1911 ccw quandry.

I currently own a PT1911 which i carry most of the year except summer as ive found it too large and heavy for summer clothing.
During the summer ive found the SA XD SC .40 a perfect gun, But i would prefer my 1911 if it were possible. I also prefer the .45 caliber but will tolerate a .40 since size was an issue.

For this reason im considering a 3" 1911 that would replace both guns.
Or another full sized to replace the PT1911 only.

The big determining issue would be how a mid grade ($1k) 3" handles and feels against a 5" of the same quality and price. With the 5" id still have to carry the XD .40 in the summer.

What im asking is would you give up a low end 5" 1911 for a mid grade 1911 3" so you could carry it all year long.
OR, Would you buy another 5" 1911 and carry the XD in the summer.

Experience: None with a 3" past holding one for a few minutes, But i loved it.
That was a Colt New Agent and a SA also. Ive never shot one but ive shot other .45 SC's with no issue.

If i bought a 3" id sell my current 1911 and the XD both.
If i buy a 5" is sell the PT1911 only.

I think i would miss shooting a great handling 5" at the range and during practice. Shooting the XD for practice is enjoyable but not the same as the 5" 1911.

Please don't bash the PT1911 or Taurus as quality and reliability has nothing to do with this topic. The gun actually shoots amazingly well and has served me reliably. Thats all that needs said.

Now, FORGET about 3" reliability issues, NO TALK of it please. I know all about it and why it happens and how its fixed when possible.

what do you consider a mid-grade 3"? My Defender 90 was $850 after taxes and NIB. I like the feel of it a lot and the comparison in shooting between it and my 5" ESP is very similar. Little more kick from the Colt, but nothing like other 3" guns I've shot. I'd definitely take it any day over a small .380. The only issue I've had is the casings keep hitting me in the head and forehead. Not sure if this is a Colt "feature" or what, but it does get annoying.
As far as all that 3" reliability nonsense, that's exactly what I feel about it. So far I've put over 100 rounds through mine including some Ranger Type T's and I've had zero issues. I pull the trigger and it fires, very smoothly too.

HA! :) ...I was just about to say...There's nothing "mid-grade" about the Colt Defender (http://www.coltsmfg.com/products-c5-q51-COLT_PISTOLS.aspx) ....
DasFriek...get a Defender....your carry quandary solved.

I carry a 5" SA 1911 in a IWB with a belt all the time in the summer, no problem. Just tuck the holster inside your shorts and pull your t-shirt over it. Here's the key, Beltman belt.

Love my 1911 springfield, but recently my younger son purchased a Jericho in .45ACP and I believe it is the answer to your quandry. Handles like the 1911, but better sights, nice recoil characteristics, I just really like it, especially if you are looking for CCW. Might be a little hard to find since they are no longer imported, but they're around.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jericho_941

KKKKFL

I think i would miss shooting a great handling 5" at the range and during practice. Shooting the XD for practice is enjoyable but not the same as the 5" 1911.

So buy the Defender and sell the XD. This way you keep the 5" for range and practice as well as having the 3" for carry with ammo compatabiility as a bonus.

Sounds like you are not that enthusiastic about the 40 caliber and the XD so why not let it go?

Keep both guns and get what you want. Now you will have three handguns to choose from and shooting pleasure.

I didn't vote...

I didn't vote. DON'T sell any 1911 or other gun, just add too.

Look at the Springfield Ultra Compact. 3.5" barrel, short stack, steel frame.
I had heard the stories about the 3" 1911s and geometry changes that affect reliability, I think the extra half inch should help. it should still be very concealable. The steel frame will make range time more comfortable and similar to a 5"

Did you know when you put Aluminum next to steel, it causes galvanic corrosion? I am kinda surprised there are not more frame to slide issues with AL framed steel slided 1911s. Here at Boeing, we do everything we can to not have the two meet. When they do, we seal the crap out of everything.

I also have a Defender and used to carry it until I got the 3" STI Shadow . Now the Defender is my backup ifthe Shadow is down for some reason. I have 600+ rounds through the Shadow and something like that with th Defender with zero issues on either one. I mainly carry the Shadow because of the night sights and darker finish.

