Kimber Ultra CDP 1911 Gun Review 

I purchased the Kimber Ultra CDP in .45 ACP in 2004. It’s been very reliable and very accurate. It’s very carryable, concealable, and still in the rotation.

In 2001, my wife and sons collaborated to buy me this handgun for my 50th birthday. Mine is a two tone blued/stainless. .45 ACP, of course, because it is a 1911. It was my preferred Off Duty carry handgun until I retired from LE. I still carry it occasionally. My only complaint was that the original grips were very sharply checkered and abraded my tactical muffin top. I removed the factory grips and have them in the box the gun came in, and bought a pair of smooth rosewood grips for it Great handgun! Absolutely outstanding. I suggest anyone with a Kimber Ultra series get one of the NDZ takedown tools for the Kimber. They are cheap and make the disassembly process much easier.

While it is a classic for the $1k, weight, no rail, no optic, 8 rounds there are better options. Plus, Kimbers quality is hit or miss.

I purchased this same pistol in Dec. 2023 and i just love it . The pistol is beautiful , fits my hand perfectly , and has everything on it that i wanted . I am very happy with this pistol . I am a big fan of 1911's . I like everything about them .

The Kimber Ultra CDP's sleek design and Custom Shop features make it a top contender for daily carry. The option of .45 ACP or 9mm adds versatility without compromising on performance.

Fantastic Sootch! My Kimber full size has 20 years of experience and still awesome! Thanks

Man, That little one got some heavy power. And it is a beautiful piece to. Totally a favorite.

I’ve owned my Kimber ultra carry two for a long time 45 ACP not for the timid, but somebody with a little hand, strength and some arms. It’s a great firearm plenty accurate enough at close range. Personal protection doesn’t get any better you can spend more to do the same job you spend less you get what you pay for appreciate your Contant. Have a great day.

I have had two of these at different times in 45. Both had quality issues. It made me want to dislike Kimber. They looked beautiful in the safe, but that’s not what they are for. Won’t but their guns anymore. I’m glad yours works Sootch.

Much better options for a ccw. I’ve had nothing but problems with the 3 kimbers I’ve owned.

This a beautiful handgun can’t wait to test it out myself. Thanks always Don for the knowledge and thorough review

I love the way that gun looks. Great review!

I have one and I love it!! Thanks for the video!

I ❤ mine absolutely no issues! Kimber for the win

I agree with GaryK. I have a first Gen Ultra CDP II in 45 ACP and it is dead accurate. It rivals full size accuracy in a compact package. Low recoil too. A quality product from Kimber. I can’t speak about future generation models, but this Gen model delivers and exceeds expectations.

Sounds like the cicadas in the background are singing the praises of that beautiful Kimber.

I bought one of these in 45acp. My God what an absolute pice of crap that thing has been. The crap "kimpro" Finnish started flaking and coming off in less than a year. Out of the box it wouldn't even fire a magazine without FTE. Grip panels come lose when firing on and on. This POS I got was my first and last kimber.

I paid 500 for a citadell in 2009. Works flawlessly. I dont get why guys pay big bucks for those boutique pistols. Seems like half of them have issues.

Great review. I have a Kimber Ultra Carry II with Crimson Trace grips. It has been super reliable. I know some people have had issues with Kimber but mine has always worked with FMJ and various hallow points. Been a great gun.

Beautiful guns.

Best gun review videos on YT ...👍👍

Great video and nice kimber 1911 thanks for sharing sootch00

Thank you! For reviewing this Beautiful 1911 Sootch00. I will get one as soon as it come into my shops.

Excellent Review , Very Nicely Done ! 👍

so beautiful it is ! i like it , thanks 4 sharing , mr !

I started out with polymer framed, striker fired pistols, after a couple of decades I picked up the Pro-carry in .45ACP. Closing in, if not surpassing, a 10,000 round count through it. Like you, I shoot it more accurately than any of my others. I've replaced a grip screw (compliments of Kimber) and replaced the springs as needed. Absolutely stellar reliability. Apparently I missed the production run of "problematic" pistols from them as my experience is the opposite. For those having issues with their 3" Ultra 45's, grip strength is key, improve it, you can get away with limp wristing in 9mm.

Watching this video makes me think of the gun that got away from me. The Sig Sauer p239 SAS gen2 is the one that got away from me. I miss that pistol.

Thank you.

I have the Ultra Raptor II in 45. Great shooting and actually reliable. Put the Hogue rubber three-finger insert under the grip panels and it made a huge difference. The guide rod though? What a pain in butt.

