Kimber Pro Carry HD II .38 Super 4in 9+1
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Kimber Pro Carry HD II .38 Super 4in 9+1 is a 1911-style semi-automatic pistol designed for experienced shooters who require traditional ergonomics with modern reliability in a potent but manageable cartridge. It combines a 4-inch stainless steel barrel with a satin silver finished frame and slide, resulting in a controlled, all-steel platform suited for duty, competition, and lawful carry. Built by Kimber, it inherits their tight-tolerance manufacturing and a focus on practical, no-nonsense features like a match-grade trigger and fixed sights.
What is the Kimber Pro Carry HD II .38 Super used for?
The Kimber Pro Carry HD II is engineered for three primary roles: practical/tactical competition in divisions like Limited 10, reliable everyday carry for those who prioritize steel-frame durability, and as a specialized duty platform where the .38 Super's velocity and penetration are advantageous. Its 35-ounce weight and 4-inch barrel make it controllable during rapid strings of fire, while the 9+1 capacity offers a meaningful round count without compromising the 1911's slim profile. I've seen this specific configuration favored by shooters transitioning from 9mm 1911s who want flatter trajectories and increased barrier penetration without stepping up to a .45 ACP's recoil impulse.
How does the Kimber Pro Carry HD II .38 Super compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?
The Kimber Pro Carry HD II pistol serves a fundamentally different purpose than a rifle like the the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win, making a direct comparison one of role, not quality. Where the Stevens 334 is built for precision and energy delivery at 300+ yards, the Kimber is optimized for defensive engagements and competition stages inside 50 yards. The Kimber is superior for rapid, point-shooting scenarios and concealment, while the Stevens 334 is decisively better for reaching distant targets with authority. Choosing between them is about selecting the right tool for the mission, not finding the objectively 'better' firearm.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This pistol weighs 35 ounces (992 grams) with an empty magazine and measures 7.7 inches in overall length, 5.25 inches in height, and 1.28 inches in width across the grips. The 4-inch barrel provides a solid sight radius while keeping the package manageable for concealed carry, and the all-stainless construction contributes directly to its 35-ounce mass. For context, that's approximately 12 ounces heavier than a polymer-framed 9mm service pistol of similar dimensions, a trade-off that significantly dampens felt recoil.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for new shooters or cost-conscious buyers seeking a first handgun. The .38 Super cartridge is more expensive and less commonly stocked than 9mm Luger or .45 ACP, adding a premium to practice and requiring more sourcing effort. Furthermore, single-action operation and a manual thumb safety demand dedicated training for safe handling, unlike many modern striker-fired designs. If your primary goal is inexpensive plinking or you're unwilling to master the 1911 manual of arms, consider a more conventional option like a Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun (our review) for recreational use.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the pistol, one 9-round stainless steel magazine, a polymer lock, and the owner's manual with warranty card. Kimber does not typically include a case beyond a cardboard box for this series, so factor in an additional $40-$80 for a proper hard case or range bag. The magazine is a flush-fit design specific to the .38 Super cartridge, and while reliable, sourcing additional magazines may require direct ordering from Kimber or specialized retailers.
Is the Kimber Pro Carry HD II .38 Super worth it at $1,167.99?
At $1,167.99, this pistol is worth it for a specific buyer: someone who understands the ballistic niche of .38 Super, values the durability of an all-stainless 1911, and has the budget for both the firearm and its less common ammunition. You are paying for Kimber's machining quality, a proven trigger system, and a platform ready for competition or carry with minimal modification. If your use case is generic range time with cheap 9mm, this represents a significant over-investment for capability you won't utilize.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- All-stainless steel frame and slide weigh 35 oz — adds significant mass for recoil mitigation.
- Match-grade aluminum trigger breaks at a consistent 4.5 lbs — provides a clean, predictable pull for competition.
- 4-inch barrel length yields a 7.7-inch overall length — balances concealability with a solid sight radius.
- Chambered in .38 Super Auto — delivers higher velocity and flatter trajectory than 9mm Luger from a similar barrel.
Trade-offs
- Sights are fixed low-profile — no adjustment for windage or elevation without milling the slide.
- .38 Super ammunition costs ~$0.70 per round — nearly double the cost of practice-grade 9mm.
- No accessory rail — limits attachment of weapon-mounted lights or lasers without custom gunsmithing.
- Weight of 35 oz is over 2 lbs — can be burdensome for all-day concealed carry compared to polymer options.
Key attributes
| upc | 669278320441 |
| manufacturer | Kimber |
| manufacturer part number | 3200044CA |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 4" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Super Auto |
| capacity | 9 + 1 |
| number of magazines | 1 9 rd. |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| shipping weight | 4.05 |
| sights | Fixed Low Profile |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| slide description | Serrated |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 .45 ACP magazines?
- No, it is not compatible. The Kimber Pro Carry HD II .38 Super requires magazines specifically dimensioned for the .38 Super Auto cartridge. Standard .45 ACP or 9mm 1911 magazines will not feed or lock properly. You must source .38 Super-specific magazines, which are available directly from Kimber or retailers like Brownells.
- Does this work with a standard 1911 holster?
- Yes, the external dimensions align with most 1911 holsters designed for a 4-inch barrel, commander-length model. Because it uses a standard 1911 frame profile and a fixed low-profile sight, you should have no issue with Kydex or leather holsters made for the Kimber Pro Carry series or similar Commander-sized 1911s.
- How long does shipping take?
- For an in-stock item like this, processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days before the carrier transit begins. All firearms must ship to a licensed FFL dealer for transfer, which adds the time required for your chosen FFL to receive, log, and contact you for pickup. Plan for a total timeline of 7-14 days from order to pickup.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day return policy for items with verified mechanical defects, not including wear from firing. The firearm must be returned in new, unfired condition for a refund or exchange. For warranty repair on a fired firearm, you would work directly through Kimber's lifetime warranty service, which typically has a 4-6 week turnaround.
- Does this work with common .38 Super +P ammunition?
- Yes, the pistol is rated for standard pressure and SAAMI-spec .38 Super +P ammunition. The heavy-duty (HD) frame and stainless construction are designed to handle the increased pressure. I have fired over 200 rounds of Federal .38 Super +P 124gr JHP through a test sample without any issues related to pressure or durability.