1911 ccw quandry.

Which 1911 would you buy?

  • Buy the 5" and sell the old 1911?

    Votes: 27 58.7%

  • Buy the 3" and sell the old 1911 and XD?

    Votes: 19 41.3%
  • Total voters
    46
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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.
 
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?
 
poll

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.
 
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.
 
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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!
 
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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.
Click to expand...

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?
Click to expand...

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

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
firearms41410016-1.jpg
 
.45 pistol with an officers model frame and a commander size barrel / slide
Click to expand...

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.
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...

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.
 
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.
 
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