Kimber Micro 9mm for Concealed Carry Review

01

of 07

Kimber Micro 9 Two-Tone 9mm Specifications

02

of 07

Kimber Micro 9 Two-Tone 9mm Features

• Match-Grade Trigger
• Full-Length Guide Rod
• Trigger: Smooth and Clean Break; Crisp, Tactile and Audible Reset
• Rounded with No Sharp Edges – Thin and Very Concealable; No Rail; Low Profile
• Recoil Spring – 16 pounds
• Beveled Mag Well
• Small and Easy to Conceal
• Grip Texture if Not Too Aggressive and Not Too Smooth
• Easy to Disassemble – No Tools Required
• 1911 Appearance Without a Grip Safety
• Lowered and Flared Ejection Port

I wondered if there were holsters, flat base and extended mags, and accessories readily available for the new Micro 9? Searching around I could not find a lot of leather holster options CURRENTLY. But, I found this high-quality, well-made leather Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) pancake Belt Scabbard Holster manufactured by Kramer Leather and it fit the Micro 9 very well and looks great. You can see the fine craftsmanship in the stitching and handwork in the image below. It is high quality and made of very durable horsehide. The holster fits the Micro 9 perfectly and it has very good retention while allowing it to ride high, close to the body, at a slight FBI cant. It was also comfortable and concealed my gun very well. It also fits my Sig 938 fine. Kim one of the nice owners at Kramer Leather is offering a 15% discount on holster orders for readers of my Micro 9 Review if you order through the end of November 2016. Just enter “COLBEN15” (all caps) when you order online at their website below or call them.

03

of 07

Criteria and Considerations for this Kimber Micro 9 Two-Tone 9mm Review

Here are just 10 of the criteria and factors I use for evaluating any handgun, so I will use them for the Kimber Micro 9 subcompact. In addition to my criteria, there are other subjective features that may be appealing for some, like a certain style, mag release location, action, caliber, appearance, number of mags included, type of sights/modifications, bore axis, rail, grip angle, non-porting or porting, included extras like a holster and pouch, customer service, etc. So, I combined these into my last Miscellaneous criterion. I must admit that ALL gun-choice decisions involve tradeoffs, but I really want ALL of my criteria to be met. I assigned a total possible point score of 10 points for each of my 10 criteria for a total possible score of 100 points. You can certainly add your own additional criteria and preferences or subtract any of mine.

Recognize that there are several features, characteristics, pros and cons, and personal criteria to include and consider and you make your own tradeoffs according to your priorities, preferences, defined needs, and use.

04

of 07

Kimber Micro 9 Two-Tone 9mm Range Test

I used high-quality Sig Sauer Elite V-Crown JHP ammo in 115, 124, and 147 grain weights, so I could try different ammo to see how it cycled the variety. I only fired about 200 rounds to evaluate this gun (usually I shoot 500 rounds over a couple of days) to decide if I want to carry the gun or not, I had the information I needed after shooting it. Below are my evaluations for each of my 10 criteria for my concealed carry purpose. While this old coot is not a top expert shooter by any means, I wanted to put the gun through its paces and check it thoroughly for malfunctions and performance with quality JHP ammo and reloads. . Thanks to Sig Sauer for providing various Elite Performance ammo for me to test and evaluate the Kimber Micro 9.

This Kimber Micro 9 in Two-Tone looks great and the quality appearance, fit and finish are exceptional. The Micro subcompact 9mm has nice ergonomics. It was comfortable in my hand and the aggressive grip texture was just right for me, as I tend to perspire a lot. As expected, my pinky finger did not fit the smaller frame and it dangled some. But, I can get accustomed to this and hopefully an extended mag with an extra round will be available in two months or so, per my marketing contact there. The stippling was good and it extended high up the backstrap to enhance my solid grip. I could easily reach all the controls. It has an ambidextrous thumb safety.  Its single-stack mag was nice, but at the expense of extra rounds. The slide was very easy for me to rack and the felt recoil and muzzle rise was surprisingly very manageable for this subcompact. The 16 pound recoil spring and full-length guide rod probably helped. Well, below I will present my ideas for each of my criteria after my range testing.

