Kimber Rapide .45 ACP
Model: 3000383
Kimber Rapide .45 ACP
Model: 3000383
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
The Rapide is Kimber's speed gun. Slide lightening cuts reduce reciprocating mass for faster cycling, and the TiN-coated match grade barrel is both harder and slicker than standard finishes. At 38 oz with a stainless steel frame, it weighs the same as the Custom II but carries 8 rounds instead of 7. The extended magwell, stepped cocking serrations, and V-Cut aluminum trigger are all competition-oriented additions that the Custom II leaves out.
What the Rapide does best is split the difference between a production 1911 and a custom race gun. The 4.5 lb trigger matches the Custom II, but the Stiplex front strap texturing, TruGlo TFX Pro day/night sights, and ambidextrous safety are all upgrades you would otherwise add after purchase. The Dan Wesson Specialist offers a similar package with a Picatinny rail and forged stainless construction at 42.3 oz, but the Rapide's lightening cuts and TiN barrel lean harder into speed shooting.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- Slide lightening cuts and TiN-coated match barrel are genuine speed modifications, not cosmetic additions. The reduced slide mass cycles faster, and TiN coating reduces barrel friction during sustained strings.
- 8-round capacity gives one extra round over the standard 1911 7-round magazine, and the flush-fit extended magwell speeds reloads noticeably
- No accessory rail. For a gun positioned for competition and performance shooting, the inability to mount a light without an adapter is a gap the Dan Wesson Specialist fills with its integral Picatinny rail.
- Ships with one magazine. A competition-oriented 1911 that needs extra magazines purchased separately is an odd omission at this tier.
Category Rankings
How the Kimber Rapide .45 ACP ranks among full-size .45 ACP handguns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the slide lightening cuts actually for?
They remove material from the slide to reduce its reciprocating mass. A lighter slide moves faster during the cycling process, which means faster return to battery and quicker sight recovery between shots. On a .45 ACP 1911 where the slide is already heavy, the effect is measurable on a shot timer. They also allow heat to dissipate faster during extended strings of fire.
What is TiN barrel coating and why does it matter?
TiN (Titanium Nitride) is a ceramic coating applied to the barrel surface. It has a lower coefficient of friction than bare steel, which reduces fouling buildup and makes cleaning easier. The coating is harder than chrome lining (approximately 80-85 HRC vs 65-70 HRC), so it resists wear longer. On a competition gun that sees high round counts, this translates to longer barrel life and more consistent accuracy over time.
Is the Rapide reliable for defensive use or is it strictly a range gun?
The Rapide's competition features do not compromise reliability. The TFX Pro day/night sights and ambidextrous safety are defensive-grade. The 8-round magazines feed reliably with hollow points after a standard break-in period. The main limitation for defensive use is the lack of an accessory rail for a weapon light, not the gun's reliability.