Description
The Kimber Custom LW Shadow Ghost 9mm CA is a full-size 5-inch 1911 in 9mm built to meet California and Massachusetts handgun requirements. It combines a lightweight aluminum frame, a black stainless slide, a red fiber-optic front sight and the extra safety features those states require.
Kimber Custom LW Shadow Ghost 9mm CA Overview
Kimber’s Custom LW series is the company’s lightweight take on the classic Government-size 1911. This Shadow Ghost version pairs a gray KimPro II finished aluminum frame with a stainless steel slide in KimPro Black, black small parts and black double-diamond rubber grips. The 9mm model weighs about 31.2 ounces with an empty magazine, measures 8.7 inches long and 5.25 inches tall, and holds 9 rounds in its magazine. Kimber part number 3700786CA identifies this state-compliant version, and MAG5 also lists the standard 45 ACP Shadow Ghost separately.
What Makes It State Compliant
The CA and MA version adds a loaded chamber indicator, a small metal bar at the top rear of the chamber that rises when a round is chambered, so you can confirm status by sight or touch. It also has a magazine disconnect, which prevents the pistol from firing with the magazine removed. Kimber states that function and accuracy are unaffected and the features remain covered by its limited lifetime warranty. Shooters outside those states can buy it too; just know the pistol will not fire without a magazine inserted.
Lightweight Frame Tradeoffs
The aluminum frame shaves weight compared with an all-steel 1911, making the pistol easier to carry on a belt all day. The tradeoff is a little more felt recoil and, over very high round counts, aluminum frames generally wear faster than steel ones. In 9mm the recoil difference is modest. For most owners who shoot a few thousand rounds a year, the frame will outlast their interest, but serious competitors may prefer a steel frame.
Barrel, Slide and Trigger
The 5-inch match-grade stainless barrel uses a black match bushing and a 1:16 left-hand twist, with a full-length guide rod and a 12-pound recoil spring for 9mm. Front and rear slide serrations help with press checks and manipulations. The black three-hole aluminum trigger breaks at roughly 4 to 5 pounds from the factory, with the short, clean single-action press that draws people to the 1911 in the first place.
Sights and Low Light
A white-dot fixed rear sight is paired with a red fiber-optic front sight. Fiber optics are bright and fast in daylight, which makes them easy to pick up at the range, but they do not glow in darkness the way tritium night sights do. If the pistol will serve for home defense, plan on a weapon light or consider having night sights fitted by a qualified gunsmith.
Magazines and Ammunition
1911 pistols are more sensitive to magazine quality than most modern striker guns, so stick with Kimber or other proven 9mm 1911 magazines and replace springs as they wear. Keep a few spares, since this model will not fire without one. Use quality standard-pressure 9mm for practice and confirm your carry hollow points feed reliably before trusting them; use +P loads sparingly, as Kimber recommends for aluminum frames.
State Laws and Ownership
California limits handgun sales to models on its roster, and Massachusetts maintains its own approved list, so confirm that this exact part number is currently listed before purchase. Both states also cap magazine capacity at 10 rounds, which this 9-round pistol meets. Pennsylvania buyers can purchase it through a licensed dealer with the state background check. Check your own state and local laws before ordering.
Specifications
- Manufacturer part: 3700786CA
- UPC: 669278977867
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 9 rounds
- Barrel: 5 in., stainless match grade, 1:16 left-hand twist
- Frame: aluminum, gray KimPro II
- Slide: stainless steel, KimPro Black, front and rear serrations
- Sights: white-dot rear, red fiber-optic front
- Trigger: black 3-hole aluminum, about 4 to 5 lb
- Grips: black double-diamond rubber
- Recoil system: full-length guide rod, 12 lb spring
- Weight: 31.2 oz with empty magazine
- Length: 8.7 in.
- Height: 5.25 in.
- Width: 1.28 in.
- Photo note: gallery views show the identical 45 ACP version
Before You Buy
Federal law requires handgun buyers to be at least 21 years old to purchase from a licensed dealer and to pass a background check. Handguns ship to your local FFL for transfer, never to your home. Confirm your dealer accepts handgun transfers and check state roster rules before you order.
Who It Is For
The Kimber Custom LW Shadow Ghost 9mm CA is a great fit for California and Massachusetts residents who want a full-size 1911 in 9mm, and for any shooter who wants a lighter, softer-shooting Kimber with a classic single-action trigger.
Buy the Kimber Custom LW Shadow Ghost 9mm CA at MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the Kimber Custom LW Shadow Ghost 9mm CA online and ship it to your local FFL dealer, or browse our full selection of firearms for more pistols. For factory details, visit Kimber.
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