I think the problem is that 1911's tend to be expensive so kimbers being 1911's are also expensive. they are really nice guns top shoot and to look at but the carry size 1911's tend to have problems, and are a huge pain to teardown for cleaning. I would suggest spending the same money on a carry specific gun (taurus TCP or S&W Bodyguard .380) if thats what you want to be able to do and then also buy a full size..