The Kimber 45th Anniversary 1911 .45 ACP Pistol is a limited-production, full-size 1911 that commemorates 45 years of Kimber manufacturing by blending the company’s Raptor styling with premium materials, a distressed blued stainless-steel construction, and a rose copper TiN-finished barrel. Built on a classic Government-size frame with an 8+1 capacity in .45 ACP, it’s configured as both a serious shooting pistol and a collector-grade centerpiece, complete with polished buffalo horn grips and a dedicated anniversary presentation package.
Key Features
Limited-production commemorative model: Produced in a run of 2,024 pistols to mark Kimber’s 45th anniversary, with special “45th Anniversary Edition” engraving that clearly distinguishes it from standard-production 1911s.
Full-size 1911 platform: Government-length, single-action, semi-automatic 1911 in .45 ACP with a 5" barrel and 8+1 capacity, giving shooters familiar ergonomics and recoil characteristics in a commemorative package.
Stainless-steel frame and slide: Both frame and slide are machined from stainless steel, then finished to tight tolerances for durability and consistent lockup under regular use.
Distressed blued finish: The slide and frame wear a custom distressed bluing-style finish that evokes a lightly carried, well-maintained service pistol while helping normal handling marks blend into the overall look.
Rose copper TiN barrel: A 5" stainless barrel is treated with a rose copper titanium nitride coating and a deep target crown, enhancing surface hardness and corrosion resistance while providing a strong visual contrast against the darker slide.
Polished buffalo horn grips: Smooth, hand-polished buffalo horn grip panels give each pistol a unique natural pattern and a dense, solid feel in the hand.
Raptor-inspired texturing: Scaled “Raptor” pattern checkering and back-cut rear slide serrations provide additional purchase on key contact surfaces while visually tying the pistol to Kimber’s Raptor family.
Wedge Tactical night sights: Fixed Tactical front and Wedge Tactical rear sights with a three-dot night-sight configuration are designed for rapid acquisition and low-light visibility while maintaining a low-snag profile.
Ambidextrous safety and grip safety: An ambidextrous thumb safety and beavertail-style grip safety support both right- and left-handed shooters while retaining the traditional 1911 manual-of-arms.
Complete collector’s package: Supplied with two 8-round Tac-Mag magazines, a fitted Negrini-style hard case, a 45th Anniversary coin, and a Certificate of Authenticity, so the pistol can be stored, displayed, or transported as a commemorative piece.
Generational Improvements
(Compared with standard Kimber Raptor full-size 1911 pistols.)
Enhanced exterior finish: Distressed bluing over stainless steel replaces the typical satin stainless aesthetic of standard Raptor models, providing a darker, more classic appearance that tends to disguise minor wear more effectively.
Rose copper TiN barrel upgrade: The 45th Anniversary model adds a rose copper TiN-coated barrel with a deep target crown in place of a conventional stainless match barrel, increasing surface hardness and corrosion resistance while emphasizing its special-edition status.
Premium horn grip material: Smooth, polished buffalo horn grips offer a denser, more luxurious alternative to the scaled zebrawood grip panels commonly found on Raptor II pistols, shifting the feel toward a higher-end custom build.
Expanded collector treatment: Unlike standard Raptor pistols that ship in typical factory packaging, the 45th Anniversary edition includes a dedicated presentation case, commemorative coin, and Certificate of Authenticity, reinforcing its role as a collectible.
Anniversary-specific engraving and markings: Special “45th Anniversary” engraving and limited-run markings distinguish this model from production Raptors, making it immediately identifiable in a collection or display.
Specifications
Model number: 3700841.
Type: Full-size 1911-pattern, single-action, semi-automatic pistol configured on a Government-length frame.
Caliber: .45 ACP.
Magazine capacity: 8+1 rounds using single-stack steel magazines.
Barrel: 5.0" stainless-steel barrel with rose copper titanium nitride finish, deep target crown, and 1:16" left-hand twist.
Overall length: Approximately 8.7".
Height: Approximately 5.25", measured 90° to the barrel.
Width: Approximately 1.28".
Weight: Approximately 38 oz with empty magazine installed.
Frame: Stainless-steel frame with distressed bluing-style finish and Raptor-inspired scaled checkering on key gripping surfaces.
Slide: Stainless-steel slide with distressed bluing-style finish, back-cut rear serrations, and “45th Anniversary Edition” engraving.
Sights: Fixed Tactical front sight and Wedge Tactical rear sight in a three-dot night-sight configuration.
Trigger: 2-hole aluminum trigger designed for a crisp, relatively light pull appropriate for defensive and recreational shooting.
Safeties: Ambidextrous manual thumb safety and beavertail-style grip safety providing both positive on/off control and passive drop protection consistent with Kimber’s current 1911 designs.
Grips: Polished smooth distressed buffalo horn grip panels with natural variation and a dark, high-contrast appearance against the blued steel.
Magazines included: Two 8-round Tac-Mag magazines.
Accessories included: Custom-fitted Negrini-style hard case, 45th Anniversary commemorative coin, Certificate of Authenticity, and standard lock/manual.
Production run: Limited to 2,024 pistols for the 45th anniversary year.
Origin: Manufactured in the United States using in-house Kimber components and assembly.
The Kimber 45th Anniversary 1911 .45 ACP Pistol is best understood as a Raptor-inspired, full-size 1911 that has been elevated with limited-run production, a distressed blued stainless build, a rose copper TiN barrel, and polished buffalo horn grips, all wrapped in a presentation package tailored for collectors. For users who want a functional .45 ACP 1911 that also commemorates Kimber’s 45-year history, it offers a blend of familiar ergonomics, high-end materials, and anniversary-specific details that set it apart from standard production models.
