In a world where personal safety is paramount, the ability to protect yourself and your loved ones often necessitates making critical decisions. For many, this includes carrying a firearm for self-defense. The choice of a handgun is a significant one, with a multitude of factors influencing the decision. It’s a balance of reliability, concealability, and shootability, a challenge that the Kimber Ultra Covert II strives to master. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the Kimber Ultra Covert II, delving into its features, performance, and suitability for concealed carry.
A Closer Look at the Kimber Legacy
Before we dive into the details of the Ultra Covert II, it’s worth taking a moment to acknowledge the reputation of Kimber. For decades, Kimber has been a leading name in the firearms industry, known for crafting high-quality 1911 pistols. They’ve earned a reputation for craftsmanship and attention to detail, producing pistols that are both beautiful and functional. They are sought-after by competitive shooters, law enforcement, and civilians alike. Kimber consistently focuses on providing firearms that are built to exacting standards, leading to excellent results and a loyal following. The Ultra Covert II is a continuation of this heritage.
Unveiling the Key Features
The Kimber Ultra Covert II distinguishes itself from the crowd with a specific feature set, focusing on the demands of concealed carry and personal protection. Its design incorporates several key elements that make it a contender in the world of compact pistols. Let’s break down these essential components.
Specifications and Construction
The Kimber Ultra Covert II, at its core, is a compact 1911-style pistol, meaning it’s built on the iconic design popularized by John Browning. But it has a twist. The pistol features are designed to maximize usability and concealability. Let’s look at the technical specifications to give a better idea:
The Ultra Covert II is chambered in .45 ACP. This popular caliber, a favorite among those seeking personal protection, offers a respectable balance of stopping power and manageable recoil. The barrel length is generally optimized for concealability, often around 3 inches. Overall length of the pistol is a bit over six inches, and the pistol balances the use of high-quality materials, reducing the overall weight without compromising the structural integrity. The magazine capacity is usually around seven rounds, which is a standard for a compact 1911. The Ultra Covert II features an aluminum alloy frame, which contributes to its lighter weight and aids in daily carry. The slide is constructed from steel, contributing to its durability, ensuring a longer lifespan for the firearm and enhanced accuracy. A noteworthy feature is the Crimson Trace Lasergrips. These are the defining feature, integrated laser sights, adding a significant advantage for quick target acquisition. The pistol is fitted with sights that can be seen in various lighting conditions. Usually these are tritium night sights, which aids in low-light shooting. The finish of the pistol is engineered for durability. These elements collectively make the Ultra Covert II a strong consideration.
The Appeal of the 1911 Platform in a Compact Package
The choice of the 1911 platform might raise questions for some, given the prevalence of modern striker-fired pistols. However, the 1911 design has significant advantages that have kept it relevant for over a century. The ergonomics are outstanding. The grip angle feels natural in the hand. The crisp trigger pull of a well-tuned 1911 is something many shooters find appealing. This is often superior to the trigger pull of other pistol types. The Ultra Covert II brings all these benefits into a compact package, making it suitable for everyday carry. The single-action design, while requiring a manual safety, allows for a very clean and predictable trigger pull.
Concealment Mastery: Designed for Discreet Carry
The essence of the Ultra Covert II is its suitability for concealed carry. The compact size, with its shorter barrel and overall length, helps it to disappear under clothing. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a firearm they can comfortably carry on a daily basis.
The Power of Laser Grips: Enhanced Aiming
The most striking feature of the Ultra Covert II is the integration of Crimson Trace Lasergrips. These grips project a laser dot onto the target, aiding in quick and accurate aiming, especially in stressful situations. The laser is activated by a button located on the grip. It is intuitive and easy to use. The laser offers a significant advantage in low-light or no-light scenarios, where traditional sights can be difficult to acquire. The laser can help provide instant target acquisition. It makes it easier for the user to focus on the threat and engage quickly. The Crimson Trace Lasergrips are known for their durability and reliability, giving the user peace of mind.
Performance Under Pressure
The Kimber Ultra Covert II has several aspects that contribute to performance in various conditions.
Range Performance: Assessing Accuracy and Handling
In evaluating the Ultra Covert II, accuracy is a primary concern. The pistol’s compact size might suggest limitations, but the 1911 platform typically delivers excellent accuracy. The Ultra Covert II is a great performer at typical self-defense ranges. Recoil management, a crucial factor, is well-controlled, even with the compact size. The design of the grips and the weight distribution helps to keep the pistol stable during firing. Reliability is another key factor. Owners of the Ultra Covert II will often attest to its ability to cycle ammunition, but some users may find that the pistol is ammo-sensitive and may need a break-in period to ensure proper functioning. It is essential to test different types of ammunition to identify the best performance.
Concealed Carry in the Real World
Carrying the Ultra Covert II concealed requires consideration of comfort, concealability, and draw speed. Due to its compact size, this Kimber is easy to wear IWB or OWB. The pistol is easy to conceal under a variety of clothing choices. Draw speed is often an issue for compact pistols, but it is handled very well by the Ultra Covert II. The laser is a quick aiming method.
The Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
Before making a purchase, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the Kimber Ultra Covert II.
Reasons to Embrace the Ultra Covert II
The most significant advantage is its suitability for concealed carry. Its compact size and relatively lightweight frame make it easy to carry throughout the day. The 1911 platform also gives an excellent trigger pull and ergonomics. The laser grips provide a significant advantage in target acquisition. This is critical in self-defense situations. Build quality is generally high, which gives peace of mind.
Considering the Drawbacks
The Ultra Covert II is not without its limitations. The primary disadvantage is the price. The cost is a significant investment. The magazine capacity is typically less than some other options. Recoil might be more noticeable than with a full-sized 1911. The user should also be mindful of laser maintenance, which might include battery replacement and periodic zeroing.
Final Thoughts: Is the Ultra Covert II Right for You?
In conclusion, the Kimber Ultra Covert II is a strong contender for those seeking a reliable and concealable self-defense firearm. The combination of the 1911 platform, the compact size, and the inclusion of laser grips makes it a compelling choice for the concealed carry. While the price is a factor and there might be a few limitations, the benefits are clear. It excels in concealability, and the laser grips are a valuable advantage for quick aiming. It is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable, accurate, and easily carried firearm.
Ensuring Proper Care and Maintenance
To keep the Ultra Covert II functioning at its best, regular maintenance is essential.
Cleaning and Lubrication: Keeping Your Kimber Running Smoothly
After each use, and periodically regardless of use, it’s important to clean the pistol thoroughly. The process includes disassembling it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, clean the barrel, slide, frame, and other components to remove any carbon build-up and residue from the ammunition. After cleaning, reassemble the pistol. Proper lubrication is also essential to the smooth functioning of the firearm. Use a high-quality gun oil or lubricant.
Conclusion
The Kimber Ultra Covert II is a well-made and capable pistol that demonstrates the value of the 1911 design for concealed carry. The inclusion of the Crimson Trace Lasergrips significantly improves the user’s chances of stopping a threat. With the high-quality construction, excellent ergonomics, and potential for accuracy, the Ultra Covert II deserves strong consideration by anyone who values personal safety and the ability to defend themselves. Consider it as a great concealed carry companion.