Just bought an Ultra CDP in .45, 4th round through the gun and the rear sight flew off. Sent the slide back to Kimber, they fixed the sight issue and had it back to me within 7 days. Love the gun but am wondering about a quality issue. I've now had about 200 rounds through it with 2 rounds hanging up on 2 separate occasions. Will try different ammo.

You are right that's one beautiful handgun. I have never owned a 1911 but that would be a nice one to have.

Wish mine was this realiable...

My gunsmith told me that if I ever bought a kimber, don't call me when it goes down. They used to be a good company back in the late 80's early 90s when they were more of a custom shop.

great guns

Excellent segment, very nice handgun, makes me want to own one.

Nice !

I own one, and I love it.

Great review and handgun brother

I need to look at Kimber again. I have never seen this gun by them before.

A very compact gun 👍👏

Kimber be like bob marley "jamming"

Great video!

This gun is beautiful.

Only Kimber I have left is a Micro9 because it's the only one I've had that works. Worst was a Raptor 45 that absolutely wouldn't run no matter what and Kimbers PoS CS refused to even look at it until I shot 500 rounds through it. I couldn't even get that gun to chamber a round let alone shoot and I even used WC mags. Kimber will never get my money again.

I used to own one other ultra compact 1911 in 45 caliber about every fourth shot the casing would catch on the ramp

❤ the Kimberly raptor model s as well .😅😅

Kimber what great guns. I have three 1911, two 45 (Classic Stainless & and Pro Crimson) and a Micro 9. As I got older I just needed a lighter gun for every day carry. Highly recommend Kimber.

I've found that night sights like those that come with the P365 series are only useful for locating the pistol on the night stand. When any light comes on, whether it be from your attached light or ambient light, the glow of the sights disappear and all sights look the same. (Try it!) And in daytime shooting, I've found fiber optic sights are much brighter & easier to pick up, and are the simply the best bar none. Some shooters prefer them with a blacked out rear sight, while I prefer contrasting rear and front fiber optic sights. I also have a Springfield Ronin Elite in 10 mm with a 4.25 lb. 1911 trigger pull. Although 1911 triggers are the best, you'll find little to no difference between shooting the 1911 and any good crisp trigger pull of the modern day striker fired pistols. Sigs & Glocks are not in this class (I have them both), but the CZ P10 series is, as well as the Caniks, VP9's, Walther PPQ & PDP's, and the Shield Plus's trigger. Sorry if I left any out, but haven't shot any others.

Absolutely LOVE the Ultra size for EDC! Can't wait for Kimber to make the KDS9C in Ultra EXCEPT bring the beaver tail grip safety BACK!

I like the melted, anti-snag machining - like Sig's anti-snag metal P2XX Classics. For this size category I miss my CZ 2075 RAMI. Great presentation Sootch 👍✌️

I love my tle 2. Kinda want to check one of these out.

I have the cup ll. Got it back in 2005. I’ve run thousands of rounds thru it and it never fouled. .45 cal. Use both hands. I’m 73 yrs old and I’d buy another one thanks for the video.

I have the KHX. Great little pistol.

Kimber jamomatic guns out of the box!

When He said not to scratch the surface, I was done. Nuff said.😃

Sootch you should definitely review the CSV-9!

Kimber... perfect for nailing WANTED posters to the wall, and not much more.

The original was released in late 2000, early 2001. In February 2001, I paid a little over $1100 ($1941 in 2024 dollars) for my CDP (used a $1000 bonus from my anti-gun employer). The original had a much heavier melt treatment, the grip heel was not rounded, and the MSH was plastic. Back then, the Custom Shop was a real place and they hand-fit these guns. That was true until about 2004-2006. If they really are doing that again, kudos to Kimber. Provided I cleaned it every 250 rounds and used Wilson Combat mags, I never had a hiccup. At classes, because it was so tight, I had to clean it over lunch, and at night. I took it to more than 6, week-long classes. I have many, many thousands of rounds through mine. That gun is a tack driver, even at 25 yards. That was my EDC for over 20 years. Now I carry a Dan Wesson Guardian in 38 Super. I am also converting a Dan Wesson Valor in 10mm to 357 Sig as an alternate. I've always wanted to replace the MSH on my CDP. I also really like radiused heel of the grip on the new one. If they made it in 38 Super or 357 Sig, I'd buy a new one.

