The Kimber Micro: What is It?
If you’re familiar with Kimber, you’re probably aware of their association with high-end 1911s. The company, which has made a name for itself with its metal-framed pistols, made a splash with their Kimber Micro. One of the smallest 1911 “variants” out there, the Kimber Micro is iconic for pushing the boundaries of John Browning’s timeless design. In this post, we’ll look at the background of the Kimber Micro. Then, we’ll look at some similarities and differences between the Kimber Micro and the 1911, including custom gun holster sizing.
What is the Kimber Micro?
Let’s rewind to 2013. It was a simpler time. Microsoft and Sony had just released the Xbox One and Playstation 4, respectively. Not only was Daft Punk still around, they’d just released their hit album Random Access Memories. New episodes of The Office were still airing (although the show was in its final season). And to top it all off, Kimber had just announced the newest addition to its arsenal: the Kimber Micro.
The Micro was Kimber’s first attempt at creating a small, compact gun suitable for concealed carry purposes. With an overall weight of 13.4 ounces with an empty magazine, it was definitely a lightweight gun. Additionally, the Micro’s 2.75-inch barrel was nearly half as long as the standard Government-type 1911.
When Kimber originally released the Micro in 2014, the firearm was only available in .380 ACP. The company would later add a 9mm version in 2016. Both would go on to establish reputations as reliable, durable carry pistols.
Kimber Micro and the 1911: Similarities and Differences
Given that Kimber based the Micro directly on the 1911’s design, the two firearms share some common similarities. For one, they share the same basic operating principles. Although the Micro’s parts may be smaller, anyone familiar with a 1911 will recognize that they’re the same. That means anyone who knows how to disassemble and clean a 1911 will also know how to do so with a Micro. They’re also both single-action pistols.
While the Kimber Micro and the 1911 do share some similarities, they have some pretty big differences. First, a traditional 1911 is chambered in 45 ACP (although 380 Super, 9mm and 10mm variants do exist). That’s in contrast to the Micro, which you can only get in either .380 ACP or 9mm.
Additionally, the Micro has a smaller capacity than most modern 1911s. While you can fit a maximum of 8 bullets into the biggest Micro (7 in the magazine and one in the chamber), you can fit 9 into a standard 1911 using the same technique. That’s natural, though, considering the Micro is significantly smaller and easier to conceal than its bigger brother.
Can I Use a Standard 1911 Holster for My Kimber Micro?
The difference in size between a standard 1911 and a Kimber Micro means that you can’t use the same holster for either gun. Instead, you’re going to need a dedicated holster for your Kimber Micro. And tracking a solid one down can be a bit difficult, considering they’re less common than a regular 1911 is.
But don’t worry - Southern Trapper can help. We specialize in creating custom gun holsters for rare and high-end pistols like the 1911 or Kimber Micro. We tailor each holster for your individual needs from tough alligator leather. To learn more, check out our entire selection of custom gun holster styles in our online store.
