Some of the firearms offered by gun manufacturers like Kimber are not intended for the general public. There are specific Kimber law enforcement firearms designed for use by those in law enforcement.
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In 2002, the Los Angeles Police Department began using a modified version of the Custom TLE II pistol made by Kimber. It became a standard issue sidearm for the LAPD SWAT unit and
the Shooting Times noted that many other SWAT teams around the nation followed the LAPD's lead in adopting these pistols as their sidearm of choice.
The Custom TLE II model for the SWAT team is a single-action semi-automatic pistol. It uses .45 ACP rounds and features a five-inch barrel and a seven round magazine. The frame, slide and barrel are all made from steel. Other features included fixed combat sights and black rubber grips.
The American Rifleman noted that the pistol also complies with California firearm safety laws by including a firing pin blocking safety. This safety activates when the pistol is not gripped and can only be released when the grip safety is depressed.
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LAPD SWAT liked many of the features included in the Kimber Custom TLE II. Some of these features were originally only available after market on similar 1911 pistols from other manufacturers. What Kimber brought the table impressed the LAPD so much, they settled on exclusively purchasing SWAT team pistols from the New York-based manufacturer. The LAPD even reportedly turned down an offer from another gun manufacturer to provide 1911 pistols free of charge, according to the American Rifleman.
Since it is a base model, Kimber can offer a version of the Custom TLE II to the public. The key difference between the model sold commercially and the model issued to the LAPD are the serial numbers. The Shooting Times notes that LAPD versions have serial numbers that start with KLA114. K stands for Kimber and the LA114 matches the unit’s radio call sign.
Kimber America offers the Custom TLE II at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $1,080. It can sell for several hundred dollars higher at gun shops and with private sellers.
This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.
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