Utilizing a lightweight frame, night sights and Crimson Trace Lasergrips the Kimber Custom Covert II might well be the ultimate night-fighting 1911.
The pistol possesses features like 30 LPI checkering, a bumped and grooved beavertail, and a special carry melt treatment. What does that add up to? A gun designed for those who prefer the 1911 operating system, but do not prefer its weight.
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I had the chance to shoot the Custom Covert II in October at the first ever Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous in Gateway, Colo. — a incredibly unique gathering of gun writers and firearms manufacturers — and fell in love with the pistol immediately.
Kimber’s Build
Rather than using steel, Kimber machines the pistol’s frame from a lightweight aluminum alloy. The process results in a half-pound of weight savings. If you carry your gun for long periods that half pound can make a huge difference.
The Custom Covert II is also given the “melt treatment,” which means that every hard edge is given a subtle bevel. What that means to the shooter is that hands won’t be cut during slide manipulation. It also means the pistol won’t be carving your expensive leather holster.
Other than weight, the Custom Covert II is a true 1911. It has a 5-inch barrel and slide and a standard size grip frame. Parts made for 1911s will work with the pistol.
Custom Covert II Features
The Custom Covert II’s front strap is checkered at 30 LPI. The checkering is fine enough as to not catch on clothing, yet still provides a comfortable and secure firing grip.
Kimber outfits this pistol with Tritium powered night sights, arranged in the usual three-dot pattern. The gun is also equipped with a set of Crimson Trace Lasergrips, activated by a button on the frontstrap. I like to adjust my Lasergrips so the dot sits just above the front sight when a conventional sight picture is taken. With the addition of a good hand-held tactical light, the pistol should be ready for action in any light scenario.
You might think that a gun a half-pound lighter than a steel frame version would be a monster to shoot. It isn’t! I fired several magazines through the pistol at the Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous and found it as easy to shoot as any full-size, steel-framed 1911.
We did not have the ability to test the gun for accuracy. However, based on previous evaluations of the same gun, I think it is safe to say the gun is capable of firing groups between 1-2 inches at 25 yards.
Nice Finish
Kimber coats the Custom Covert II with its KimPro, which is a thermally cured finish that is corrosion resistant. It can withstand exposure to industrial grade solvents.
The charcoal coloring Kimber chose for the pistol is perfect for its intended mission as a night-time defender. It is matte and non-reflective and this makes the gun hard to see in low-light conditions.
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Other refinements that make the pistol easier to shoot are its extended thumb safety, forward cocking serrations and beavertail grip safety with the bump to ensure it gets depressed even when you shoot with your thumb on top of the thumb safety … like I do.
Kimber offers versions of the Covert in its 4-inch Pro and 3-inch Ultra pistols.
The Custom Covert II has an MSRP of $1,427.
For more information on the Custom Covert II, please visit KimberAmerica.com.
