Kimber Mako R7 - 5 Reasons to Check Out the Kimber R7 Mako 9mm Pistol Like the Shark, Kimber's first polymer-framed pistol has a bite to spare from the competition.

In recent years, we have seen an increase in interest in the concealed carry Micro 9 pistol. These polymer-framed, percussion-operated miniature semiautos offer features and ammo capacity similar to those of a smaller 9mm pocket pistol. Several gun manufacturers have recently released new versions of the Micro 9, so it's no surprise that Kimber Mfg. Inc. joining this year with the release of the new R7 Mako pistol. Like the shark it's named after, this pistol is designed to take a bite out of the competition. Here are a few reasons why you should take a closer look at the Kimber R7 Mako pistol.

Kimber Mako R7

Kimber Mako R7

1. Loaded with popular features, the Kimber R7 Mako features features that dot the I's and cross the T's, giving it its own style and design sensibility. The slide and barrel are stainless steel with an FNC matte black finish. The grip frame is a solid and comfortable shape, with a more aggressive texture for added purchase. Ship with double stack magazine. One has a smooth grip and holds 11 rounds, while the other is slightly extended to hold 13 rounds. This is Kimber's third firearm, but the first with a polymer frame.

Review: Kimber R7 Mako Pistol

2. Intuitive Vision System The R7 Mako comes with a ready-to-use TruGlo tritium night vision kit. The front sight has a bright orange ring around the tritium bulb, which matches the rounded rear port. They are quick and easy to work with. These sights are taller than normal and allow you to see through a tiny red dot sight (co-witness) if installed. This allows the sights to be backed up in case the red dot is damaged or the battery dies.

Pistols with slides milled and drilled for micro-red dot optics, or “optically ready slides,” are more common than they were a few years ago. Having a slide ready for the optics is an advantage, as you can mount the optics or leave the filler plate intact. But there is some homework involved in finding the right optic for your gun, mounting it, finding the right screws, and paying for the optic, some of which can be quite expensive.

The R7 Mako comes with a "no-fuss, no-soak" optical solution. It can be purchased with a factory-installed Crimson Trace CT-1500 micro-red dot, which is the version tested in this review. This optic is lightweight and has a light sensor that automatically turns on when needed without pressing any buttons. I have run this optic on several different pistols and it provides a clear and useful sight.

At 22.7 ounces, this gun is a bit heavier than some in this class. empty 11 round magazine and optic installed. This is due to the closed upper slide that protects the optical lens from hot gases and debris.

Kimber R7 Mako, 3800004, 9mm, Optic Ready, 1 11rd/1 13rd Magazine

3. Just the right trigger While we've emphasized the need for a comfortable hand grip for shooting comfort, we can't overlook the importance of a good trigger pull. Trigger and feel is where the rubber meets the road, and Kimber knows it.

Instead of the more common polymer options, the R7 Mako has a flat face aluminum trigger with a safety blade in the center. Flat face triggers got their start in the competition circuit, but are quickly gaining popularity as a defensive pistol choice. The flat shape and square edges make it easy to feel the trigger puller to make sure the trigger finger pad is in the correct position. This may sound more awkward to operate than a rounded trigger, but it's not. The more I work with the flat trigger, the more I like it.

The pistol is reported to have a factory trigger pull of 5 lbs. Up to 6.75 lbs. But the gun I was working on had a 4.5 pound trigger pull. clean break and distinctly felt trigger pull. It was more like an aftermarket upgrade than a factory trigger.

Kimber Mako R7

4. Clutter-Free Ambidextrous Controls The R7 Mako's other two external controls, the slide stop button and the magazine release button, are both ambidextrous. This means that the gun can be operated with either the left or right hand without any modification. I don't care why more defensive pistols aren't set up this way.

Kimber R7 Mako 9mm 13rd Extended Magazine 1700134a

These controls have an unobtrusive design to make the weapon easier to draw and prevent accidental magazine ejection. Some companies flatten the controls so much that they make it difficult to work with. In this case, Kimber has created a small ridge that protects the slide without interfering with use. The magazine release buttons are in a recess that protects them from knocking, but makes them easy to use. Like the trigger, these controls are well thought out and intuitive to operate.

5. Sufficient Shootability At this range, the R7 Mako proved completely reliable using a total of four factory magazines, shooting a mix of practice and defense grade bullets in various bullet weights. The controls worked smoothly, the trigger was a pleasure to operate, and the gun held well. Shot from a 7-yard bench using factory-mounted optics, the pistol averaged 1.25” in 5-shot groups.

The new Kimber R7 Mako retails for $599 with night sights only or $799 with the factory-installed Crimson Trace CT-1500 micro-red dot sight. Holsters are already available, including the ANR Design kydex waist belt shown here. To learn more, visit kimberamerica.com.

I Carry: Kimber KHX Ultra 9mm 1911 Pistol in DeSantis Holster | Official magazine of the NRA

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Kimber Mako R7

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Kimber R7 Mako 9mm Luger Black Pistol

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If your goal is to hit the target from the exit, this new sticky guide can get you there. KIMBER raises the bar in the polymer pistol market with the R7 Mako pistol. The polymer frame is made with a molded rod for a secure grip in all conditions and makes the pistol lightweight (19.5 ounces empty). Only 1 inch wide, the R7 Mako films can hold 12 rounds with standard flat-fit magazines and 14 rounds with extended magazines (10- and 15-round magazines are available). Low-slope 3.37 stainless steel barrel reduces recoil. The R7 Mako comes in two models, "Optics Ready" and "Optics Built In". In a market full of polymer weapons, indulge yourself in something else.

KIMBER has raised the bar in the polymer pistol market with the R7 Mako, a pistol in a league of its own with its unique features. The polymer frame is made with a molded rod for a secure grip in all conditions and makes the pistol lightweight (19.5 ounces empty). Only 1 inch wide, the R7 Mako films can hold 12 rounds with standard flat-fit magazines and 14 rounds with extended magazines (10- and 15-round magazines are available). Low-slope 3.37 stainless steel barrel reduces recoil. The R7 Mako comes in two models, "Optics Ready" and "Optics Built In". In a market full of polymer weapons, indulge yourself in something else.

All R7 Makos are optically ready. Optics Installed (OI) models already have Crimson Trace CT-1500 optics installed. Includes 3-dot TruGlo Tritium Pro night sights with orange front and white rear rings.

Kimber R7 Mako 9mm Everyday Carry Pistol: Full Review

The barrel lugs are further back than most barrel designs, reducing deflection when the slide is opened. Less deflection means less movement and less recoil.

A closed top provides additional strength to the slide. This design minimizes material build-up between the barrel cap and slide.

With a pull weight of 5.00 to 6.75 pounds, Kimber's flat-face trigger is crisp and clean, increasing both.

Kimber Mako R7