Kimber Micro Amethyst .380 ACP 2.75 in, 7+1
Pros & cons
What works
- Aluminum frame weighs 13.4 oz unloaded — 23% lighter than an all-steel equivalent
- 2.75-inch barrel maintains .380 ACP velocity within 75 fps of a 3.5-inch barrel
- Tritium sights provide 12-year luminosity with 0.140-inch front sight width for precise alignment
- Single-action trigger breaks at 5.5 lbs with 0.125-inch travel — 40% shorter than most striker systems
Trade-offs
- No accessory rail — limits weapon-light mounting to custom gunsmithing ($150+)
- Fixed 3-dot sights cannot be adjusted for windage without milling
- 7+1 capacity is 3 rounds less than polymer contemporaries like the Ruger LCP Max
- Aluminum frame shows wear at holster contact points after 6 months of daily carry
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Kimber Micro Amethyst is a compact, single-action semi-automatic pistol chambered in .380 ACP with a 2.75-inch barrel and a distinctive amethyst purple finish on the slide. It pairs a satin silver aluminum frame with G10 grips and provides a shootable yet concealable option for everyday carry. This is a purpose-built firearm that prioritizes mechanical reliability over aftermarket customization, which reflects Kimber's engineering focus on duty-proven designs.
What is the Kimber Micro Amethyst used for?
This is primarily a defensive carry pistol. The 13.4 oz unloaded weight and 5.6-inch overall length make it suitable for IWB or ankle carry, while the 2.75-inch barrel and 7+1 capacity balance terminal ballistics with legal compliance in restrictive jurisdictions. The single-action trigger provides a crisp 5.5 lb break, delivering faster follow-up shots than a DAO or striker-fired system of similar size.
How does the Kimber Micro Amethyst compare to the Ruger LCP Max?
The Kimber is a higher-grade metal-framed pistol, while the Ruger is a polymer-frame, striker-fired utility tool. The LCP Max offers superior capacity (10+1 versus 7+1) and a lower street price, but the Kimber's aluminum frame and superior trigger control reduce muzzle flip by approximately 15% during rapid-fire drills. For a shooter prioritizing recoil management and a refined trigger, the Kimber is objectively better; for those prioritizing maximum capacity and cost, the Ruger dominates.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The unloaded weight is 13.4 oz (380 grams), with an overall length of 5.6 inches and a height of 4.0 inches. The slide width measures 0.8 inches, which is 0.2 inches slimmer than many compact 9mm pistols like the the Stevens 334 Rifle, allowing for deeper concealment but limiting accessory rail mounting. The barrel length is specifically 2.75 inches, which is the functional minimum for reliable .380 ACP pressure cycling without excessive unburned powder.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a duty pistol or a backpacking firearm for heavy field use. The aluminum frame lacks the impact resistance of polymer or steel for repeated drops on hard surfaces, and the fixed sights cannot be adjusted for windage without professional gunsmithing. Shooters requiring high round counts for training or those in humid, saline environments should consider the corrosion resistance of our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the pistol, one 7-round stainless steel magazine, a trigger lock, and a plastic case with foam insert. Kimber does not include spare grips, cleaning tools, or holsters, so budget an additional $45-$80 for a quality Kydex IWB holster. The manual specifies a 300-round break-in period before considering the firearm fully reliable with defensive ammunition.
Is the Kimber Micro Amethyst worth it at $1,061.99?
Yes, for the shooter who values fit, finish, and a superior trigger in a carry pistol. At this price point, you are paying for the hand-fitted aluminum frame, PVD slide finish rated for 500+ hours of salt spray testing, and tritium sights that maintain 12-year luminosity. If your priority is pure ballistic performance per dollar, a the Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers more power, but for concealed carry refinement, the Kimber justifies its cost.
Key attributes
| upc | 669278331607 |
| manufacturer | Kimber |
| manufacturer part number | 3300160 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 2.75" |
| caliber/gauge | .380 ACP |
| capacity | 7 + 1 |
| number of magazines | 7 rd. |
| package height | 2.3 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Ambidextrous Thumb |
| shipping weight | 1.8 |
| sights | 3-Dot Tritium Night Sights |
| sights type | Night Sights |
| slide description | Serrated |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .380 ACP JHPs?
- Yes. The chamber is cut to SAAMI specifications and reliably feeds Federal HST 99gr, Hornady Critical Defense 90gr, and Speer Gold Dot 90gr. Kimber recommends a 300-round break-in period with FMJ before transitioning to hollow points for carry.
- Does it fit Glock 43 holsters?
- No. The slide profile and trigger guard geometry are specific to Kimber's 1911-style design. You'll need a holster molded for the Kimber Micro Series, such as models from Vedder or CrossBreed, which typically ship in 5-7 business days.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships within 1 business day via FedEx 2Day. Transit time is typically 2-3 business days to the continental US, but FFL processing adds 24-48 hours. Always confirm your dealer's receiving hours before ordering.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No. Federal law prohibits the return of firearms to non-licensees. We strongly recommend handling the firearm at a local dealer prior to purchase. If a mechanical defect exists, Kimber's warranty service processes repairs within 14 business days.
- Does this work with a Micro 9 magazine?
- No. The .380 ACP magazine is dimensionally specific and will not seat in the Micro 9 frame. Kimber part number KIM1000660 is the correct 7-round magazine, which retails for $42.99 through authorized dealers.