[Lightsped]

I am looking for a compact 1911. I prefer something in blue with either a 3.5 or 4 inch barrel. I would prefer something with at least 7+1 (more is preferable) capacity. I don't want anything ultra expensive or fancy. Just a nice sized, blue, affordable, no frills compact 1911.

Guns I have looked at so far that meet most of my criteria:

Colt Defender II (+1 capacity over regular Defenders)
Kimber Pro Carry (no frills blue model)
Springfield Ultra V-10 (ported 3.5 inch two tone)

Any ideas?

[Snake Eyes]

Why don't you buy a Colt Compact model 1911?

3.5 inch barrel, bulged with bushing for accuracy, 7+1 capacity with CM mags (stock is 6+1), and the oh-so-collectible "Colt doesn't make them anymore" guaranteed price escalator.

I've got three of 'em. Want one? Send me a PM.

[Lightsped]

Isn't Colt's compact 1911 the Defender? It has the bushing and all. Yeah, post a pic if possible.

[ruger357]

Have had good luck with my Kimber ultra carry.

[ambidextrous1]

The Colt Defender is a good choice; so is the Springfield ultra-compact. I believe the V-10 is ported; if so, i will get your attention when it fires, due to muzzle blast and the fireballs tha he ports emit. I settled for the ultra-compact, which has been 100% reliable after replacing the extractor and tuning the new one a la Weigand. In either case (Colt or springfield), go for the alloy frame - much more comfortable!:cool:

[Sean Smith]

IMHO the nicest size package for a combination of concealability, reliability and actual shootability is the 4-4.25" barreled slide with the "officer's model" equivalent frame. Colt sold it as the CCO, Kimber sells something similar as the Compact. <4" barreled variants tend to have more reliability problems, and grips shorter than "Officer's Model" style require hard-toget proprietary magazines, so I'd avoid both.

[Snake Eyes]

http://members.cox.net/storep/Compacts.jpg

Isn't Colt's compact 1911 the Defender? It has the bushing and all. Yeah, post a pic if possible.
Colt made LOTS of off-sized 1911 variants. These are actually called "Compact Models"--that's what is rollmarked on the frame, along with 1991A1 on the slide.

I bought these to have customized. I shoot one in IDPA, use one as my primary carry and have one as a spare. This gun has been utterly reliable in the IDPA stages I've shot and plenty accurate. The aftermarket 7+1 mags are easy to find--Chip McCormick--and completely reliable.

Actually, there's one for sale on GunBroker right now cheaper than I'd sell you any of mine. I was kind of hoping this guy would come down to $450 but he's had this thing up for months at $499. Just for comparison, I wouldn't sell one of mine for less than $600.

Compact on GunBroker (http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=10189678)

Note: This auction has ended but the guy will probably relist the gun in the next couple of days. Or you could call him up.

Good Luck!