JJ, great video! Fun and informative and you show how well the Mako can shoot. Thanks for making it for us. I’ve had mine for about a year. The Mako grip texture was a little too rough with appendix carry that it would snag light shirts so I took light grit sandpaper to it. Still grips great and feels better on my bare belly too. The tether idea for the cover works perfect. I use a short black cord so it pops off during the draw while still in the holster. The cap keeps the glass clean too.
interesting feedback. thank you for that. I was curious how the string and cover would hold up. No doubt you know more about it than i do after carrying it for a year.
I'm not sure if it's the best of them... but I have no doubt it's a Good, trustworthy, reliable gun. The reason I don't say myself that it's the best is that I don't even know how it works. Of all the other guns I can find disassembly/assembly videos and/or videos showing how it works and/or how to change parts in it.... but not with the R7 Mako. I would never be able to buy it right now, because I never buy a gun if I don't know how it works.
@@deucedeuce1572 The working principals emulate those of other striker fired micro-compacts. It's an evolutionary design. The trigger mechanism is, as this video mentions, a modified Glock-style trigger. I'm not sure why the pull's so light, but it's probably a combination of the components' geometry, material composition, and polishing. The recoil system modifies the Browning tilt-delay blowback concept by placing locking lugs on the chamber roof instead of the chamber roof itself being the lug. This plus a shrouded slide above that lug allegedly enables a shallower tilting angle, which allegedly reduces muzzle rise and/or felt recoil. (The rest of this paragraph is me speculating) Essentially, an open-top slide requires the chamber drop a greater angular distance to clear the slide's recoil path (holding slide thickness constant), which requires the barrel's muzzle rise by the same angular distance. Holding barrel length and mass distribution constant, this means open-tops do more work (force*distance) moving the gun's forward mass upward. The narrow slide-frame gap and ejection port serve to reduce the empty volume through which foreign contaminants access the gun's interior. The ejection port also directs combustion debris away from the top of the slide where an optical sight often sits. In other words, this feature's an attempt to design the gun from the ground up to host optics by making them less likely to be damaged or dirtied. I don't know how significant a problem this truly solves, but I'm guessing it's a problem to some non-zero degree. I recommend watching LWroad's video on Bubits' influence on R7's design: ruclips.net/video/oAzmU7lDdXw/видео.html. 2A Edu discusses Bubits own pistol designs in at least one video I know of: ruclips.net/video/_5whXI7Npoo/видео.html.
@@atlas42185 Cool. Thanks. I'll check it out. I love gun mechanics. One of my favorite subject in the world. I really like the Mako, because it's so different, but have never had the chance to see how it works. Never even seen a field stripping video (if I'm not mistaken), because youtube banned them and I couldn't find any elsewhere.
@@atlas42185 Was just looking at pictures and I really like how the Extractor is shaped. It's very rounded, but that roundedness gives it a very sharp angle against the rim of the case, which would decrease the force on the extractor and reduce extractor failures (like out of battery when the slide doesn't have enough force when loading a round). It looks to me like the barrel tilts the same as other guns though, but it's hard to tell without comparing them. I do wish I knew exactly how the breech/locking mechanism works though. Hard to tell without seeing pictures/video. (or having on e on hand).
