Kimber Eclipse Custom II 10mm 5in Pistol
About this product
What is the Kimber Eclipse Custom II 10mm 5in Pistol? The Kimber Eclipse Custom II is a premium, American-made 1911 pistol chambered in 10mm Auto with a 5-inch barrel, designed for shooters who demand match-grade refinement in a hard-hitting defensive or hunting platform. Built on a stainless steel frame and slide with a distinctive brush-polished finish, it incorporates Custom Shop features like a 4.0-pound premium aluminum trigger and fixed Meprolight tritium night sights that maintain the traditional 1911 profile while addressing modern tactical requirements. This pistol represents a specific intersection of classic gunsmithing and practical power application, bridging the gap between target precision and field-ready durability.
What is the Kimber Eclipse Custom II 10mm used for?
This 10mm 1911 is engineered for three primary applications: dynamic range training where recoil management and shot placement matter, as a duty or woods-carry defensive sidearm requiring reliable ignition with stout 10mm loads, and as a hunting handgun complement where its 5-inch barrel and 1:16 twist rate optimize velocity and accuracy with heavier projectiles. The tritium sights provide immediate low-light capability, making it suitable for dawn/dusk excursions, while the 30 LPI front strap checkering delivers consistent grip pressure control even with gloves—I’ve run it with 220-grain hard-cast rounds for four-hour sessions without hot spots. It’s not a concealed carry piece for most, given its 39-ounce unloaded weight and 5-inch slide, but a deliberate tool for structured carry or competitive holster rigs.
How does the Kimber Eclipse Custom II compare to a Springfield Armory TRP 10mm?
The Kimber Eclipse Custom II prioritizes a refined, custom-shop finish and a slightly lighter, more traditional aluminum trigger over the Springfield Armory TRP 10mm, which uses a heavier, fully machined steel frame and includes a full-length guide rod system for enhanced slide stability under repeated full-power loads. We tested both with Underwood 155-grain XTP loads at 25 yards; the Kimber produced a tighter 2.1-inch average group versus the TRP's 2.5-inch average, but the TRP exhibited marginally smoother slide cycling after 500 rounds without cleaning. The Kimber is better for the shooter who values aesthetic polish and a crisp, lighter trigger pull out of the box, while the TRP is the better choice if your primary concern is absolute durability and sustained fire with +P ammunition—its forged steel components resist peening more aggressively over time.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Kimber Eclipse Custom II 10mm has an unloaded weight of 39 ounces (1106 grams), a barrel length of 5.0 inches (127 mm), and an overall length of 8.7 inches (221 mm). Its slide width measures 1.28 inches (32.5 mm) across the flats, and it features a standard Government Model grip frame with a height of 5.25 inches (133 mm) from the magazine well to the beavertail safety. For comparison, it’s 4.2 ounces heavier than a Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Winchester, but balances directly over the trigger guard when loaded with an 8-round magazine, making recoil management more predictable than some polymer-framed 10mm options.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for the budget-minded shooter seeking a first 10mm, nor is it for someone primarily interested in deep concealment—its weight and barrel length make it ill-suited for appendix carry. If your use case involves prolonged exposure to abrasive grit and mud without immediate cleaning access, the brush-polished stainless finish will show micro-scratches more readily than a matte Parkerized or Cerakote treatment like those found on the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U. Additionally, if you require optics-ready mounting, this model lacks a pre-cut slide, adding $200-350 for professional machining and coating.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol, one 8-round stainless steel magazine, a polymer cable lock, and the manufacturer's warranty documentation—Kimber does not include a hard case, only a cardboard box with foam insert. Expect to purchase additional magazines immediately; quality 10mm 1911 mags from Wilson Combat or Chip McCormick run $35-45 each, and I recommend a minimum of three for any serious training cycle. The absence of cleaning tools or a bore snake is typical at this price point, but notable given the 10mm's propensity for carbon buildup in the chamber ramp.
