This looks interesting to me the new Kimber DS 1911 9MM pistol. I have always loved 1911 especially for the unhinged trigger. For price point of $1000 I certainly might consider if it proves to be a reliable pistol. It is the first pistol talked about in this second video below released today. It is also available in .38 Super, 45 ACP, and 10mm.

https://www.kimberamerica.com/...911-ds?layer&cat=464

https://www.kimberamerica.com/1911ds-warrior-lw

This message has been edited. Last edited by: grumpy1,

I saw this too, the 10mm is tempting if the head nut in the video is serious about turning around Kimber’s history of reliability issues.

quote:

Originally posted by dry-fly:
I saw this too, the 10mm is tempting if the head nut in the video is serious about turning around Kimber’s history of reliability issues.

While I don’t have any ownership experience, Kimber SEEMS to have been putting out pretty solid products for a while now. Once they got rid of Cohen they seem to have righted the ship.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: cslinger,

There has definitely been a hole in the market at that price point. The only option has been Turkish guns. Made in the US with a lifetime warranty for a grand? They’re going to sell a ton of them.

From what I have seen in the comments of various videos about Shot Show releases that include the DS Warrior, there seems to be a lot of interest in the line especially for 10mm.

The 9MM model has an aluminum subframe while the other three calibers have steel subframe and those cost a bit more. Not sure why the 9MM does not have that unless they are trying to keep the price down on the 9mm model. Not sure how that would impact life of the frame but at age 74 it would not be a concern to me LOL. I assume just like my P226 keep the rails well lubed and keep up with recoil spring maintenance replacements.

Like I said at that price point the 9mm appeals to me. I don't need the latest and greatest 2011 nor the price tag. I shoot at indoor range anyhow and none of the ones around here allow rapid fire. Yeah shooting at paper targets only sucks but that is the reality of where I live and at least I have one nice indoor range very close to home.

Hopefully we will see some reviews soon about reliability, accuracy, etc.

I'm hoping they release 4.25" versions.

So I tried a Warrior 9MM and 2K11 at local gun store factory shoot this weekend, both with iron sights. Both were sweet. I could only shoot 10 rounds in each though. First up was the Warrior and I shot decent group but to the left. Then the 2k11 and dead on bullet on top of bullet at 15 feet but to be fair to the Warrior I adjusted my grip to put more weak hand pressure on the grip and I bet if I tried the Warrior again I would have had similar results. I had not been to the range for a few months either. Looking forward to trying out the Warrior again when I can put more wounds through it. Anyhow video below is good testimony for the performance of the Warrior. The 2K11 is double the money. Probably mot worth it for me since I only shoot at indoor range with rare exception due to distance to decent outdoor range. Looks to be widely in stock as of now too though the 10 round version for those of us in commie states, not yet. Personally I wish the 9MM Warrior had a steel subframe but that would add a couple hundred to the price but I like the extra weight. I get that Kimber wants to have that "under $1000 street price".

https://gun.deals/search/apach..._search/669278363028

https://gun.deals/search/apach..._search/669278363073

Just buy a new Colt Competition 9mm, you can get them for $1000 and they're a terrific 9mm. Much better than anything Kimber puts out.

15 feet? Did you mean 15 yards?

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:
Just buy a new Colt Competition 9mm, you can get them for $1000 and they're a terrific 9mm. Much better than anything Kimber puts out.

If I wanted a 1911 I wouldn't look at a 2011, and ever since Kimber moved out of New York and got a non-Cohen management team their quality has gone up by leaps and bounds.

As for me, I'm waiting for the 45ACP to release so I can put an MJD Grip on.

quote:

Originally posted by RichardC:
15 feet? Did you mean 15 yards?

No 15 feet. They had the targets setup at the range already and there were a lot of people in line. Still 9 out of the 10 rounds in a sub 1 inch group was satisfying at that distance with a pistol I had not shot before and not having been to the range to practice in months and an old age shoulder problem.

quote:

Originally posted by DanH:

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:
Just buy a new Colt Competition 9mm, you can get them for $1000 and they're a terrific 9mm. Much better than anything Kimber puts out.

