The Kimber DS Warrior expands the company’s double‑stack 1911 lineup with 10mm Auto models in both 5‑inch and 6‑inch barrel lengths, emphasizing power, durability, and modern capability.
A Double‑Stack 1911 With a Clear Mission
Kimber designed the DS Warrior to give shooters a working 1911 that keeps familiar controls while supporting higher capacity and optics mounting. Chambered in 10mm Auto, the pistol targets users who want more performance without abandoning the 1911 operating system.
Both barrel lengths share the same core construction. The difference comes down to slide length and how the pistol manages recoil and velocity rather than a change in features.
Barrel, Trigger, and Core Components
Both DS Warrior variants use a stainless steel, ramped barrel. The ramped design supports reliable feeding and helps protect the frame during extended use with full‑power 10mm loads.
Kimber fits the pistol with a skeletonized trigger and skeletonized hammer, reducing reciprocating mass and maintaining a consistent trigger pull. The trigger geometry stays firmly within traditional 1911 expectations.
An extended beavertail grip safety allows a high grip while protecting the shooter’s hand under recoil. That feature becomes more relevant with the torque produced by 10mm Auto.
Controls, Finish, and Grip Treatment
Kimber applies DLC (Diamond‑Like Carbon) coating to the controls to improve wear resistance and corrosion protection. High‑contact parts benefit most from the treatment during hard use.
The pistol ships with carbon fiber grips, which reduce weight while maintaining rigidity. The grip texture provides traction without sharp checkering.
A flared magazine well comes standard to speed reloads and support the double‑stack design during duty or range use. This handgun would also be a reasonable sidearm while hunting.
Optics‑Ready Configuration
The DS Warrior uses the Tac Precision optics plate system for RMR-compatible optics, allowing direct mounting of compatible red‑dot optics without aftermarket slide machining.
The optics system integrates cleanly into the slide and avoids unnecessary bulk, keeping the pistol’s profile functional.
Magazine Configuration and Capacity
Kimber includes two magazines with each DS Warrior:
- One flush‑fitting 15‑round magazine
- One extended 18‑round magazine
That combination gives shooters flexibility depending on carry or mission requirements.
5‑Inch vs. 6‑Inch Performance
Moving from the 5‑inch to the 6‑inch barrel typically adds around 40–60 feet per second with common 10mm Auto loads, depending on bullet weight and powder selection. The 6-inch version is designated as the DS Warrior (LS) — DS is for “double stack”.
The longer slide also adds weight and dwell time, which tends to smooth the recoil impulse and makes the pistol easier to keep on target during rapid fire.
A Purpose‑Built 10mm 1911
Kimber positions the DS Warrior as a functional pistol rather than a showpiece. The feature set focuses on durability, capacity, and modern usability.
For shooters who want 10mm power in a familiar 1911 format, without giving up optics support or magazine capacity, the DS Warrior fills that role cleanly.
Kimber DS Warrior (10mm Auto) Specs
- Manufacturer: Kimber
- Model: DS Warrior
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Action: Single‑action
- Barrel Lengths: 5 in / 6 in
- Barrel: Stainless steel, ramped
- Frame: Steel, double‑stack
- Trigger: Skeletonized
- Hammer: Skeletonized
- Grip Safety: Extended beavertail
- Grips: Carbon fiber
- Controls Finish: DLC‑coated
- Magwell: Flared
- Optics Mounting: Tac Precision optics plate
- Magazines Included:
- 15‑round flush‑fit
- 18‑round extended
- Cost: $1350, available now
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Levi is an avid hunter, and an increasingly avid shooter. He strives to make delicious and simple recipes from the game he kills. He makes a living as a professional photographer and writer. Check out his work.
The 9mm seems like a possiblity, finally a sub $1k American made double stack 1911. Whether it actually ends up being sub $1k I suspect will be by pennies, not dollars. Still, it looks the best option out there. Hopefully this drives more US manufacturers to the sub $1k table. Suppressors have long been the status symbol of the affluent which has kept prices artificially high but now more manufacturers like Lyman are setting up to bust the bubble. Time will tell.
I am in. I own a regular 1911 kimber in 10mm. Now hopefully it wont empty the whole magazine like the regular one i purchased. And it has to be worlds ahead of the Turkish Girsan i also own.