Kimber Custom Convert II

Covert pistols are the perfect combination of lightweight and meaningful features, such as Crimson Trace Lasergrips, 30 lines-per-inch front strap checkering, a bumped and grooved beavertail grip safety, and special Carry Melt treatment. The pistol comes with lanyard rings plus a magazine with an extended bumper. Covert pistols are made in the Kimber Custom Shop, where they are fit and finished by hand. Crimson Trace Lasergrips in a digital camouflage pattern with the Kimber logo offers critical tactical and training advantages. The Kimber Pro Covert includes front strap checkering in a new 30 lines-per-inch pattern with a bordered base to ensure a positive grip. The Carry Melt treatment rounds and blends the edge so that they will not hang up on edges or holsters. The Pro Covert also has standard Kimber features like a match grade barrel, chamber, and trigger, beveled magazine well, and bumped and grooved grip safety boost accuracy and speed. A shot in the dark. Covert pistols have Tactical Wedge night sights and Crimson Trace Lasergrips. If you can see, you can aim. Lightweight aluminum frames make them easy to carry, and Kimber quality ensures absolute dependability–even when the lights go out. Built in the Kimber Custom Shop, Covert pistols are a perfect blend of lightweight and tactical features. Front strap checkering in a new 30-lines-per-inch pattern with bordered base ensures a positive grip, and the Carry melt treatment rounds and blends edge so they will not hang up on clothing or holsters. Standard Kimber features like match grade barrel, chamber, and trigger, beveled magazine well, and bumped and grooved grip safety boost accuracy and speed. Carry a Kimber Covert, and don’t be afraid of the dark.

Kimber Custom II .45 ACP — Classic 1911 Performance with Modern Precision

Kimber Custom Convert II .45 ACP 5

The Kimber Custom II .45 ACP (5-inch) is one of the most recognizable modern interpretations of the classic 1911 platform. Built around John Browning’s legendary design, it combines traditional steel-frame construction with Kimber’s refined manufacturing standards to deliver a pistol that is both historically faithful and performance-driven.

Often searched under variations like “Kimber Custom Convert II”, this model is widely associated with Kimber’s Custom II 1911 series—especially full-size .45 ACP configurations with a 5-inch barrel.

If you’re researching whether Kimber Custom II pistols are good, whether Kimber 1911s are hand-fitted, how they’re made, or whether the company is still independent, this detailed SEO-optimized guide covers everything clearly and professionally.

What Is the Kimber Custom II?

The Kimber Custom II is a full-size 1911-style semi-automatic pistol chambered primarily in .45 ACP. It is designed for shooters who want:

Classic 1911 ergonomics
Modern production consistency
Enhanced out-of-the-box performance
A duty-capable .45 ACP platform

Key features include:

5-inch match-grade barrel
Steel frame and slide
Single-action trigger system
Beavertail grip safety
Extended controls for improved handling

Is the Kimber Custom II a Good Gun?

Yes—within its intended category.

The Kimber Custom II is widely considered a strong entry-to-mid tier 1911 due to:

Solid accuracy for the price range
Factory-tuned trigger compared to many budget 1911s
Reliable function with quality .45 ACP ammunition
Strong aftermarket support for 1911 parts

It is especially appealing to shooters who want a traditional 1911 without entering ultra-premium custom pricing tiers.

Are Kimber 1911 Hand Fitted?

Kimber uses a combination of:

CNC machining for consistency
Assembly fitting at key contact points
Quality control inspections for slide-to-frame fit

While not “fully hand-built custom pistols,” Kimber 1911s involve selective fitting where it matters—particularly in the barrel, slide, and lock-up areas.

Are Kimbers Forged or Cast?

Kimber primarily uses:

Forged slides and frames in many 1911 models

Forged steel provides:

Greater structural strength
Better long-term durability
Improved resistance to stress and wear

This is one reason Kimber 1911s are regarded as robust service-style pistols.

Are Kimber 1911s Any Good?

Kimber 1911s are generally considered:

Accurate
Well-finished
Reliable with proper maintenance
Good value compared to semi-custom 1911 brands

However, like all 1911 platforms, they tend to prefer quality ammunition and routine lubrication for best performance.

Kimber Custom II Shooting Performance

Kimber Custom Convert II .45 ACP 5

The 5-inch barrel plays a major role in performance:

Longer sight radius improves accuracy
Heavier slide helps reduce recoil impulse
.45 ACP delivers strong, controllable push rather than sharp snap

Shooters often describe it as “smooth, heavy, and deliberate” compared to lighter polymer pistols.

Does Kimber Make Good Pistols?

Kimber is best known for its 1911 lineup and is widely recognized for:

Strong machining quality
Attractive fit and finish
Wide model variety
Solid performance in the defensive pistol segment

The Custom II sits as one of its most popular foundational 1911 offerings.

Did Kimber Get Bought Out?

No. Kimber remains an independent firearms manufacturer. Over time, it has expanded production facilities and product lines, but it has not been acquired by another firearms company.

Did Kimber Sell Out?

No. Kimber has not been sold or acquired. It continues to operate as a standalone brand with U.S.-based manufacturing.

Design Philosophy of the Custom II

Kimber Custom Convert II .45 ACP 5

The Custom II stays close to the original 1911 design while modernizing:

Manufacturing precision
Out-of-box trigger consistency
Ergonomic enhancements
Material durability

It preserves the classic single-action feel that defines the 1911 platform.

Ergonomics and Handling

The Kimber Custom II features:

Slim grip profile ideal for medium-to-large hands
Natural point-of-aim grip angle
Beavertail safety for reduced hammer bite
Checkered grips for secure handling

Magazine Capacity and Operation

The .45 ACP single-stack magazine keeps the profile slim while providing:

Reliable feeding geometry
Easy reloads
Traditional 1911 balance

Field Stripping and Maintenance

1911 pistols require slightly more involved disassembly than modern striker-fired pistols, but the Custom II remains manageable:

Slide stop removal
Recoil spring plug system
Barrel link and bushing system

Routine cleaning ensures optimal reliability.

Accuracy and Range Use

The 5-inch barrel makes the Custom II especially accurate among production 1911s:

Stable sight picture
Predictable trigger break
Minimal muzzle flip relative to compact pistols

Reliability Considerations

Like most 1911 designs, reliability depends on:

Ammunition quality
Proper lubrication
Magazine condition

When maintained correctly, the Custom II is widely regarded as dependable.

Why Choose a Kimber Custom II?

Buyers typically choose this model for:

Classic 1911 feel
.45 ACP stopping power
Steel-frame durability
Balanced price-to-performance ratio
Strong aftermarket customization options

Practical Use Cases

The Kimber Custom II is commonly used for:

Range shooting and training
Home defense
1911 enthusiasts seeking a traditional platform
Collection and appreciation of classic handgun design

Kimber Custom Convert II .45 ACP 5

Full-size 1911 .45 ACP pistol with 5-inch barrel
Forged steel frame and slide construction
Classic single-action trigger system
Kimber Custom II is a widely recognized 1911 platform
Kimber remains an independent firearms manufacturer
Known for accuracy, aesthetics, and reliability with proper care
Ideal for collectors, enthusiasts, and range shooters

Final Thoughts

The Kimber Custom II .45 ACP stands as a modern continuation of one of the most iconic handgun designs in history. It blends traditional 1911 craftsmanship with modern manufacturing consistency, delivering a pistol that is both functional and historically grounded.

For shooters who value steel-frame precision, classic design, and .45 ACP performance, the Custom II remains one of the most recognizable and respected entry points into the 1911 world.

when did kimber start making 1911

Kimber Custom Convert II .45 ACP 5