Description
The Custom LW Liberty is Kimber's take on a full-size Government Model 1911 that you can actually carry comfortably all day. The secret is the machined aluminum frame, which gets the empty weight down to 31.2 ounces — noticeably lighter than a comparable all-steel 1911 without any compromise to the fit, feel, or shootability that makes the platform so enduring. It still has all the dimensions and ergonomics of a standard 5-inch 1911, just without all that extra weight on your hip.
Under the hood, the specs are solid across the board. The 5-inch stainless steel barrel is match-grade, hand-fitted to the slide and bushing with a black match-grade barrel bushing for a tight, consistent lockup. Kimber runs a 1:16 left-hand twist rate and pairs the barrel with a 16-pound recoil spring and full-length guide rod for smooth, reliable cycling. The 3-hole skeletonized aluminum trigger comes factory-set between 4.0 and 5.0 pounds — crisp and predictable, right out of the box.
The KimPro Black finish covers both the steel slide and aluminum frame, giving the pistol a clean, uniform blacked-out look. The frame includes a beavertail grip safety, which is a welcome addition for anyone who has experienced hammer bite on a stock 1911. The slide features front cocking serrations, a lowered and flared ejection port for reliable brass clearance, and white dot fixed sights front and rear. ANKA rubber grips with diamond checkering round things out with a secure hold that holds up through extended sessions.
This is a great option for the 1911 shooter who wants a full-size platform with a lighter carry weight, or for someone looking for a feature-rich Kimber at a more approachable price point than the Custom Shop offerings. It ships with one 7-round magazine, a locking device, owner's manual, and a Kimber pistol bag.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Kimber
- Model / MPN: Custom LW Liberty / 3000500
- UPC: 669278305004
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Action: Single Action
- Barrel Length: 5 inches
- Barrel Material: Stainless Steel, Match Grade
- Barrel Twist: 1:16" (Left Hand)
- Frame Material: Machined Aluminum
- Slide Material: Steel
- Finish: KimPro Black (Frame and Slide)
- Capacity: 7+1
- Overall Length: 8.7 inches
- Height: 5.25 inches
- Width: 1.28 inches
- Weight (Unloaded): 31.2 oz
- Trigger: 3-Hole Aluminum, 4.0–5.0 lb Pull
- Sights: Fixed White Dot Front and Rear
- Grips: ANKA Rubber with Diamond Checkering
- Guide Rod: Full-Length
- Recoil Spring: 16 lbs
What’s Included
- Kimber Custom LW Liberty 1911 pistol
- 1 x 7-round .45 ACP magazine
- Kimber pistol bag
- Locking device
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
How much lighter is the Kimber Custom LW Liberty compared to a standard steel-frame 1911?
The Custom LW Liberty weighs in at 31.2 ounces empty, thanks to its machined aluminum frame. A standard all-steel Government Model 1911 typically tips the scales at 38 to 40 ounces. That 7 to 9 ounce difference is meaningful over a full day of carry, and most people find the LW version shoots nearly identically to its steel-frame counterpart.
Does the aluminum frame hold up to regular shooting and carry over time?
Aluminum-framed 1911s have a long track record — the platform has been made with alloy frames since the 1950s. Kimber's frame is fully machined, not cast, and owners of Kimber LW models routinely report thousands of rounds without frame-related issues. As with any aluminum-frame 1911, using quality magazines with non-tilting followers is a commonly recommended practice for long-term reliability.
What is KimPro Black and how durable is it?
KimPro is Kimber's proprietary matte finish applied over both the aluminum frame and steel slide. It provides a solid layer of corrosion resistance and a clean, uniform appearance. Like most spray-on firearm finishes, it can show wear on high-contact areas with heavy holster use over time, but it holds up well for range use and moderate carry. If you plan to carry this pistol daily in a tight kydex holster, some surface wear at friction points is normal and expected.
What trigger pull weight does the Kimber Custom LW Liberty come with from the factory?
Kimber sets the 3-hole aluminum trigger between 4.0 and 5.0 pounds from the factory. It's a single-action pull with a clean break, which is part of what makes the 1911 trigger feel so good to those who prefer it over striker-fired options. Most people find it shootable right out of the box without any additional tuning.
Does this pistol come with more than one magazine?
The Kimber Custom LW Liberty ships with one 7-round .45 ACP magazine. It's a good idea to pick up at least one or two additional magazines from the start, whether for range sessions or everyday carry use. Kimber-compatible 1911 magazines from reputable brands like Wilson Combat and Chip McCormick are widely available and work well in aluminum-frame guns.
Is the Kimber Custom LW Liberty a good choice for someone new to 1911s?
It's a solid choice for someone stepping into the 1911 world who wants a feature-rich pistol without going into custom shop territory. The beavertail grip safety eliminates the hammer bite issue that catches a lot of new 1911 shooters off guard, and the factory trigger is already in a comfortable range. The lighter weight is also a real-world advantage for anyone who finds a full steel Government Model fatiguing to carry.





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