The Kimber 1911 is a firearm renowned for its precision, reliability, and timeless design. Enhancing this weapon with a red dot sight can significantly improve accuracy and target acquisition speed.

As an avid shooter and a passionate 1911 owner, I’ve tested numerous red dot sights to determine which ones perform best with the Kimber 1911.

Here, I’ll share my personal experiences and evaluations of the top red dot sights, along with their specifications, best features, pros, cons, and feedback from other users. Let’s dive in.

MY CHOICES

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Trijicon RMR Type 2⁠

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Leupold Deltapoint Pro⁠

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HOLOSUN 507C⁠

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Vortex Venom⁠

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Burris FastFire 3⁠

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Note: This article reflects my personal opinions. While the products mentioned may not be perfect for everyone, they might be useful for some readers.

Top 5 Best Red Dot For Kimber 1911 of 2024

1. Trijicon RMR Type 2

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Specifications:

Magnification: 1x

Dot Size: 3.25 MOA

Weight: 1.2 oz

Battery Life: Up to 4 years (CR2032)

Housing Material: Forged Aluminum

Best Features: The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is celebrated for its ruggedness. Its forged aluminum body can withstand significant abuse, making it a perfect match for the Kimber 1911. The 3.25 MOA dot is precise enough for both fast target acquisition and accurate shooting.

Pros:

Extremely durable construction

Long battery life

Clear and crisp dot

Adjustable brightness settings

Cons:

Relatively high cost

Some users may find the 3.25 MOA dot a bit large for long-range precision

Experience: Using the Trijicon RMR Type 2 on my Kimber 1911 felt like a match made in heaven. The sight picture was always clear, and the dot remained bright and easy to pick up in various lighting conditions. The durability of this sight is unmatched – it held zero perfectly even after extensive use.

Customer Comments: Many users echo my sentiments, praising its reliability and durability. One user mentioned, "After thousands of rounds, my RMR Type 2 is still going strong with no issues."

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2. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro

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Specifications:

Magnification: 1x

Dot Size: 2.5 MOA

Weight: 1.95 oz

Battery Life: 300 hours (CR2032)

Housing Material: Aluminum

Best Features: The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro offers a generous field of view, making it easier to track moving targets. Its motion sensor technology activates the red dot when it detects motion, preserving battery life.

Pros:

Wide field of view

Motion sensor for battery conservation

Clear 2.5 MOA dot

Durable construction

Cons:

Shorter battery life compared to competitors

Heavier than some other options

Experience: The DeltaPoint Pro quickly became a favorite of mine for dynamic shooting scenarios. The wide field of view is a standout feature, allowing me to maintain situational awareness while focusing on the target. The motion sensor worked flawlessly, ensuring the sight was always ready when needed.

Customer Comments: Online discussions often highlight its large viewing window. One user stated, "The DeltaPoint Pro's field of view is fantastic for quick target acquisition."

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3. Holosun HS507C-X2

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Specifications:

Magnification: 1x

Dot Size: 2 MOA dot and 32 MOA circle

Weight: 1.5 oz

Battery Life: Up to 50,000 hours (CR1632)

Housing Material: Aluminum

Best Features: Holosun's HS507C-X2 combines a 2 MOA dot with a 32 MOA circle, offering flexibility in target engagement. It features solar panels for dual power options, extending battery life significantly.

Pros:

Dual reticle options

Long battery life

Solar power backup

Affordable price point

Cons:

Slightly more complex to operate due to multiple reticle options

Not as rugged as some high-end models

Experience: I was particularly impressed with the versatility of the HS507C-X2. The dual reticle system was a game-changer, allowing me to switch between precise and rapid shooting modes effortlessly. Its long battery life and solar backup provided peace of mind during extended shooting sessions.

Customer Comments: Holosun users often commend the battery life and reticle options. One review noted, "The battery life is incredible, and the dual reticle makes it very adaptable."

