Why are Springfields and Kimbers available in 4'', instead of 4.25"?

[fistful]

I like the commander-sized 1911, but the four-inch models from Springfield and Kimber look stubby. That extra quarter inch just...looks right. Thank goodness Para is still keepin' it real. Why are so many 1911 clones offered in 4'', instead of 4.25"?

 

[MyRoad]

Just a wild guess, but they wanted to go micro with the 3", and 3 - 4.25 - 5 doesn't make as much sense in a line-up as 3 - 4 - 5. I think they may have just wanted to spread it out evenly.

 

[stans]

I think it also differentiates them from the Colt Commander. Most of the 4 inch models, except for Springfield's early versions, have bull barrels and no bushing.

 

[WT]

Good question. I've often wondered that myself.

Maybe with their bull bushing design, there wasn't enough room for a longer barrel to do its thing.

The 4 inch length is probably the only reason I won't by a SA or Kimber of that size. 4 and a quarter seems more natural.

 

[fistful]

WT,

Amen, Brother, that 4-inch barrell just ain't nach-rul.

 

[Harold Mayo]

Springfield actually had a Commander-sized pistol at one time but, IIRC, Colt sued them over the "Commander" name that was attached to it. I think that the "Champion" line followed on the heels of the suit and they dropped the length to 4" so as to not infringe on Colt's design as well as the name.

IIRC, that is. I may not.

 

[fistful]

Goodness knows nobody would dare copy a Colt's design. Now where did I put my Uberti SAA, my Armi San Marco Dragoon, and my Bushmaster AR?

 

[W Turner]

IDPA rules may have some influence here.

All of the models with the 4" barrels have the bull barrel.

IIRC, the bull barrel is only allowed on 1911's with a barrel shorter than 4.25". I think the original intent was to only allow Officer's Models with bull barrels, then Kimber, SA, etc. and competitors got the bright idea to skirt the rules by making Commanders with the extra .25" lopped off.

Or it could be the copyright problems as mentioned before, or some combination of the two.

W

 

[fistful]

that sounds like the right answer. Thanks.