Kimber 1911 DS Warrior Review: Best Value Double-Stack 9mm of 2026

Excellent value and increased magazine capacity, what's not to love about the new Kimber 1911 DS Warrior?

Double-stack 1911s have been growing in popularity of late, and the new Kimber 1911 DS Warrior is set to take the industry by storm.

The new pistol is designed to deliver high capacity and proven 1911 shooting performance at an exceptional value.

At its core, the 1911 DS Warrior pairs a traditional Kimber single-action 1911 slide with a modern double-stack subframe and grip module to deliver increased magazine capacity without sacrificing the familiarity or shootability that 1911 enthusiasts demand.

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The slide features Kimber’s legacy internal extractor, a bushing system barrel, and a mil-spec guide rod, maintaining the operating system that has defined Kimber 1911 pistols for decades.

What 1911 Models Are Available?

Kimber 1911 DS Warrior Long Barrel — *The 10mm version of the Kimber 1911 DS Warrior is available with a 5-inch barrel or a long-slide 6-inch barrel, shown here.*

At launch, there are six DS Warrior models in the following chamberings: 9mm, .45 ACP, .38 Super and 10mm. All are optics-ready, allowing shooters to easily mount today’s most popular red dot sights.

The guns are offered in standard full-size, 5-inch configuration, except for the 10mm model being offered in both 5- and 6-inch long-slide options.

Pedi Gega, Director of product development, assembly, and finishing, stated: “With the 1911 DS Warrior, we listened to shooters who wanted a true Kimber 1911 experience in a high-capacity, value-driven package.

"This is an entirely new platform that keeps our traditional 1911 DNA — internal extractor, bushing barrel, and crisp trigger — while delivering the magazine capacity and optic-ready features today’s shooters expect.

"It’s built here in the United States for those who prefer a domestic, quality-made option over imported, budget High Capacity 1911-style pistols.”

The 1911 DS Warrior marks a significant expansion of Kimber’s commitment to offering high-capacity 1911-style handguns that are purpose-built for modern shooters.

Alongside the 2K11 platform, Next Generation 1911 line, and CDS9 series, the DS Warrior reinforces Kimber’s strategy of delivering innovative, American-made pistols across multiple segments and price points - with MSRP’s starting at $1,099.

Key 1911 DS Warrior Features and Price Tag

Extractor: Internal 1911-style
Ambi safety: Features an ambidextrous safety
Magwell: Compatible with Stan Chen Customs magwell
Match grade trigger: Traditional Kimber two-hole trigger featuring a 4- to 5-pound pull
Picatinny rail: For lights or laser mounting options
Grip module: The proprietary Kimber grip is engineered from a durable carbon fiber– and glass-filled matrix, delivering superior strength while maintaining flexibility.
Sub-frame: Aluminum on 9mm models and SST on 38 Super, 10mm, and .45 Automatic models

Kimber 1911 DS Warrior OR (.45 ACP) Specs

Caliber: .45 ACP
Action: Single action, semi-auto
Barrel: 5.5 inches
Overall length: 8.7 inches
Weight: 33 ounces (empty)
Grips: Lightweight carbon-fiber infused
Sights: Night sight front, fixed rear sight (All models feature a TAG cover plate with a C&H RMR-compatible optic mounting plate.)
Finish: KimPro Black
Magazines (capacity):
- .45 ACP: 1 11-round magazine, 1 13-round magazine included
- 10mm: 1 15-round magazine, 1 18-round magazine included
- 9mm / .38 Super: 1 17-round magazine, 1 20-round magazine included
MSRP: $1,299