Kimber, a well-established name in the firearms industry, has announced the release of a new variant of its popular 2K11 pistol. This new model, dubbed the 2K11 Stainless, is specifically designed to provide consumers in states with magazine capacity restrictions the opportunity to own this highly regarded firearm.1 This strategic move acknowledges the diverse regulatory landscape across the United States and aims to cater to a segment of the market that was previously limited in its access to the standard, higher-capacity 2K11. The original Kimber 2K11 has garnered significant attention and positive feedback since its introduction, making this capacity-restricted version a noteworthy development for gun owners in affected regions.1
The legal framework surrounding firearm magazine capacity varies considerably from state to state. To understand the significance of Kimber’s new offering, it’s crucial to examine the specific regulations in the states where the 2K11 Stainless will be available: Vermont, New York, Maryland, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, Connecticut, and Delaware.1 The following table summarizes the handgun magazine capacity restrictions in these states, based on available information:
| State | Handgun Magazine Capacity Limit | Long Gun Magazine Capacity Limit | Key Details/Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | 15 rounds | 10 rounds | Sale or possession banned for magazines over these limits (passed in 2018, upheld by the Vermont Supreme Court in 2021). Grandfather clause for magazines lawfully possessed before April 11, 2018. Exemptions for law enforcement, government officials, and shooting competitions.2 |
| New York | 10 rounds | 10 rounds | Magazines sold after 1994 limited to 10 rounds. Possession of magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds is illegal unless permanently modified, discarded, or transferred by January 15, 2014. New York City has stricter rules for rifles and shotguns (5 rounds).5 |
| Maryland | 10 rounds | 10 rounds | Manufacturing, selling, offering for sale, purchasing, receiving, or transferring detachable magazines with a capacity over 10 rounds is prohibited for handguns. Tubular magazines for .22-caliber rifles are exempt. Law enforcement officers are not subject to this restriction. Owning higher capacity magazines is legal, but they cannot be bought in Maryland.8 |
| Rhode Island | 10 rounds | 10 rounds | Prohibits magazines holding more than 10 rounds for semi-automatic firearms (implemented in December 2022). No grandfather rights or exceptions for previously owned magazines. Conviction can lead to imprisonment and fines.10 |
| New Jersey | 10 rounds | 10 rounds | Illegal to possess magazines capable of accepting more than 10 rounds of ammunition for semi-automatic weapons. Sales to law enforcement and licensed dealers are exempt. Semi-automatic shotguns are limited to 6 rounds.13 |
| Washington | 10 rounds | 10 rounds | Law prohibits the sale, attempted sale, manufacture, and distribution of magazines holding over 10 rounds (effective July 1, 2022). Possession of legally obtained high-capacity magazines before this date is not prohibited.15 |
| Oregon | 10 rounds | 10 rounds | Ballot Measure 114 bans the purchase of magazines holding more than 10 rounds. People who already own high-capacity magazines may use them under specific conditions.17 |
| Hawaii | 10 rounds | 30 rounds | Unlawful to manufacture, possess, sell, transfer, or acquire detachable pistol magazines with a capacity over 10 rounds. A new law effective 1/1/2026 expands this to any firearm with a detachable magazine over 30 rounds, with exemptions for magazines owned before that date.20 |
| Connecticut | 10 rounds | 10 rounds | Prohibits the sale, transfer, purchase, distribution, or importation of large capacity magazines (LCMs), generally defined as holding more than 10 rounds. Some exceptions exist for permanently altered magazines and certain types of firearms.23 A bill to raise the limit to 15 rounds passed a committee recently.24 |
| Delaware | 17 rounds | 17 rounds | Prohibits the production, sale, purchase, receipt, transfer, and possession of magazines capable of holding more than 17 rounds. Exemptions for law enforcement, military members, and concealed carry permit holders.26 |
The data reveals a prevalent 10-round capacity limit for handguns across the majority of these states, including New York, Maryland, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, and Connecticut. This makes Kimber’s decision to equip the 2K11 Stainless with 10-round magazines a strategic one, ensuring broad compliance within these markets. While Vermont and Delaware have slightly higher limits of 15 and 17 rounds for handguns, respectively, the 10-round magazine configuration still adheres to these regulations, indicating Kimber’s intent to provide a universally compliant option for all the specified states.2 It is also interesting to note that New York City has more stringent rules for long guns, limiting them to just 5 rounds.7 Furthermore, some states like Vermont and Connecticut have grandfather clauses that permit the continued possession of magazines owned before the enactment of these restrictions.3 This could mean that while the new 10-round magazines will cater to new purchases and those without pre-ban magazines, a segment of the market might already possess higher-capacity options.