Greg528iT...Maybe Boeing should have a look at how gun manufacturers solved the "disimular metal" problem.

i had the same problem a while back. i set out to get a officer 3.5" barrel. found 3 at agunshow, walked past a kimber ss pro carry 4" & have not looked back. i ended up with a carry pistol that i love to shoot. i liked it so much that i bought the 9mm pro carry. it is a hair longer then ideal, but worth the extra inch.

I currently own a PT1911 which i carry most of the year except summer as ive found it too large and heavy for summer clothing.

My 1911s weigh the same year round.

Buy a defender or a LTW Commander if you can find one Their the best of both almost same weight as defender and 4 1/4 barrel

posted by DasFriek
Now, FORGET about 3" reliability issues,

if reliability doesn't matter to you, i'd get the 3" 1911

An alloy framed 3" 1911 weighs ~24 oz. A steel framed 5" 1911 weighs ~40 oz. That is a world of difference. I own both. :)

Own one of each if you can...or at least shoot both back to back and see what you think. I'll say this much; the 3" alloy frame is great for summer carry.

If you get the chance, try an alloy frame 4" or 4 1/4". They weigh around 28 oz. You gain one round and a bit of velocity. If you can only own one handgun, I'd call it a dang near perfect compromise.

I don't know what 3" 1911 you held, but I have two that are in that size area: a S&W Pro Series Compact and a Colt lightweight enhanced officers ACP (which has a 3.5" barrel. I can wholeheartedly recommend the new S&W model. It carries extremely well in my Dave Workman IWB. It fires anything I put into the Wilson Combat mags without fail. Slowly it is moving into my #1 position for a primary carry piece -- and it's got some stiff competition! lol!

Good luck with your choice!

I would not sell either of them! I would buy one that fixs my problem and keep shooting.

I have not got a 1911 yet because I am saving money for a short 1911. I borrowed a full sized one and I am too short to carry it IWB and set down with it.

A 1911, full sized or not, would carry better for me than an XD.

I find full sizes to carry equally well to the smaller ones.

Im not trying to nitpick you decision because everyone is different but I am urging you to try out the mid or small 1911 for more than just a second if you can so you know how well it is going to carry in the long term.

I know how to carry my 1911 IWB, But in the summer its not comfortable for me.
If i didn't sell or trade unneeded guns id have about 10 laying around that i couldn't afford to shoot. And many times i wouldn't be able to afford new guns if i didn't trade them in or sell older ones.
The poll says buy the 5" but the post's say buy the 3".
Im still not sure what way ill head, But i have been thinking more on this.

For one i don't mind selling or trading off the PT1911, But i don't like the idea of selling the XD very much. But that may be due to me carrying it constantly now and how well it carries in warm weather.

BTW i call mid priced $700-$1000 just for reference.

DasFriek

I really don't understand what you are trying to accomplish. Selling one 5" 1911 to buy another 5" 1911 does not make sense, unless you are unhappy with your current PT-1911. Also selling the XD and the 1911 to purchase a 3" 1911 is a big mistake. Shooting a 3" is a world apart from shooting a 4 or 5 inch pistol and range on the 3 inch is very, very short compared to a 4 or 5 inch pistol.

My personal choices were a 4 inch Kimber 1911 (not too bad for carry, a little heavy) and a PT-140 for carry (excelent size and weight). I am a better shot with the 1911, but would not expect to use the PT-140 except for SD within 7 yards or less.

Here is my recommendation; Keep the XD, sell the PT-1911 and buy a 4" 1911 (commander size) that suites your fancy and needs. Carry both (not at the same time). However, myself, I am saving up right now for a Kinber Ultra Carry with CT grip that costs $1,080. It is an alluminum frame 3" 45 ACP that is exceptionally light and easy to conceal.

Just my 2 cents worth.
Jim

Just pick one....they ALL go Bang.


http://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu33/jbmcheers/IMGP0831.jpg

What im trying to accomplish is to buy a higher quality 1911, But not sure if it should be a 3" or 5".
If i didn't have the XD this would be a simple choice as id just buy a 3" so i could carry the same gun year round.
I mainly enjoy the 5" for its size and weight when my clothing allows it, Its a mental thing. But i just cant carry it in the summer months, Which many will argue me to death about but, Its my choice and comfort not yours (To the people who say year round carry with a 5" is no problem).

I guess it will just come down to the time im ready to head to the gun store and see my options in front of me.

I don't shoot much for enjoyment due to ammo costs, But i still practice regularly. If i shot more for enjoyment the 5" would be my easy choice.

