Kimber's Rapide lineup of 1911s have stood out from the crowd due to their unique look, thanks to a combination of creative machining and well-appointed finishes. Now, the company expanded its Rapide collection in 2022 with the all-new Dawn, but don't think the sleek looks of the new gun mean it isn't designed for defensive duty.
One of the unique, stand-out elements of the Kimber Rapide Dawn 1911 is its gold-colored barrel, which peeks through the slide from the ejection port, lightening cuts and muzzle. However, this finish doesn't just look good. The titanium-nitride barrel coating is actually one of the most durable firearm finishes available today. The lightening cuts in the barrel aren't just to show off the fancy-looking barrel. These reduce weight in the slide, which means there's less mass reciprocating after each shot. Not only can this cut down on felt recoil, it also aids in achieving faster lock times and improved reliability.
On the grip frame of the Kimber Rapide Dawn, you'll find a trademarked stippling pattern on the front strap, as well as raised ridges on the mainspring housing that help in acquiring a comfortable, confident grip. A solid hold is also easy to achieve, thanks to the two-tone G10 laminate grip panels on the gun. Finishing off the attractive, yet durable, look of the Rapide Dawn is the company's Kimpro silver finish with polished flats on the slide and frame.
Available in 9 mm Luger only, the Kimber Rapide Dawn 1911 ships with a single nine-round magazine. Unloaded, the gun weighs in at 40 ozs., and it measures 5.25" high, 8.7" long and 1.28" wide. The match-grade stainless steel barrel measures 5" long, sits inside a match-grade bushing and features a 1:16" twist rate. Topping the slide is a set of highly visible Tru-Glo TFX night sights. Suggested retail pricing on the new Kimber Rapide Dawn is $1,733. For more information, visit kimberamerica.com.