The original Kimber 2K11 was introduced as a modern take on the classic 1911 platform, specifically engineered to utilize high-capacity, double-stack magazines.29 This marked Kimber’s entry into the popular 2011-style handgun market, known for its increased firepower and features often favored by competitive shooters and firearm enthusiasts.29 The standard 2K11 is typically available in both .45 ACP and 9mm Luger calibers, offering magazine capacities of 13+1 rounds in .45 ACP and up to 20+1 rounds in 9mm configurations.29 It boasts a range of high-end features, including optics-ready slides with included mounting plates for popular red dot sights, enhancing its versatility for various applications.29 Constructed with quality materials such as stainless steel frames and slides, often paired with aluminum grip modules, the 2K11 is designed for durability and performance.29 Ergonomic considerations are also prominent, with features like ambidextrous thumb safeties and beavertail grip safeties ensuring comfortable and secure handling for a wide range of shooters.29 The inclusion of a crisp trigger pull, typically around 3 to 4 pounds, contributes to enhanced accuracy, and the tool-less disassembly simplifies maintenance, appealing to users who value convenience.29 The original Kimber 2K11’s design philosophy centered on providing a high-performance pistol with features commonly sought after by competitive shooters and firearm aficionados, and the introduction of a capacity-restricted version suggests an intention to extend this same level of quality and design to a broader audience constrained by legal regulations.
The newly announced Kimber 2K11 Stainless directly addresses the magazine capacity restrictions in the aforementioned states by shipping with three 10-round magazines.1 Kimber emphasizes that this variant retains many of the desirable characteristics that made the original 2K11 successful.1 However, it also introduces unique enhancements that set it apart. Notably, the 2K11 Stainless features a high-impact carbon fiber and Kevlar® grip, which likely contributes to both weight reduction and enhanced durability.1 Additionally, the pistol sports a distinctive Granite KimPro finish, not only enhancing its aesthetic appeal but also providing an added layer of durability.1 The selection of a carbon fiber/Kevlar grip suggests a design focus that goes beyond mere regulatory compliance. These materials are known for their strength and lightweight properties, potentially appealing to users who prioritize these attributes in their firearms, even if magazine capacity is limited. The Granite KimPro finish adds a unique visual element to this compliant model, indicating attention to both functionality and aesthetics.
Kimber’s perspective on this release is clearly positive. Chris Klope, the Chief Operating Officer of Kimber, stated the company’s satisfaction in offering such a product to consumers in states with capacity limitations, highlighting the 2K11’s prior success.1 This indicates a strategic focus on meeting customer demand within the bounds of the law. The collaboration with MJD Solutions, a company specializing in advanced materials for grip modules, underscores Kimber’s commitment to maintaining high standards of performance and quality in this capacity-restricted variant.1 While specific opinions on the 2K11 Stainless are still emerging, discussions surrounding the original 2K11 provide some context. Some firearm enthusiasts have expressed excitement about the potential availability of the 2K11 in California, a state with stringent gun laws, indicating a general desire for this platform even with restrictions.35 However, it’s important to note that some skepticism exists regarding Kimber’s reliability, based on past experiences.35 Therefore, the actual reception of the 2K11 Stainless will likely depend on its real-world performance and whether it can overcome any lingering concerns about the brand. The fact that Kimber offers 10-round magazines specifically for the 2K11 platform 36 demonstrates their proactive approach to catering to this market segment, suggesting that these magazines are designed to maintain the handling and ergonomics of the original, higher-capacity versions as much as possible.
By introducing the 2K11 Stainless, Kimber is strategically positioning itself to tap into a significant portion of the firearm market in states with magazine capacity restrictions. This move allows them to reach consumers who might have previously been unable to purchase the standard 2K11 due to legal limitations. The market for 10-round compliant pistols is already populated with offerings from various manufacturers. Therefore, the success of the 2K11 Stainless will likely hinge on its ability to differentiate itself through its unique features, such as the carbon fiber/Kevlar grip and Granite KimPro finish, as well as its performance and reliability. This release has the potential to boost Kimber’s sales figures and possibly enhance its brand image among consumers in these states, provided the pistol meets expectations for quality and performance. Conversely, any issues with this specific variant could negatively impact their reputation. It’s also worth noting the ongoing debate surrounding the effectiveness of magazine capacity restrictions in reducing crime and enhancing public safety.10 While this discussion is broader than the scope of this product release, it forms the backdrop against which the 2K11 Stainless enters the market.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, the release of the Kimber 2K11 Stainless represents a significant step by Kimber to cater to the needs of firearm enthusiasts in states with magazine capacity restrictions. By offering a variant with 10-round magazines and unique features like the carbon fiber/Kevlar grip and Granite KimPro finish, Kimber aims to provide a high-quality option within legal parameters. The success of this model will depend on its ability to deliver the performance and reliability expected of the 2K11 platform while appealing to a market segment with specific regulatory requirements. This move demonstrates Kimber’s commitment to offering choices for a wider range of firearm owners across the United States.
