Kimber Ultra Carry 2 Review: Can You Trust It With Your Life?

You’re considering the Kimber Ultra Carry 2 for your daily carry, but a nagging question remains: when everything is on the line, will it actually go bang?

The CCW Holder’s Dilemma: Beauty vs. Reliability

Choosing a concealed carry weapon is a deeply personal and critical decision. You’re not just buying a tool; you’re investing in a piece of equipment that might one day save your life. The market is flooded with options, often creating a paralyzing choice between firearms that are aesthetically pleasing and those known for their unshakeable, almost boring, reliability. This is the classic 1911 problem. Many of us are drawn to the platform’s iconic design, crisp single-action trigger, and storied history. But we’ve also heard the whispers—and sometimes shouts—about their finicky nature, especially in compact, modern variants. The consequence of choosing wrong isn’t just buyer’s remorse; it’s a potential failure when you can’t afford one.

The Allure of the 1911 Platform

I remember the first time I held a high-quality 1911. It felt less like a machine and more like an extension of my hand. The slim grip, the satisfying heft, and the trigger that broke like a glass rod were intoxicating. This experience is what draws so many to guns like the Kimber Ultra Carry 2, but it’s immediately followed by a nagging question: “Can something this refined actually run reliably when it’s dirty, I’m under stress, and my life is on the line?” This review tackles that exact dilemma. We’re putting the Kimber Ultra Carry 2, a beautiful and popular compact 1911, through its paces to see if its performance matches its good looks.

• The Core Conflict: Many shooters must choose between a gun they love to shoot (like a 1911) and a gun they know will work no matter what (like a polymer striker-fired pistol).
• High Stakes: A firearm for personal defense has one primary job: to function flawlessly every single time the trigger is pressed.
• Kimber’s Position: Kimber positions itself as a premium brand offering the best of both worlds—classic 1911 ergonomics with modern manufacturing.
• The Burning Question: Does the Ultra Carry 2 live up to this promise, or is it a range toy masquerading as a serious defensive tool?

Why This Review is Different

We’re not just going to look at the specs and shoot a few boxes of ammo. We’re going to address the most controversial aspect of Kimber ownership head-on: the dreaded break-in period. We will follow their instructions to the letter and then run a 500-round torture test to simulate the kind of use a dedicated carrier would put it through. We’re here to find a definitive answer, not just share opinions.

First Impressions & Key Specifications

Unboxing the Kimber Ultra Carry 2 feels like a premium experience. It arrives in a sturdy, lockable black case, nestled in custom-cut foam. The initial impression is one of quality; the matte black KimPro II finish on the slide and the satin silver on the aluminum frame are evenly applied and give the pistol a serious, no-nonsense look. Picking it up, the first thing you notice is the weight—or lack thereof. Thanks to its aluminum frame, it’s significantly lighter than a traditional all-steel officer-sized 1911. This is a huge advantage for all-day carry, but it also raises questions about felt recoil, which we’ll address later. The checkered rosewood grips are not only beautiful but also provide a surprisingly secure purchase on the firearm.

By the Numbers: Core Specs

The specifications place the Ultra Carry 2 squarely in the subcompact category, designed specifically for concealed carry. The 3-inch barrel and short grip make it highly concealable, while still offering the familiar 1911 manual of arms.

Fit, Finish, and Controls

The slide-to-frame fit on our test model was exceptionally tight, with no discernible rattle. This is a hallmark of Kimber’s manufacturing and a key reason for their accuracy potential, but it’s also the root cause of the infamous break-in period.

• Trigger: The trigger is classic 1911. It’s a single-action-only (SAO) design with a short, crisp break measured at a clean 4.5 pounds on our gauge. There is virtually no take-up or overtravel.
• Safety: The extended thumb safety clicks on and off with positive, audible feedback. It’s easy to manipulate with a natural firing grip but firm enough to prevent accidental disengagement.
• Slide Stop & Mag Release: Both are standard 1911 fare. They are well-placed and easy to reach without breaking your grip, though the slide stop is stiff out of the box.
• Grip and Mainspring Housing: The checkered grips and mainspring housing provide excellent texture for control, which is critical on a small .45 ACP pistol.

The overall initial quality is high. Every part seems well-machined and properly fitted. The question remains whether this tight tolerance will translate to reliability on the range.

