Kimber 1911 DS Warrior: Features, Models, and Specifications
The Kimber 1911 DS Warrior brings double-stack capacity, optics-ready slides, and modern grip construction to a full-size 1911 platform. Rather than limiting the series to one caliber or configuration, Kimber offers several versions built around different frame materials, barrel lengths, magazine capacities, and intended applications.
The lineup includes 9mm, .38 Super, .45 ACP, and 10mm models. Buyers can choose between lightweight and stainless-steel sub-frames, 5-inch and 6-inch barrels, standard-capacity and 10-round magazines, and several special configurations. Across the family, Kimber retains familiar 1911 controls while adding features such as an accessory rail, ambidextrous thumb safety, night-sight front, and support for compatible red dot sights.
What Sets the Kimber 1911 DS Warrior Apart?
The DS Warrior combines the operating layout of a traditional single-action 1911 with a wider grip module designed around a double-stack magazine. This allows the pistol to carry more ammunition than a comparable single-stack 1911 without moving to an entirely different control system.
Each model uses Kimber’s carbon fiber and glass-filled matrix grip module. Kimber also lists a ramped and crowned barrel, internal extractor, and mil-spec guide rod among the shared features of the series. Individual pistols are hand-fitted during production.
Other common features include:
- A GT Performance trigger with a factory setting of approximately 4 to 5 pounds
- An ambidextrous thumb safety
- A beavertail grip safety
- A Picatinny accessory rail
- A bobbed hammer
- A stainless-steel slide with a KimPro Black finish
- A tritium front sight
- An optics-ready slide and included C&H RMR-compatible mounting plate
Exact components can vary with the model or special edition, so buyers should compare the manufacturer part number rather than relying only on the DS Warrior name.
What Does DS Mean on the Kimber 1911 DS Warrior?
The DS designation identifies the pistol’s double-stack magazine configuration. A double-stack magazine positions cartridges in two staggered columns instead of the single vertical column used by a traditional 1911 magazine.
The practical result is increased capacity. The .45 ACP version ships with 11-round and 13-round magazines, while the 9mm and .38 Super configurations can accept 17-round and 20-round magazines. The 10mm pistols use 15-round and 18-round magazines. Kimber also offers a 9mm version packaged with two 10-round magazines.
The grip is consequently wider than that of a conventional single-stack 1911. Kimber lists the DS Warrior family at 1.4 inches wide. Buyers accustomed to thin 1911 grip panels should consider the difference in circumference and reach before selecting a double-stack 1911.
Is the Kimber 1911 DS Warrior Optics Ready?
Yes. The principal DS Warrior models have optics-ready slides. They are supplied with a TAG cover plate that incorporates a fixed rear sight, as well as a C&H mounting plate compatible with RMR-footprint optics.
The included plate is an important detail. “Optics ready” does not mean that a red dot sight is included. It means the slide is prepared to accept a compatible mounting plate and optic without requiring permanent aftermarket machining.
The tritium front sight and fixed rear sight allow the pistol to be used without an electronic optic. When selecting a red dot, buyers should confirm compatibility with the supplied C&H plate, screw specifications, and sight arrangement. An optic that is broadly described as “micro” or “compact” is not automatically compatible with an RMR-pattern interface.
Kimber 1911 DS Warrior Models and Specifications
The core lineup can be divided into four groups: the standard DS Warrior, the lightweight DS Warrior LW, the long-slide DS Warrior LS, and the 10-round 9mm model.
Standard DS Warrior in .45 ACP
The .45 ACP model combines the traditional 1911 chambering with a stainless-steel sub-frame and double-stack magazine system. It has a 5-inch stainless-steel bushing barrel, an overall length of 8.7 inches, a height of 5.5 inches, and an empty weight of approximately 33 ounces.
It ships with one 11-round magazine and one 13-round magazine. That gives the pistol substantially more capacity than a conventional full-size, single-stack .45 ACP 1911 while retaining familiar controls and full-size dimensions.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Barrel: 5 inches
- Frame: Stainless-steel sub-frame
- Overall length: 8.7 inches
- Height: 5.5 inches
- Width: 1.4 inches
- Empty weight: Approximately 33 ounces
- Included magazines: One 11-round and one 13-round
Standard DS Warrior in .38 Super
The .38 Super model shares the 5-inch format, stainless-steel construction, 8.7-inch overall length, and 1.4-inch width of the standard DS Warrior. It includes one 17-round magazine and one 20-round magazine.
This configuration offers the highest listed magazine capacity among the steel-frame standard models. It also includes the GT Performance trigger, ambidextrous safety, Picatinny rail, tritium front sight, and C&H RMR-compatible mounting plate found across the main product line.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: .38 Super
- Barrel: 5 inches
- Frame: Stainless-steel sub-frame
- Overall length: 8.7 inches
- Height: 5.5 inches
- Width: 1.4 inches
- Empty weight: Approximately 33 ounces
- Included magazines: One 17-round and one 20-round
Standard DS Warrior in 10mm
The standard 10mm version uses a 5-inch stainless-steel bushing barrel and stainless-steel frame. It measures 8.7 inches long, 5.5 inches high, and 1.4 inches wide. Its listed empty weight is approximately 33 ounces.
