Kimber Micro 9
Kimber Manufacturing, Inc. · Pistol · In Production · 2016
Also known as: Micro 9, Kimber Micro Nine
Overview
The Kimber Micro 9 is a premium micro-compact semi-automatic pistol introduced in 2016, designed as a scaled-down 1911-style handgun chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. Manufactured by Kimber Manufacturing in the United States, it features a traditional single-action-only trigger with an external hammer, ambidextrous thumb safety, and grip safety -- hallmarks of the classic 1911 platform miniaturized into a pocket-sized form factor. The pistol employs a short-recoil, locked-breech operating system with a match-grade stainless steel barrel measuring 3.15 inches (80mm), paired with an aluminum alloy frame and stainless steel slide to achieve a weight of just 15.6 ounces (442g) with an empty magazine. The single-stack 7-round magazine keeps the grip exceptionally thin at 1.06 inches (27mm), making it highly concealable for everyday carry. Standard features include a full-length steel guide rod, lowered and flared ejection port, beveled magazine well, steel three-dot sights, solid aluminum trigger, and rosewood or rubber grips depending on the variant. The Micro 9 occupies a premium niche in the concealed carry market, appealing to shooters who prefer the crisp single-action trigger and manual-of-arms of the 1911 platform in a subcompact package. With an overall length of just 6.1 inches (155mm) and a height of 4.07 inches (103mm), the Micro 9 is one of the smallest 1911-style pistols available in 9mm.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 442 g (15.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 553 g (19.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 155 mm (6.10") |
| Barrel Length | 80 mm (3.15") |
| Height | 103 mm (4.06") |
| Width | 27 mm (1.06") |
| Sight Radius | 109 mm (4.29") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 31 N (7.0 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 305 m/s (1001 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 347 J (256 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Left Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Satin Silver |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Thumb Safety, Grip Safety, Firing Pin Safety, Disconnector Safety
- Features: 1911 Style Controls, Match Grade Barrel, Full Length Guide Rod, Lowered Ejection Port, Beveled Magazine Well, Aluminum Trigger, Steel Three Dot Sights, Removable Grips, Single Stack Magazine, Rear Slide Serrations, High Beavertail
Variants
- Kimber Micro 9 ESV — Compensated
- Kimber Micro 9 Rapide Dawn — Premium Finish
- Kimber Micro 9 Rapide Scorpius — Premium Finish
- Kimber Micro 9 Rapide Black Ice — Premium Finish
- Kimber Micro 9 Nightfall — Night Sight
- Kimber Micro 9 Stainless Raptor — Premium Finish
- Kimber Micro 9 Eclipse — Two Tone
- Kimber Micro 9 Two-Tone — Two Tone
- Kimber Micro 9 CDP — Custom Defense
- Kimber Micro 9 Bel Air — Special Edition
- Kimber Micro 9 Sapphire — Special Edition
Production
Production years: 2016-present
One of Kimber's most popular concealed carry models, offered in over 20 variants with different finishes and features.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The Micro 9 was developed as the 9mm counterpart to the Kimber Micro 380, scaling up the design to handle the higher-pressure 9x19mm cartridge. Unlike most modern micro-compact pistols that use striker-fired, polymer-framed designs, the Micro 9 retains the traditional hammer-fired, single-action-only operation that 1911 enthusiasts prefer, including the characteristic thumb safety and grip safety combination. The factory-rated trigger pull is 7 pounds (31N), though independent testing consistently measures lower at approximately 4-5 pounds in practice, with reviewers praising the short take-up and crisp break. The barrel features left-hand rifling with a 1:16-inch twist rate, unusual for a 9mm pistol. Kimber offers an extensive range of variants spanning different finishes, sight options, and grip materials, with compensated ESV models reducing muzzle rise by approximately 23%. The Micro 9 lineup expanded significantly in 2021 with the introduction of the Rapide family featuring stepped cocking serrations, slide-lightening cuts, and TruGlo TFX Pro day/night sights. MSRP for the base Stainless model is approximately $706. Kimber Manufacturing was originally founded as Kimber of Oregon in 1979, relocated to Yonkers, New York in 1997, and has since moved its headquarters to Troy, Alabama. The Micro 9 is purely a civilian concealed carry pistol with no known military or law enforcement adoptions.
Background
The Micro 9 miniaturized the venerable 1911 design into a pocket-sized 9mm package that weighs barely over a pound. Unlike the wave of polymer striker-fired micro pistols dominating the concealed carry market, the Micro 9 stubbornly retains the classic hammer-fired, single-action trigger and manual safety that 1911 purists demand.