@@deucedeuce1572 I like the Mako too. Obviously, I'll rent time at a range w/ various alternatives before I settle on a micro-compact, but I'm leaning towards the Mako if/when my financial situation permits. While it's unclear if it's "best in class" (it may be, but IDK) Kimber's late arrival gave it the benefit of hindsight, and the firm seems to have crammed much aftermarket value into the design w/out making customers pay aftermarket prices. That's a perk of well-designed product/service bundling. From listings I've seen, the average optics-ready Mako "range bag" bundle's street price is between $500 and $600 (original two-magazine package's MSRP was $599). That's four 13 round mags, one 11 round mag, a holster, and some other stuff. That's a lot of value-per-dollar, and if the range bag bundle is still available when I decide to buy a micro-compact, it'll be hard to beat. If you like different, I'll leave a link to some reading material by CBJ Tech AB (read it or don't at your own discretion). Their 6.5x25mm cartridge combines gyroscopic stabilization w/ discarding sabot technology; mixing the two often hurts accuracy, but apparently this is fairly accurate. Particularly interesting, they kept chamber pressures in line w/ 9x19mm, which means comparable barrel life and interchangeable recoil systems while achieving much greater velocities than 9x19. The tungsten sub-projectile load is compares favorably w/ rifle rounds in hard armor penetration at typical small arms engagement ranges. Time will tell if this is useful, but I suspect it is b/c sabots that don't seriously hurt accuracy offer a huge degree of loading flexibility. www.cbjtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/6.5x25-CBJ-Presentation.pdf www.cbjtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/CBJ-Subcaliber-Technology.pdf
Great review and fun to watch. I've had this pistol for about a year and have about 2k rounds through it without a single problem. Love the ergos and, like you said, the trigger is awesome. It's very flat shooting. I put the new Holosun closed emitter micro dot on it and it's spot-on accurate. Highly recommended.
Is it light trigger? A lot of people put 8lb connectors on Glocks, because they don't want a trigger that's too easy to have an accident with. Some people even go as far as putting 8lb connectors and NY trigger springs in them (which is insane). I like a 8lb, because of the definitive wall, but set up that it don't actually have an 8lb pull.
@@ConditionZero76 They sell them for a reason. If you can't pull a single-action-like 8lb trigger without screwing up the shot, then you need to hit it with your vagina. Joking aside, it's not bad at all. It's such a short break and reset that it feels a lot more like a single action than a 5.5lb trigger (or the even longer/spongier 3.5lb triggers).
@@deucedeuce1572 I couldnt imagine purposely adding a connector in my guns to make the trigger pull harder, the only reason I can see anybody doing that is if they live in one of the communist states such as New York or California and there forced too, but my goodness I couldnt imagine somone wanting that let alone paying for a Heavier Trigger . I mean to each there own it is what it is ....👍🏼
I purchased about a month ago go to go to the range fired 200 rounds no issues, I did clean it before I went. I noticed when you emptied a mag and inserted another mag you had to hit slide release, when I inserted a mag it chamber without hitting slide release. Awesome trigger for production pistol, will purchase a new kimber soon.
If you learn to run them, which is not super difficult, they are better. Better acquisition, better follow ups. Batteries should keep them running a very long time, swap them on a schedule. And they’ve come a long way in recent years. Like everything, you get what you pay for, including durability.
Yep, it's that much better in every way. Iron sites require 3 points of contact in order to hit your mark, red dot once sited in properly requires point and shoot, doesn't matter were the dots at in your window and allows for both eyes open to see your surroundings much better......with irons you have to close off everything get your 3 points of contact lined up and then key in on your front site all while trying to keep an eye on your target, with red dots you find your target with both eyes open and moreless over lay the dot on the target then fire. Don't try looking at your dot and lining it up, look at the target and bring your dot to it..... much much faster, cleaner, efficient and easier to use with a bit of practice. Ps, quality RDO's batteries last from 20 to 40'000 hrs in general. My batteries in my Trijicon RMR type 2 last 4 years on average.
The take down lol ? I don't see kimber replacing the takedown lever, it's a copy off of Glock and we all know Glock sells more guns than any manufacturer in America, if it didnt affect Glocks bottom dollar I don't see kimber reinventing the wheel
Great video. If I may, I do have a suggestion for you. It would really increase the quality of your videos to reduce the volume of your background music and to go with something a little more chilled out in the meter. The volume and meter make it rather difficult to pay attention to your words.
I have one it's an excellent gun, feel great in the hand and the best trigger for a sub-compact. To call it a micro-9 is pushing it a bid. Handles just as well as my Glock 19 gen 5 and that's saying a lot. It's my EDC. Very happy with my purchase.
If a gun has to have 3 recalls to keep it running ,It was first to the party location ,but it got shitty in the car passed out on the sidewalk and another party goer (Hellcat)helped them into the house ....just because they staggered in the door again that doesnt make them first
Warning to lefty's interested in this weapon who shoot with a thumbs forward grip on this gun. The way the ejection port is cut, your thumb can easily block the shell from not only ejecting, but also forcing the spent shell back into the weapon and causing a jam with a thumbs forward typical grip. Essentially it makes your 6-8 hundred dollar semi auto into a single shot.
