Kimber Ultra CDP II

Overview
The Kimber Ultra CDP II is a compact, single-action .45 ACP pistol manufactured by Kimber Manufacturing, an American company based in New York. Originally introduced as part of Kimber's Custom Defense Package (CDP) line, the Ultra variant was designed for concealed carry while maintaining the stopping power and reliability of the .45 ACP cartridge. It remains one of the most popular compact 1911-pattern pistols among California buyers.

Key Features

• 3-inch barrel with 1911 single-action trigger mechanism
• 7+1 round capacity (.45 ACP); includes night sights and Crimson Trace laser grips (standard on many models)
• Aluminum frame with steel slide; overall length 6.8 inches, weight approximately 25 oz—optimized for concealed carry
• Ambidextrous thumb safety and grip safety for secure handling

Pros & Cons

• ✅ Proven 1911 design with excellent ergonomics and trigger quality
• ✅ .45 ACP provides proven stopping power with minimal magazine capacity restrictions in California
• ✅ Compact and lightweight for concealed carry; California DOJ Roster certified
• ❌ Higher recoil than 9mm makes follow-up shots slower for less-experienced shooters
• ❌ Higher price point ($800–$1,000+) compared to polymer-frame competitors
• ❌ Smaller magazine capacity (7 rounds) limits extended engagement capability

Best For: California shooters seeking a premium, concealable .45 ACP for personal defense; experienced handgun owners who prefer 1911-platform ergonomics and the psychological benefit of larger-caliber ammunition; those willing to invest in quality craftsmanship and proven reliability over high capacity.