Overall after my range live fire, the Kimber Micro 9 single action subcompact gun impressed me as a very attractive, accurate, and reliable (with limited rounds fired by me) carry gun. I had no malfunctions or stoppages at all with the various types, weights, and quality of ammo fired.

At the range shooting the gun for the first time, my first seven rounds fired rapid fire at 5 yards all hit in a nice 2.5″ group, considering my declining eyesight. My next 7 rounds fired at 7 yards formed a similar group with the others (see below.) For this old Mr. Magoo shooter with challenging vision, the hits were acceptable for closeup self-defense encounters. Over different up-close, tactical distances, accuracy was very acceptable, but shoot it for yourself to make your own decisions, based on your abilities and proficiency. Below are my hits for my first 14 rounds at 5 and 7 yards with the Micro 9.

05

of 07

Range Test Results for each of my 10 Criteria:

1. Accuracy and Reliability – Score: 10

1. The accuracy of the subcompact Micro 9 was very acceptable for me at distances of 3, 5, 7, and 10 yards, with my aging eyesight. My groups at each of the up-close encounter distances were about 2.0-3.0 inches for the first time I ever fired the gun, after first cleaning it. Groups were smaller for me at all distances using the 124 grain HP ammo. I fired about 200 rounds. The 6.8# trigger press I experienced was crisp, soft and acceptable. The nice grip surface and the rounded single-action trigger really helped. I used my Modified-Isosceles Stance, a two-handed grip, & shot high-performance Sig Sauer V-Crown 115, 124, and 147 grain JHPs…

2. Trigger Press – Score: 9

The trigger press averaged about 6.8 pounds with 10 readings from my Lyman Electronic Trigger Pull Gauge. This was right at the upper limits for my press range for my carry guns. It will improve after break-in and shooting it more. I prefer that my carry guns have a max. of 6.5 pounds press or less, so this is very close and no problem. Of course, this is personal preference and a training issue, but I know some of my recommended and actual 9mm 1911-style single-action carry guns have lighter presses. I analyze and compare 21 of my top 21 concealed carry guns in my recent book. I liked that the trigger press was crisp and easily identifiable. The polished feed ramp helped.

3. Trigger – Score: 10

The match-grade, solid aluminum trigger had a tactile and very identifiable click and reset. I liked the fairly short and positive reset and very crisp trigger. My shots were consistent each time and I could easily recognize the reset point. I did like shooting it. It has an excellent soft and smooth trigger for a small gun.

4. Barrel Length: Score: 10

The 3.15-inch barrel with its 16 pound recoil spring most definitely helped control muzzle flip and recoil. Very nice recoil control. The steel barrel was of high quality and the short barrel helped make it very concealable.

5. Sights – Score: 8

The 3 dot sights were medium-sized, distinguishable, and helped my sight acquisition, sight alignment & sight picture. The sights are dovetail mounted. The sights were certainly acceptable, but with my impaired vision and color-blind eyes, I prefer the bright green fiber optic front sight for a better lock on to the front sight and wanted larger sight dots. I wish it came standard with night sights.

6. Proper Gun Weight – Score: 9

The overall 15.6 ounce unloaded weight was very light and nice for concealed carry within my desired range, but with the lightweight comes some disadvantages… which can be overcome. The weight is certainly very acceptable.

7. Caliber – Score: 10

It was easy and comfortable to shoot the 9mm caliber. The Micro has a closed-breech design. Felt recoil was lower than I expected and the recoil was very easy for me to control. It digested the various weights of 9mm ammo easily without a single malfunction or stoppage. The lightweight aluminum frame made it comfortable for carry and the recoil was not a problem.

8. Capacity – Score: 8

There was only one 6-round magazine included and I could find no other magazines specifically designed for the Micro 9. Communication with Kimber indicated that an extended magazine with added capacity would be forthcoming very soon in 2 months or so. I prefer at least 2 mags be included with an option to purchase a readily available extended mag with added round(s). Of course, like most, I want more capacity, but there are tradeoffs with a single stack, subcompact single action 1911-style gun. I discovered for myself that my Sig 938 flat-base (not extended) mags would fit in the Micro 9, but I did not shoot the Micro with them. Aside from a CRITICAL safety issue, this could be a Warranty issue and I do NOT RECOMMEND using the Sig mags even if they seem to fit. They are not designed for them and there could be safety problems, etc. SAFETY FIRST ALWAYS! So be patient and wait for the new extended mags.

