The Kimber Ultra CDP is a compact 1911-platform pistol chambered in 9mm. The aluminum frame keeps weight at 25 oz with an empty magazine, and the 3-inch barrel gives it an overall length of 6.8 inches -- genuinely small for a 1911 format gun. The satin silver finish is KimPro II coating over stainless steel slide and aluminum frame. Tritium night sights are fixed and low-profile. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: Ultra CDP 
• Caliber: 9mm Luger (9x19 Para) 
• Barrel Length: 3 inches 
• Overall Length: 6.8 inches 
• Height (90 degrees to barrel): 4.75 inches 
• Weight (with empty magazine): 25 oz 
• Capacity: 8 rounds 
• Finish: Satin Silver (KimPro II coating) 
• Frame: Aluminum 
• Slide: Stainless Steel 
• Sights: Tritium night sights, fixed low-profile 
• Trigger: Premium Aluminum, 4.0-5.0 lb factory pull 
   

Features 

The ambidextrous thumb safety works from either side without reconfiguration. The "carry melt" treatment rounds the frame edges, which matters for a carry gun -- sharp corners catch on holsters and clothing. The full-length guide rod and ramped barrel are standard Kimber features on this platform that improve cycling reliability with the short slide travel inherent in a 3-inch barrel. Rosewood grips are included. The 8-round single-stack capacity is a function of the 1911 format.

The Ultra CDP has a loyal following among people who specifically want a compact 1911-format carry gun in 9mm. The small footprint, night sights, and carry melt treatment address real concealed carry concerns, and those features are consistently praised.

The trigger gets positive remarks -- a clean 4-5 lb 1911 trigger is genuinely better than most polymer striker-fired guns at the same price. The KimPro II finish holds up well.

Criticism comes in two forms: price and reliability. The Ultra CDP costs significantly more than comparable polymer carry guns with higher capacity. And some owners -- enough that it's a recurring topic -- report reliability issues, particularly during early break-in or with certain hollow-point ammunition. Kimber's reliability reputation on compact 1911s has been uneven, and the short barrel length on a 1911 design creates tighter feed ramp geometry that can be sensitive to ammo choice. Shooters with larger hands also find the single-stack grip narrow.

The consensus: it is a well-made, handsome carry gun with a good trigger, but at this price point you should expect to test it extensively with your carry ammunition before trusting it for that role.