First Look: Kimber Camp Guard 10mm

by
posted on May 24, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
camp_guard_better_f.jpg

Being in the backcountry can be unpredictable. When scouting, setting up camp, carrying water from a creek or butchering an animal, it’s not always easy to have your rifle within reach. The threats posed by bears, mountain lions, wolves and even ill-intentioned humans, though remote, are serious business when you’re on the wrong side of the probability curve. The ability to have a powerful firearm within reach at all times can be crucial, and is just the niche that the Kimber Camp Guard was designed to fill. Here are five things you need to know.

It's the 10mm Auto cartridge on the 1911 platform.
Though the Camp Guard is built on the familiar 1911 design, it is chambered in the powerful 10mm Auto cartridge. The 10mm Auto offers superior penetration over the .45 ACP and has been used successfully on some of the largest and toughest game on the planet. Heavy loads from companies such as DoubleTap Ammo push 180-grain bullets at nearly 1300 feet per second. 9 rounds (8+1) of 10mm is serious business when things go bad.

It sports RMEF rosewood grips.
The Camp Guard is a collaboration between Kimber and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, a fact that is celebrated by the handgun’s rosewood grips that are engraved with RMEF’s logo. Besides looking good, these grips provide a firm purchase.

It features stainless steel construction with two-tone finish.
The slide, frame, barrel and other assorted parts used on the Camp Guard are built from stainless steel to keep corrosion at bay in nasty weather. The slide and barrel bushing are finished with a black KimPro II finish which provides an additional layer of protection and adds to the overall good looks of the handgun.

It has a round heel frame for compact carry.
Compact guns can be hard to shoot under duress, but a full-size handgun can get in the way when you’re working hard. Kimber went for a best-of-both-worlds feel by bobbing the frame on the Camp Guard to a give it a round heel. Not only does this make the pistol easier to carry and to conceal, it eliminates some sharp edges that can catch on clothing and gear.

Custom features come standard.
The Carry Guard comes with a bunch of slick features. The grip frame’s frontstrap is checkered at a fine 30 LPI and the mainspring housing is serrated, both offering a firm grip during recoil. This handguard also uses a ramped barrel, a beavertail grip safety, a skeletonized hammer and trigger, an extended thumb safety, full-length guide rod, snag-free sights and front cocking serrations. The top of the slide is milled flat between the sights, which is a very nice touch.

Latest

W H2026 07 Knowhow SI357, Mark Kayser Lines Up On A Target At More Than 500 Yards In His Pasture Setting, Copyright Mark Kayser
W H2026 07 Knowhow SI357, Mark Kayser Lines Up On A Target At More Than 500 Yards In His Pasture Setting, Copyright Mark Kayser

Know How: Find Your Long-Range Limit

Curious where your ethical limit is in the field? Mark Kayser shows you exactly how to find it.

Smith & Wesson Honors America's 250th Anniversary with Limited-Edition Model 1854

Smith & Wesson has announced the launch of its America 250 Limited Edition Model 1854 rifle, created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

#SundayGunday: Fiocchi Hyperformance Hunt

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out an excellent hunting round from Fiocchi: Hyperformance Hunt. Designed for intense terminal performance at standard to long hunting distances, the Hyperformance Hunt line comes loaded with either a Hornady SST Polymer Boat-Tail bullet, a Swift Scirocco Boat-Tail Spitzer, or a Barnes TTSX Polymer Tipped Copper HollowPoint. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

First Look: Eylar X Brownells 250th Anniversary Rifle and Pistol Cases

Eylar has launched its 250th Anniversary rifle case and pistol case, created in partnership with Brownells to celebrate America's 250th anniversary in 2026. Featuring patriotic artwork, tan hard-shell construction and purpose-built foam interiors, the commemorative cases offer firearm owners a distinctive way to protect and transport their gear while honoring a major milestone in American history.

Says Me: ‘Rocky Mountain Harry’ Lies Within Us All

I have always been intrigued by what possibly could lie beyond the next hill. I suppose that is a primary reason I am a hunter. Surely hunters everywhere share this sentiment. Surely Harry Yount did. That’s him above.

Hardware Review: Spandau RL Bolt Action

Based in Knoxville, Tenn., SDS Arms works with manufacturers worldwide to develop and import some of the finest firearms, many tailored to specific needs. Its latest is the RL bolt-action rifle, manufactured by Spandau. Emulating the famous bolt action of yesteryear, this rifle is capable straight out of the box, and it is compatible with nearly any aftermarket part that fits the Remington Model 700.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.