Thank you, 1st channel to call it subcompact, everyone calling it micro, mini-micro is 12 ounces or less, micro is 13 to 17 ounces, subcompact 18 to 21 ounces, compact 22 to 25 ounces and 26 ounces up is full
This is Kimbers copy of the old Glock 26, period. Simular basic specifications, size, and one (1) Oz heavier. The new generation of sub-compact pistols 🔫 (SIG P365, Glock 43/43X, S&W Shield) are better for today's CCW/concealed carry, IMO.
Oh, would you like to see it jam? I can show you how to make it jam almost without fail every single time you pull the trigger: hold it in your left hand, and put up your support hand. Congrats, your right thumb is now physically blocking the ejection port. Thank you so much Kimber for designing an ambidextrous micro 9 that is engineered to jam if you actually fire it left handed.
This gun not only is late to the party but its also a major Vaporware and it's not micro compact. Half inch larger than p365x and hellcat and the rest.
The gun is NOT 19.5 oz's. NOT. Kimber is trying to fool all of you. This thing weighs over 22 oz's!! 19.5 oz's is without the optic or even a magazine in the gun!!! 😄 What's up with that crap? I bought this gun too, I feel like I may have gotten sucked into buying some sort of over hyped gun. It's just good. Not great. The trigger is grit and then grit, then grit. Reset is just meh. Trigger slaps your shooting finger! Ouch! Take down is stupid hard when it looks to be so simple. It was accurate I guess. It looks Hi Point ish. Yuck. I don't know. It's not the best at anything. Ok, maybe the mag release. It's really good. The closed top is NOT a benefit at all. Along with an internal extractor. Nope. I will keep it but it should cost about 259.99 to be honest. Oh, the sights are pretty good too. That's about it though. Beware.
Great little pistol. Accurate, easy to conceal.
I pit my first 25 rounds through today. Shoots quit well
JJ, great video! Fun and informative and you show how well the Mako can shoot. Thanks for making it for us. I’ve had mine for about a year. The Mako grip texture was a little too rough with appendix carry that it would snag light shirts so I took light grit sandpaper to it. Still grips great and feels better on my bare belly too. The tether idea for the cover works perfect. I use a short black cord so it pops off during the draw while still in the holster. The cap keeps the glass clean too.
interesting feedback. thank you for that. I was curious how the string and cover would hold up. No doubt you know more about it than i do after carrying it for a year.
I wonder why Kimber would make the bullet casing ejection hole like that?
They said it was so that the gases don't mess up the Red Dot glass
@@willydiesel2081 ok.... Probably with that design it will most likely cause jams such as failure to eject?
one would think...
Great review.
Great personality
Great Sense of humor.
Great attention to detail.
Great teaching.
Great visual/cinematics.
You earned a new subscriber
Hey thank you very much! Flattering.
Great bromance. Awkward. The topic is the Kimber R7.
Great review, one of the best!
I agree. This new Kimber R7 MAKO is the best iteration of the 9mm compact striker fire design semi-auto pistol I have seen.
I'm not sure if it's the best of them... but I have no doubt it's a Good, trustworthy, reliable gun. The reason I don't say myself that it's the best is that I don't even know how it works. Of all the other guns I can find disassembly/assembly videos and/or videos showing how it works and/or how to change parts in it.... but not with the R7 Mako. I would never be able to buy it right now, because I never buy a gun if I don't know how it works.
@@deucedeuce1572 The working principals emulate those of other striker fired micro-compacts. It's an evolutionary design.
The trigger mechanism is, as this video mentions, a modified Glock-style trigger. I'm not sure why the pull's so light, but it's probably a combination of the components' geometry, material composition, and polishing.