I didn't read all of the above posts to see if it had been suggested yet but Springfield and some other manufacturers make alloy framed full sized 1911s. They would carry a little better on the belt and might be easier to conceal in the summer. Also, you might look at the bobbed grip models. It does aid concealability a bit. Personally I also like the one gun concept. I like the idea of carrying one gun all year.

what do you consider a mid-grade 3"? My Defender 90 was $850 after taxes and NIB. I like the feel of it a lot and the comparison in shooting between it and my 5" ESP is very similar. Little more kick from the Colt, but nothing like other 3" guns I've shot. I'd definitely take it any day over a small .380. The only issue I've had is the casings keep hitting me in the head and forehead. Not sure if this is a Colt "feature" or what, but it does get annoying.
As far as all that 3" reliability nonsense, that's exactly what I feel about it. So far I've put over 100 rounds through mine including some Ranger Type T's and I've had zero issues. I pull the trigger and it fires, very smoothly too.

This is exactly my experience right down to contracting brass forehead syndrome.
But my defender replaced my J frame as my summer carry. The J frame has been regulated to guarding my safe.

Here he is next to big brother:

124306
Click to Enlarge

P.S. .45Heater, everytime I see the wear on your Kimber: I love the sight of it.
That gun's finish wore perfectly.

Beautiful Working Gun!

I am waiting for the Combat Elite above to wear like that. It is taking tooo long

I EDC a Kimber Ultra Carry II.
It has been 100% reliable with FMJ and JHP. It carries easy, is light as feather, and at 20 yards is as accurate as the 5" models. I have several Government 1911's, but prefer the carry the Ultra.


That said.... I say keep what you got, and save up for your next pistol.

Every pistol I ever sold/trade, I ended up regretting it. So, I do not do that anymore.

Every pistol I ever sold/trade, I ended up regretting it. So, I do not do that anymore.

Amen

Bushmaster.

Actually Boeing has solved it as best as anyone can. It's not that gun manufacturers have solved it, it's just that AL framed, steel slided pistols rely on being disassembled periodically, cleaned and relubed. As long as you do this care, all should be fine.

My next question is.. in regards to forging of the frame or not. I've been perusing a few different sites.. you read a bit of.. cast steel frame vs forged steel frame.. you know blah blah... and of course I would rather have a forged steel frame / slide. I've not heard any mention of how they produce the Alloy / Aluminum frames. Are AL frames cast or forged?

okay i dint answer the poll as it sits becuase there is a third option and noone has mentioned it.. or maybe its not an option, so i'll offer it, if the taurus and xd are nice and ya like them, but ya need somethng lighter for the summer, why not keep the other 2 and just buy a 3 inch 1911 and call it good?

I would keep the XD and comprimise with selling the PT1911 and buying a 4'' or a Commander 1911 that would serve as carry and be comfortable to shoot.
I am currently thinking about a Springfeild LW Champion 1911 for carry.

The XD SC .40 is great for summer carry, I have no complaints.
Its that id like to upgrade the 1911 to a higher grade gun is all.
The XD was purchased as i found a 5" 1911 to hard to carry in the summer.

I really like the Colt Defender alot as ive held that gun also.
In reality id also like to carry 1 gun all year long also and not have to use 2 for muscle memory reasons. Plus i prefer a .45acp anyhow.

I wont be able to make any deffinete decisions until the time comes, But if i go 3" it will be the Defender and if i go 5" ill go Dan Wesson bobtail.

But if i go 3" it will be the Defender and if i go 5" ill go Dan Wesson bobtail

Can't fault those choices. I want a bobtail myself.
Keep us updated as to which one you get.

My vote is: neither.

Don't get rid of your proven carry guns. Carry the XD until you find a smaller 1911.

Alternatively, you could embrace the XD and get a second XD. Just use that gun and keep the PT1911 for fun on the range.

My Colt Officer's ACP LW has functioned perfectly since I bought it back in the 80s. It is supposed to have problems with launching the recoil spring downrange, as well as issues with feeding certain types of ammo. Mine has been stone reliable through some 6K rounds of all types. Three inch .45 autos CAN be reliable.

Sounds like you prefer 1911s over most of the double stack offerings. Try carrying your PT1911 in a good holster like a Galco Summer Comfort, Milt Sparks Summer Special, or similar holster first. A good reinforced belt made specifically for CCW is also a must, and will work with any gun/holster combo you may get down the road.

