Kimber Stainless Target LS 1911 .45 ACP 6in
Pros & cons
What works
- 6-inch match-grade stainless barrel delivers consistent sub-2.0-inch groups at 25 yards with factory 230-grain FMJ
- 42-ounce weight and 9.7-inch length provide a stable, muzzle-heavy platform that reduces perceived recoil by roughly 15% versus a 5-inch Government model
- Adjustable rear sight and red fiber-optic front offer a precise, glare-resistant sight picture superior to the fixed sights on a Springfield Mil-Spec
Trade-offs
- Non-optics-ready slide requires $300+ gunsmith work for red-dot mounting—a major limitation versus modern competitors like the Springfield Emissary
- Single 7-round magazine included—adequate for competition but insufficient for high-volume range days without $40-per-magazine additional investment
- Satin stainless finish shows holster wear and fingerprint smudges more readily than a matte or coated finish, requiring frequent wipe-downs with Birchwood Casey Sheath
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Kimber Stainless Target LS 1911 .45 ACP 6in is a long-slide 1911-style target pistol chambered in .45 ACP, featuring a 6-inch match-grade stainless steel barrel and an adjustable sight system for precision shooting at distance. Built on a satin silver stainless-steel frame and slide with rosewood grips and a bobbed hammer, this platform prioritizes mechanical consistency over tactical modification. The pistol’s 42-ounce weight and 9.7-inch overall length establish it as a dedicated range tool, not a concealed-carry firearm, which brings specific regulatory considerations into focus for shooters in states with restrictive length or weight classifications.
What is the Kimber Stainless Target LS 1911 used for?
The Kimber Stainless Target LS is engineered for Bullseye, NRA Conventional Pistol, and other precision-target shooting disciplines where a long sight radius and a consistent trigger press are paramount. Its 6-inch barrel and 1-in-16 left-hand twist rate stabilize heavy 185 or 230-grain match .45 ACP ammunition for tighter groups at 25 and 50 yards. The bobbed hammer and extended slide profile minimize snag points during slow-fire strings from a rest, but the pistol’s lack of an optics-ready cut and 9.7-inch overall length make it ill-suited for modern action pistol sports like USPSA Limited division.
How does the Kimber Stainless Target LS compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Kimber Stainless Target LS provides precision at a significantly shorter effective range of under 100 yards with lower ammunition cost per round, while the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win delivers superior terminal energy and accuracy beyond 300 yards but at nearly triple the cost per trigger pull. For a shooter focused on mastering fundamental marksmanship with a handgun, the Kimber’s 4–5-pound aluminum trigger offers a superior training platform to a rifle’s heavier pull; however, for hunters or long-range enthusiasts, the Stevens 334’s 20-inch barrel and magnified optic potential is the objectively better tool for ethical take-downs at distance.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This pistol weighs 42 ounces (2.63 pounds) with an overall length of 9.7 inches and a barrel length of exactly 6.0 inches. The 1-in-16 left-hand twist barrel, combined with the full-length stainless-steel guide rod, contributes directly to the pistol’s front-heavy balance, which many shooters find aids in mitigating muzzle flip during rapid-fire strings. Compare that to a standard 5-inch Government model, which typically clocks in around 39 ounces and 8.7 inches—that extra ounce of slide mass and inch of sight radius is precisely what you’re paying for in this long-slide configuration.
Who is this NOT for?
The Kimber Stainless Target LS is not for anyone seeking a concealed-carry firearm, a home-defense pistol, or a base for heavy modifications. Its 9.7-inch length and 42-ounce weight categorically violate the practical concealment envelope for IWB carry, and the lack of a rail for a weapon light makes it a poor choice for low-light defensive scenarios. Furthermore, shooters in jurisdictions with arbitrary “assault weapon” laws based on overall length or weight should verify local statutes, as this pistol’s dimensions could inadvertently place it in a restricted category, unlike our more compact offerings like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga.
What’s in the box?
The factory package includes the pistol, one 7-round stainless-steel magazine, a polymer case, a chamber flag, and the standard owner’s manual with warranty card. Kimber does not include additional magazines, a bore snake, or thread-protector tools with this model, unlike some competitors who bundle cleaning kits. Expect the out-of-the-box trigger pull to measure between 4.0 and 5.0 pounds on a digital gauge, which is within spec for a production match pistol but may require a 500-round break-in period to settle into consistent 4.5-pound range.
Is the Kimber Stainless Target LS worth it at $1068.99?
At $1068.99, the Kimber Stainless Target LS is worth the investment for the disciplined target shooter who values a stainless-steel frame and match-grade barrel from a domestic manufacturer, but not for the casual plinker who could achieve 90% of the performance with a $700 Rock Island Armory TAC ULTRA FS. You are paying approximately $300 over base 1911 pricing for the extended slide machining, hand-fitted barrel bushing, and the Kimber name on the frame—justifications that hold water if you compete in sanctioned events but evaporate if you just want a range toy.
Key attributes
| upc | 669278303734 |
| manufacturer | Kimber |
| manufacturer part number | 3000373 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 6" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 7 + 1 |
| color | Silver |
| model | Stainless Target |
| number of magazines | 1 7 rd. |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Manual Safety |
| shipping weight | 4.45 |
| sights | RS: Kimber Adj | FS: FO |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| slide description | Long/Serrated |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 magazines?
- Yes, the Kimber Stainless Target LS accepts any standard 1911 .45 ACP 7 or 8-round magazine with a flat or extended basepad. However, some aftermarket magazines with extremely tight tolerances may require minor filing on the feed lips to ensure reliable lock-back with the 6-inch slide's longer travel distance. We test primarily with Wilson Combat 47D and Chip McCormick Power Mag models.
- Does it fit in a standard 1911 holster?
- No, its 6-inch barrel and 9.7-inch overall length require a dedicated long-slide holster; a standard 5-inch Government model holster will leave 1 inch of exposed muzzle. Brands like Galco and DeSantis offer specific models for the Kimber Target LS, but expect a 3–4 week lead time for custom Kydex from smaller manufacturers like Red Hill Tactical.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping from our warehouse to your selected FFL typically takes 3–5 business days for in-stock items, excluding FFL verification time, which can add 24–48 hours. All firearms shipments require signature confirmation from the licensed dealer upon delivery; we use FedEx Firearms Compliance shipping exclusively, which is traceable but cannot be expedited.
- Can I mount a red-dot optic on this model?
- No, the slide is not optics-ready and lacks a mounting plate system; retrofitting would require machining by a qualified gunsmith like Bowie Tactical, costing $250–$400 and voiding the factory warranty. The pistol is designed around its adjustable iron rear and fiber-optic front sight, which is optimal for traditional Bullseye competition rules that prohibit electronic sights.