The recoil system modifies the Browning tilt-delay blowback concept by placing locking lugs on the chamber roof instead of the chamber roof itself being the lug. This plus a shrouded slide above that lug allegedly enables a shallower tilting angle, which allegedly reduces muzzle rise and/or felt recoil. (The rest of this paragraph is me speculating) Essentially, an open-top slide requires the chamber drop a greater angular distance to clear the slide's recoil path (holding slide thickness constant), which requires the barrel's muzzle rise by the same angular distance. Holding barrel length and mass distribution constant, this means open-tops do more work (force*distance) moving the gun's forward mass upward.
The narrow slide-frame gap and ejection port serve to reduce the empty volume through which foreign contaminants access the gun's interior.
The ejection port also directs combustion debris away from the top of the slide where an optical sight often sits. In other words, this feature's an attempt to design the gun from the ground up to host optics by making them less likely to be damaged or dirtied. I don't know how significant a problem this truly solves, but I'm guessing it's a problem to some non-zero degree.
I recommend watching LWroad's video on Bubits' influence on R7's design: ruclips.net/video/oAzmU7lDdXw/видео.html. 2A Edu discusses Bubits own pistol designs in at least one video I know of: ruclips.net/video/_5whXI7Npoo/видео.html.
@@atlas42185 Cool. Thanks. I'll check it out. I love gun mechanics. One of my favorite subject in the world. I really like the Mako, because it's so different, but have never had the chance to see how it works. Never even seen a field stripping video (if I'm not mistaken), because youtube banned them and I couldn't find any elsewhere.
@@atlas42185 Was just looking at pictures and I really like how the Extractor is shaped. It's very rounded, but that roundedness gives it a very sharp angle against the rim of the case, which would decrease the force on the extractor and reduce extractor failures (like out of battery when the slide doesn't have enough force when loading a round).
It looks to me like the barrel tilts the same as other guns though, but it's hard to tell without comparing them. I do wish I knew exactly how the breech/locking mechanism works though. Hard to tell without seeing pictures/video. (or having on e on hand).
@@deucedeuce1572 I like the Mako too. Obviously, I'll rent time at a range w/ various alternatives before I settle on a micro-compact, but I'm leaning towards the Mako if/when my financial situation permits. While it's unclear if it's "best in class" (it may be, but IDK) Kimber's late arrival gave it the benefit of hindsight, and the firm seems to have crammed much aftermarket value into the design w/out making customers pay aftermarket prices. That's a perk of well-designed product/service bundling. From listings I've seen, the average optics-ready Mako "range bag" bundle's street price is between $500 and $600 (original two-magazine package's MSRP was $599). That's four 13 round mags, one 11 round mag, a holster, and some other stuff. That's a lot of value-per-dollar, and if the range bag bundle is still available when I decide to buy a micro-compact, it'll be hard to beat.
If you like different, I'll leave a link to some reading material by CBJ Tech AB (read it or don't at your own discretion). Their 6.5x25mm cartridge combines gyroscopic stabilization w/ discarding sabot technology; mixing the two often hurts accuracy, but apparently this is fairly accurate. Particularly interesting, they kept chamber pressures in line w/ 9x19mm, which means comparable barrel life and interchangeable recoil systems while achieving much greater velocities than 9x19. The tungsten sub-projectile load is compares favorably w/ rifle rounds in hard armor penetration at typical small arms engagement ranges. Time will tell if this is useful, but I suspect it is b/c sabots that don't seriously hurt accuracy offer a huge degree of loading flexibility.
www.cbjtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/6.5x25-CBJ-Presentation.pdf
www.cbjtech.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/CBJ-Subcaliber-Technology.pdf
Best mako review on you tube 👍🏼
Wow. thanks!!
Great review and fun to watch. I've had this pistol for about a year and have about 2k rounds through it without a single problem. Love the ergos and, like you said, the trigger is awesome. It's very flat shooting. I put the new Holosun closed emitter micro dot on it and it's spot-on accurate. Highly recommended.
I got this gun last week and it has the best trigger out of all the micro compact pistols. Shoot one for yourself and you will see. Enough said!!
Agreed!!
Is it light trigger? A lot of people put 8lb connectors on Glocks, because they don't want a trigger that's too easy to have an accident with. Some people even go as far as putting 8lb connectors and NY trigger springs in them (which is insane). I like a 8lb, because of the definitive wall, but set up that it don't actually have an 8lb pull.
