How do I Test the Kimber & Rock Island 1911 .45 ACP?

Kimber Arms sells 11 different .45-caliber ACP pistols designed for sport, target shooting, police work and concealed carry. The company's pistols are used by the Los Angeles Police Department Swat Team, the U.S. Marines Corp. and the U.S. Olympic pistol team. The 1911 .45 ACP pistol has been in use for a century. It features safety, dependability and ease of use. Testing the pistol depends on the intended use of the weapon. Within the intended use, the pistol is tested for accuracy, features, dependability, and price.

Things You'll Need

  • Various Kimber pistols
  • Internet
  • Shooting range
  • Ammunition
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Examine the intended use of the Kimper pistol. Will it be used in law enforcement, target shooting or as a concealed carry civilian weapon? All pistols are tested for dependability and accuracy. Beyond the basics, the different situations that come with the variety of intended uses will dictate other, more tailored, testing.

    • 2

      Test the weapon for basic functions. Find an article or review in which the writer fired 1,500 rounds through the weapons and counted the failures. Did the Kimber .45 hit what it was aimed at? The article should include a test in which the writer fired the weapon clamped in a mechanical rest.

    • 3

      Test the Kimber for concealed carry. Does it fit comfortably in the holster and position on your body where you'll be wearing it? All 1911s are big and heavy. It's the nature of the pistol. Attempt to draw the weapon. Does it come out quickly, smoothly and dependably? The Kimber .45 holds 10 rounds or less. Will this meet your needs?

    • 4

      Test the Kimber for law enforcement. Does it fit into your department guidelines? Many police agencies require officers to carry a smaller caliber weapon because of the danger of damage or injury to people or things behind the target. It's very likely that you'll never draw the weapon except at the firing range during your entire law enforcement career. Is the Kimber .45 the right weapon if all you ever use it for is target practice? Can you carry it comfortably in the patrol car?

    • 5

      Test the Kimber for target shooting. The weapon has a good reputation. It's used by the U.S. Olympic pistol team in rapid fire shooting competition. The .45 ACP cartridge is plentiful and inexpensive, suitable for extensive practice. The Kimber .45 can be modified extensively for different, specialized target courses.

    • 6

      Test the Kimber for enjoyment. It isn't an inexpensive pistol with prices in 2011 that start at $725 for the Solo Carry model and finish at $4,352 for the Centennial Edition. Do you enjoy shooting it?