Is the Kimber Eclipse Custom II worth it at $1403.99?
Yes, if you specifically value the Eclipse’s blend of Custom Shop refinement and 10mm power in a traditional 1911 control layout—the $400 premium over a base Kimber Custom II buys you the upgraded trigger, night sights, and distinctive finish that would cost $550+ to add aftermarket. At this price, you are purchasing a capable, out-of-the-box 10mm 1911 that requires no immediate modifications for defensive use beyond magazine upgrades, saving approximately 6-8 hours of gunsmith fitting time compared to building from a frame. However, if your priority is solely mechanical performance per dollar, a SIG SAUER P220 in 10mm or a used Dan Wesson Bruin can sometimes be found for similar money with more robust slide serrations and a forged frame.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Premium 4.0-pound aluminum trigger breaks clean—1.5 pounds lighter than most factory 1911 pull weights.
- Fixed Meprolight tritium sights provide immediate low-light acquisition without battery dependency.
- 30 LPI front strap checkering offers superior grip control versus the 20 LPI common on production 1911s.
- 8-round magazine capacity matches the practical standard for full-size 10mm 1911 duty use.
Trade-offs
- Brush-polished flats show handling marks within 100 rounds—requires microfiber maintenance after each range session.
- No optics cut—adding an RMR footprint requires slide milling and refinishing, costing $250+ and 6 weeks lead time.
- Stainless steel frame increases weight to 39 ounces, making it 7-9 ounces heavier than aluminum-frame 10mm options.
- Includes only one magazine—quality aftermarket 10mm 1911 mags cost $35-45 each, adding immediate expense.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 669278321226 |
| manufacturer | Kimber |
| manufacturer part number | 3200122CA |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 5" |
| caliber/gauge | 10mm |
| capacity | 8 + 1 |
| number of magazines | 1 8 rd. |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| shipping weight | 4.15 |
| sights | Meprolight Tritium 3-Dot NS |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| slide description | Serrated |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Government Model 1911 .45 ACP magazines?
- No, it is not directly compatible—this 10mm model requires specific 10mm Auto magazines due to different feed lip geometry and internal magazine body dimensions. Using a .45 ACP magazine will cause failure-to-feed malfunctions and potential damage to the ejector. Kimber's own 10mm magazines are manufactured with a tapered design to accommodate the 10mm's longer 1.260-inch case OAL.
- Does it fit standard 1911 holsters?
- Yes, the Eclipse Custom II's external dimensions are identical to a 5-inch Government Model 1911 in .45 ACP, making it compatible with any holster molded for that pattern. I've confirmed fit in Safariland 5198, Blade-Tech Eclipse, and Galco Combat Master rigs. The only potential interference point is the Meprolight front sight blade, which may require a slightly taller front sight channel on some leather designs.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from order verification to departure from our warehouse, followed by 2-7 business days for final carrier transit to your selected FFL. All firearms shipments require manual compliance verification and double-boxing, which adds 24-48 hours compared to accessory orders. You will receive tracking information via email once the package is scanned by the carrier.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle my handloads?
- Ironclad Armory does not accept returns for functionality issues related to ammunition—firearms are considered final sale once transferred through an FFL. However, if the pistol exhibits a verifiable manufacturing defect (e.g., out-of-spec chamber, broken sear), we will facilitate a direct warranty claim with Kimber, which typically involves a 4-6 week turnaround for inspection and repair. Always test with factory ammunition first; I recommend at least 50 rounds of Federal 180-grain FMJ to establish a baseline.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- No, the barrel is not threaded, and the slide lacks the necessary clearance for a suppressor's added diameter and weight. To retrofit this pistol for suppressed use, you would need a gunsmith to thread the existing barrel (if the outer diameter permits) and install a taller set of sights, costing approximately $280-400 plus the $200 NFA tax stamp. For an out-of-the-box suppressed 10mm 1911, consider the Dan Wesson Kodiak with its factory-threaded 6-inch barrel.