1911 ccw quandry.

[DasFriek]

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.

 

[rd2007]

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.

 

[MikePaiN]

HA! ...I was just about to say...There's nothing "mid-grade" about the Colt Defender ....
DasFriek...get a Defender....your carry quandary solved.

 

[Bo]

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.

 

[Franco2shoot]

Quandry

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

 

[Old Shooter]

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?

 

[The Bushmaster]

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

I didn't vote...

 

[Greg528iT]

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.

 

[G27RR]

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.

 

[The Bushmaster]

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

 

[jeepguy]

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.

 

[EddieNFL]

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.

 

[MICHAEL T]

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

 

[9mmepiphany]

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

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

 

[orionengnr]

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.

 

[MgoBlue]

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!

 

[Deltaboy1984]

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.

 

[earlthegoat2]

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.

 

[DasFriek]

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.

 

[jim243]

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

 

[.45Heater]

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

 

[DasFriek]

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.

 

[jon_in_wv]

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.

 

[mesinge2]

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:

View attachment 124306
Click to Enlarge

 

[mesinge2]

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