[DMK]

I'm considering a lighter government model for CCW. Any recommendations of models to look for, what to avoid?

I prefer basic. No light rail, ambi, extended or funneled anything. I don't even like forward serrations, but could live with them if it's otherwise a good gun.

Thanks

[tegemu]

I have and love a Smith & Wesson Scandium Commander that I had Bobtailed. Probably the best handgun I have ever owned (I currently have 6 1911's and a bunch of others). They have discontinued the Scandium Commander which is Stainless Steel colored but are making practically the same gun in black, the 1911PD. They are very light 1911's.

[The Lone Haranguer]

S&W makes a full-size scandium frame model. I was looking at one in a local shop last week. Springfield Armory did, at least at one time.

[MICHAEL T]

I have a Colt LTW Commander on at present.

[Sniper X]

Kimber Tactical Custom II, I have one and it is full goverment size alloy frame.

[DMK]

I'll have to keep my eye out for one of these models.

Alloy framed Govt. models or even Commanders don't seem to be nearly as common locally as those little 3" barreled abominations.

[Technosavant]

I have a Springfield Armory full size lightweight loaded. It is a great gun, but has the forward serrations and the ambi safety. I'd recommend looking into it. They do have a 4" lightweight GI model, which would not have the extra features, but again, you want a 5" model (and you might want more on it than the GI provides). The S&W would also be a good gun; I don't think you can go wrong choosing between those two.

[DMK]

Well, that's a few models to look for. Thanks!


Technosavant, I didn't know SA even made an alloy frame. I'll have to scour their website again.

[45crittergitter]

Les Baer makes them and they're real shooters. For the money, I'd look hard and the S&W Sc. I do love the 5" lighweights!

[Phil DeGraves]

Kimber CDP

[tydephan]

DMK,
Springfield has several models that would fit your criteria:

My favorite - Full size Loaded Light-weight Bi-tone (http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=21). It does have an ambi safety though, and night sites, which might be considered excessive by your requirements.

The Operator series also a couple of lightweight models, but they all have the light rail and other unnecessary add-ons.

So, take a look at the Loaded series and the Operator series on the Springfield Armory site. Maybe this will help with your scouring. :D

The Smith's are really nice too. I have been drooling over a Smith 4-inch 1911 scandium frame with Crimson Trace grips recently. Really would like to get it, but my gun budget is really low and it has a price tag of $1000.

Good luck. The lightweight frames are great in my book!

[DMK]

Thanks for the link tydephan.

Those scandium S&Ws do look nice. I've yet to see any S&Ws locally though.

[45crittergitter]

Gunbroker has an S&W Sc 5" or two.

[longeyes]

I have an S&W 1911 PD Scandium Commander. Two thumbs up. I really like this pistol. S&W also makes a Scandium frame 5" model.

[distra]

S&W Scandium commander. I had mine bobtailed and refinished with Cobra coat by Tripp Research. Jess at OnTarget (http://www.ontargetcgw.com/) did the work. This pistol is my favorite and main carry. I use it for IDPA matches at our club almost every weekend. The finish is holding up very well on the slide and frame.

http://images6.theimagehosting.com/BradGrips079.th.jpg (http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=BradGrips079.jpg)
http://images6.theimagehosting.com/Closeup2_small.th.jpg (http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=Closeup2_small.jpg)

[Phil DeGraves]

Kimber Aegis