Some pistols ask you to adapt to them. Others feel like they were built around the way you move, the way you press the trigger, and the way you solve problems under stress. If you’re looking for a .45 ACP sidearm that blends modern performance with the timeless 1911 feel—only with more capacity and fewer compromises—this one warrants a hard look.
KIMBER 2K11 TARGET (OR)
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The 2K11 series takes Kimber’s deep 1911 lineage and scales it to a double-stack, duty-ready 2011 platform without losing the soul of the original. The all-aluminum frame keeps weight down while staying rigid where it matters, and the optics-ready slide wears fiber optic fixed sights for immediate use with or without a dot. You get a crisp GT-series match grade trigger that breaks at about 3.5 pounds—light enough for precision, predictable enough for cold-weather gloves. If your mission profile demands a defensive pistol that’s fast, controllable, and accurate, this model checks the boxes with a professional’s attention to detail.
Why this .45 ACP matters
Chambered in .45 ACP, the KIMBER 2K11 TARGET (OR) brings serious authority in a controllable package. Modern defensive ammo broadens the caliber’s capability, but the real win here is the blend of capacity and shootability. Three 13-round double-stack magazines ship in the case, giving you 39 rounds on deck before you even load the pistol. For a .45 in a sleek, balanced frame, that’s a decisive advantage when you don’t get to choose the time or place.
The redesigned internal geometry is more than brochure talk; it’s tuned for smooth feeding that keeps the slide moving and the fight on your terms. Pair that with the weight distribution of the aluminum frame and the slide lightening cuts, and you’ve got a gun that returns to target quickly without beating up the shooter.
Optics-ready done right
Running an optic on a defensive handgun is no longer a novelty; it’s a force multiplier. The KIMBER 2K11 TARGET (OR) arrives optics-ready with fiber optic fixed irons you can actually use. The slide is cut for C&H Precision optic plates, and the pistol includes a C&H adapter plate for RMR footprint optics out of the box. If you’re running an RMR, you’re minutes from a zero. If you prefer another pattern, the plate ecosystem has your back. Note: the optic shown in some images is for display only and isn’t included, which is exactly how serious guns should ship—mission-configurable from the start.
Until your dot is mounted, the bright fiber optic sights give you a clean, daylight-fast sight picture. That combination keeps you fast up close and honest at 25 yards and beyond—ideal for defensive carry, duty use, or range training where accountability matters.
Trigger, frame, and control under pressure
Kimber’s GT-series match grade trigger is the heartbeat of this pistol. At roughly 3.5 pounds with a crisp break and consistent reset, it’s a trigger that rewards discipline. Press straight to the rear, get the shot, and ride the reset—simple, repeatable, effective. In a world of “good enough” triggers, this one gives you the precision to print small groups at speed without fighting the gun.
The frame is a purpose-built aluminum chassis that balances weight, recoil management, and durability. The Stan Chen Customs flared magwell is one of the most practical upgrades you can put on a fighting pistol, and here it’s standard. Under stress, reloads become intuitive. The funnel effect helps the magazine find home, and with double-stack mags, that speed buys you options. The flared magwell also anchors the grip, giving your hands a repeatable index that’s vital when your world gets loud.
Balance and recoil: the fast black-and-coyote workhorse
Looks aren’t the mission, but clarity matters. The two-tone setup—black frame with a Coyote slide—gives you visual contrast that actually aids quick checks at the bench or in the bag. The slide lightening cuts reduce reciprocating mass, and that translates to a flatter shooting experience with quicker sight recovery. Combine that with .45 ACP’s push rather than snap, and you get a pistol that stays on rails when you’re pressing for time.
Feeding and reliability
Double-stack .45s live or die by their feeding geometry. The KIMBER 2K11 TARGET (OR) uses a redesigned internal system to keep rounds gliding up the stack and into the chamber. That efficiency means fewer variables when the clock is running. With modern defensive loads or plain ball ammo for practice, it’s engineered to stay consistent—exactly what you want in a Semi Auto that pulls duty as both a defensive tool and a training companion.
Optic, iron, or both: training pathways
Run irons first to build fundamentals. Then mount your preferred RMR-footprint optic using the included C&H adapter plate and confirm zero. The fiber optic front keeps you honest during transitions, and the dot gives you speed for target-focused shooting. Whether you’re building a home-defense setup or a competition-ready secondary, the platform invites progression without forcing you into one lane.
What you get in the case
- Three 13-round double-stack magazines
- One C&H adapter plate for RMR-footprint optics
- Optics-ready slide with fiber optic fixed sights
- GT-series match grade 3.5-lb trigger
- Stan Chen Customs flared magwell
- Aluminum frame, two-tone black frame/Coyote slide
- Slide lightening cuts for faster cycling
Kimber’s reputation for fit and finish shows up in the small things: clean edges, clear serrations, and machining that doesn’t fight you when it’s time to clean or swap plates. The brand built its name on 1911s; the 2K11 is what happens when that heritage evolves for modern realities.
Use case: carry, duty, training
As a defensive handgun, the KIMBER 2K11 TARGET (OR) is designed to be carried with confidence and run hard. In training, the trigger and sighting system encourage disciplined mechanics. For duty or home defense, the .45 ACP chambering coupled with reliable double-stack capacity means fewer reloads and more time on target. The aluminum frame keeps weight manageable for longer range days or extended carry without dipping into the toy-gun category.
Specs, category, and price
This model falls squarely in the Semi Auto category and is set up for serious work out of the box. At $2,368.99, you’re paying for tuned parts where they count: trigger, optics interface, magwell, and reliable feeding in a double-stack .45 ACP. If your needs are mission-first, the math makes sense—buy once, train often, and trust the platform.
Bottom line for serious shooters
The KIMBER 2K11 TARGET (OR) is the rare .45 that delivers capacity, controllability, and a purpose-driven trigger in one tight package. It’s optics-ready the right way, includes what you need to run an RMR footprint, and comes with three mags so you can start training the moment you crack the case. If you want a sidearm that respects tradition while embracing hard-use realities, this one belongs on your shortlist.
People Also Ask
What makes this product stand out from competitors?
This product offers superior quality and innovative features that set it apart in the market. Its design focuses on both performance and reliability, making it a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Is this product suitable for beginners?
Yes, this product is designed with user-friendly features that make it accessible to beginners while still offering advanced capabilities for experienced users.
What warranty or support is available?
The product comes with comprehensive warranty coverage and excellent customer support to ensure your satisfaction and peace of mind.
How does this compare to similar products in its price range?
This product offers exceptional value for its price point, providing features and quality that typically cost significantly more in comparable alternatives.
What maintenance is required?
Minimal maintenance is required thanks to the product’s durable construction and quality materials. Regular cleaning and occasional inspections will keep it performing optimally.
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