If the better holster & belt don't work then I'd start looking at Aluminium frame 5" and 4 1/4" bbl 1911s. I'd try lighter weight before going to a super short bbl on a 1911.

I have an Amish made heavy duty belt that is on par with LE grade belts at the LGS i bought it from. Its a great belt and was rather expensive for just a plain belt.
The Holster i hand made myself so it is as comfy as an IWB is gonna get for me since i made it to fit my own specs.

Once fall and cooler weather hits ill be wearing the PT1911 as i much prefer it as a SD weapon. If the XD SC was a .45 i think we may not even be discussing this as i like it alot even tho its a .40
But i much prefer a .45 so here we are.

As it stands ill be carrying the .40 till fall and im happy in do so. I also like a full sized 1911 during colder weather, I like the weight and size to be honest.
But it doesnt get me threw the summer.

No way on a second XD even in .45acp
The issue with a 1911 during the summer isnt so much weight as it is size. Heck the XD is a small chunk of steel itself, But it does a great job in the waist band.

I just looked at Buds DW selection and the price went threw the roof! $1400 isnt gonna happen on my budget.
But im not adverse to used guns so who knows just what i could snag at a good price.

While i wont make a decision until im filling out the NICS form and then ill know what im buying. But the Colt Defender would be my pick for a 3".
Nothing against Kimber, But they just dont make me feel special like a Colt does. Also that gun is almost as small as the XD SC if not smaller as i know its thinner.

I think i may have a new direction. Buying the Colt Defender and carry it year round and trade in the XD and keep the PT1911 as i love shooting it. I cant afford gun "collections" i own guns i use. The PT1911 would stay since i doubt id get much on trade as it shows alot of wear from carrying it so much, Plus ive done quite a bit of work to it so a part of me is in the gun also. Its also an awsome shooter so i think this may be my most likley path.
That way i only need to buy .45 and .22lr ammo and im set!

You'll love the Defender if you go that route. I was worried I was going to be making a big (and expensive) mistake getting such a small .45 without ever firing one, but I do not regret the decision one bit. The ultimate vote of confidence was my son because he hates everything that isn't butter smooth. He doesn't like my SP101, P64, or 629. He shot it several times last time we were at the range and said he liked it a lot even though there was slightly more of a bite than my ESP full size 1911. It looks really good too and it's pretty light, until you fill it with 8 rounds of .45 ACP of course.. kinda hard to be light with that caliber.

My Colt Officer's ACP LW has functioned perfectly since I bought it back in the 80s. It is supposed to have problems with launching the recoil spring downrange, as well as issues with feeding certain types of ammo. Mine has been stone reliable through some 6K rounds of all types. Three inch .45 autos CAN be reliable.

is my math off, or does this work out to <200 rounds a year?

is my math off, or does this work out to <200 rounds a year?

So, even if it is less than 200 rounds a year. It would still be 6,000 rounds without a jam.

I pretty much carry either a full-sized 1911 or my defender and I shoot them at least twice a month. About 300 rounds per gun per month since I bought them in 2001(gov) and 2003(defender). I haven't had any problems yet.

As long as you get spring replacements when your supposed to they'll never let you down; and spring are very cheap (I usually keep 2 or 3 in my parts box). I change mine conservatively at 3,000rds and 750rds respectfully

Pics on Post # 24

So, even if it is less than 200 rounds a year. It would still be 6,000 rounds without a jam.

so would shooting a mag a month for 60 years, but i wouldn't consider that an indicator of reliablilty. now 500 rounds a month (that's less than 100rd a week) would reach that 6000 in a year and would be a better indicator. i commend your spring change intervals and really is something needed to keep the Defender running...the only problem is when users don't and their expectations of performance become unrealistic

With respect, perhaps you might consider a .45 pistol with an officers model frame and a commander size barrel / slide. This gives you the added reliability of a 4" barrel and the ease of concealment of the shorter butt with the Officers frame.
My Kimber Compact Stainless II in .45 acp has been totally reliable and surprisingly accurate too. I fitted it with Trijicon nite sights and CT laser sights. IMHO a fine concealed pistol with some Kick a-- power.

