Pros & cons
What works
- Double-stack capacity with a genuine 1911 single-action trigger feel
- Factory optics-ready slide, no aftermarket milling needed
- Tool-less guide rod simplifies takedown
- GT trigger tuned to 3-4 lbs from the factory
Trade-offs
- Wide double-stack grip compared to a single-stack 1911
- Not built for concealed carry
- CA delivery depends on current handgun roster status
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Kimber 2K11 is a double-stack, 2011-pattern 9mm pistol with a 5-inch optics-ready (OR) barrel, built to bring Kimber's 1911 fit-and-finish standards to a higher-capacity double-stack frame. It introduces a patent-pending tool-less guide rod for easier takedown, and ships with Kimber's GT trigger tuned to a crisp 3-4 pound pull. It's aimed at competition and serious range shooters who want double-stack capacity without giving up the single-action 1911 trigger feel. Kimber entered the double-stack market later than several established 2011 builders, and the 2K11 is the company's answer built entirely in-house rather than as a rebadged or licensed design. That in-house approach shows up in fit and finish details that Kimber's single-stack 1911 lineup is already known for.
What is the 2K11 used for?
Competition shooting — USPSA, steel challenge, and similar disciplines — is the primary use case, where double-stack 9mm capacity and a light, crisp trigger matter more than concealability. It also appeals to serious range shooters and 1911 enthusiasts who want the double-stack capacity Kimber hasn't traditionally offered on its single-stack guns. It's also a strong option for a shooter transitioning from single-stack 1911s who wants more on-board capacity without relearning trigger mechanics from scratch.
How does it compare to a single-stack 1911?
A traditional single-stack 1911 holds roughly half the rounds of a double-stack 2011-pattern gun in a similar frame size, but is typically slimmer and easier to conceal. The 2K11 keeps the 1911's single-action trigger character while adding double-stack magazine width and capacity, at the cost of a wider grip. Recoil management also benefits from the added frame mass and magazine capacity, since a double-stack 2011-pattern gun typically weighs more than a comparable single-stack 1911.
What fits it?
The 5-inch barrel is optics-ready, meaning the slide is factory-cut for a red dot without needing an aftermarket milling job. The tool-less guide rod is designed for disassembly without a bushing wrench or special tools, a departure from typical 1911-pattern takedown. Ambidextrous controls, including the safety, make the pistol equally usable for left- and right-handed shooters without any modification.
Who is this pistol not for?
Skip it if you want a concealed-carry gun — a full-size double-stack 5-inch 1911-pattern pistol is a range and competition gun, not a daily carry piece. It's also overkill if you just want a basic double-stack 9mm without the 1911-trigger complexity and price premium. It's also not the choice for a shooter who wants the classic slim 1911 profile in the hand; the double-stack grip is noticeably wider by design.
Is it worth $1,995?
For a double-stack 2011-pattern pistol built to Kimber's fit standards, with an optics-ready slide and a tuned GT trigger included rather than added aftermarket, the price is in line with what serious competition shooters already pay for similar features on other double-stack 1911-pattern guns. Buyers already invested in 1911-pattern holsters, mag pouches, and accessories should also confirm compatibility, since double-stack 2011-pattern guns often need their own dedicated gear.
Does it work in California?
Like any new semi-automatic handgun, whether we can deliver it new to a California buyer depends on the state's handgun roster — confirm current status with our staff before ordering. Magazine capacity for CA delivery is capped at 10 rounds regardless of factory capacity elsewhere. See our California gun laws page, and if you want another steel competition-oriented pistol, compare the Sig Sauer P226 X-Five.
Key attributes
| Action | Double-stack 1911 (2011 pattern) |
| Caliber | 9mm Luger |
| Barrel length | 5 in, optics-ready (OR) |
| Trigger | GT trigger, 3-4 lb pull |
| Guide rod | Tool-less, patent-pending |
Frequently asked questions
- What does 'OR' mean in the name?
- Optics-ready — the slide is factory-cut to mount a red dot without aftermarket milling.
- Is the trigger adjustable?
- The GT trigger ships tuned to a 3-4 pound pull from the factory; it's not described as user-adjustable out of the box.
- What makes the guide rod 'tool-less'?
- It's a patent-pending design meant to let you field-strip the pistol without a bushing wrench or other special tools, unlike a traditional 1911 guide rod setup.
- How does capacity compare to a single-stack 1911?
- Meaningfully higher — that's the entire point of the double-stack 2011-pattern frame versus a traditional single-stack 1911 magazine.
- Is it a good first competition gun?
- It's built for serious competition use, but the price and 1911-pattern manual of arms make it a better fit for someone who already knows they want that platform rather than a total beginner.