Guns Kimber Debuts Red Dot Integrated Aegis Elite 1911s Industry News November 24, 2017 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Find out more about how we test products. Written by Jacki Billings Kimber continues to roll out the new additions for 2017, announcing the Aegis Elite 1911 series equipped with Vortex optic. Available in five total models, each Aegis Elite sports a Vortex Venom Red Dot 6-MOA Sight milled and installed on the pistol. Chambered in either 9mm or .45 ACP, the Aegis Elite lineup is available in two distinct variations — Custom and Pro. While the Custom and Pro models offer similar characteristics, what sets them apart is their size. The Custom opts for a larger 8-inch frame with 5-inch barrel. The Pro series offers a 4-inch barrel and overall length just over 7-inches. Both models tip scales at 38 ounces unloaded. Aside from the Vortex Venom optic, Kimber outfits the pistols with the typical Kimber flare. The 1911s feature a stainless steel build with a matte black slide boasting Kimber’s new AEX serrations. Additional features include a satin silver round heel frame, 24-LPI front strap serrations, and aluminum trigger. Green, black, and grey G10 grips round out the aesthetics on the series. If red dots aren't your scene, Kimber's got you covered supplying the Aegis Elite in fiber optic sight packages. Available in Custom, Pro, and Ultra sizes, these pistols ship with green and red fiber optic sights in lieu of the mounted red dot. Kimber says whether consumers opt for a red dot mounted package or head straight for those fiber optics, the Aegis Elite series offers a multi-purpose 1911 with a classic Kimber look. “With a striking yet utilitarian design, Kimber Aegis Elite 1911's ideal for a wide range of product uses, such as, concealed carry, home defense and target shooting,” Kimber said in a statement. Aegis Elite pricing starts at $1,021 for the fiber optic models and $1,395 for red dot mounted pistols. The 1911s will be available from Kimber dealers in the coming weeks. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