If I wanted a 1911 I wouldn't look at a 2011, and ever since Kimber moved out of New York and got a non-Cohen management team their quality has gone up by leaps and bounds.

As for me, I'm waiting for the 45ACP to release so I can put an MJD Grip on.

Yep, and double the capacity and optics ready. Apples to oranges.

Kimber saved me some money not having their new 2K11 Comp there to try out. Pretty sure I would have bought that on the spot.

https://www.kimberamerica.com/2k11-comp-stainless

^^ They saved me money when they saved money by not putting the MJD Grip on the 2K11 Comp. Even if I had to pay an extra $200-300 out the door, I'd be talking about my new gun on the forum. However, at about $400 for the grip plus gunsmith fees to fit it to the gun is a bit more than I want to spend right now.

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:
Just buy a new Colt Competition 9mm, you can get them for $1000 and they're a terrific 9mm. Much better than anything Kimber puts out.

After selling both in a retail gun store, I don’t agree with this statement. I think Kimber makes a better gun.

That said, the DS Warrior feels kind of cheap-ish to me. I was really interested until I got to handle one. I dunno. It’s probably fine, but it doesn’t have that “2011 feel” thing going on.

I've handled the 9mm version a few times and ordered one last week; will be picking it up tomorrow. It has what I've been waiting for: Standard bushing and guide rod, decent trigger, aluminum frame, optics ready (although I'm not overly wild about the system they use... yet) and a lack of weird colors, hues, slide cutouts, slide serrations, racing stripes, etc.

I got rid of my Staccato P, and I'm looking forward to wringing-out the DS Warrior. I don't consider it to be a 2011; I look at it as a double-stack 1911, and I'm good with that.

If you want co witness on your optic, Dawson Precision sells a far superior plate than the original C&H plate along with a front sight. You'll probably end up with a TAG Precision plate that is better than the C&H, but doesn't have any co witness at all.

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I don't consider it to be a 2011; I look at it as a double-stack 1911, and I'm good with that.

Why? It's 100% a 2011 just styled like a 1911 to cut down on cost.

I love 10mm. And this fills the need for a single action high capacity 10mm.

I’d prefer a commander length.

Something though tells me to just wait for the Gen 6 G20.

I still like this a lot. Maybe in a couple years once it’s gone through its paces I’ll pick up one. Better yet, this gets more manufacturers making single action 10mm with higher capacity.

quote:

Originally posted by DanH:
^^ They saved me money when they saved money by not putting the MJD Grip on the 2K11 Comp. Even if I had to pay an extra $200-300 out the door, I'd be talking about my new gun on the forum. However, at about $400 for the grip plus gunsmith fees to fit it to the gun is a bit more than I want to spend right now.

Yikes I did not know that, thanks for the heads up. I really loved shooting the 2K11 Stainless Target and it has the MJD grip. I haven't seen as 2K11 Comp yet.

I have not been pulled into the 2011 world, but I saw these videos this week and it caused me to take a 2nd look.

It's weird when you remember specific details, but I saved up and bought a Kimber TLE II 20+ years ago for $719. They were well regarded at the time but Kimber was headed downhill with foreign MIM parts. I lost interest in them as a company as quality seemed to go downhill, but I'm glad to see they are coming back.

The DS Warrior has me turning my head for a 2nd look. I'd like to see a steel frame option and I hate those loaded chamber holes in the barrel, right under where the optic would go. That takes it out of high end for me, but they all seem to have that nowadays.

quote:

posted March 11, 2026 01:05 PM Hide Post
If you want co witness on your optic, Dawson Precision sells a far superior plate than the original C&H plate along with a front sight. You'll probably end up with a TAG Precision plate that is better than the C&H, but doesn't have any co witness at all.

I think that any system that removes the rear sight to install an optic is retarded. I think that systems that use plates aren't the brightest, either. At least it gives the forums the chance to argue about which flawed system is the least flawed.

As far as "2011" goes, Staccato has dibs on that name (and try taking some fire control parts out of your Staccato and try them in your 1911 or vice versa). I don't call all polymer frame striker-fired pistols Glocks, either.