9. Ergonomics – Score: 9

The ergonomics of the Micro 9 were very nice. Aside from its outstanding appearance and great fit and finish, the grip was very fine and the texturing right for me. The grip’s body was ample to allow me to acquire a firm and comfortable grip, but (as expected) my pinky dangled below the grip. This was not a problem for me and my medium-sized hands. I was able to easily reach all the controls without changing my grip or with a minor rotation. The 1 included mag was polished with a smooth finish and it dropped freely from the mag well.

10. Miscellaneous – Score: 8

As always before shooting any new gun, I disassembled, lubed and cleaned, and re-assembled the Micro 9 before I shot it. I did NOT have to press the trigger to disassemble it and it was very easy and quick to do. Just cock the hammer, move the slide rearward, take out the slide stop pin, and remove the slide.  The price of the gun is comparable (within $80 or so) to the Sig 938 (both have about a 3″ barrel; 6″ length; 16 oz; with Sig 7 rounds (some with 6- mine came with 1 7-rounder & 1 6-rounder) & Micro 6 rounds.)  Some Sig 938s have G10 grips and there are some different items received in the box (Micro) or case (938.) The Micro does not include accessories like some others, e.g. a holster, mag pouch. But, there are several nice features for this very quality gun. There is a one-year warranty for the original purchaser, rather than a lifetime warranty for all.

06

of 07

Kimber Micro 9 Two-Tone 9mm Review Conclusion

Total Points = 91 out of 100 Possible.

I certainly RECOMMEND this handgun for consideration as your concealed carry subcompact gun. I especially like its accuracy, outstanding fit, finish, and appearance, lightweight for easy carry, and small size for concealability. Its felt recoil was very manageable for a small subcompact 9mm and its rounded lines prevented snags. I wish it came standard with more rounds capacity, included more than one 6-round mag, and had night sights. But its many other features make up for most of those preferences. I want to shoot it more to see its long-term reliability before I buy it and carry it. I was very impressed with its accuracy out of the box, its low muzzle flip and recoil for a subcompact 9mm, and that I had no malfunctions or stoppages whatsoever with the 200 rounds I fired. These are just my opinions and ideas, so handle and shoot it for yourself. I hope this review of the Kimber Micro 9 Two-Tone, single action 1911-style subcompact 9mm has helped you gain some information you did not previously have. Consider that these are just my opinions with limited live-range fire and shooting myself only about 200 rounds of ammo. Like always, I recommend that you shoot any handgun yourself before you purchase it. Decide on your criteria, how you will primarily use the gun, and what features are important to you and you are willing to pay for ahead of your range time. Then critically evaluate the gun YOURSELF per your criteria and purpose, with standard drills (several mentioned in my book), with various ammo types and brands, over an extended break-in period of about 500 rounds. Remember, Safety First Always.

Continued success!

07

of 07

Contacts

Kimber
www.KimberAmerica.com
1-888-243-4522
Elmsford, NY 10523

Kramer Leather
www.KramerLeather.com
1-800-510-2666
[email protected]
Tacoma, WA 98411

(When ordering, use the code “COLBEN15” for a 15% holster discount during November 2016 only.)

Sig Sauer for Elite V-Crown 9mm JHP-FMJ ammo
www.SigAmmo.com
1-603-610-3000
Newington, NH 03801.

Photos by Author.

* This personal opinion article is meant for general information & educational purposes only and the author strongly recommends that you seek counsel from an attorney for legal advice and your own personal certified weapons trainer for proper guidance about shooting & using YOUR firearms, self-defense and concealed carry. It should not be relied upon as accurate for all shooters & the author assumes no responsibility for anyone’s use of the information and shall not be liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information or any damages or injuries incurred whatsoever.

© 2016 Col Benjamin Findley. All Rights Reserved. This article may not be reprinted or reproduced in whole or in part by mechanical means, photocopying, electronic reproduction, scanning, or any other means without prior written permission. For copyright information, contact Col Ben Findley at [email protected].