Description
The 1911 platform has been around for well over a century, and there's a reason people keep coming back to it. The Kimber Custom LW Liberty takes everything that makes the 1911 great and trims the weight by building on a machined aluminum frame finished in KimPro Black. The result is a full-size pistol that weighs in at 31.2 oz unloaded — noticeably lighter than its all-steel counterparts, without giving anything up in the feel and balance department.
Under the hood, this gun is built to shoot well out of the box. The 5-inch barrel is match-grade stainless steel with a 1:16 left-hand twist and paired with a matching black match-grade bushing for a tight, consistent lock-up. The 3-hole skeletonized aluminum trigger is factory set between 4 and 5 lbs — clean and predictable without feeling like it needs gunsmith attention before you can shoot it seriously. A full-length guide rod and 16 lb recoil spring help smooth out the cycling and keep follow-up shots on track.
Slide manipulation is easy thanks to front serrations that give you a solid purchase when running the gun. White dot sights front and rear give you a clear, fast sight picture, and the lowered, flared ejection port moves brass out of the way reliably. The beveled magwell makes reloads smoother, and the extended beavertail grip safety keeps your hand comfortable and high on the grip. The ANKA rubber grips are checkered for traction and sized to fill the hand well without adding unnecessary bulk — comfortable enough for a long range session and grippy enough when things get sweaty.
This is a Liberty Series model, introduced as part of Kimber's 2024 lineup, and it holds 9 rounds of 9mm in a single-stack magazine. At 1.28 inches wide, it carries slim for a full-size pistol. It's a great fit for 1911 fans who want to shoot 9mm, anyone looking to step into a quality American-made 1911 without going full-custom pricing, and experienced shooters who just want a reliable, good-looking all-black pistol that doesn't need a bunch of work before it's ready.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Action: Single Action
- Barrel Length: 5 inches
- Barrel Material: Stainless Steel, Match Grade
- Twist Rate: 1:16 Left Hand
- Capacity: 9+1 Rounds
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Frame Finish: KimPro Black
- Slide Finish: KimPro Black
- Grips: ANKA Checkered Rubber
- Sights: White Dot Front and Rear
- Trigger: 3-Hole Skeletonized Aluminum, 4-5 lb Pull
- Overall Length: 8.7 inches
- Height: 5.25 inches
- Width: 1.28 inches
- Weight (Empty): 31.2 oz
- UPC: 669278305028
- Manufacturer Part Number: 3000502
What’s Included
- Kimber Custom LW Liberty 9mm Pistol
- 1 x 9-round single-stack magazine
Frequently Asked Questions
How much lighter is the Kimber Custom LW Liberty compared to a standard all-steel 1911?
The Custom LW Liberty weighs in at 31.2 oz unloaded thanks to its machined aluminum frame, which is typically around 6 to 8 ounces lighter than a comparable all-steel Government Model. That's a meaningful difference over a long day at the range or carrying it for hours. You still get the full-size ergonomics and balance, just without the extra heft.
What are the ANKA grips and how do they feel?
ANKA grips are Kimber's checkered rubber grip panels with a textured, stippled surface that gives you a firm hold without being abrasive on your hands. They're comfortable for extended range sessions and grippy enough to maintain control even when your hands aren't perfectly dry. Rubber grips on a 1911 are a practical choice — they absorb a bit of vibration and tend to stay put in the hand better than some harder materials.
Is the Kimber Custom LW Liberty 9mm a good choice for everyday carry?
It can definitely work as a carry gun. At 1.28 inches wide and with an aluminum frame keeping the weight manageable, it carries reasonably well for a full-size 1911. The beveled magwell, front serrations, and extended beavertail all point to a pistol designed with practical use in mind. That said, it's a 5-inch Government-sized platform, so it's better suited to OWB carry or for someone specifically committed to carrying a full-size 1911.
Does this pistol come with more than one magazine?
Based on consistent retailer and manufacturer listings, the Kimber Custom LW Liberty 9mm ships with one 9-round single-stack magazine. If you plan to use this for carry or range training, picking up a couple of spare magazines is always a smart move. Kimber-compatible 9mm 1911 magazines from brands like Wilson Combat or Kimber's own line are widely available.
What makes the Liberty Series different from other Kimber Custom LW models?
The Liberty Series was introduced in 2024 as a special series within Kimber's Custom LW lineup, featuring the ANKA rubber grip panels and the all-black KimPro finish on both the aluminum frame and steel slide. Mechanically it shares the same match-grade barrel, full-length guide rod, and 3-hole trigger found across the LW family. The Liberty branding is mainly about the specific aesthetic package — blacked-out throughout with practical rubber grips as standard.
Is the Kimber Custom LW Liberty 9mm made in the USA?
Yes, Kimber manufactures their 1911 pistols in the United States. The Custom LW Liberty is built in Kimber's factory and is part of their core American-made lineup. That domestic production is something Kimber has consistently highlighted across the brand.





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