[hk p2000sk]

Hi,

I have been looking for a compact 1911 since most are single stack and carries the .45acp round. I'm 5'8 and 165lbs and would like to know which 1911 that you would recommend for ccw iwb. I also wanted to know if most 1911 have the 2nd strike capability. Thanks in advance.

[Extremist]

Smith & Wesson 1911Sc if you can find one, otherwise, the 1911PD Commander. I personally like the "Billboard" markings like this:

http://www.lenaburgs.net/images/SmithWesson/1911Sc_1st640.jpg

But some prefer the more subdued markings of the current line:

http://www.lenaburgs.net/images/SmithWesson/My1911PDs640.jpg

All 1911s that are "real" 1911s are single action designed for cocked-and-lock carry. If you want something that is light double action, which probably has double-strike capability, you will have to go with something from Para-ordance.

James

[1911 guy]

1911's I have and use that I feel comfortable recommending:
Springfield Mil-Spec I carry this as a backup to my primary, which is a ...
Charles Daly EFS. Yeah, I know, cheap gun. But it's 100% reliable and I don't mind ruining the finish with a holster. Having said that, I also have another Charles Daly EFS, same model, that does not feed 100% with JHP's. Close, but not good enough for SD.

By reputation, I'll go out on a limb and say the most common carry guns will be Springfields, Kimbers, Smith & Wessons, and Colts.

As far as the Para Ordnance, I've got one recently and like it, but it took some minor "fluff and buff" to get it running 100%, even with hardball. I'll never carry it for CCW, but I'm sure some have had different experiences and feel differently.

As far as "second strike", not if it's a real 1911. It's a single action platform. My very biased advice is to learn how to get a FTF out of the way instead of hoping for a lucky stroke the second time around.

[MrChicken]

I'm the same height and 3 lbs heavier than you. I carry a 5" all steel 1911 in Milt Sparks VM-II iwb holster.

Stay with the big name guys and you'll be fine. Find the one that has the best fit, sights and trigger for YOU. Buy good magazines and ammo.

I've never had a factory round that needed a second strike. I have had a factory round that had not fired after a good primer strike. the primer was not the problem. The round was not from what I call 1st tier ammo maker.

[boldkharma]

Here are some that have never failed me once. Les Baer,Colt, Springfield and Kimber.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f102/Boldkharma/1911s003.jpg

[tegemu]

You asked about a "compact" 1911. Kimber, Springfield, Colt all make a 3" barreled 1911 that, in my experience shoot almost as well as any 1911 for the average shooter. They are also emminently pocketable.

[Zach S]

If you want something that is light double action, which probably has double-strike capability, you will have to go with something from Para-ordance.
Nope. Just like a single action 1911, you have to thumb-cock the hammer to hit the round again (which PO reccomends that you dont do).

[zgate]

Failure to fire with a 1911, including the Para LDA pistols, is handled like any other stoppage ==> Tap-Rack-Assess ,,,