Pros & cons
What works
- 20-round 9mm capacity where legal
- Stainless frame and slide for durability
- Optics-ready slide for red dot mounting
- Match-grade 5-inch barrel for competition accuracy
Trade-offs
- Too large and heavy for concealed carry
- Standard 1911 holsters and grips don't fit
- California delivery requires 10-round magazines and roster confirmation
- Premium price for a niche competition role
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Kimber 2K11 Target is a double-stack, 1911-pattern competition pistol chambered in 9mm Luger, built by Kimber's 2K11 division specifically for USPSA/IPSC-style shooting. It pairs a 5-inch bull barrel with a 20-round magazine, a stainless steel frame and slide finished in Matte Kim Pro Graphite, and an optics-ready slide cut for red dot sights. At 2.18 lbs unloaded, it's built to soak up recoil for fast follow-up shots rather than to carry concealed.
What is it used for?
It's built for competitive pistol shooting — USPSA Open or Limited-style divisions, steel challenge, and serious high-round-count range training — not for concealed carry or home defense where a compact gun makes more sense. The 5-inch barrel and double-stack 20-round magazine are exactly what competition shooters want: more sight radius, more rounds between reloads, and a heavier gun that tracks flatter under recoil. If your goal is a duty or carry gun, look at Kimber's compact 1911 lineup instead.
How does it compare to a standard single-stack 1911?
The 2K11 keeps the 1911's single-action trigger feel but replaces the single-stack magazine with a double-stack 9mm magazine holding roughly double the rounds, which is the whole point of the 2011 pattern. That extra width in the grip means it doesn't carry or conceal like a slim 1911, and the increased weight compared to a standard alloy-frame 1911 is a trade-off competitors accept for reduced recoil. If you want the classic 1911 feel in a slimmer, lighter carry gun, this isn't it — this is a range and match gun first.
What fits it?
The pistol is optics-ready, so a red-dot sight matching Kimber's mounting footprint bolts straight to the slide without a separate plate in most cases — confirm the exact footprint with us before ordering an optic. Standard 1911 holsters won't fit the wider double-stack frame, so plan on a 2011-pattern competition holster and magazine pouches sized for the wider magazine body. Aftermarket 1911 grip panels generally don't fit the 2K11's frame shape either.
Does it work in California?
It ships to your licensed FFL like any handgun, and California buyers complete the DROS, FSC, and 10-day waiting period at pickup as usual. The 20-round magazine that ships standard isn't legal for a California resident to possess, so the pistol needs to go out with 10-round magazines for an in-state delivery; also confirm current California handgun roster status with us before ordering, since competition-oriented models like this one aren't always listed. If it isn't roster-listed, a private-party transfer through a licensed dealer may still be possible depending on the exemption that applies to your purchase.
Is it worth $3,095?
For a dedicated competition shooter, yes — this is a purpose-built 2011 with a stainless frame and match-grade fitting, and pistols in this category routinely run in the same range or higher. It's not worth it if you're shopping for a first handgun or a carry gun, since you're paying for competition-specific features you won't use. Compare it against a more concealable option like the Beretta 92FS Compact if concealment matters more to you than capacity.
What should I budget for beyond the pistol itself?
Plan on a quality 2011-pattern holster and magazine pouches before you show up to a match, since standard 1911 gear won't work and a poor-fitting rig will slow your draw and reloads. If you don't already have one, budget for a red dot sight too — the optics-ready slide is only an advantage once you've mounted glass on it, and Kimber recommends confirming footprint compatibility before buying. Spare magazines are also worth the extra cost up front, since running only one or two 20-round magazines through a full match day leaves little room for a malfunction.
Key attributes
| Caliber | 9mm Luger (9x19mm) |
| Barrel Length | 5 in. |
| Capacity | 20 rounds (10-round for CA) |
| Weight | 2.18 lbs |
| Finish | Matte Kim Pro Graphite |
| Frame/Slide Material | Stainless steel |
Frequently asked questions
- Does the 2K11 Target come with more than one magazine?
- Magazine count varies by listing — confirm what's included with your specific pistol before ordering, since competition shooters often buy extras separately.
- What's the trigger like?
- It's a single-action 1911-style trigger, which typically breaks lighter and crisper than a striker-fired trigger, matching what competition shooters expect from the platform.
- Can I use it for concealed carry?
- It's not designed for that — the double-stack frame and 5-inch barrel make it too large and heavy for comfortable daily concealment.
- Does it need a specific ammunition type?
- It runs standard 9mm Luger, but like most competition guns tuned for a specific recoil spring weight it may prefer a certain power-factor range — ask us for load recommendations if you plan to compete.
- Is gunsmithing support available for the 2K11 line?
- Kimber's 2K11 division and qualified 1911/2011 gunsmiths can service it; a general 1911 smith unfamiliar with the double-stack pattern may not be the right choice for warranty work.