[drf]

OK guys I think I've narrowed it down! I'm looking for the smallest most reliable, and durable .45 I can find. I want something with the durability of my p-90 in a smaller package with 1911 style......

money wise I really dont know what these are going for in the real world but I would like to keep it under $800....

Colt Defender
Kimber ultra carry II
Para-Ordnance P10
Springfield compact 1911-A1....

Please give me some input and let me know if I left out a better possibility.

All of you have been a great help and have given me so much important information.......Thank U all and I'm glad I found this site!!!!!!!drf

[Skunkabilly]

This is personal preference more than anything else...so it's between 3" 1911-pattern pistols, correct?

Get a Glock 36! :neener:

SEriously I don't know much about reliability from 3" 1911s...I fondled an SA 3" model twotone...it was neat but the fit and finish wasn't that good. The owner liked his Kimber 3" better...but like I say, it's personal preference :)

Sorry I know this doesn't help at all :(

[drf]

I would like the Glock and thought about the Kahr but to be honest I dont trust myself not having a safety on a gun.....I would never buy a gun without a manual safety!drf

[Skunkabilly]

Guns with safeties, guns without safeties...all are equally dangerous. If you ever forget to work the safety on the 1911 and you put it away, the potential of being in a world of hurt is still very high.

I'm not sure how much training you've put yourself through (which can never enough but as a consolation it's fun as heck!) but pick whichever one suits your fancy and you like better...then just shoot the heck out of it :)

[jercamp45]

There has been much written on the 'reliability' issue of sub 4 inch guns....but I have a pair of Officer's models that I have had for years that work all the time. And Para LDA Companion that is reliable too...
So,
A friend had a Ultra Carry CDP he loves and it has been reliable.
The same friend had a SA Micro Compact that initially gave him problems until he added the Wilson guide rod to it, then it was fine...he traded for the Ultra Carry to save some weight!
I like the Defender and the CCO from Colt but as yet have not shot either one.
The Para P10, well, I have never fired one..love the idea, but have heard that reliability problems plauge those little 'uns. Maybe because of the staggered mag!
Personally, I'd get a 4inch barrel and Officer frame...for the grip is that which prints in an IWB.....CCO(got to look for these used) or Compact
But given you list of desireable features..... I'd get feel the Defender and Ultra Carry and see which one 'sang' to you....if I had the extra cash I'd get the CDP as it is 'melted' and has night sights. If ya want it small, no reason to get a heavy steel frame, so that leaves the SA out. And until I hear stark raving reviews on the reliability of a P10(and it's double column mag) I am leaving it alone.
My Para LDA is fantastic, but I only got the DAO to serve as a work gun, I prefer the cocked and locked carry. I'll admit that the LDA's trigger is unlike ANY other DAO and is very light and smooth...but the added extra parts MAY give me problems one day. Then again, maybe not!
My 2 cents,
Jercamp45

[DMK]

Personally, I'd get a 4inch barrel and Officer frame...for the grip is that which prints in an IWB.....CCO I just got a Colt CCO (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46727&highlight=cco) and it carries nicely. Very light and compact, plus it shoots beautifully.

I'd recommend the later XS CCO, they just look nicer and are supposedly more consistant in build quality. The Kimber Compact CDP has almost identical dimensions and also seems like a nice pistol.