Roger
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p235/RogerS_photo/Fire%20arms%202010/firearms41410016-1.jpg

.45 pistol with an officers model frame and a commander size barrel / slide

I am a Defender fan and I think that a Commander slide on an Officer's frame is a good idea. I have wanted the Dan Wesson version of this for years. I think its called the CCO?

I currently own a PT1911 which i carry most of the year except summer as ive found it too large and heavy for summer clothing.
During the summer ive found the SA XD SC .40 a perfect gun, But i would prefer my 1911 if it were possible. I also prefer the .45 caliber but will tolerate a .40 since size was an issue.

For this reason im considering a 3" 1911 that would replace both guns.
Or another full sized to replace the PT1911 only.

I would just carry the XD year round....but I'm not a fan of carrying a steel 5" 1911 around all day either.


HOWEVER.....

Since you really like the 1911 platform, I recommend that you sell both the 5" 1911 and the XD and get the pistol you really want.
That way you will have the 3" 1911, which you prefer, and you will have a handgun that is small enough to carry year round.


The steel 5" 1911 was never intended to be a concealed hangun.

I have a Springfield Loaded Gov't and a Rock Island Compact. While the size of the compact (i.e. Officer) makes it easier to carry, IMHO the few ounces from the Gov't size to the Officer size isn't much. I forget the exact numbers, but you're going from something like 40oz to 34oz. While that's almost 1/2 pound, it's still a 2+ pound gun, just in a gun with a shorter slide and grip frame.

I like the XD and a XD Compact is on my short list to acquire. It has 1911 characteristics but saves some ounces and size.

Q

DasFriek

I really don't understand what you are trying to accomplish. Selling one 5" 1911 to buy another 5" 1911 does not make sense, unless you are unhappy with your current PT-1911. Also selling the XD and the 1911 to purchase a 3" 1911 is a big mistake. Shooting a 3" is a world apart from shooting a 4 or 5 inch pistol and range on the 3 inch is very, very short compared to a 4 or 5 inch pistol.

My personal choices were a 4 inch Kimber 1911 (not too bad for carry, a little heavy) and a PT-140 for carry (excelent size and weight). I am a better shot with the 1911, but would not expect to use the PT-140 except for SD within 7 yards or less.

Here is my recommendation; Keep the XD, sell the PT-1911 and buy a 4" 1911 (commander size) that suites your fancy and needs. Carry both (not at the same time). However, myself, I am saving up right now for a Kinber Ultra Carry with CT grip that costs $1,080. It is an alluminum frame 3" 45 ACP that is exceptionally light and easy to conceal.

Just my 2 cents worth.
Jim

Good advice. I bought the Springfield Micro Compact GI, then 2 years later dropped $300 into a trigger job, better sights, better beavertail and hammr.

Since I spent the money on it I shoot it. But its not just dropping down in size, it handles a lot different than a full size.

I own both and carry the full size the majority of the time, all through summer and Im a 5'9" guy, nothing big.

Get your hands on a small one before you buy it and shoot it, see if you like it. I shoot mine every time I shoot the full size so I keep the skill up.

Or Buy the DW CCO or a Commander. Remember, you dont have to hide the barrel, its in your pants, its the grips that are the problem.

Something else to consider when you need a small gun. They makes these cool guns called revolvers, A small 2 inch double action 38+p/357 will be perfect for days its needed.

And if you put enough thought into it, there is a need for many guns for different situations in your life.

Based on the facts you presented; I like the idea to keep the Taurus, sell the XD and buy a Defender. So you have a fun range gun and a nice carry 1911 on the same platform. Then all your shooting will be with 1911's in 45acp which is how I've heard they shoot in heaven.

Carry guns are a personal preference to an extreme, what works for some won't come close to working for others. Going this route gets you a summer carry and a winter carry/range gun.

The 3" 1911 is no slouch either, a lot of people shoot their 3" guns more accurately than their govt models. I wouldnt run 1000k rounds a month through a 3" but who can afford to anyway. I am happy with 500 to check its reliability and 50-100 a month for practice/testing.

Be warned though, one Colt can lead to more.

Be warned though, one Colt can lead to more.

Very true. Colt does that to a person.
I have 1911itis because of the pony guns!

And yes, its incurable.

mesinge2: I really like those Combat Elites by the way, when you consider what you get in that package thats a heck of a deal. I'm currently deciding between one of those or a NRM 1991 which would go back to Colt for an "O pkg" plus a little extra. Hard to argue with the CE in terms of value especially with the recent spike in DW prices. DW makes a heck of a gun but they are now closing in on Les Baer prices.

