Firearm: Kimber Micro9 Triari (MSRP: $788)
It’s all about choices. Not everyone is a fan of polymer-frame, striker-fired pistols, and there’s nothing wrong with that. The 1911 design is tested, proven and there are countless fans who carry, shoot and are well-protected by this more-than-a-century-old handgun. When it comes to concealability, the standard 1911 can of course be carried, but again, options are great. Kimber’s Micro9 brings the 9 mm 1911 to a miniscule, nearly pocket-size offering.
When Kimber released the Micro in 2013, it joined the ranks of the Colt Mustang, SIG Sauer P238 and others in a miniaturized version of the 1911 chambered in .380 ACP. Problem was, by the time it was released, Kel-Tec’s P3AT and Ruger’s LCP had pretty much staked the claim on the pocket 380 for concealed carry. Three years later, the Micro9 was released in a size not significantly larger than the original Micro. The Micro9 came after SIG had released its P938, but before Springfield Armory launched its 911 in 9 mm.
So, why would you opt for the Micro9? The most obvious answer is it makes a fantastic back-up option for anyone who carries a 1911 as their go-to handgun. Whether it’s being used as a second gun or simply as a hot-weather, deeper concealment version, the Micro9 is lighter and easier to keep out of sight. The manual-of-arms is similar to the standard John Moses Browning design, with the lack of a grip safety the only major difference. If you’re familiar with the 1911, you’ll be familiar with the Micro9.
The version we have today is the Triari, which incorporates geometric designs on the linen Micarta grips to anchor the Micro9 in the hand. This same pattern is repeated forward and aft on the slide for ease of charging the pistol and performing administrative functions like press checks. Magazine capacity is 7 rounds with the slightly extended magazine, and the extension is done quite well – no pinching of the ring finger was experienced as is often the case with small pistols with extended magazines. Sights are contrasting fiber optic, putting a red front sight between twin green rear sights.
Again, it’s all about choices. If you’re a 1911 fan and have been thinking about something smaller, the Kimber Micro9 Triari gives an attractive, useful option.
Holster: DeSantis Mini Scabbard (MSRP: $63.99)
When it comes to 1911-style holsters, leather is more often than not the preferred carrying substrate. With the small size of the Micro9 in mind, even outside-the-waistband offerings like DeSantis’ Mini Scabbard can be used to good effect. Offering screw-based retention for extra security, double stitching and available for right- or left-handed shooters, the Mini Scabbard tucks in tight to the body and requires minimal cover garments.
While it might at first glance seem counterproductive to carry a tiny pistol like the Micro9 in an outside-the-waistband holster, there’s a reason for it: Familiarity. For those who carry a full-size or Commander 1911 in cooler months when heavier cover garments aren’t out of place, it makes sense to keep the same placement and style of holster. Switching back and forth between styles and positions makes things more complicated, and if that can be avoided it’s a good thing.
Accessory: Blue Force Gear’s Micro Trauma Kit Now (MSRP: Starting at $69.95; as shown $199.95)
There’s a lot of good reasons to carry an Individual First Aid Kit (commonly abbreviated IFAK). Blue Force Gear’s Micro Trauma Kit Now offers a sturdy case for a variety of first-aid essentials. The Micro Trauma Kit Now can be mounted to standard MOLLE attachment point or ordered with a hook-and-loop belt attachment as we have here today. Twin pull tabs on either side allow instant deployment of the kit, saving seconds when you need them most. We liked the Micro Trauma Kit Now so much we awarded it the 2018 Accessory of the Year Golden Bullseye award.
Three levels are available: the kit can be purchased with no supplies, leaving the stocking of the kit to the individual to tailor as needed. Basic supplies include two dressings, medical tape, gloves and a tourniquet; while the Advanced kit we have here contains gauze, a chest seal, trauma bandage, decompression needle, tape, gloves and even a device to clear airways. Of course, training is highly recommended for any first aid items, but simply having these items on your person can save precious time when trained individuals arrive on scene.
