Kimber has just released the new Warrior 1911 double stack pistol, and it looks like they’re finally giving the people exactly what they’ve been asking for: a high-capacity, American-made double stack that doesn’t require a second mortgage.
Old School Soul, New School Capacity
For a while now, shooters have been asking for a reliable 2011-style pistol that isn’t imported and doesn’t cost three grand. Kimber heard that loud and clear. They took the DNA of their battle-tested Warrior line (originally requested by Marine Forces Special Operations Command back in ’06) and modernized it for today’s market. We’re talking about a gun built right in Troy, Alabama, with no shortcuts.
The new Kimber Warrior keeps the traditional 1911 internals that we all know, like the Series 70 trigger and the internal extractor. But the big shift here is the grip module – Kimber uses a carbon fiber and glass-filled matrix grip that feels similar to Kimber 2K11 line. This keeps the entire gun lighter and more carry-friendly (in case you’re considering it as your new CCW).
Out of the box, the new Kimber Warrior DS 1911 is optics-ready, with RMR footprint, has an accessory rail for your light, and features ambi safeties.
Calibers for Everyone
Kimber is launching the Kimber Warrior DS 1911 in four calibers:
- 9mm and .38 Super (17+1 flush / 20+1 extended)
- .45 ACP (11+1 flush / 13+1 extended)
- 10mm (15+1 flush / 18+1 extended)
For the 10mm crowd, they made a 6-inch long-slide version. It’s an absolute unit, perfect for handgun hunting or backcountry carry. The insight from the folks who tested the Warrior at the range on SHOT Show 2026 is that the extra weight and the bushing barrel make the 10mm shoot incredibly flat, more accurate than a Glock 20 for some shooters.
The Bottom Line
For a long time, “affordable double stack 1911” meant “made overseas”. Kimber is proving you can still get American craftsmanship – hand-fitted by a single technician from start to finish – at a price point that competes with the imports.
Specs:
- Calibers: 9mm, .45 ACP, 10mm, .38 Super
- Capacity:
- 9mm/.38 Super: 17+1 (flush), 20+1 (extended)
- 10mm: 15+1 (flush), 18+1 (extended)
- .45 ACP: 11+1 (flush), 13+1 (extended)
- Magazines: uses Checkmate 2011-pattern
- Barrel: 5-inch (standard), 6-inch (10mm long-slide option)
- Optics: Ready for RMR footprint
- Build: Stainless steel slide/frame, Carbon Fiber grip module
- Origin: Made in Troy, Alabama, USA
- MSRP: $1,099 to $1,350
Photos courtesy of Kimber.
Leave a Reply