Understanding the Kimber Ultra Carry II
The Kimber Ultra Carry II is a stalwart in the world of concealed carry firearms. Its reputation for reliability, compact dimensions, and the potent punch of .45 ACP has made it a favorite among those prioritizing personal protection. But even a well-regarded pistol like the Ultra Carry II can benefit from strategic enhancements. This article delves into the realm of Kimber Ultra Carry II upgrades, offering a comprehensive guide to optimizing your pistol’s performance, comfort, and overall aesthetics, transforming it into an even more effective and personalized tool for self-defense.
The Ultra Carry II’s appeal is undeniable. The blend of a comfortable size, making it easy to conceal, and the time-tested stopping power of the .45 ACP cartridge, presents a compelling package for those seeking a reliable carry option. Its short barrel, coupled with its alloy frame, makes it easily concealable, while the design keeps it simple and intuitive to operate. However, no firearm is perfect right out of the box. There are opportunities to fine-tune and elevate the Ultra Carry II to your specific needs and preferences. This guide will explore various avenues for enhancement, helping you unlock the full potential of your compact .45 ACP.
Let’s take a closer look at what the Kimber Ultra Carry II offers and why upgrades might be a good idea for you.
Before diving into specific upgrades, it’s important to understand the foundation of the Ultra Carry II. This understanding will help you decide which enhancements are best suited to your needs.
The Ultra Carry II typically features a barrel length designed for optimal balance between portability and ballistic performance. It’s built with a lightweight aluminum frame for easier concealed carry, while the slide is generally constructed from steel for durability and longevity. The factory magazines hold a respectable number of rounds of .45 ACP ammunition. The overall weight is kept to a minimum, crucial for comfortable all-day concealed carry. Its operation is based on the classic 1911 platform, known for its reliable feeding, ease of use, and comfortable grip angle.
The standard Ultra Carry II comes equipped with all the essential features you need for a reliable concealed carry firearm. The controls are typically well-placed and easy to access, including the slide release and the manual safety lever. The trigger, while functional, can often be improved upon, a common starting point for many upgrade projects. The sights, are of a standard three-dot configuration, work well enough under normal conditions, but there are better options.
While the Ultra Carry II is a reliable firearm, there are areas where improvements can significantly enhance its performance and usability. We will now investigate specific upgrades that can transform the Ultra Carry II into a truly outstanding concealed carry pistol.
Improving Your View: Sight Upgrades
One of the first upgrades many owners consider is enhancing the sights. Good sights are critical for fast and accurate target acquisition, especially under stress or in low-light conditions.
The Ultra Carry II often comes with basic sights. These sights are usually functional, but they may not provide the best visibility or target acquisition speed compared to aftermarket options. The stock sights are often of a three-dot configuration, that many people find easy to align. However, the dot spacing, brightness, and overall design can sometimes be less than ideal for rapid target acquisition.
Aftermarket sights offer a plethora of choices, catering to a wide range of preferences and shooting styles. The types of sights that are available are:
Three-Dot Sights
These are a direct replacement for the factory sights and use three dots to align the front and rear sight. They are an inexpensive and easy to install option.
Night Sights (Tritium)
Night sights utilize tritium vials to provide a glowing dot or outline in low-light situations. This greatly improves visibility in dim conditions, making them a popular choice for concealed carry.
Fiber Optic Sights
These sights use fiber optic rods that capture ambient light, creating bright and easily visible dots. They excel in bright environments.
When choosing sights, you’ll find that the aftermarket offers plenty of reputable brands. Some well-regarded sight manufacturers include Trijicon, known for its robust night sights, XS Sights, which offers express sights for very fast target acquisition, and Ameriglo, which offers a variety of options, including both night sights and fiber optics.
Installation of new sights is usually relatively straightforward, but it’s often recommended to have a qualified gunsmith perform the work, especially for more advanced sight systems. Gunsmiths have the specialized tools and expertise to ensure proper fit and alignment, preventing damage to the pistol or sight components. However, some sight manufacturers, like XS Sights, offer sights that are easy to install yourself.
The benefits of upgrading your sights are numerous. Improved target acquisition speed can be the difference between success and failure in a defensive situation. Enhanced accuracy allows you to make more precise shots. The improved visibility offered by night sights or fiber optic sights significantly enhances your ability to see the target in low-light conditions.
Optimizing Your Trigger: Trigger Upgrades
The trigger is the interface between your finger and the firing mechanism, playing a pivotal role in accuracy and control. The factory trigger, in many cases, can be a prime area for enhancement.
The Ultra Carry II’s factory trigger has a consistent pull weight. The break can feel a bit rough. Many shooters will find a long take-up, often followed by a gritty pull. This can hinder accurate shooting, particularly at longer distances or under stress.
Fortunately, the aftermarket offers a wide selection of trigger upgrades, designed to address these shortcomings.
Available aftermarket trigger options:
Flat Triggers vs. Curved Triggers
The shape of the trigger can significantly impact your feel and control. Flat triggers offer a consistent surface for finger placement, allowing for a straighter pull, while curved triggers are more familiar to some shooters.
Adjustable Triggers
Adjustable triggers allow you to customize the trigger pull weight and pre-travel, allowing for a finely tuned experience.
