Back in the days when I shot IPSC matches on the weekends, the .45 ACP was the most popular cartridge on the circuit. It offered the power and accuracy in tuned guns needed to capture the gold, yet as a shooter I was always looking around for something different to break the mold, so to speak.

At that time, the .38 Super was being considered as long as it met the power requirements, so I purchased a Colt 1911 chambered for it, had the trigger reworked, Bo-Mar sights added and an aftermarket beavertail housing installed.

(Left) Standard epuipment on the Kimber Stainless Target II includes fully adjustable target rear sights and a beavertail grip safety. (Right) On the range, both Magtech and Remington factory ammunition tied for first place with consistent 21?2-inch groups at 25 yards.

Since that time, I've sent many .38 Super rounds downrange, and to this day it remains at the top of my list of favorite handgun cartridges. Much to the dismay of many, however, it is still on the short list for overall sales, as only a few manufacturers today make an auto chambered for a cartridge that was introduced in 1929. One of them is Kimber. The company presently lists three 1911 variants in .38 Super--two in target guise and one for defense with a shorter four-inch barrel.

SPECIFICATIONS KIMBER STAINLESS TARGET II
MAKER:	Kimber
TYPE:	Single-Action semiauto
CALIBER:	.38 Super
CAPACITY:	9 + 1
BARREL LENGTH:	5 inches
OVERALL LENGTH:	8 1/2 inches
WEIGHT:	38 ounces
SIGHTS:	Target adjustable rear, blade front
STOCKS:	Checkered rubber
METAL:	Satin Stainless
PRICE:	$1,023

Handling Kimber's Stainless Target II, I find little difference in the weight and other characteristics that distinguish my pet Gold Cup in .45 ACP. The heft is there, and looking at Kimber comparisons, both the .38 Super and .45 ACP versions check in at a recoil-dampening 38 ounces. The Stainless Target II's slide and frame flats are polished with a satin finish, while the top of the slide and frame are bead blasted for anti-reflective qualities and additional resistance to wear.

In the hand, the gun is comfortable, and the only thing I'd like to see is the option of an arched mainspring housing. Out of the box, the gun (like all other Kimbers) is equipped with a straight housing that is checkered and, along with the rubber grips, aid in keeping the gun on target. A contoured beavertail safety is machined to allow it to ride higher in the hand without impeding the operation of the hammer. The hammer is serrated and skeletonized, as is the trigger, which broke at 41?2 pounds on my test gun, with just a hint of slack before the sear let go.

Safetywise, the traditional beavertail safety is still very much part of the package, as is the slide safety mounted on the left side of the gun. With the hammer cocked, up is for Safe, and, with only a snick downward, the gun is ready for immediate action. Additionally, there is the half-cock position on the hammer and Kimber's own firing-pin safety, which, according to the company, "makes each pistol more secure without impeding performance or altering trigger pull."

(Left) On the left side, operator controls include an extended slide release, slide safety and magazine release. Grip panels are rubber. (Center) The traditional flat mainspring housing of the Kimber Stainless Target II is checkered for a secure grip. (Right) Front slide serrations allow checking the chamber for a loaded round by just pushing the slide to the rear about a quarter of an inch. Both the barrel and barrel bushing are manufactured to match-grade standards.

Forward of the slide safety is the slide release, which has been slightly extended for ease of operation. Directly below and behind the trigger is the magazine release. To facilitate inserting the magazine, the magazine well has been beveled. In .38 Super, incidentally, capacity is nine rounds plus one in the chamber.

On the slide itself there are serrations to help with racking the slide to the rear to charge the gun or to confirm a loaded round in the chamber. The pistol sports a fully adjustable rear-sight assembly complete with a rearward slanting and a square notch serrated to prevent glare. The front sight blade is mounted in a rugged dovetail arrangement.

ACCURACY RESULTS: Kimber Stainless Target II
LOAD	BULLET WEIGHT (gr.)	AVERAGE VELOCITY (fps)	AVERAGE GROUP (in.)
Magtech FMJ	130	1,203	2.50
Remington JHP	115	1,354	3.25
Remington FMJ	130	1,349	2.50
Winchester Silvertip	125	1,156	3.50
Velocity recorded 10 feet from the muzzle with a Shooting Chrony. Accuracy tested off a sandbag rest; results are the average of three five-shot groups at 25 yards. Abbreviations: FMJ, full metal jacket; JHP, jacketed hollowpoint.

The ejection port is lowered and flared. Inside, barrel bushings, chambers, trigger assemblies and the barrel itself (along with its polished feed ramp), are all made to match-grade specifications.

Out on the range, the gun handled perfectly. Out of the standard five-inch barrel and using four different brands of ammunition, both the Magtech and Remington ammunition tied for first place with tight 21?2-inch groups.

While not well known for its defensive or hunting qualities, nevertheless the .38 Super chambered in a Kimber 1911 is an item that is hard to pass up.