@@deucedeuce1572 8lb trigger lol
@@ConditionZero76 They sell them for a reason. If you can't pull a single-action-like 8lb trigger without screwing up the shot, then you need to hit it with your vagina. Joking aside, it's not bad at all. It's such a short break and reset that it feels a lot more like a single action than a 5.5lb trigger (or the even longer/spongier 3.5lb triggers).
@@deucedeuce1572 I couldnt imagine purposely adding a connector in my guns to make the trigger pull harder, the only reason I can see anybody doing that is if they live in one of the communist states such as New York or California and there forced too, but my goodness I couldnt imagine somone wanting that let alone paying for a Heavier Trigger . I mean to each there own it is what it is ....👍🏼
I feel like every manufacturer needs to make a 9mm micro compact
New subscriber, excellent review! Also love the 1970's soundtrack in the beginning of your review...LOL
That music is way too distracting
Great review, good details.
Lose the annoying background music. Couldn't finish ur video cuz of it
I purchased about a month ago go to go to the range fired 200 rounds no issues, I did clean it before I went. I noticed when you emptied a mag and inserted another mag you had to hit slide release, when I inserted a mag it chamber without hitting slide release. Awesome trigger for production pistol, will purchase a new kimber soon.
Maybe it depends on how hard a person inserts the mag. I think the Ruger Security-9, with the slide open, will chamber if you slap it in.
Awesome video! I subbed. I think you sold me on this gun as well lol.
Why do you need a red dot sight, is it that great of advantage and if battery is out, can you still us the truglo trx pro Day/Night Tritium Sights
If you learn to run them, which is not super difficult, they are better. Better acquisition, better follow ups. Batteries should keep them running a very long time, swap them on a schedule. And they’ve come a long way in recent years. Like everything, you get what you pay for, including durability.
Yep, it's that much better in every way. Iron sites require 3 points of contact in order to hit your mark, red dot once sited in properly requires point and shoot, doesn't matter were the dots at in your window and allows for both eyes open to see your surroundings much better......with irons you have to close off everything get your 3 points of contact lined up and then key in on your front site all while trying to keep an eye on your target, with red dots you find your target with both eyes open and moreless over lay the dot on the target then fire. Don't try looking at your dot and lining it up, look at the target and bring your dot to it..... much much faster, cleaner, efficient and easier to use with a bit of practice.
Ps, quality RDO's batteries last from 20 to 40'000 hrs in general. My batteries in my Trijicon RMR type 2 last 4 years on average.
Just bought one and haven’t shot it yet
Thanks for the work. I feel the same about kimber. That said, redemptive qualities in this gun. There are just so many good ones in this class.
yep...
I like almost everything about it except the take down, I think I will wait for the gen 2 version
The take down lol ? I don't see kimber replacing the takedown lever, it's a copy off of Glock and we all know Glock sells more guns than any manufacturer in America, if it didnt affect Glocks bottom dollar I don't see kimber reinventing the wheel
The Mako shark is a shark known to take to the air when hooked so it makes an appropriate nomenclature to me.
👍
I think I'll keep my XL. Mag-Guts flush mag gives you 14+1.
What holster are you running?
Seems like a really nice carry gun but that wired red dot cover idea seems sketchy to me.
Great review, but that music almost makes it unwatchable.
Noted
Kimber mako R7 is 19.5 ounces without red dot sight
All gun companies give ounces of gun with magazine removed
This was the identical question after the release of the Glock 43……
Great video. If I may, I do have a suggestion for you. It would really increase the quality of your videos to reduce the volume of your background music and to go with something a little more chilled out in the meter. The volume and meter make it rather difficult to pay attention to your words.
Thank you. Imma fire my editor.
I have one it's an excellent gun, feel great in the hand and the best trigger for a sub-compact. To call it a micro-9 is pushing it a bid. Handles just as well as my Glock 19 gen 5 and that's saying a lot. It's my EDC. Very happy with my purchase.
