The Kimber Micro 9 handgun debuted in 2016 to massive plaudits and enormous success, and for good reason: It was (and remains) one of the highest-quality production concealed-carry pistols on the market. That said, the all-American innovation for which Kimber is famous has driven a whole new energy to the Micro 9 lineup in 2021. This is no mere “line extension,” but some true, new, shooter-friendly features that new gun owners and experienced shooters alike should note. is bringing several premium, innovative, and performance-enhancing features to the Micro 9 family of all-metal, subcompact carry pistols.
The most groundbreaking Micro 9 pistol offers an unprecedented, performance-enhancing feature: a mini compensator (MC). Compensators are muzzle devices that ventilate the gases produced by your shot in a way that makes shooting easier for you. Specifically, the MC makes it so your muzzle won’t rise as much with each shot—in fact, Kimber reports a 23% reduction in muzzle rise! These compensators are made from the same aluminum alloy as the gun’s frame and only add an inch to the gun’s overall length (7.09”) versus a standard Micro 9 (6.1”). These compensated Micro 9 models–the ESV Two-Tone (MC) (TP) and the Stainless (MC) (TP)– also ship with a set of premium TruGlo Tritium Pro (TP) sights installed from the factory. MSRP: $889
Looking for a no-brainer, straight-from-the-factory reflex optic to boost your accuracy? Kimber’s new Micro 9 Black (OI) and Stainless (OI) models each sport a Swamp Fox Sentinel red dot optic constructed from 7075 aluminum, with a red reticle that is manually adjusted for brightness and includes a “shake n wake” feature. Black (OI) $904; Stainless (OI) MSRP: $904
Kimber hasn’t forgotten the RAPIDE branch of the Micro 9 family tree. In keeping with the RAPIDE family’s unique aesthetics, these three new models all feature slides with stepped cocking serrations, slide-lightening cuts and Tru-Glo TFX Pro Day/Night sights. The RAPIDE Dawn variant is finished in Silver KimPro II with brush-polished flats, and the barrel is finished in Gold TiN, while the RAPIDE Scorpius pistols are finished in Black KimPro II with brush-polished flats and Black DLC barrels. The third iteration of the new Micro 9 RAPIDE is styled after the original 1911 RAPIDE design, with a frame and slide finished in Black KimPro II and a Gold TiN barrel. RAPIDE Dawn MSRP: $985; RAPIDE Scorpius MSRP: $985; Standard RAPIDE MSRP: $985
The Micro 9 models make use of a 3.15-inch barrel, 16-pound recoil spring, and a 7-round magazine. Measurements for the new Micro 9 models are 6.1” long (Mini Comp models are 7.1”), 4.07” tall, and weigh slightly less than a pound at 15.6 ounces. All the new Micro 9 pistols retain familiar 1911 ergonomics and a single-action trigger in a compact 9mm platform. The guns use stainless-steel barrels and slides paired with high-quality aluminum frames to keep the pistols as lightweight as possible. All are finished in a variant of KimPro II to prevent corrosion and minimize wear. kimberamerica.com
