business days via FedEx or UPS Ground, depending on your location relative to our warehouse. All firearms shipments require a valid, verified Federal Firearms License on file with Ironclad Armory before the order is released. You will receive tracking information once the carrier scans the package.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle reliably?
- No, firearms are final sale due to federal regulations, but they are covered by Kimber's limited lifetime warranty for defects in materials or workmanship. If you experience malfunctions, the first step is a 500-round break-in period with 230-grain factory ammunition. Persistent issues require direct contact with Kimber's customer service at (800) 880-2418 for repair authorization and shipping instructions.
- Does this work with a .45 ACP suppressor?
- Yes, but the barrel is not factory-threaded. You must have a qualified gunsmith thread the 5-inch match-grade barrel to 0.578x28 TPI or similar specification, which costs approximately $150-$250 plus the cost of a thread protector or piston assembly. Ensure the chosen suppressor is rated for .45 ACP pressure and has a bore diameter sufficient for .451-inch projectiles.