If a gun has to have 3 recalls to keep it running ,It was first to the party location ,but it got shitty in the car passed out on the sidewalk and another party goer (Hellcat)helped them into the house ....just because they staggered in the door again that doesnt make them first
Have another drink 🍺
@@ConditionZero76That makes no sense ,B Learn to read C Dont go full retard
Warning to lefty's interested in this weapon who shoot with a thumbs forward grip on this gun.
The way the ejection port is cut, your thumb can easily block the shell from not only ejecting, but also forcing the spent shell back into the weapon and causing a jam with a thumbs forward typical grip.
Essentially it makes your 6-8 hundred dollar semi auto into a single shot.
adapt
Thank you, 1st channel to call it subcompact, everyone calling it micro, mini-micro is 12 ounces or less, micro is 13 to 17 ounces, subcompact 18 to 21 ounces, compact 22 to 25 ounces and 26 ounces up is full
Why is everyone saying the red dot is going to be the big thing in 2022
Your lens on the red dot is broke already
Yep.. dropped it.. i mentioned it in the video. I don't trust red dots for CCW yet.
It's not broken. It's 'distressed'.
This is Kimbers copy of the old Glock 26, period. Simular basic specifications, size, and one (1) Oz heavier.
The new generation of sub-compact pistols 🔫 (SIG P365, Glock 43/43X, S&W Shield) are better for today's CCW/concealed carry, IMO.
It should be compared to the p365xl which is slightly bigger
Not a Glock copy.
@@DRGreene54 Sure the Kimber R7 is a Glock copy.
Explain yourself *(if you can).
Stay frosty.
@@sweetcostarica it actually appears to be a copy of the Bubix Brothers pistol.
@@DRGreene54 Could be - we agree it is a copy 👍
*_Happy Independence Day!_*
Feel the same: late to the party.
Oh, would you like to see it jam? I can show you how to make it jam almost without fail every single time you pull the trigger: hold it in your left hand, and put up your support hand. Congrats, your right thumb is now physically blocking the ejection port. Thank you so much Kimber for designing an ambidextrous micro 9 that is engineered to jam if you actually fire it left handed.
Got my hands on one at the local gun store. Feels more like a G26 than a micro 9.
It is, it's definitely not a micro 9, more a subcompact 💯👍🏼
Feels or is ?
My god the horrible background music...all throughout the damn video....I.wanna clearly pay attention to the content...But No...
What's up with that broken optic 4:40 ? @ ruclips.net/video/cEayZgQMtG4/видео.html Did it come to you broken? Are the CT red dots that fragile?
As I mentioned... I dropped it in a parking lot. Broken lens but it was still usable. I'm still leery of optics on carry guns tho.
GX4 #1
Worth the wait? Not for me. Nothing that requires a pinky rest for a full grip will unseat my P365XL.
Love the p365x all around but to my hand the grip angle just feels too acute; that puts the bore higher than some others.
@@BullShooterswithJeffJohnston I feel that way about all things Glock/Steyr but don’t notice it with the XL.
This gun not only is late to the party but its also a major Vaporware and it's not micro compact. Half inch larger than p365x and hellcat and the rest.
So it's a 1/2" bigger. I don't think there's an industry standard on what costitutes a micro-compact.
The gun is NOT 19.5 oz's. NOT.
Kimber is trying to fool all of you.
This thing weighs over 22 oz's!!
19.5 oz's is without the optic or even a magazine in the gun!!!
😄 What's up with that crap?
I bought this gun too, I feel like I may have gotten sucked into buying some sort of over hyped gun. It's just good. Not great. The trigger is grit and then grit, then grit. Reset is just meh.
Trigger slaps your shooting finger! Ouch!
Take down is stupid hard when it looks to be so simple.
It was accurate I guess.
It looks Hi Point ish. Yuck.
I don't know. It's not the best at anything.
Ok, maybe the mag release. It's really good.
The closed top is NOT a benefit at all. Along with an internal extractor. Nope.
I will keep it but it should cost about 259.99 to be honest. Oh, the sights are pretty good too. That's about it though. Beware.
Foolishness, all guns companies claim ounces saying without mag inserted and just buy the one without red dot, 19.5 ounces
Kimber must not of sent you one to test, lol
Looks like you don't like the looks and you still bought it. Biden voter.
I think you bought yours from Wish 😂