Kimber R7 MAKO Carbon Compact 9mm Pistol

Introduced in 2021 and somehow strangely under the radar in the concealed carry market, the R7 MAKO Sub Compact was Kimber’s first polymer frame, striker fired handgun. Comparable to the S&W Shield in general size, the one I tested was outstanding in every respect. Now Kimber has upsized the gun but with a completely new, immensely strong, and more versatile carbon-fiber infused polymer grip frame. Close to the Glock 19 in size, shooters will find the Carbon Compact frame easier to grasp because of the deeply carved out undercut where the triggerguard and grip front strap meet. The design is loaded with little nesting points and judiciously located aggressive stippling to anchor your hands (shooting and support) to the frame for a consistent, repeatable, hold and better control. The unique barrel to slide lock-up at the very rear of the chamber reduces disruption during cycling by minimizing barrel movement resulting in less muzzle flip and felt recoil. Guns come standard with Kimber’s Performance Carry Trigger (an excellent single stage trigger with only 0.15 inches of travel before the break), ambidextrous magazine and slide lock release, steel 3-Dot TruGlo Tritium Pro night sights adjustable for windage, optics ready milling for the RMSc/Holosun K footprint, flared magazine well, four grip backstrap options for user customization, and a pair of steel bodied, 15 round, flush fit magazines. All of this is currently retailing around $649 making it an exceptional value for an extraordinary pistol for concealed carry or home defense. You can also get it with a factory installed Holosun HS 407K red dot, and a threaded barrel for suppressor use. For more information on this and other Kimber firearms visit them at www.kimberamerica.com.