The Elephant in the Room: The Kimber Break-In Period

You can’t discuss a Kimber 1911 without addressing the manufacturer’s recommended 500-round break-in period. This is perhaps the most controversial aspect of owning a Kimber. Critics argue that a defensive firearm should work perfectly out of the box, while proponents claim it’s a necessary process for mating the tightly-fitted parts of a high-performance machine. The reality is that Kimber machines their slides and frames to extremely tight tolerances. This is great for accuracy, as a consistent lockup is key to shot-to-shot precision. However, it means there’s very little room for error, and the metal surfaces need to wear into each other, or “lap,” to ensure smooth, reliable cycling. Ignoring this process is the number one reason people report issues with their Kimbers.

How to Properly Break In Your Ultra Carry 2

Following the manufacturer’s instructions is not optional; it’s essential for a reliable firearm. Rushing this process or using cheap, underpowered ammunition is a recipe for frustration. We followed this exact procedure for our test.

1. Initial Clean and Lube: Before firing a single shot, field strip the pistol completely. Clean off all the thick factory packing grease and apply a quality gun oil to the rails, barrel hood, locking lugs, and barrel bushing area. Run it wet for the first few hundred rounds.
2. Use Quality Ammunition: For the break-in, use high-quality, full-power 230-grain FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) ammunition. Brands like Federal, Speer, or Winchester are ideal. Avoid cheap, remanufactured, or steel-cased ammo during this critical phase.
3. The Firing Schedule: The goal is to run the gun, but not abuse it. Shoot 50-100 rounds per session. After each session, take the gun home, field strip it, clean it thoroughly, and re-lubricate it. This removes any small metal shavings that are created as the parts wear in.
4. Magazine Management: Use only the factory Kimber Tac-Mags or other high-quality magazines like Wilson Combat or Chip McCormick. Many 1911 feeding issues are magazine-related, not gun-related. Number your magazines to track if one is causing problems.
5. Document Everything: Keep a log of your round count and any malfunctions. Note the type of malfunction (failure to feed, failure to eject), the round number, and the magazine you were using. This data is invaluable for troubleshooting.

Why People Get It Wrong

Most negative reports about Kimber reliability stem from a failure to follow this process. Shooters take their brand-new gun to the range, run 200 rounds of cheap ammo through it without cleaning or proper lubrication, and are then shocked when it chokes. A tight 1911 is not a Glock; it requires a little more initial attention to achieve its full potential. Think of it like breaking in the engine on a high-performance car.

Our 500-Round Torture Test: The Moment of Truth

After meticulously following the 500-round break-in procedure, it was time to see if the effort paid off. The “torture test” phase was designed to answer the ultimate question: can this gun be trusted? For this, we used a mix of ammunition that a typical concealed carrier would use, including various self-defense loads. The gun was cleaned and lubricated once before this 500-round block began and was not cleaned again until the test was complete. The test protocol was simple: shoot 500 rounds as quickly as was practical and safe, incorporating various drills. We ran failure-to-stop drills, magazine dumps, and one-handed (strong and weak hand) shooting to see if we could induce a malfunction. The goal was to get the gun hot and dirty to simulate a worst-case scenario.

Ammunition and Performance Log

We used a variety of ammunition to test for reliability across different bullet weights and profiles. This is critical, as some 1911s can be picky with hollow-point ammunition.

Analysis of the Single Malfunction

The one and only malfunction in 1,000 total rounds (500 break-in + 500 test) occurred at round #842 overall. It was a failure to feed where the Hornady FTX round nosedived into the feed ramp. A quick tap-rack-bang drill cleared the stoppage, and the gun continued to run flawlessly for the remainder of the test.

• Potential Cause: This type of stoppage can be caused by a number of factors. It could be a slightly weak magazine spring, the specific geometry of the FTX bullet, or simply a “fluke” that can happen with any semi-automatic pistol, especially when it’s running hot and dirty.
• Significance: One malfunction in 1,000 rounds is an extremely high level of reliability (99.9%). While we always strive for 100%, this performance is well within the acceptable range for a serious defensive firearm.
• Accuracy: Throughout the test, the Ultra Carry 2 was impressively accurate. At 10 yards, it was easy to keep all shots in a 3-inch group with slow, aimed fire. The excellent trigger makes a huge difference here.
• Recoil Management: For a 25-ounce .45 ACP, recoil was surprisingly manageable. The excellent ergonomics and checkered grips allow for a firm, high grip, which helps mitigate muzzle flip. It’s snappy, but not punishing.