Kimber packages this model with 15-round and 18-round magazines. It provides the 10mm chambering in the same overall envelope as the .45 ACP and .38 Super versions, making it more compact than the 6-inch LS model.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Barrel: 5 inches
- Frame: Stainless steel
- Overall length: 8.7 inches
- Height: 5.5 inches
- Width: 1.4 inches
- Empty weight: Approximately 33 ounces
- Included magazines: One 15-round and one 18-round
DS Warrior LW in 9mm
The LW is the lightweight version of the series. It replaces the stainless-steel sub-frame with an aluminum sub-frame, reducing the listed empty weight to 28 ounces. The stainless-steel slide, 5-inch barrel, carbon fiber matrix grip module, optic system, controls, and overall dimensions remain similar to the standard models.
The DS Warrior LW ships with one 17-round magazine and one 20-round magazine. Its 8.7-inch length and full-size grip make it a full-size pistol despite the lighter frame.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel: 5 inches
- Frame: Aluminum sub-frame
- Overall length: 8.7 inches
- Height: 5.5 inches
- Width: 1.4 inches
- Empty weight: 28 ounces
- Included magazines: One 17-round and one 20-round
DS Warrior LS in 10mm
The LS, or long-slide, configuration extends the 10mm platform to a 6-inch barrel and a total length of 9.7 inches. Kimber lists its empty weight at 36 ounces.
The longer slide distinguishes it from the standard 5-inch 10mm model. Both use 15-round and 18-round magazines, but the LS adds one inch of barrel and slide length. This changes the pistol’s balance, sight radius when using the iron sights, and overall footprint.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Barrel: 6 inches
- Frame: Stainless steel
- Overall length: 9.7 inches
- Height: 5.5 inches
- Width: 1.4 inches
- Empty weight: 36 ounces
- Included magazines: One 15-round and one 18-round
DS Warrior 9mm With Two 10-Round Magazines
Kimber also offers a 9mm configuration supplied with two 10-round magazines. This model uses an aluminum sub-frame, 5-inch barrel, and the same 8.7-inch overall length as the LW. Kimber lists the empty weight at 28 ounces.
The 10-round version is relevant for buyers who need a reduced-capacity configuration. Firearm and magazine restrictions vary by location, so buyers should confirm the laws that apply to them before ordering.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel: 5 inches
- Frame: Aluminum sub-frame
- Overall length: 8.7 inches
- Width: 1.4 inches
- Empty weight: 28 ounces
- Included magazines: Two 10-round
Special DS Warrior Configurations
Retailers may also carry limited, distributor-specific, or special-purpose versions beyond the core black-finished models.
The Rhodesian Camo DS Warrior is a 10mm long-slide configuration with a 6-inch barrel, Rhodesian Cerakote finish, 9.7-inch overall length, and 15-round and 18-round magazines.
The DS Warrior Camp Guard Elite is another 10mm variation. It uses a compensated 5-inch stainless-steel barrel, a black stainless-steel frame, an optics-ready slide, and an engraved woodland scene with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation icon. It measures 9.7 inches overall and is listed at 2.19 pounds.
Special editions can differ in barrel treatment, finish, slide engraving, magazine package, and overall length. Checking the SKU and complete product specifications is the safest way to distinguish them from the standard DS Warrior models.
Which Kimber DS Warrior Model Should You Choose?
The decision begins with caliber, but frame weight and barrel length are equally important.
The 9mm LW offers the lowest listed weight and a 20-round maximum magazine capacity. The 10-round 9mm version provides similar dimensions and weight with reduced-capacity magazines.
The .45 ACP model is the direct choice for buyers who want the traditional 1911 cartridge in a double-stack format. The .38 Super model combines the steel sub-frame with 17-round and 20-round magazines.
For 10mm, the choice is primarily between the 5-inch standard pistol and the 6-inch LS. The standard model is one inch shorter and three ounces lighter. The LS provides the longer barrel and slide but occupies more space and shifts more weight forward.
Grip size should also be part of the decision. Every DS model is 1.4 inches wide, and the double-stack grip will feel different from a conventional single-stack 1911. Whenever possible, buyers should compare grip reach, safety access, trigger reach, and the position of the magazine release before choosing a model.
A Modern High-Capacity Take on the 1911
The Kimber 1911 DS Warrior lineup covers more ground than a single product name might suggest. The series includes four calibers, two frame materials, two barrel lengths, several magazine packages, and multiple special finishes.
Its common foundation is a full-size, optics-ready double-stack 1911 with familiar single-action controls. The differences between models are meaningful. A 28-ounce aluminum-frame 9mm and a 36-ounce, 6-inch 10mm may share the DS Warrior name, but they provide distinctly different dimensions, capacities, and handling characteristics.
Compare current Kimber DS Warrior models at GrabAGun by caliber, barrel length, capacity, frame material, and manufacturer part number. Availability, included magazines, and pricing can change, so review the complete listing before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Kimber DS Warrior Come With a Red Dot?
No. The main DS Warrior models are optics ready and include a C&H RMR-compatible mounting plate, but the electronic optic is sold separately. Buyers should confirm the footprint and mounting requirements of the selected red dot.
Can the DS Warrior Use Standard Single-Stack 1911 Magazines?
No. The DS Warrior uses double-stack magazines designed for compatible Kimber DS platforms. Magazines also need to match the pistol’s caliber. Kimber lists separate magazine options for .45 ACP, 10mm, and 9mm/.38 Super pistols.
What Is the Lightest Kimber DS Warrior Model?
Kimber lists the aluminum-frame DS Warrior LW 9mm and the 10-round 9mm configuration at 28 ounces with an empty magazine. The standard steel-frame models weigh approximately 33 ounces, while the 6-inch DS Warrior LS weighs 36 ounces.