Kimber Micro 9 STS 9mm 7+1 3.1" - $449.98 (Free Pickup in Store)

This is a great deal on a Kimber Micro 9, and this is about the smallest, thinnest, lightest, 9mm you are going to find, that has an aluminum frame and looks really beautiful being a micro size of the classic 1911. I have owned and legally conceal carried Keltec PF9s, Diamondback DB9s (Gen3 and then upgraded to a Gen4 w tritium sights), Ruger LC9s, SCCY CPX2 and DVG-1, and a Beretta APX A1Carry, plus many other larger pistols via IWB or OWB. So, I don't pay too much attention to the few folks complaining about FTFs before fully broken in, especially with 115gr ammo, very common with any 9mm semi auto pistol under 20oz, its physics, with every ounce less, problems will increase. But, most problems are due to user error, limp wristing or a poor grip, that waists some of the recoil energy, although some are due to specific ammunition, being reloads or alum cased, maybe a little longer than normal or jhps that are rougher up front or gummy in the case of the gel tipped Hornady Duty ammo, and tend to hang on the feed ramp before fully broken in or polishing the ramp a bit. 200 rds of range ammo cures most ftf issues as you break the gun in, polishing the feed ramp the old fashioned way and get used to shooting with more felt recoil so you grip firmer and keep the muzzle down more.

I picked up a couple of 8rd mags at Locked and Loaded so I've got 9 rounds onboard, where the fully loaded mag is about equal weight to the pistol itself, a great balance in the debate on how many rounds is ideal for ccw, and extends the grip only by the amount of rounds you have onboard, not just a plastic extension to rest your pinky so my large hands have enough room for a full grip. For my DB9s, I remember paying over 40 bucks apiece for +1 adapters to get a full grip and onboard round count.

This is my new EDC, the quality difference and tolerances of the Aluminum frame versus the Polymer Framed guns is just that obvious when you hand cycle the action feeling the lockup release, ejection, and then the lockup re-engage. Over the years I have noticed the smallest lightest gun gets carried the most, in a pocket holster that covers the trigger, instead of In/On the beltline, especially now that cargo shorts are so common in the summertime, still fits in the back pocket of jeans in a pinch, but even on the waistband is almost imperceptible given that they are so light and small versus a more duty sized pistol.

I originally planned on upgrading the grips with such a wide selection on Amazon and eBay, but I honestly like the feel of the stock rubber grips and keeping a good grip on this gun is more important than flashy looks, especially when its supposed to be out of sight and unnoticed until the SHTF. I should probably just spend that money on tritium night sights.

I for one would like to see Bass Pro/Cabela’s be more competitive. I’m beginning to see more of the floor at Cabela’s being taken up for clothing and I hope they don’t go the way of Dick’ Sporting Goods.

Never thought I'd be buying a gun at Bass Pro, usually I can find stuff cheaper online, but have to say it was a pleasant experience (as pleasant as a FFL Background Check Can be anyway), I placed the order online at 1pm on a Thursday, got the ready to pick up email at around 3pm and picked it up at 3:30pm, spending about 30 minutes total waiting for the next available clerk at the counter, him collecting my ID to ensure my drivers license matched the order, fetching it from pre-picked inventory and setting up the touchscreen background check, during that process two other clerks came to double and triple check all information and SN, they hit enter and I had my OK from the ATF in about 7 mins, so away I went with my new Kimber Micro9, 486.43 out the door (posted price + local sales tax) with no add ons for delivery/postage or additional fee for doing the ATF Check! He also told me, they cover postage both ways if it ever needs to go in to Kimber for service, to bring it to them. I do realize that at a peak pick up time on evenings, holidays or weekends, waiting for the next available clerk could have made the process much longer. I couldn't beat that price even if I waited three weeks to get one from an online dealer thru my cheap transfer FFL. So Kudos to Bass Pro in Independence, MO anyway.

Bass pro gun counter in San Antonio is horrible. I’d buy it if it was anywhere else.