Kimber\u2019s R7 Mako<\/a> has jumped squarely into the frenzy. <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
This trend really got started when Sig Sauer\u2019s P365 launched, with its sub-4-inch barrel, 4-inch height, 6-inch length and double-stack 9mm capacities. Several companies have followed with their own micro 9s.<\/p>\n
Mako Shark<\/h3>\n
To understand the significance of Kimber naming this new 9mm the \u201cMako,\u201d a closer look at the finned killer\u2019s stats. The fish species takes its name from the Polynesian Maori language, and its derivation is the generic name of all sharks in several Polynesian languages. Interestingly enough the Shortfin Mako may be considered the champion among all shark species. It is the fastest shark, clocked at nearly 50 miles per hour, it wields the strongest bite at 13,000 Newtons, and they\u2019re big and smart, too. They can grow to more than a ton, and they have the biggest brain-to-body ratio of all sharks. Nice job picking a name, Kimber.<\/p>\n
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Ain\u2019t No Baby Shark<\/h3>\n
This Kimber bites with force, too. It snacks on +P 9mm loads with relish and can be counted to put rounds on target.<\/p>\n
Something New<\/h3>\n
The R7 MAKO is Kimber\u2019s first polymer-framed, striker-fired, high-capacity, subcompact handgun. They\u2019ve been building and selling 1911-pattern pistols since 1995. The Mako isn\u2019t Kimber\u2019s first striker-fired pistol. Their EVO series was launched in 2019. EVO pistols are 9mm Para. cal., striker fired, and feature an aluminum frame. These were single-stack 9s, with a 3.16-inch stainless steel match grade barrel with deep crown and carried 7 shots.<\/p>\n
Designed to compete with the best, the R7 MAKO is outfitted with today\u2019s most desired features providing superior out-of-the-box performance, according to Kimber experts. The R7 MAKO family comes standard with high contrast TruGlo Tritium Pro night sights, ambidextrous controls, and a flat faced trigger. The optic ready (OR) model comes with its slide milled to accept micro red dot optics.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ll Take Mine Plain<\/h3>\n
I had a choice between a Crimson Trace-wearing Mako or the plain iron-sighted pistol when I began this writing assignment, and it seemed that most writers were going the optic route. Always a contrarian, I opted for the irons.<\/p>\n
A Few More Details<\/h3>\n
A few of the R7 Mako\u2019s stats include a total height of 4.3 inches and 19\u00bd ounces without a magazine. Loaded with a 10-round magazine, the Mako tips the scales at a tad over 25 ounces. Its length is a hair under 6 \u00bc inches.<\/p>\n
Frame material is polymer plastic that gets a molded stippling treatment. This pistol is \u201cgrippy,\u201d and feels good in the hands. Magazine choice also comes into play if you\u2019ve got big hands. Kimber claims to have an 11-round standard magazine, but the magazine only shows a 10-round window. The R7 I received has the standard magazine and a flush-fit 11-rounder. My pinky finger completely hangs off the bottom of the 11-round flush magazine, and the extended magazine is only marginally better. Even though the grip was not ideal for my paws, the stippling did its job and kept the pistol secure while firing. Kimber offers a 13-round extended magazine, and I\u2019ll be picking more of these up soon at $40 a pop.<\/p>\n
The R7 is easy to hide under a shirt, with its 1-inch width at the grip. The slide material is stainless steel, with their FNC coating. The barrel measures 3.37 inches and is stainless as well. It\u2019s got a 1:10-inch left-hand twist.<\/p>\n
Iron sights are 3-dot TruGlo Tritium Pro Nights sights, and the front ring is high-visibility orange. The rear sights offer twin dots to help center up the rear sight slot in a hurry.<\/p>\n
Kimber claims their R7 triggers are set between 5.5- and 6.75 pounds at the factory. The pistol tested dropped the striker at 5 pounds, 2 ounces every time for five measurements.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/IMG_7563-700x419.jpg\")
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