Kimber R7 Mako is named after a predator, the mako shark. And as the name itself suggests, this firearm can bite other handguns off the competition.
Here are the reasons why you should check out this new striker-fired pistol.
RELATED: 40 Best 9mm Handguns For Women
Kimber R7 Mako: A Handgun You've Never Seen Before
Gun Specs
Kimber R7 Mako is a semi-automatic and recoil-operated pistol. It has two variations–the OR, which means optics-ready, and the OI, which means optics-installed.
Both have the following specifications:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Height: 4.3 in
- Weight (no magazine): 19.5 oz
- Barrel length: 3.37 in
- Overall length: 6.2 in
- Width (at grip): 1 in
- Magazine capacity: 11+1 flush, 13+1 extended
- Recoil spring: Captured assembly
The only difference is that the OI model has a red dot installed on it.
Aesthetics
Kimber R7 Mako is a micro-compact pistol. Its frame is made of polymer, and its slide has an elegant matte finish.
Looking at it from the side, you'll notice that its red dot lens frame looks like a fin, while the front serrations look like gills. These are what give this pistol a shark-like look.
Another thing that you'll love about Kimber R7 Mako is its ambidextrous controls. You can operate both the magazine release button and the slide stop using either your left or right hand.
And what sets this handgun apart from other pistols is the cover on its mag release. This covering, however, isn't only about aesthetics–it's also for your safety. This can prevent you from accidentally hitting your magazine when using the gun.
Grip
The texture and clean lines wrapped around the grip are first-class. They don't only make the gun look sophisticated–they also provide a natural grip.
The design can make it easy for you to keep a solid grasp despite the pistol's small size. It may look aggressive at first, but it can actually provide more comfort and extra confidence, even in extended shooting sessions.
The ridges near the slide also help you control your hand better. Once you grab the gun, it prevents your hand to get too high that it would already touch the slide.
Barrel
The way Kimber manufactured the barrel of R7 Mako is incredible. The angle of the barrel is designed in such a way that the severity of the recoil would be reduced. It has a locking lug on top, which engages a locking surface to improve your shooting accuracy.
Additionally, its barrel doesn't have a top opening, which may be unusual for a handgun. But this design ensures that a portion of the barrel won't be exposed and that foreign objects won't enter the body of the gun.
Sighting System
Kimber R7 Mako has a sight you've been looking for in a pistol. It allows you to acquire your target faster and place your shots more accurately.
Both OR and OI models come with TruGlo tritium night sights that can co-witness with your preferred optic. These night sights are installed and can serve as your backup in case your red dot doesn't work properly.
But whether you opt for a red dot or not, these night sights alone can provide you with an excellent sight system.
The Kimber R7 Mako OI model already has a Crimson Trace CTS-1500 micro red dot installed on it. This sight is lightweight and provides crystal clear picture. It also has brightness sensors that you don't have to manually turn on. They automatically adjust based on the ambient light.
On the other hand, you can mount any red dot sight on the OR model, as long as it suits the Shield pattern RMSc footprint. You may also just leave the plate as it is if you find it difficult to look for the right screws and if optics aren't on your budget.
RELATED: Star BM 9mm Pistol Review
Trigger
If you think you've found the striker-fired pistol with the smoothest trigger, think again.
What you'll experience with Kimber R7 Mako is dubbed as the Performance Carry Trigger. It's the most consistent and most impressive trigger on the market.
The squared-off edges and flat-faced shape make it comfortable for you to pull the trigger. However, this design isn't actually the highlight–it's how it breaks.
Upon pulling, you'll immediately feel that its wall is solid. It provides an extraordinarily clean break as you press through, helping you achieve faster follow-up shots and better accuracy even under stress.
It has a pull weight of 5.0-6.75 lbs, but the trigger surprisingly feels lighter than these figures.
Magazine
You want more capacity? You've got it!
With Kimber R7 Mako, you get both 12 rounds (flush-fit mag) and 14 rounds (extended mag).
This is one of the many selling points of this pistol–it's a concealed carry, yet it has high capacity. What's more, there are rumors that Kimber will release a 15-round magazine soon!
Reliability
Whether in a shooting range or in a field, Kimber R7 Mako proves to be dependable. You may use different types of ammunition and fire a variety of bullet sizes. The controls will remain smooth and the gun will still be easy to handle.
Price
The manufacturer's suggested retail prices of Kimber R7 Mako are as follows:
- Optics-ready: $599
- Optics-installed: $799
Given its improved performance and enhanced features, Kimber R7 Mako offers value for money.
Overall Verdict
Kimber is known to manufacture some of the best pistols and rifles on the market. But it still took some steps up, and even leaped higher and farther. The result–Kimber R7 Mako.
Now, we understand why they say that this model is the future of handguns. This pistol ticked all the boxes and hit all the right notes–from texture to grip, to trigger and recoil, to accuracy and reliability.
It has a high-capacity magazine, yet the changes in size are minimal. That's why it still makes for an excellent concealed carry weapon.
Kimber R7 Mako isn't only aesthetically captivating. It offers technical solutions for both first-timers and experienced shooters. So, if you haven't found the right handgun yet, Kimber R7 Mako may just be the perfect fit for you.
Kimber's attention to detail is impeccable. The features of R7 Mako are so astounding, it stands out among the crowd.
Get your hands now on Kimber R7 Mako so you can experience these upgraded features firsthand.
Up Next:
- Top 5 .380 ACP Handguns For Every Gun Enthusiast
- Women's Self-Defense Options Outside Your Home: Evaluating Concealed Carry Firearms
- 5 Steps To Restore Your Gun Rights In Washington State
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest!
Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer here.