Kimber Next Generation Pro Two-Tone 9mm 4 in Optic Ready
About this product
The Kimber Next Generation Pro Two-Tone 9mm 4 in Optic Ready is a modernized 1911-pattern pistol that provides a blend of traditional American service pistol mechanics and contemporary aftermarket compatibility. This model represents Kimber's ongoing evolution of the design, moving beyond some of the historic platform's quirks. For the price point, you are effectively paying for a hand-fitted stainless frame and slide with the modern necessity of an optic cut included from the factory.
What is the Kimber Next Generation Pro used for?
The Kimber Next Generation Pro is designed for duty-style carry, practical shooting competition in Limited Optics divisions, or as a high-quality range pistol for shooters who appreciate refined triggers. Its 4-inch barrel and 9+1 capacity provide a balance of concealability and shootability, while the optic-ready slide makes it a purpose-built host for a micro red dot without requiring aftermarket milling. The ambidextrous safety also makes it viable for left-handed shooters, a rarity in traditional 1911 configurations.
How does the Kimber Next Generation Pro compare to a Staccato CS?
For direct comparison, the Kimber Next Generation Pro is more mechanically traditional and nearly half the cost of the Staccato CS, which typically retails for over $2,200. The Staccato uses a 2011-style double-stack frame for higher capacity (16 rounds of 9mm) and arguably more advanced polymer grip modules, making it objectively better for tactical scenarios demanding high round counts. However, the Kimber maintains the single-stack 1911's iconic slim profile and crisp trigger pull, weighing in at a slimmer 1.28 inches in width versus the Staccato CS's 1.5-inch width.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The pistol weighs 31.5 ounces unloaded, with an overall length of 7.7 inches, a height of 5.25 inches, and a slide width of 1.28 inches. The 4-inch bull barrel features a precision 11-degree target crown which aids in accuracy, and the weight is central to mitigating felt recoil from the 9mm cartridge. This specific heft, derived from its forged stainless construction, makes it approximately 8 ounces heavier than a comparable polymer-framed striker-fired pistol like a Glock 19, directly influencing its flat-shooting characteristics.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for budget-minded shooters seeking the absolute minimum for home defense, nor for those prioritizing maximum magazine capacity above all else. The 9+1 capacity is limiting by modern standards and the lack of a rail for weapon-mounted lights is a significant tactical omission. A shooter who values ultra-lightweight carry may also be better served by a platform like the Stevens 334 rifle for long-range work. Conversely, if your primary use case involves attaching a suppressor, you'll be looking for a threaded barrel model—this one doesn't have it.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol, two stainless steel 9-round magazines, an optic adapter plate for Trijicon RMR/ SRO footprints, a single-sided thumb safety lever (ambidextrous unit is installed), black walnut grip panels with G10 inserts, a plastic chamber flag, and a small parts kit with additional grip screws. The case is a standard Kimber polymer box, not a hard Pelican-style case. The external extractor is already tuned and tensioned at the factory, which is a notable upgrade from older 1911 internal extractor designs that often require gunsmith attention.
Is the Kimber Next Generation Pro worth it at $899?
At $899, the Kimber Next Generation Pro is worth it if your priorities are a hand-fitted stainless 1911 with an excellent trigger out of the box and a no-compromise optic mounting system. The optic cut alone would cost $150-250 aftermarket with a similar wait time and void the warranty. Compared to other entry-level optic-ready offerings, you are paying for superior metallurgy and fit; other guns in this price range, like the Springfield Armory Ronin, often lack the same level of slide-to-frame precision. For a more traditional take on target shooting, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U series.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Precision-milled optic cut for RMR/SRO footprint — saves $150-250 in aftermarket milling and shipping time.
- Forged stainless steel frame and slide with hand-fitted parts for a slide-to-frame fit under 0.004 inches of play.
- Match-grade GI trigger breaks at a consistent 4.25 pounds with minimal take-up and a crisp reset of approximately 0.125 inches.
- External extractor design — eliminates the tuning and reliability headaches common with traditional 1911 internal extractors.
Trade-offs
- No accessory rail — precludes easy mounting of modern weapon lights like the SureFire X300 or Streamlight TLR-1.
- Limited 9+1 capacity — half the standard magazine size of modern polymer striker-fired duty pistols.
- Standard 30 LPI checkering on front strap — aggressive for some shooters and may require gloves or grip tape for extended sessions.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 669278354033 |
| manufacturer | Kimber |
| manufacturer part number | 3200403 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 4" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 9 + 1 |
| color | Black, Silver |
| model | Next Generation Pro |
| product type | 1911 |
| safety | Ambidextrous |
| sights | Optics Ready |
| slide description | Optic Ready/Serrated |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with Trijicon RMR plates?
- Yes. The factory-supplied adapter plate is specifically machined for the Trijicon RMR and SRO footprint (RM series). It is important to note that it is not a universal plate; for Holosun K-series optics or other footprints like the Shield RMSc, you will need to purchase a third-party adapter, typically costing between $30 and $50, from companies like CHPWS.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping to your local Ironclad Armory dealer from our warehouse averages 3-5 business days after FFL verification is completed. All firearm shipments require a confirmed FFL dealer on file before processing. Expedited options are not available due to Title II/GCA compliance routing.
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 .45 ACP magazines?
- No, it is not. The Kimber Next Generation Pro in 9mm uses proprietary 9mm magazines. Standard .45 ACP or other caliber 1911 magazines have different feed lip geometry and will not function. You must use Kimber's 9mm magazines, which have a 9-round capacity.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my holster?
- No. Due to federal regulations surrounding firearm transfers, all firearm sales are final once the transfer at your FFL is completed. We strongly recommend you verify holster compatibility beforehand; most Kydex holsters designed for a 4-inch 1911 without a rail will work, but models with an external extractor may require a slightly wider channel.
- Does it come ready to mount an optic, or do I need screws?
- It is ready to mount, but you may need to source the correct screw length depending on your optic's base. The slide is pre-milled with two #6-48 threaded holes. The included adapter plate comes with its own set of mounting screws. However, the screws that attach your optic to the plate must be the correct length to avoid damaging the extractor mechanism; Trijicon provides these, but other brands may not.