My Kimber CDP (in .45 ACP) is an Ultra “+” which is the same gun but with a full length grip. I’ve had it quite awhile, I’m not sure if it’s still made. I ordered it from Kimber the way I wanted. Seems to be a bit rare but what an excellent, comfortable and controllable shooter with bigger hands. My personal experience is that it has been extremely reliable, on par with any other gun I own. The full length grip does make it a little more printy, but years of biscuits and gravy have made me fat enough to hide it well.

I’ll stick with my Sig C3 (CCO). Thanks for the video

Hey Sootch when will you do a review on the Ivor Johnson 1911's?? put that on your list in the further.

I carry the same gun but sig Sauer in 45. I really like the gray frame on this kimber

I❤ this gun

It is a nice looking gun, no doubt.

I have several Kimber 9mm 1911 ,from 300 to 900 rounds the extractor needs to be tweaked after that NO PROBLEMS with them. My CDP is a wonderful shooter. Kinda like Glocks people either hate them or love them. The biggest POS 1911 I ever had was a 70 series Colt , the frame cracked but they would not warranty it and it wouldn't shoot 2 magazines without a jam. Don't have any Colts now won't waste my money of them over the years I've had about 10 of them only 2 worked. All my Kimbers work.

That CDP looks great. (I also notice an Invicta on rubber. I couldn't tell what you had on leather.)

I've tried 3 different Kimbers. i won't own another one. their warranty sucks too. I'll stick with springfield, Sig, smith, and wesson

Sweet carry pistol by Kimber

@ sootch00, no mention of it not having a "kimber swartz safety". Has Kimber went with titanium firing pin? thanks

My Evo SP is INCREDIBLE..

Beautiful gun, does it have a 9mm version?

Kimber quality control is $hit or miss.

I’ve owned 1 Kimber. Have had nothing but trouble with it. I wouldn’t even consider buying another. I have a Tisas that is a much better gun for a third of the price.

This was my first ccp. So heavy though lol

Don that’s the only reason I don’t own one too expensive low capacity there are others cheaper and hold more rounds and they are heavy thanks for the review

sootch00 got a new gun! Let's go see!

An rmsc cut on it would be the crème de La crem. I mean i dunno I’m in love with the G49 but I hate plate systems. Though some you kind of have to use a plate system.

I have one just like that in 45 and if I could only have 1 handgun that's it. It shoots like a full size gun and is concealable (barely). Just remember to take the firing pin out and clean inside the slide once in a while.

I had a crimson carry of the ultra series, one of six Kimbers I owned. All were excellent and reliable. Of all the 1911’s I’ve owned, I only had 1 problem gun, and it was a Springfield Armory Champion. S.A. Couldn’t get it right after sending it back too. Kimber is my favorite sub $2k 1911 along with Colt, but it’s time to get a Cabot Or Nighthawk. Great video as always, Sootch!

Like a little donkey. Smaller in size, same design as their bigger counterparts, packs a heck of a punch if y'know what I mean and is real zealously protective as far as I'm concerned. The mag looks a whole other level in terms of quality of materials. Neat lookin pistol right there, brother! And your videos are just pristine!

So I’m confused, is it a polymer firearm or is it a stainless steel firearm? I might’ve missed that part.

Man I like this thing, but all three small 1911's I've had had feeding issues. Hence my Glock 30. But it is pretty.

Love the look tho

My new Ultra in 9 has thousands of rounds through it and has been abused. Works best with WC mags and higher pressure ammo like M17 or 135gr Horn. Not needed new springs butI think I need a new extractor because I het an occasional stovepipe or FTE - but it could be because I NEVER clean it. No, I do not hand feed my Barney round. One I used in IDPA in 2005 was .45 and in black and never failed, but the finish did scratch easily.

How does it compare to the Springfield EMP 3?

I have older Kimbers that run flawless . The newer ones don't have the quality and workmanship as the older ones .

Check out the Kimber Ultra Carry Raptor ii .45ACP

I want a Kimber

Any malfunctions? I have had mixed results with super small 1911s

Nice review Don. Good looking gun but l think I prefer my Springfield EMP contour/carry. I think the price is kind of high for what you’re getting.

Your grammar is improving

Is the Ronin EMP smaller than this firearm?

Is there a firing pin disconnect (series 80 style) with the trigger on these guns?

what's the difference between the ultra cdp and ultra cdp II? also, what our your thoughts on the grip safety?

Can you get this one without a ambi safety ?

What kind of holster is that?

Looks a lot like my Springfield Armory Ronin EMP 3”.

They still have a lot of yonkers inventory huh?

P938 sig Also small 9mm 1911

Kimber= jamomatic