Kimber CDS9 Micro DS 1911: A Review of the Ultimate Compact 1911 for Concealed Carry

The Kimber CDS9 Micro DS 1911 is a standout option in the growing market for micro-compact handguns, blending the classic feel of a 1911 with the modern advancements of a double-stack, optics-ready concealed carry pistol. For those who love the 1911 platform but are looking for a more compact, high-capacity handgun, the CDS9 offers an impressive balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern features.

In this review, we’ll explore the features, performance, and suitability of the Kimber CDS9 Micro DS for concealed carry, highlighting why it stands out in a crowded market of compact handguns.

Kimber’s Heritage: A Modern Take on the Classic 1911

Kimber is well-known for its 1911 handguns, and the CDS9 Micro DS is no exception. It offers shooters the familiar 1911 controls and single-action trigger but in a smaller, lighter package. Unlike the classic full-size 1911, the CDS9 is built for concealed carry, featuring an all-metal frame that still manages to be compact and lightweight.

The CDS9 Micro DS builds on the success of Kimber’s Micro 9, offering higher capacity and an optics-ready design for today’s discerning concealed carry enthusiasts. This double-stack 9mm brings a significant capacity upgrade without compromising the slim, concealable profile that made the Micro 9 so popular.

Key Features of the Kimber CDS9 Micro DS 1911

1. Aluminum Frame and Steel Slide: The CDS9 Micro DS features an aluminum alloy frame and a stainless steel slide. This combination not only reduces weight but also provides excellent durability and a sleek, attractive two-tone finish. With KimPro II coating, the frame and slide are protected from wear and tear, ensuring that the pistol remains reliable and beautiful for years to come.
2. 15+1 Capacity: One of the key improvements over its predecessor, the Micro 9, is the double-stack magazine. The CDS9 offers a capacity of 10, 13, or 15 rounds, giving it an edge over other compact 1911s that are often limited by single-stack magazines. This increase in capacity makes the CDS9 an excellent choice for those who want more rounds without sacrificing concealability.
3. Optics-Ready Design: In today’s market, many shooters are opting for red-dot sights on their carry guns, and Kimber has responded by making the CDS9 optics-ready. The slide is cut for RMSC footprint optics, which means it can easily accommodate a variety of popular red-dot sights, making target acquisition faster and more precise.
4. Flat-Faced Trigger: The CDS9 features a flat-faced trigger that provides a smooth, crisp pull, consistent with the excellent trigger performance found in most 1911 pistols. This enhances accuracy, especially in rapid-fire situations where a clean, consistent trigger pull is critical.
5. Front and Rear Cocking Serrations: The CDS9 Micro DS is designed with front and rear cocking serrations, making it easy to rack the slide in a variety of conditions. The serrations are deeply cut into the slide, providing a secure grip whether you’re using the front or rear to manipulate the gun.

Performance and Accuracy: How Does It Shoot?

When it comes to shooting, the Kimber CDS9 Micro DS does not disappoint. During testing, the CDS9 showed itself to be highly reliable and accurate. The 3.18-inch barrel paired with the solid frame offers a smooth shooting experience, with very manageable recoil for such a compact gun.

Recoil Management:

One of the key aspects of the CDS9 is its double recoil spring system. Kimber designed this system to provide better recoil control, resulting in a flatter shooting gun. The dual springs absorb much of the energy, making the CDS9 an enjoyable handgun to shoot, even for extended periods at the range.

Trigger Performance:

The single-action trigger on the CDS9 Micro DS is one of its standout features. It breaks cleanly and crisply, with very little take-up, which is crucial for accuracy in both target shooting and defensive scenarios. The flat-faced trigger allows for better control, especially during rapid-fire strings.

Concealability: Ideal for Everyday Carry

Despite its higher capacity, the Kimber CDS9 Micro DS remains an excellent choice for concealed carry. The overall profile of the gun is compact and slim, with a width of just 1.1 inches. The aluminum frame keeps the weight down, making it comfortable to carry all day.

Ergonomics:

The CDS9 offers excellent ergonomics with a well-designed grip that fits a wide range of hand sizes. Even with the 15-round magazine, the gun remains balanced and easy to control. For those with larger hands, the extended magazine provides a full grip, while the shorter 10-round magazine keeps the gun ultra-concealable.

Comparison to Other Micro 1911s

The Kimber CDS9 Micro DS enters a competitive market of compact 1911-style pistols. Some of its closest rivals include the Smith & Wesson CSX and the Sig P365. Here’s how it stacks up:

• Smith & Wesson CSX: Both guns share a 1911-style design with single-action triggers and ambidextrous safeties. The CDS9 edges ahead with a higher capacity (15 rounds compared to the CSX’s 12 rounds) and an optics-ready slide, which is not available on the CSX.
• Sig P365: The Sig P365 is smaller overall, but the CDS9 offers a more substantial grip and greater magazine capacity. The CDS9 also benefits from its 1911 trigger, which many shooters prefer over the striker-fired trigger found in the P365.

Pros and Cons of the Kimber CDS9 Micro DS 1911

Pros:

• All-Metal Frame: Durable and offers a more solid feel than polymer-framed pistols.
• Optics-Ready: Prepped for modern red-dot optics with an RMSC footprint.
• 15+1 Capacity: Impressive magazine capacity for a gun of its size.
• Superior Trigger: Smooth, crisp single-action trigger enhances shooting performance.
• High-Quality Finish: The KimPro II finish provides excellent protection against wear and corrosion.

Cons:

• Price: With an MSRP of around $1,075, the CDS9 Micro DS is more expensive than many polymer-framed competitors.
• Manual Safety: For shooters used to striker-fired pistols with passive safeties, the 1911-style manual safety may take some getting used to.

Final Verdict: Is the Kimber CDS9 Micro DS Worth It?

The Kimber CDS9 Micro DS 1911 is a top-tier choice for anyone looking for a compact, reliable, and high-capacity carry gun. Its combination of classic 1911 ergonomics with modern features like an optics-ready slide and double-stack magazine sets it apart in a crowded field of micro 9mm pistols. While it comes with a higher price tag than some polymer-framed alternatives, the CDS9 delivers on quality, performance, and durability.

For shooters who love the feel of a 1911 but want a smaller, more concealable option with modern enhancements, the Kimber CDS9 Micro DS is an excellent investment.

FAQs

• What is the capacity of the Kimber CDS9 Micro DS?
  • The CDS9 comes with a 10-round, 13-round, and 15-round magazine, offering flexible capacity options for concealed carry.
• Is the Kimber CDS9 Micro DS optics-ready?
  • Yes, the CDS9 is optics-ready and compatible with RMSC footprint optics for enhanced accuracy.
• What is the trigger like on the CDS9 Micro DS?
  • The CDS9 features a single-action flat-faced trigger that provides a crisp, clean break, ideal for precision shooting.
• How does the Kimber CDS9 Micro DS compare to the Sig P365?
  • The CDS9 offers a higher magazine capacity and a superior trigger, though it is slightly larger than the P365.
• Is the Kimber CDS9 Micro DS good for everyday carry?
  • Absolutely. Its compact size, lightweight frame, and high magazine capacity make it an excellent choice for concealed carry.
• What is the price of the Kimber CDS9 Micro DS?
  • The MSRP is $1,075, though market prices may vary.