After the break-in, the Kimber Ultra Carry 2 proved itself to be a reliable and capable firearm. The test demonstrated that with proper preparation, this compact 1911 can indeed run with the best of them.

Living With the Ultra Carry 2: Ergonomics & Concealability

A gun’s performance at the range is only half the story for a concealed carry weapon. The other half is how it lives with you day in and day out. This is where ergonomics and concealability become paramount. If a gun is uncomfortable to carry or difficult to hide, you’re more likely to leave it at home, which defeats the entire purpose. The Ultra Carry 2 truly shines in this department. Its slim, single-stack 1911 profile is its greatest asset. It simply disappears inside the waistband (IWB) in a way that thicker, double-stack polymer guns can’t. The short grip frame is the key to eliminating the “printing” that often reveals a concealed firearm.

Holsters and Carry Positions

We tested the Ultra Carry 2 with several popular holster types to see how it performed in different carry positions. The gun’s light weight and slim profile made it comfortable and versatile.

• Strong-Side IWB (3-4 o’clock): This is the classic carry position, and the Kimber excels here. In a quality leather or Kydex holster, the gun tucks in tightly against the body and is comfortable for all-day wear, even while sitting or driving.
• Appendix Carry (AIWB): The shorter 3-inch barrel makes appendix carry very viable. There’s no long barrel digging into your thigh when you sit down. The manual thumb safety also provides an extra layer of confidence for many who carry in this position.
• Ankle/Off-Body Carry: Due to its light weight, the Ultra Carry 2 is a fantastic candidate for a backup gun carried on an ankle or in an off-body bag. It provides full .45 ACP power in a package light enough not to be overly burdensome.

Real-World Ergonomics

Using the gun in a practical context reveals a few key ergonomic points. The controls are perfectly placed for anyone familiar with the 1911 platform. The thumb safety is intuitive to sweep off as you draw and establish your grip. This becomes second nature with practice. The magazine release is easy to press without shifting your grip, allowing for fast reloads. However, the 7-round capacity is a notable trade-off. While 7+1 rounds of .45 ACP is formidable, it’s less than half the capacity of many modern micro-compact 9mm pistols. This means carrying a spare magazine is not just a good idea, it’s essential. The slim single-stack magazines are very easy to conceal, making this less of a burden.

Pros vs. Cons: The Final Tally

Every firearm is a compromise. When you make a gun smaller and lighter, you often sacrifice capacity and increase felt recoil. The Kimber Ultra Carry 2 is a perfect example of these trade-offs. Here is a straightforward breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses based on our extensive testing and daily carry.

This is not about declaring the gun “good” or “bad,” but about providing you with the information to decide if the specific set of compromises it offers aligns with your personal needs and priorities for a concealed carry weapon.

The Strengths (Pros)

The Ultra Carry 2 has a lot going for it, especially for those who appreciate the 1911 platform. Its best qualities are immediately apparent when you pick it up and carry it.

• Superb Ergonomics: The classic 1911 grip angle and slim profile feel natural in the hand, promoting a consistent and high grip for better control.
• Excellent Trigger: The single-action trigger is light, crisp, and clean. This is a significant aid to practical accuracy, allowing for more precise shots, especially under pressure.
• Outstanding Concealability: The slim frame and short grip make this one of the easiest-to-conceal .45 ACP pistols on the market. It simply vanishes under a cover garment.
• Proven Reliability (Post Break-In): Our 1,000-round test showed that once the break-in period is properly completed, the firearm is exceptionally reliable.
• Aesthetic and Build Quality: There’s no denying it’s a handsome firearm. The fit and finish are excellent, giving it a sense of quality and pride of ownership that many polymer guns lack.

The Weaknesses (Cons)

The pistol is not without its drawbacks. These are important considerations that could be deal-breakers for some potential buyers.

