Compact 1911's... 3" vs 3.5"

No, there is no significant impact. I would suppose that extra half inch on the barrel would make it more accurate tho. Honestly, you will probably find the same holsters fit a 3" as a 3.5" thus making the gun the same size. Good providence.

Most of the concealability of the compact 1911's comes from the shortening of the grip, not the barrel.
3 or 3.5 will both disappear just fine for you.

Does anyone make a 1911 with a 4"/4.25" barrel and a little frame? I would love to get a good CC 1911, but I am leery of .45 ACP at less than 4" barrel velocities, though I would want the shorter grips of the officer sized guns. How short is that grip anyway? Compared to a CZ compact/PCR/P01, or a Glock 27, since i have those and can relate. I love the commander size guns but I sort of wish they had a slightly shorter grip to go with that shortened barrel. I have no experience with 1911s, I am just going off the photos I have seen (none of my friends have their own guns).


Based on my experience with other guns, I would second their comments that grip length is far more difficult to conceal than barrel length. barrel length 4" and below is all pretty much gravy.

does the commander not have shorter grips?

Does anyone make a 1911 with a 4"/4.25" barrel and a little frame?

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There are several like that from Colt, Kimber, and Sig off the top of my head but there may be others.

Personally, I'd say you would be just as well off with a bobtail commander. The bobtail breaks the harsh corner on the end of the grip and allows any kind of cover garment to fall over it much more naturally.

does the commander not have shorter grips?

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No. The commander frame is almost identical to a gov't frame, with a shorter dust cover and different ejector.

Now that you mention it, those bobtails look beautiful. Do the officer models have enough grip for all fingers?

I think you are right though, a Bobtail is probably the way to go when I get my first 1911 eventually. Maybe a Dan Wesson.

look for a star pd45 . as new in box is about $400. 4 inch barrel,25 ounces and 100% reliable.
relatively hard to find but worth the time.
dont be afraid of the colt defender, the new ones are reliable but cost about $800. i have both .

Do the officer models have enough grip for all fingers?

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For most people, yes. Even slightly larger than average hands fit usually.

I have a 3.5" 1911 45acp and it is a joy to shoot. I have large hands but the smaller grip frame doesn't matter. I use Hornady +P loads for carry and some practice and it really does not matter.

Majority of the time I load full house loads and there isn't any difference.


FYI, Armscor High Standard compact.

This might help you compare size.
Colt Gold Cup
Colt Commander
Colt Officers

Now I've got to decide if I want a 4" commander, 3.5" compact, or 5" full size..... Decisions.
Maybe I should get all 3 (eventually)

damn all you 1911 guys who post pictures and made me want one!

3.5" .45

Springfield Ultracompact with Hogue grips. From personal experience I'd say avoid a ported (V10) model. No issue with the weapon, just the porting.

Wife has a Kimber Ultra II Compack and it's one fine little shooter. She' shot with it in a league a couple of times and scored a 92 & 95 within distances of 50 feet.

Kimber Ultra II.

Hold a bobtail Commander over the smallest 1911 and you'll see how it carries more concealed in many cases.

Does anyone make a 1911 with a 4"/4.25" barrel and a little frame?

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The one I like and am considering is the SIG C3.

Does anyone make a 1911 with a 4"/4.25" barrel and a little frame?

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I belive Kimber does . Sig aren't very 1911.
Buy a Colt Defender or a Commander
I carry both But I have found my Dan Wesson Bobtail Commander to carry as good as the little one Once corner removed Just disappears under a shirt.

I have a Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II (.45 ACP) with a 3" barrel that has been
flawless from day one~!

The MOST significant difference between the two is that the 3.5" allows you to back away from the hostilities an extra .5 inches.

Not trying to be snide, but the .5 inch difference means as little for concealability and the extra .5 inch standoff from the target.

I CCW with a Springfield Champion. I carry it strong side in a G CODE IWB or a Don Hume PCCH IWB. I planned originally to get a Springer Micro compact but then I held one and realized it is far to short for the size of my hand.

Top choice in a carry 1911 is the bobtailed Commander. You get a 4.25" barrel which conceals easily yet retains good velocity and reliability. THe bobtailed grip frame makes the butt conceal wonderfully, yet you still retain full size/capacity magazines. There really is no need to go smaller, in fact I think going any smaller is a very poor choice compared to a bobtailed Commander.

going any smaller is a very poor choice compared to a bobtailed Commander

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Not really, it's just another option.

Wow... I don't have the money to be speaking to you guys right now... But I want the exact setup DHart posted... I need a second job...

3'' 1911

Kimper Cdp Compact 4'' Barrel Officer Grip. Wilson Also Makes One In Their Cqb Line.