Kimber anticipates future advances in weapon construction with the R7 Mako micro-compact, high-capacity 9mm pistol. The R7 Mako differs from what we're used to seeing in micro handguns in a number of ways. The R7 Mako utilizes a design that Kimber describes as a "shrouded slide," which is the first distinction. This indicates that the handgun has an ejection "port" rather than an open-top design. The R7 Mako's barrel has a lug on the top rear that fits into a matching recess notched into the slide, in contrast to the conventional barrel-hood-to-slide lockup. The choice to employ an internal extractor, a part more similar to an M1911, is another shift from the usual. A roll-pin holds a large claw-shaped ejector in position in a sub-assembly. Each R7 Mako is optic-ready. Standard models are offered without an optic, while the improved R7 Mako (OI) variant comes equipped with a Crimson Trace CTS-1500 3-MOA red dot. The magazine release buttons have a special design and are ambidextrous. They stand above recessed scoops and are smooth. The pistol comes with both an 11-round and a 13-round magazine, with the 13-round magazine offering significantly greater control.