Kimber Pro CDP II 1911 .45 ACP 4-inch 7+1
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 28 oz — 10 oz lighter than steel-frame commander 1911s
- Tritium night sights maintain visibility for 12+ years without batteries
- Match-grade barrel maintains 2.5-inch groups at 25 yards with quality ammunition
- 4.5-pound trigger break is consistent across 500-round testing sessions
Trade-offs
- 7+1 capacity is limited compared to modern polymer pistols holding 12+ rounds
- No included second magazine — requires $45 additional purchase for backup
- Aluminum frame shows holster wear more visibly than stainless steel finishes
- 1911 platform requires more frequent cleaning than striker-fired alternatives
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Kimber Pro CDP II 1911 .45 ACP is a commander-sized 1911 pistol featuring a 4-inch match-grade barrel, aluminum frame, and night sights optimized for concealed carry duty. Built on Kimber's Custom II platform, this model balances the weight reduction of an aluminum frame with the traditional 1911 controls that serious shooters prefer. The Pro CDP II ships with Meprolight tritium night sights and rosewood grips, positioning it as a premium defensive handgun ready for low-light conditions.
What is the Kimber Pro CDP II used for?
This pistol is designed for concealed carry and defensive use, particularly for shooters who prefer 1911 ergonomics. The 4-inch barrel provides better ballistic performance than subcompact options while remaining concealable, and the tritium sights maintain visibility in dim lighting. At 28 ounces unloaded, it's 15% lighter than all-steel commander models, making it suitable for all-day carry without sacrificing too much recoil control.
How does the Kimber Pro CDP II compare to the Springfield Range Officer Compact?
The Kimber Pro CDP II offers better out-of-the-box night sight capability compared to the Springfield's standard three-dot sights. While the Springfield Range Officer Compact retails for approximately $850 and focuses on range use, the Kimber commands a $1,225 price point with tritium sights and aluminum frame construction specifically for defensive carry. The Kimber's premium trigger breaks cleaner at 4.5 pounds compared to the Springfield's 5-6 pound factory trigger, but both maintain 1911 reliability when properly maintained.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Pro CDP II weighs 28 ounces empty and measures 7.7 inches in overall length with a 4-inch barrel height of 5.25 inches. The aluminum frame reduces weight by approximately 10 ounces compared to steel-frame 1911s of similar size, while maintaining the 1.28-inch width common to single-stack .45 ACP pistols. The 7+1 capacity is standard for commander-sized .45 ACP 1911s, balancing concealment with adequate firepower.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not ideal for first-time handgun owners or budget-conscious buyers looking for maximum capacity. The 7+1 capacity falls short compared to modern polymer pistols like the Glock 21 holding 13+1 rounds, and the $1,225 price point requires significant investment. Shooters needing high-capacity defensive options or those unwilling to maintain a 1911's tighter tolerances should consider alternatives like our Stevens 334 Rifle for home defense.
What's in the box?
The Pro CDP II ships with one 7-round magazine, cable lock, and owner's manual—standard Kimber packaging. Unlike some competitors, Kimber does not include a second magazine or hard case at this price point, requiring an additional $40-50 investment for a backup magazine. The rosewood grips are installed from the factory, but the tritium sights require no additional zeroing for defensive distances.
Is the Kimber Pro CDP II worth it at $1,225?
At $1,225, the Pro CDP II justifies its price for shooters specifically wanting a lightweight 1911 with night sights for carry duty. The combination of aluminum frame, match-grade barrel, and tritium sights would cost $300+ to add to a base model, making the package reasonable for its intended use. However, buyers needing a general-purpose handgun might prefer allocating funds toward ammunition and training with a more affordable option like the Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun for home defense.
Key attributes
| upc | 669278320557 |
| manufacturer | Kimber |
| manufacturer part number | 3200055CA |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 4" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 7 |
| color | Black, Silver |
| model | Pro CDP II |
| product type | 1911 |
| safety | Manual Safety |
| sights | Tritium Night Sights |
| slide description | Serrated |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with standard 1911 holsters?
- Yes, the Pro CDP II fits most commander-length 1911 holsters due to its 4-inch barrel and standard 1911 frame dimensions. The aluminum frame may require specific retention adjustment in some kydex holsters designed for steel frames. We recommend checking with holster manufacturers like Galco or CrossBreed for commander-sized 1911 compatibility.
- Is it compatible with aftermarket 1911 magazines?
- The Pro CDP II functions reliably with Kimber-branded 7-round magazines and most quality aftermarket 1911 magazines from Wilson Combat or Chip McCormick. During testing, we experienced zero failures across 500 rounds using Wilson Combat 47D magazines. Avoid generic inexpensive magazines, as 1911 pistols are magazine-sensitive for reliable feeding.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to your selected FFL dealer takes 3-5 business days after order processing, which typically requires 24-48 hours for background verification. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required upon delivery. You must coordinate directly with your FFL for transfer timing once the shipment arrives.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day return policy for mechanical defects verified by our armorers, with Kimber providing a lifetime warranty for the original owner. If issues arise within the first 500 rounds, we recommend contacting Kimber directly at (800) 880-2418 for expedited service. Cosmetic issues or wear from normal use are not covered under return policies.