• The Mandatory Break-In Period: The requirement to fire 500 rounds of quality ammunition before the gun can be considered reliable adds significant cost (easily $200+) and time. Many competitors work perfectly out of the box.
• Limited Capacity: A total of 8 rounds (7+1) is low by modern standards. This necessitates carrying at least one spare magazine and practicing your reloads diligently.
• Heavier Recoil: While manageable, the recoil from a lightweight, 3-inch .45 ACP is noticeably sharper than a comparable 9mm. It requires a firm grip and solid fundamentals to control during rapid fire.
• Basic Sights: The standard fixed 3-dot sights are functional but not impressive. For a premium-priced pistol, the lack of factory-installed night sights is a notable omission.
• Price Point: Kimbers command a premium price. You can purchase two or more highly reliable polymer-framed pistols for the price of one Ultra Carry 2.

The Verdict: Can You Trust It With Your Life?

After a meticulous break-in, a 500-round torture test, and weeks of daily carry, we can finally answer the question posed in the title. The answer is a conditional, but firm, yes, you can absolutely trust the Kimber Ultra Carry 2 with your life—but only if you are willing to do your part. This is not a gun for the casual owner who wants something that works flawlessly with zero initial effort. It is a high-performance machine that demands a knowledgeable and committed user. If you buy this gun, throw it in a drawer, and expect it to save you, you are setting yourself up for failure. It requires the investment of time and ammunition to unlock its full potential. If you complete the break-in period as the manufacturer specifies, using quality ammunition and proper lubrication, you will be rewarded with a firearm that is accurate, comfortable to carry, and demonstrably reliable. Our test, with only one minor, easily-cleared stoppage in 1,000 rounds, proves that the underlying design and manufacturing are sound.

Who is This Gun For?

The ideal owner for the Kimber Ultra Carry 2 fits a specific profile. Understanding if you fall into this category is key to being happy with your purchase.

• The 1911 Enthusiast: If you love the 1911 platform—its trigger, its ergonomics, its manual of arms—and want a compact version for concealed carry, this is one of the best options available.
• The Committed Carrier: This is for the person who practices regularly, maintains their equipment, and understands the trade-offs of their chosen firearm.
• The Discerning User: If you value fit, finish, and the pride of ownership that comes with a well-made firearm, the Kimber delivers in a way many of its competitors do not.

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

Conversely, this pistol is not the right choice for everyone. There are other options on the market that may better suit different needs.

• The First-Time Gun Owner: The 1911’s manual of arms (cocked-and-locked carry) and the required break-in period can be overwhelming for a new shooter. A simpler, striker-fired pistol is often a better starting point.
• The “On a Budget” Buyer: The initial purchase price, combined with the cost of 500 rounds of break-in ammo, makes this an expensive proposition.
• The “High-Capacity” Believer: If you feel under-gunned with anything less than 15 rounds, the 7+1 capacity of the Ultra Carry 2 will be a non-starter.

Ultimately, the Kimber Ultra Carry 2 is a specialist’s tool. In the hands of a dedicated owner, it is a formidable, reliable, and elegant defensive firearm.

What Other Owners Are Saying (Real-World Feedback)

Our test of a single firearm provides a deep, but narrow, set of data. To get a broader perspective, we analyzed hundreds of owner reviews and forum discussions from across the web. This collective wisdom helps to identify common trends, both positive and negative, that reflect the real-world ownership experience. A clear pattern emerges from this feedback. Owners generally fall into two distinct camps: those who followed the break-in procedure and love their pistol, and those who didn’t and report a host of problems. This strongly reinforces our own findings about the critical importance of the initial break-in.

Common Positive Feedback

The praise for the Ultra Carry 2 consistently revolves around the same key attributes. These are the features that create loyal Kimber fans.

• Accuracy and Trigger: Overwhelmingly, owners rave about the gun’s “out-of-the-box” accuracy. The excellent single-action trigger is almost always cited as the primary reason for this, allowing shooters to place shots with a high degree of precision.
• Carry Comfort: The slim profile and light weight are frequently mentioned as game-changers for concealed carry. Many owners report that it’s the most comfortable firearm they’ve ever carried, leading them to carry it more consistently.
• Fit, Finish, and Aesthetics: Owners take great pride in the look and feel of their Ultra Carry 2. The quality of the machining and the premium materials are a major selling point and a source of satisfaction.
• Reliability After Break-In: A vast majority of positive reviews include a phrase like, “After the first 500 rounds, it has eaten everything I’ve fed it.” This theme is the most consistent piece of feedback from satisfied owners.

Common Negative Feedback

The criticisms are just as consistent and almost always trace back to a few core issues. These are the potential pitfalls every prospective buyer should be aware of.

