Kimber R7 Mako Carbon Compact: A Detailed Review and Range Test

Introduction to the Kimber R7 Mako Carbon Compact

• 💡 The video introduces the Kimber R7 Mako Carbon Compact, highlighting it as a polymer-framed pistol from a company traditionally known for 1911s.
• 🎯 This specific model features a carbon compact setup with a flared mag well for faster reloads.

Design and Features of the R7 Mako

• 🔑 The pistol boasts a low bore axis and a frame with well-placed stippling for a secure grip.
• 🛠️ It includes a generous trigger guard, a rail system, and forward and rearward slide serrations for easy manipulation.
• 🌟 Equipped with True Glow night sights (white dots rear, orange front) and cut for micro red dots, this configuration features a Holosun 407k.
• ✅ The flat trigger shoe offers a crisp break at a 90° angle with a smooth reset, reminiscent of a 1911 trigger.

Performance and Ammunition Testing

• 🚀 The R7 Mako features a low and generous ejection port and a striker-fired mechanism.
• 📊 Initial range testing used 124-grain standard pressure ammunition, demonstrating good accuracy.
• 🎯 Subsequent tests included Speer Gold Dot 147-grain and Hornady Critical Duty 135-grain Flex Lock loads, showing excellent performance and accuracy, especially the 147-grain in the short, stiff barrel.
• 💥 The pistol also handled 124-grain +P Critical Duty rounds effectively, with the speaker noting the 147-grain Gold Dot and 135-grain Critical Duty as top performers for accuracy.

Comparison and Value Proposition

• ⚖️ The R7 Mako is compared to a Glock 19, noted as being slimmer while offering similar capacity, and superior sights and trigger out of the box.
• 💰 The pistol is considered a very good value for its price point, representing a strong offering from Kimber in the compact pistol market.
• ⚙️ Disassembly is straightforward: squeeze the trigger, pull down tabs, and lift the slide off.

Conclusion and Carry Potential

• ✅ The reviewer expresses high satisfaction with the R7 Mako's performance, accuracy, trigger, and sights, considering it a potential new carry gun.
• 🏆 Out of all the Mako models tested, this carbon compact version is the reviewer's favorite so far.