Shooting Review: Can The Kimber CDS9 Run As Good As It Looks? First 500 Rounds

Published on December 7, 2024
Duration: 12:04

This review of the Kimber CDS-9, conducted by SPN Firearms after 500+ rounds, addresses common concerns about Kimber reliability. The handgun is praised for its aesthetics, comfortable ergonomics, and flat shooting characteristics. Despite initial skepticism due to Kimber's reputation, the CDS-9 demonstrated impressive reliability with both FMJ and defensive ammunition, handling mag dumps effectively. The reviewer highlights the excellent trigger and metal frame construction, noting a slightly more pronounced felt recoil compared to polymer micro-nines but minimal muzzle flip. Minor sight adjustment was the only noted flaw.

Quick Summary

The Kimber CDS-9, tested over 500 rounds, proved to be a reliable and flat-shooting handgun, challenging common perceptions of Kimber reliability. It features a high-quality trigger, comfortable ergonomics, and higher capacity magazines, with only minor sight misalignment noted as a flaw.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The Disappointment of Unreliable Handguns
  2. 00:17Addressing Kimber Reliability Concerns
  3. 00:26500+ Round Test: FMJ and Defensive Ammo
  4. 00:42First Impressions: The Kimber CDS-9 is an Absolute Shooter
  5. 00:54Does the Kimber CDS-9 Run? The Big Question
  6. 01:17Performance After Break-In: The CDS-9 Rips
  7. 01:22Felt Recoil and Muzzle Flip Analysis
  8. 01:34Comparison: Sig P938 Blackwood vs. Kimber CDS-9
  9. 01:50Accidental Mag Release Incident
  10. 02:08Continued Reliability Testing
  11. 02:32Shooting Impressions and Grouping
  12. 02:57Capacity and Sight Differences
  13. 03:11Mag Dumping the Kimber CDS-9
  14. 03:38Trigger Reset and 'Trigger Dingus' Discussion
  15. 03:59Overall Flawless Performance (Except Sights)
  16. 04:00Sight Adjustment and Fiber Optic Options
  17. 04:22Ambidextrous Safety Considerations
  18. 04:43The Trifecta: Looks, Shootability, and Reliability
  19. 04:54More Shooting Footage: First Shots
  20. 05:15Addressing Kimber's Reputation Head-On
  21. 05:25Testing Cheap Federal Defensive Ammo
  22. 05:37Shooting Experience with the Metal Frame
  23. 05:49Final Verdict: A Favorite Handgun
  24. 05:59Ergonomics and Feel in Hand
  25. 06:12Weight and Carryability
  26. 06:34Draw Speed and Holster Fit
  27. 06:51Comparison to Other Handguns
  28. 07:01500 Rounds: A Solid Test
  29. 07:17Conclusion and Future Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Kimber CDS-9 reliable after extensive testing?

Yes, after shooting over 500 rounds of various ammunition types, including FMJ and defensive rounds, the Kimber CDS-9 demonstrated impressive reliability with no significant malfunctions reported by the primary shooter. This performance challenges the common perception of Kimber handguns being unreliable.

How does the Kimber CDS-9 handle recoil?

The Kimber CDS-9 is described as a flat-shooting handgun due to its metal frame. While this contributes to minimal muzzle flip, the felt recoil is noted as being slightly more aggressive than that of polymer-framed micro-nines, though still manageable.

What are the key features of the Kimber CDS-9?

Key features include its attractive aesthetics, comfortable ergonomics, a high-quality trigger described as 'ridiculous,' and higher capacity magazines (13+1, 15+1). It also boasts an ambidextrous safety, though this can be a point of accidental engagement for some users.

What was the only flaw found in the Kimber CDS-9 review?

The only significant flaw identified during the 500+ round test was that the sights came slightly misaligned from the factory. This required a minor adjustment with a sight pusher, a common and easily correctable issue for many firearms.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from SPN Firearms

View all →