1911 Got Me!

[LJWebster1]

I thought the Walther P99 in 9mm was a great gun for me, and that the S&W 340 PD revolver was my perfect carry gun. Until I went to the range with my father-in-law today and shot his 1911 and hit groups like I've never hit with my Walther (and obviously not with the snub revolver). So, now I've got to have a 1911, and I think I'll make my first one a compact so I can carry it too. I really like the Springfield Armory compacts, and the Colt Defender. They are about the same price, size, etc. Any opinions one way or the other on these?

 

[osteodoc08]

Most recommend at least a Commander size pistol for reliability. I have an RIA Compact that has been really reliable. If you want utmost reliability, stick to the 5" government model. I'm not saying a 3.5" officer's model can't be 100% reliable, I'm just saying the odds go down with barrel size.

Personally I am still testing out a Kimber CDP Compact for carry. It is the 4" barrel on the smaller Officer's size frame. I have 200 rounds through it and it has been reliable thus far. Another 300 to go before it hangs on my belt.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Get a Commander the little extra barrel isn't a consern on carry and make for a more reliable pistol . If you insist on a compact get the Defender It seems to have the least problems

 

[ewb45acp]

As the others have said...

The 1911 was designed and intended to have a 5" barrel. As the length is reduced, the timing of the action is altered. The Commander sized (4.25")guns are pretty good. And I've got a Kimber pro carry (4") that I trust my life to. But I hear more complaints about the officer sized and micro guns than any other. They can work. And many do work well. You're just more likely to have function issues with the 3" guns.

And for what it's worth, You'd be surprised how easily a full sized 1911 conceals when matched to a quality holster.

 

[IndianaDean]

Get the Smith and Wesson Commander PD. Light weight, yet handles just as well as the full size. Very accurate and mine has been a tack driver right out of the box. All my Smith 1911's have been.

 

[XD Niner]

I suggest the 4.25" Smith and Wesson 1911Sc. It has a Scandium frame (aluminum alloy) that cuts about 8-9 oz. of weight yet the recoil and muzzle flip are just very slightly greater than a steel framed 1911. The stainless steel slide means that you will not have to worry about corrosion from sweat. It has a lifetime warranty to boot.

I have the 5" and really love it. I even used it for USPSA competion this morning.

 

[Ala Dan]

(Coughing Abruptly ) No, get yourself a Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special
1911 .45ACP. This IS NOT an assembly line pistol, assembled by ladies of
the gun industry. Also, the Baer IS NOT full of MIM parts and pieces; but
it will cost you a nice chunk of change~!

 

[tegemu]

One GREAT advantage to the small (3") 1911's is that they very easily and completely conceal in your pocket. They actually are almost the same size as a 2" Snubby. I have a Kimber Ultra Carry II which I use in this manner as well as in an IWB holster, My Commander (4 1/4") and Full size (5") I also carry IWB's but they definately will not go in my pocket.

 

[1911 guy]

Another of my half-cracked opinions.

Unless you are of smaller than average stature (blame mother nature) or an exotic dancer with minimal clothes (questionable career move) there's no reason to not buy a full size with the best leather you can afford and carry that. Put a good holster on a good belt and the weight (about 2 pounds) is insignificant. Oops, three pounds with a loaded mag.

 

[ambidextrous1]

I agree with those who say the full-size 1911 is more reliable - statistically;
but, as was noted earlier in this thread, excellent reliability can be had with the shorter actions. My personal carry gunis the Springfield ultra-compact. It had a rather long break-in, maybe 400 rounds, during which I replaced the extractor. It's been very reliable since. The gun is great to shoot rapid-fire, with a very short time to return to battery, and the shorter barrel seems to improve the time required to shift laterally to a different target. For me, it has been an interesting new and different "feel", when compared to the full-size 1911 (which I continue to shoot regularly).

For me, concealability was not a factor in choosing the Springfield; I can hide the 5" barrel versions well. But I have the feeling that I can get more well-placed shots in less time with the choice I've made.

 

[rbert0005]

I think your first 1911 should be a full sized model. It will be much more pleasant to shoot which equals more practice and fun.

You allready have an excellant carry gun.

Bob

 

[LJWebster1]

Thanks everyone for the excellent advice. I think a 4" or larger is going to be my first 1911. After that, I may end up replacing the revolver with the 1911 or another one of smaller size. We'll take it one step at a time.

 

[Technosavant]

Try the Al-framed SA guns. I have a 5", and it hides very easily (get a Milt Sparks VMII- you can do just as well, but none better). I might recommend a 4.25" model, mainly to minimize draw time (less to pull out of the holster) and it will also protrude less down the pants, but I think the 5" model is cheaper. The aluminum frames really cut down on the weight; just make sure that it has a ramped barrel (all SAs with Al frames do) so you don't worry about the feed ramp.

 

[Kramer Krazy]

1911 Handguns Are EVIL!!!!

Thanks everyone for the excellent advice. I think a 4" or larger is going to be my first 1911. After that, I may end up replacing the revolver with the 1911 or another one of smaller size. We'll take it one step at a time.

BEWARE!!!! 1911's are evil! They have a tendency to create unhealthy obsessions, and....before you know it.....you'll have MANY of them......<I just picked up #6, a Norinco, last Friday.....and the wife has two of her own!>

 

[ewb45acp]

BEWARE!!!! 1911's are evil! They have a tendency to create unhealthy obsessions, and....before you know it.....you'll have MANY of them

This man speaks the truth. Treat Browning's masterpiece carefully. They can take over your life, and your gunsafe, in no time at all.

 

[IndianaDean]

BEWARE!!!! 1911's are evil! They have a tendency to create unhealthy obsessions, and....before you know it.....you'll have MANY of them......<I just picked up #6, a Norinco, last Friday.....and the wife has two of her own!>

How true, how true, I started out with just 2, now about 2 months later, I have 6, along with 2 Hi Powers. The Browning disease got me.

 

[Otherguy Overby]

One more thing. 4+ inch and 5 inch barrel 1911s work great with inside waste band (IWB) holsters. Your belt goes around the outside and keeps the gun snug against your side.

Happiness really is a warm gun...

 

[texgunner]

This man speaks the truth. Treat Browning's masterpiece carefully. They can take over your life, and your gunsafe, in no time at all.

I second that motion.