Kimber Announces Its 45th Anniversary .45ACP

Kimber Manufacturing is celebrating its birthday with the release of the 45th Anniversary .45ACP. Based on the Raptor, one of Kimber’s most recognizable production handguns, the new 1911 features the manufacturing quality, durability, and accuracy you’ve come to expect, but with a few changes to make this model aesthetically unique. Let’s take a closer look at what sets the Kimber 45th Anniversary apart.

Engraving

So you never forget, this full-size steel commemorative 1911 features custom engraving on both sides of the slide reading: “45th Anniversary Edition” on the right and “1979 – 2024” on the left. There’s a headstone joke in there somewhere.

Grip

The 45th Anniversary Edition is adorned with custom polished and distressed black buffalo horn grips, giving the gun a sleek look, but this has to come at the sacrifice of actual grip. Thankfully the Raptor serrations on the front strap with checkered steel mainspring housing look to restore some bite. I worry about this as I’m a big fan of aggressive textures that leave my hand feeling like 80-grit sandpaper when I’m finished at the range. Speaking of Rapter serrations, you’ll find a matching set of these scales at the rear of the slide, and if you’re a press checker, the top of the slide is cut with aggressive-looking back-cut scalloped serrations.

The Finish

The most notable aesthetic of the Kimber 45th Anniversary .45ACP is the distressed finish, which reminds me of a vintage stone wash covering the slide and frame. This looks particularly sharp across the serrations on the front strap and the rear and top of the slide. I’m not the biggest fan of pristine-looking firearms, but let’s face it, I can’t spend all day at the range making them look well-worn. Thank you, Kimber. The custom-coated TiN barrel looks great, and early reviews demonstrate its durability.

Presentation

Since the 45th Anniversary .45ACP could not be offered in a high-end Canadian plain white cardboard box, like my beloved Elcan Spectre, you must settle for a Negrini custom case made in Italy, with leather accents and a felt-lined interior to protect your pre-worn finish. Included in this snazzy case you’ll find a certificate of authenticity and 45th anniversary challenge coin.

Standards

Hand-fitted components and the standard accoutrements round out this anniversary pistol, including a high-ride beaver tail, low-profile ambidextrous safety, 3-dot sights, a pair of 8-round magazines, and a barrel bushing wrench provided in your custom case. All of this can be yours for an MSRP of $1,873.

Kimber Manufacturing has been around since 1979. I remember my first Limited 10 competition gun, a Kimber Gold Match that served me well until the day I let it go. I’ve regretted that decision for years. Speaking of regret, if you need one of these 45th Anniversary .45ACP models in your life, consider that they are a limited production run of only 2024 units. Very clever guys.

What was your first Kimber? Do you consider 1911s still viable carry options in 2024? Let me know what you think of the new Kimber 45th Anniversary .45ACP in the comments below.

For information about the entire Kimber product line:   www.kimberamerica.com