Kimber's Next Generation Pro is a 9mm 1911 in the four-inch Pro length, 7.7 inches overall and 31 ounces, with a forged steel slide, frame and barrel that are hand-fitted. The slide ships optic-ready with an adapter plate for RMR and SRO footprint sights, and fiber optic sights are installed for shooting without a dot. Inside is a match-grade GT trigger and an external extractor; the barrel is precision crowned. Controls are classic 1911, with a manual thumb safety and grip safety, the grips are checkered G10, and the finish is two-tone. One nine-round magazine is included.

A North Carolina shooter who learned on a 1911 and wants a red dot without giving up the thumb safety will find this a straightforward range and carry pistol. Four inches of barrel keeps it compact in a holster, and 31 ounces steadies it for long practice sessions. Pick it up at a dealer with photo ID and Form 4473; a concealed handgun permit holder can skip the NICS call.

Key features

• 9mm 1911, 4-inch barrel, 9+1 capacity
• Forged steel slide, frame and barrel, hand-fitted
• Optic-ready slide with RMR/SRO adapter plate
• Fiber optic sights, checkered G10 grips
• Match-grade GT trigger, external extractor

Handguns ship to a North Carolina FFL dealer for pickup by buyers 21 or older after Form 4473 and the background check.