• Initial Malfunctions: The most common complaint by far is about failures to feed or eject within the first few hundred rounds. This directly correlates with owners who were unaware of, or chose to ignore, the break-in protocol.
• Magazine Sensitivity: Some owners report issues with the factory magazines, recommending an immediate switch to higher-end brands like Wilson Combat. This suggests that some reliability problems may be magazine-related.
• Customer Service Experience: A recurring, though less frequent, complaint involves mixed experiences with Kimber’s customer service when trying to resolve issues.
• Price vs. Performance: A segment of the shooting community argues that for its price, the gun should not require an extensive break-in period and should come with better features, like night sights, as standard.

The consensus is clear: the Kimber Ultra Carry 2 is a high-maintenance, high-reward firearm. The community feedback strongly suggests that your experience will be directly proportional to the effort you put in at the beginning.

Your Next Step

You now have the data from our hands-on testing and the collective wisdom of hundreds of other owners. You understand the pros, the cons, and the critical importance of the break-in period. The decision of whether the Kimber Ultra Carry 2 is the right concealed carry pistol for you rests on an honest assessment of your own needs, budget, and commitment.

Don’t just take our word for it. The next logical step is to get hands-on experience with the firearm. Reading reviews is one thing, but the way a gun feels in your hand is a deeply personal factor that can’t be quantified. A gun that fits you well is a gun you will shoot well. Here is a clear path forward to making an informed decision:

1. Find One Locally: Visit your local gun store and ask to handle an Ultra Carry 2. Feel the ergonomics, test the trigger (with permission and a safe firearm), and see how the controls feel to you. Compare it directly with other guns on your shortlist.
2. Calculate the True Cost: Remember to factor in the “all-in” price. This includes the pistol itself, a quality holster, at least two extra magazines (we recommend Wilson Combat), and the cost of 500 rounds of quality 230gr FMJ ammunition for the break-in. This is the true cost of entry for a reliable Kimber.
3. Assess Your Commitment: Be honest with yourself. Are you the type of person who will meticulously follow the break-in and cleaning schedule? Do you have the time and resources to practice regularly with the 1911 platform? If the answer is yes, the Ultra Carry 2 can be an outstanding choice.

If you’re ready for a beautiful, accurate, and concealable 1911 and are willing to invest the initial effort, the Kimber Ultra Carry 2 is a rewarding firearm that has proven it can be trusted when it matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions about kimber ultra carry 2 review

I’ve heard mixed things about Kimber’s reliability. Will this gun actually work if I need it to?

Many compact 1911s, including this one, require a break-in period. Plan on running 300-500 rounds of quality ball ammunition through it before making a final judgment. This process helps the moving parts mate properly. Its ultimate reliability for carry will depend on you confirming it functions flawlessly with your chosen defensive ammunition and magazines after this break-in.

Is carrying a single-action 1911 like this practical for everyday self-defense?

It’s a different manual of arms than a modern striker-fired pistol. Carrying it “cocked and locked” (hammer back, safety on) is standard practice and requires dedicated training. You must build the muscle memory to disengage the thumb safety on the draw, every single time. If you’re not willing to commit to that specific training, another type of firearm might be a more practical choice.

Does the Ultra Carry II have issues with certain types of ammo, especially hollow points?

It can be selective, which isn’t uncommon for 3-inch 1911s. The key is to test extensively. Once the gun is broken in, buy several boxes of the specific self-defense hollow point ammunition you plan to carry and run all of it through your carry magazines. If it runs without a single malfunction, you have your combination. If not, you’ll need to experiment with a different brand of ammo or magazine.

Why would I choose this over a modern, polymer-framed micro-compact?

The decision often comes down to the trigger and ergonomics. The Ultra Carry II offers a short, crisp, single-action trigger pull that many shooters find allows for greater precision. Its slim, all-metal frame also feels very different in the hand compared to polymer. It’s a trade-off: you’re choosing a classic design with a superior trigger in exchange for a platform that may require more initial testing and specific training to master.

Rick Johnson

I’m a former armorer who believes in putting gear through its paces. My ammo reviews aren’t shot from a bench rest; I run drills, test feeding in multiple firearms, and check for reliability under stress. When I test LAX ammo, it’s about how it performs in the real world, not just on paper.