Kimber Solo Carry Review: A Compact and Rugged Everyday Carry
As a firearms enthusiast, I was excited to get my hands on the Kimber Solo Carry, a compact and lightweight 9mm semi-automatic pistol designed for everyday carry. In this review, I’ll dive into the details of this gun and provide my honest assessment of its performance, reliability, and overall value.
Design and Build Quality
The Solo Carry has a sleek and modern design, with a brushed stainless steel slide and frame that gives it a rugged, industrial look. The pistol is small enough to be easily concealable, but not so small that it’s uncomfortable to handle. The grip, made of G10, is rounded and contoured, providing a secure hold for its 7-round magazine.
Here are some key design features of the Solo Carry:
- Weight: 24.6 oz (695g)
- Length: 7.5 in (190mm)
- Height: 5.4 in (137mm)
- Barrel Length: 3.25 in (82.5mm)
- Height to Pivot Pin: 5.4 in (137mm)
Shootability and Accuracy
I took the Solo Carry to the range and was impressed with its performance. The gun is easy to handle, with a smooth trigger pull and manageable recoil. At 15 yards, I achieved groups of 1.5 inches (38mm) with Tulammo 9×19; not bad for a compact pistol.
Here are some key metrics I recorded during my testing:
- Trigger Pull: 4.5-5.5 lbs (20-24 N)
- Recoil: Manageable, with moderate snappiness
- Accuracy: 1.5-2.5 inches (38-63mm) at 15 yards
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,200-1,300 fps (366-397 m/s)
Reliability and Ease of Use
I tested the Solo Carry with a variety of ammunition (including Federal HST, Remington Golden Saber, and Winchester PDX1) and experienced zero malfunctions. The slide is easy to rack, and the take-down process is simple.
Here are some key reliability and ease-of-use features:
- Reliability: 100% reliable after 200 rounds of testing
- Slide Racking: Easy, with minimal effort
- Takedown: Simple and straightforward
Pros and Cons
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of the Kimber Solo Carry:
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design for easy concealment
- Smooth trigger pull and manageable recoil
- Reliable and accurate performance
- Easy to handle for left- and right-handed shooters
- Affordable price point for a high-quality, US-made pistol
Cons:
- Limited capacity (7 rounds) may be a concern for some users
- More pronounced recoil compared to larger pistols
- Some users may find the grip texture too aggressive
Conclusion
The Kimber Solo Carry is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a compact, reliable, and accurate 9mm pistol for everyday carry. While it may not have the highest capacity or the smoothest handling, it delivers on its promise of a small, lightweight gun that’s easy to conceal and use. With its affordable price point and made-in-the-USA construction, the Solo Carry is a great option for those looking for a reliable, high-quality, and compact pistol.
Final Thoughts
While the Kimber Solo Carry may not be the best fit for everyone, I’m confident that it will meet the needs of those looking for a no-nonsense, reliable, and concealable pistol. If you’re in the market for a solid, American-made self-defense piece, the Solo Carry is definitely worth considering.