The aftermarket is full of high-quality trigger manufacturers. Brands such as Wilson Combat and Cylinder & Slide are well-known for producing high-performance triggers, while manufacturers such as Apex Tactical Specialties make triggers for a variety of firearms, including 1911-style pistols.
Trigger installation is typically more complex than sight replacement, and a gunsmith’s expertise is highly recommended. Precision fitting is critical for safe and reliable operation.
The advantages of an upgraded trigger are significant. A smoother trigger pull results in improved shot-to-shot consistency, leading to better accuracy. Reduced trigger pull weight makes it easier to fire accurate shots and can decrease the time it takes to fire follow-up shots.
Refining Your Grip: Grip and Ergonomics Upgrades
A comfortable and secure grip is essential for controlling your firearm effectively. A well-designed grip enhances comfort and allows for more positive control in all situations.
The factory grips on the Ultra Carry II are typically made of a hard composite material. While functional, they can sometimes lack the texture and profile that many shooters prefer. The stock grips may not provide a positive grip under various conditions.
Aftermarket options abound. Here are a few examples:
G10 Grips
Known for their durability, G10 grips are made from layers of fiberglass and resin. They offer an excellent grip surface and a wide range of textures and colors.
Wood Grips
Wood grips provide a classic look and feel, and they can be beautiful and durable. However, they may require more care than other materials.
Rubber Grips
Rubber grips offer a softer feel and often provide a superior grip, especially in wet conditions.
Aluminum Grips
Aluminum grips are strong, durable, and can have a modern aesthetic.
Beyond grip material, you can explore other ergonomic enhancements:
Extended Magazine Release
Allows for faster and easier magazine changes.
Ambidextrous Safety
Facilitates access to the safety for both right- and left-handed shooters.
Beveled Magazine Well
A beveled magazine well helps guide the magazine into the pistol, enhancing speed and ease of reloads.
Top-quality grip manufacturers are widely available. Consider brands like VZ Grips, known for their aggressive textures, Hogue, which offers a variety of grip materials, and Nighthawk Custom, which produces high-end grips and related parts.
The benefits of ergonomic upgrades are clear. A more secure grip enhances your control and allows for faster and more accurate follow-up shots. Improved ergonomics make your pistol more comfortable to handle and can reduce fatigue during extended shooting sessions. A well-designed grip provides a more secure and comfortable hold, allowing you to stay on target more effectively.
Internal Enhancement: Component Upgrades
While often less visually striking, internal component upgrades can greatly improve reliability and performance.
Slide Stop/Release
An aftermarket slide stop/release might offer smoother and more reliable operation. This can improve the speed of reloads and overall functionality.
Recoil Spring
The recoil spring’s role is to absorb the recoil energy generated during firing and return the slide to battery. Tuning your recoil spring can help optimize performance with different ammunition types, leading to increased reliability and accuracy.
Ejector and Extractor
These crucial components are responsible for removing spent casings and preparing the chamber for the next round. Upgrading these parts or ensuring they function correctly can reduce the likelihood of malfunctions.
Appearance and Protection: Finish and Aesthetic Upgrades
Beyond functional improvements, many owners choose to personalize their Ultra Carry II with aesthetic and protective upgrades.
Cerakote/Refinishing
A ceramic-based finish, Cerakote offers exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and the ability to customize the appearance of your firearm. This can be a great way to protect your Ultra Carry II from wear and tear while adding a unique touch.
Other possible customizations include:
Custom Slide Cuts and Engravings
These customizations can significantly impact the aesthetics.
Beveling and Other Cosmetic Modifications
These cosmetic modifications can improve the appearance and ergonomics.
Important Considerations Before Upgrading
Before embarking on any Kimber Ultra Carry II upgrades, it’s crucial to consider several factors to ensure you choose the right enhancements for your needs and that they’re done safely and legally.
Reliability: Prioritize reliability above all else. Upgrades should enhance the pistol’s reliability, not compromise it.
Budget: Set a realistic budget for your upgrades. The cost of parts and professional installation can add up quickly.
Professional Installation vs. DIY: Some upgrades, such as sights and grips, can be installed by the owner, while others, like trigger work, are best left to a qualified gunsmith.
Local Laws and Regulations: Make sure any upgrades you choose comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Carry Considerations: Some upgrades, such as extended magazine releases, or larger grips, may affect how your pistol conceals or the overall weight.
Conclusion
The Kimber Ultra Carry II is a solid choice for concealed carry, and, by strategically implementing Kimber Ultra Carry II upgrades, you can further refine this already capable handgun. Enhancements such as sight upgrades, trigger upgrades, grip and ergonomic improvements, and internal component modifications can drastically increase accuracy, handling, and overall reliability. Your own personal requirements and preferences will determine the optimal path to making the best concealed carry pistol. Remember to prioritize safety, conduct thorough research, and choose reputable manufacturers to create the perfect carry pistol.
Embrace the opportunity to make your Ultra Carry II a true extension of yourself, perfectly tailored to your defensive needs. Invest the time to identify and acquire the right parts, and perhaps the guidance of a professional, to make sure your pistol is the best it can be.
Remember to take the time to explore the various options, weighing the pros and cons, and understanding the role that each upgrade plays. The right combination of Kimber Ultra Carry II upgrades will create a handgun that you can confidently rely upon for protection. This should be a worthwhile pursuit.