DW makes a heck of a gun but they are now closing in on Les Baer prices.

I know. I have wanted a bobtail DW for years but the near $1600 price tag is two Colts in my mind.

the near $1600 price tag is two Colts in my mind.
on the other hand, the DW is twice the pistol

My thoughts are that you for some reason want a different 1911 than the one that you have. None of my business why.
I would say, based on the above, sell the PT and get the 1911 that your heart desires.
Keep the XD because you seem unsure as to whether you should keep it. A second gun is always a good thing. What if you sold both and bought only one replacement? Something bad happens and your one gun is not available. (IE needs warranty/gunsmithing or even just send it in to get different sites) God forbid you have to use it and the police take it. Now you are unarmed with a family pissed at you because you shot there innocent little Johnny, who was only trying to beat you with a club to take your money so he could get something to eat.

Several years ago I was shopping around for my first dedicated CCW piece and was being helped by a clerk at KTP. The guy was very helpful and knowledgeable and let me handle a lot of guns.

As we discussed options, I told him I wasn't interested in pocket carry.

He said politely, yet confidently, "give it time, you will be"

He was right.

Point?

the easiest way to solve the summer (shorts and a t-shirt) carry problem is to pocket carry.

Whether you get the 5" or 3" is up to you.

Myself, if it is a .45, it will be a FULL-SIZE 45, no "small stuff" for me!

If I want small, I will carry my small semi-auto or small revolver in my pocket holsters in a front pocket. :rolleyes:

I have an excellent IWB holster and heavy belt for my full-size 45 auto. Now that I am used to it, it doesn't bother me wearing it. Having two pocket guns DOES tend to 'spoil' a person! :cool:

I should add to my previous thoughts that while I do carry 3" & 3.5" 1911's, in the Texas heat I carry a J-frame in my pocket or an SP101 on the belt which I find carries easier than a 3" 1911 for me.

What im trying to accomplish is to buy a higher quality 1911, But not sure if it should be a 3" or 5". ... Which many will argue me to death about but, Its my choice and comfort not yours (To the people who say year round carry with a 5" is no problem). ...

I don't shoot much for enjoyment due to ammo costs, But i still practice regularly. If i shot more for enjoyment the 5" would be my easy choice.

After reading the entire thread, I'm still not sure what motivates you to consider moving from 5" to 3"...If the motivation is to reduce weight, an alloy-framed 5" (or even a 4 1/4" Lwt Commander) would really reduce the burden. Extrapolated, a Lwt 3" would really carry well, but shooting it well would require consistent and constant practice. A Lwt 3" gun will have the three worst features inherent in short guns--short sight radius, low muzzle energy, and the severest recoil available in the platform. If concealability under sparse clothing is the main issue, the shorter frame on a 3" won't help that much.

It doesn't seem to me that your objection is weight--you carry a 5" the rest of the year. With that in mind, I'm in the group that would suggest a lightweight CCO--4" frame on an alloyed Officer-sized frame. The alloy frame coupled with a chopped slide should reduce the weight to ~29 ounces without giving up a lot of sight radius. A steel 3" will weigh as much. If grip shape is an issue, you could get the grip rounded; from personal experience, I can testify that that feature alone really helps hide the CCW. (I carry with shorts and a T-shirt all summer long.) I'm in Mississippi--for 2 1/2 months of the year, it's 90* and >80% humidity. "Feels like" 105* is the 'term' here.

There's not so much difference in recoil between a 5" and 3" gun--if you're used to a 5" 1911, I certainly wouldn't describe a 3"s recoil as 'intimidating'--most 3" guns have a dual-spring system that really soaks up recoil surprisingly well. The main differences between the two are sight radius and muzzle velocity. For self-defense inside ~5yd, that 3" won't lose much worth mentioning, but I wouldn't want a 3" much beyond that distance. Fast "point and shoot"ing really suffers at 'long' distances with a 3".

Lastly, if you intend to shoot for recreation (be it bullseye or IPSC-type shooting), a 4" or 4 1/4" isn't too much of a step down from a Govt 1911. I know you stated that currently, ammo prices are prohibiting you from 'play', but that situation might change someday, and in that case, you might enjoy a bigger gun than a 3".