Kimber Releases New 1911 RAPIDE Models
Kimber have announced two additions to their RAPIDE line of 1911s. The new 1911 RAPIDE Dawn and RAPIDE Scorpius models are chambered in 9x19mm, built on stainless-steel frames and have 5-inch match-grade barrels with a 1:16 left-hand twist. MSRP for both pistols is $1,729.00.
Here’s what Kimber have to say about the new RAPIDE models:
Kimber Mfg. announces exciting new models to the highly popular line of RAPIDE 1911 pistols.
Introducing the RAPIDE Dawn and RAPIDE Scorpius. Aesthetically styled after the RAPIDE family of 1911 handguns, the new pistols feature the same stainless-steel slides with stepped cocking serrations and slide lightening cuts. The frame includes Kimber’s Stiplex textured front strap, as well as G-10 grips creating a secure grip surface area.
RAPIDE Dawn pistols feature a frame and slide finished in Silver KimPro II with brush-polished flats and a Gold TiN finished barrel, and include Gray/Black RAPIDE G-10 grips. The RAPIDE Scorpius pistols feature frames and slides finished in Black KimPro II with brush-polished flats, and the barrel wears a Black DLC finish. This model features Black RAPIDE G-10 grips.
The new 1911 RAPIDE Dawn and RAPIDE Scorpius models are chambered in 9mm and are built on stainless-steel frames. These models will use 5-inch stainless-steel, match-grade barrels with a 1:16 left-hand twist. RAPIDE Dawn and RAPIDE Scorpius 1911s are built around a 12-pound recoil spring and include a 9-round magazine. The two new RAPIDE models also include Tru-Glo TFX Pro Day/Night sights with the company’s signature orange front ring. The RAPIDE Dawn and RAPIDE Scorpius 1911 models measure 8.7” long, 5.25” tall, 1.28” wide, and tip the scales at 40 ounces.
Here are the specs for the Dawn and Scorpius:
Height (inches) 90° to barrel: 5.25
Width (inches): 1.28
Weight (ounces) with empty magazine: 40
Length (inches): 8.7
Barrel Length (inches): 5 with match grade bushing and Gold TiN Finish
Magazine capacity: 9
Recoil spring (pounds): 12.0
Slide: Stainless steel, silver KimPro II finish w/brush polished flats and front serrations
Sights: Tru-Glo TFX Pro Day Night w/Orange ring front
Grips: Black RAPIDE G10 grips
Height (inches) 90° to barrel: 5.25
Width (inches): 1.28
Weight (ounces) with empty magazine: 40
Length (inches): 8.7
Barrel Length (inches): 5 with match grade bushing and black DLC finish
Magazine capacity: 9
Recoil spring (pounds): 12.0
Slide: Stainless steel, black KimPro II finish w/brush polished flats and front serrations
Sights: Tru-Glo TFX Pro Day Night w/Orange ring front
Grips: Black RAPIDE G10 grips
Find out more at www.kimberamerica.com
Managing Editor: TheFirearmBlog.com & Overt Defense.com. Matt is a British historian specialising in small arms development and military history. He has written several books and for a variety of publications in both the US and UK. Matt is also runs The Armourer's Bench, a video series on historically significant small arms. Here on TFB he covers product and current military small arms news. Reach Matt at: matt@thefirearmblog.com
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Gee, polymer doesn't throw off the balance on a Glock.
I see one model has those horribly exotic gold Ti barrels that look like someone installed a Chinese drill bit in it's place. SIG offering those for the P320 and P365 sure got a lot of hate mail here over it.
Let's be aware every one of this Kimbers will sell and their owners shoot too. Of course, with 16 million more new gun owners, what you or I consider in good taste based on our traditions in firearms means that overall our input gets watered down. And makers will go where the money is.
The money is still on the iconic 1911 in as exotic a comptition range gun can be possibly carried, because it's really not about it being a firearm any more than a Rolex is about being a watch. Any mass produced 9mm or .45 can launch a bullet, and in the hands of a capable shooter do the same job. Nope, these guns, and the dozens of competitors on the market, are about LOOKING like the ultimate handgun, not necessarily SHOOTING. To shoot like the ultimate, it takes the ultimate shooter, and those are few and very far between. These guns are all about looking like the ultimate shooter.
Climbing down off their 3/4 ton dinosaur themed pickup in a matching kydex holster wearing a T shirt emblazoned with wannabe military graphics and wheeling their range bag to the line, the owner makes all the statement he can. If he looks tougher and more able to whip any liberal protester downtown, it's a win for the cause.
These are dangerously bordering on cartel kingpin territory, aesthetically. Tighten up Kimber!