Kimber's new Solo Nine is a significant development in the evolution of self-defense handguns--a subcompact envelope chambered for a serious caliber.

Recoil impulse is severe, restricting its deployment to experienced shooters capable of handling its bite without affecting the all-important shot placement.

The Solo Nine, represents the first of what can be anticipated will be a significant number of micro-sized handguns chambered for the 9x19mm cartridge.

Controls are close to those of the M1911 and in appearance it's somewhat reminiscent of the pocket handguns of the early part of the 20th century.

Both thumb safety and magazine catch are ambidextrous. When the latter is depressed, magazines, either loaded or unloaded, fall cleanly away from the gun.

The stainless steel six-round magazine has five indicator holes on each side. body. The floorplate can be removed for complete disassembly of the magazine.

Galco's Tuck-N-Go Inside-the-pant holster has an open top that permits an exceptionally fast drawstroke, once the concealing shirt or jacket is swept up.

The Galco Stinger is deeply molded to fit the Solo Nine. It has a covered trigger guard and tunnel-shaped belt loop that minimizes its overall envelope.

This pistol should be cleaned and lubricated after firing 500 rounds or preferably, after each shooting session. Field-stripping quite simple.

The Solo Nine is a single-action, striker-fired design. The striker is "pre-loaded" to 88.6% and has a consistent pull through its entire path of travel.