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4. Vortex Venom

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Specifications:

Magnification: 1x

Dot Size: 3 MOA

Weight: 1.1 oz

Battery Life: Up to 30,000 hours (CR1632)

Housing Material: Aluminum

Best Features: The Vortex Venom is known for its lightweight design and user-friendly controls. The top-loading battery compartment is particularly convenient, allowing for quick battery changes without removing the sight.

Pros:

Lightweight

Easy battery access

Clear dot with multiple brightness settings

Affordable

Cons:

Not as rugged as higher-end models

Shorter battery life compared to the HS507C-X2

Experience: The Vortex Venom was a joy to use on my Kimber 1911. Its lightweight design didn’t add unnecessary bulk, and the sight’s controls were intuitive and easy to adjust. While not the most durable, it performed reliably during my range sessions.

Customer Comments: Users appreciate its ease of use and clarity. One comment read, "The top-loading battery is a lifesaver. I don’t have to re-zero every time I change the battery."

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5. Burris Fastfire III

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Specifications:

Magnification: 1x

Dot Size: 3 MOA

Weight: 1.5 oz

Battery Life: Up to 5 years (CR1632)

Housing Material: Aluminum

Best Features: The Burris Fastfire III offers a simple, no-nonsense approach to red dot sights. Its automatic brightness sensor adjusts the dot intensity based on lighting conditions, and its lightweight design makes it an excellent choice for handguns.

Pros:

Automatic brightness adjustment

Long battery life

Lightweight

Affordable

Cons:

Fewer manual controls for brightness

Dot can be dim in very bright conditions

Experience: I found the Burris Fastfire III to be incredibly straightforward to use. The automatic brightness adjustment worked well in most conditions, though there were moments in bright sunlight where I wished for manual control. Despite this, its performance was solid, and it’s a great value option.

Customer Comments: Many users find it to be a reliable budget option. One reviewer mentioned, "It’s a great sight for the price. The automatic brightness is generally spot on."

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How to Choose the Best Red Dot Sight for Kimber 1911?

Selecting the right red dot sight for your Kimber 1911 involves considering several factors:

1. Dot Size:

The size of the dot affects precision and speed. Smaller dots (1-3 MOA) are better for precision, while larger dots (5 MOA or more) are quicker to acquire but may be less precise at longer distances.

2. Durability:

Look for sights with robust construction, especially if you plan to use your 1911 in harsh conditions. Aluminum and steel are preferred materials.

3. Battery Life:

Long battery life is crucial, especially if you rely on the sight for self-defense. Some models offer solar backups to extend operational time.

4. Weight:

A lighter sight will not significantly alter the balance of your handgun, making it more comfortable to shoot over long periods.

5. Mounting Options:

Ensure the red dot sight can be easily mounted on your Kimber 1911. Some sights require additional mounting plates or adapters.

6. Brightness Settings:

Adjustable brightness settings allow you to tailor the dot intensity to different lighting conditions. Automatic brightness adjustment can be convenient but may not suit all environments.

7. Field of View:

A larger field of view can aid in quick target acquisition and improve situational awareness.

FAQs

Q: Can any red dot sight be mounted on a Kimber 1911?

A: Not all red dot sights are compatible out of the box. You may need an adapter or a mounting plate specific to the sight and your handgun.

Q: Is a red dot sight better than iron sights?

A: Red dot sights offer faster target acquisition and improved accuracy, especially in low-light conditions. However, they require batteries and can fail, so it’s wise to be proficient with iron sights as well.

Q: How do I zero a red dot sight on my Kimber 1911?

A: Zeroing a red dot sight involves aligning the dot with the point of impact. Start at a close range (10 yards), fire a group, adjust the windage and elevation as needed, then confirm at your desired distance (typically 25 yards).

Q: How long do red dot sight batteries last?

A: Battery life varies by model and usage but can range from a few hundred hours to several years. Check the specifications of your chosen sight for detailed battery life information.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best red dot for your Kimber 1911 depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Consider factors like intended use, budget, and desired features like reticle type and emitter enclosure.

Remember to verify your Kimber's compatibility with the red dot sight and mounting plate before making your final decision.

With the right red dot sight, you can enhance your accuracy and speed while adding a modern touch to your classic 1911.

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