71Commander
Member
Technically it's not a 1911 but I have a Para C6-45 that will eat anything I feed it. Has a cone barrel with a reverse plug. No tools for take down.
3" 1911
- Thread starter Byrd666
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Byrd666
Member
I looked into one of those a while back. While they are a decent weapon and well made, I just couldn't over the "weird" feel of the trigger. And as you pointed out, it's not a 1911
Best 3'' 1911: Springfield EMP
Some people recommended them and like them, but I've got no love for the Colt Defender.
Background first: I had two 45 acp Kimber Ultra II 3" 1911's that were reliable after I used Tripp magazines in them. I did not like the fact that they were infested with MIM and had a "in the white" barrel. The Kimbers worked fine, I simply sold them in an effort to "upgrade" my 1911 collection.
I bought a Colt Talo Night Defender to replace one of the Kimbers; the Colt had a stainless barrel and less MIM than Kimber. However, the Colt Defender threw brass at my head. I sent it back for repair and about 10 weeks later when it returned it still threw brass at my head. Colt CS said brass to the head was my fault which really ticked me off so I sold the Colt (I've seen threads by others who also get hit with brass from the Defender). Yes, I know I possibly could have fixed the problem myself, but I did not have any pride of ownership in the Colt after the CS experience (repair or oral communication). I do not think it was my fault (read I know it wasn't) in how I was gripping the pistol as the cause of brass to the head, or I would have been hit a few times in the head by one or both of those Kimbers. Bear in mind that I had about 600 rounds each through those two Kimbers, and I shot 250 in one day when I impatiently tried to get through the Kimber recommended 500 round break-in.
I turned to SA and the EMP. I normally will not buy a pistol with an internal lock, but the SA version can be removed and I had little other choice in 3" 1911. (Yes, I know SA "likely" has some MIM, but at least the barrel is stainless). I replaced the IL mainspring and ambi safety.
The EMP now has over 400 rounds through it with one single fail to feed at about the 100 round mark with a Federal 147 gr. HP. I've since put another 300 rounds including 160 rounds of Federal 115 9BP HP without a problem.
The EMP 9mm is pleasant to shoot; ejected brass is deposited in a consistent area a few feet to my right (regardless of grip) so, it has never hit me with a single brass case.
I guess the best recommendation I can give the EMP is this: I'm getting a 40 EMP too. If the aluminum frame 9mm is such a sweet shooter, then a steel frame 40 should be as well.
The EMP does require the use of a small half circle thing to remove the recoil spring assembly, but it seems like a small inconvience for the rest of the package.
I've not needed it, but the general consensus is that Springfield's CS is excellent.
Some people recommended them and like them, but I've got no love for the Colt Defender.
Background first: I had two 45 acp Kimber Ultra II 3" 1911's that were reliable after I used Tripp magazines in them. I did not like the fact that they were infested with MIM and had a "in the white" barrel. The Kimbers worked fine, I simply sold them in an effort to "upgrade" my 1911 collection.
I bought a Colt Talo Night Defender to replace one of the Kimbers; the Colt had a stainless barrel and less MIM than Kimber. However, the Colt Defender threw brass at my head. I sent it back for repair and about 10 weeks later when it returned it still threw brass at my head. Colt CS said brass to the head was my fault which really ticked me off so I sold the Colt (I've seen threads by others who also get hit with brass from the Defender). Yes, I know I possibly could have fixed the problem myself, but I did not have any pride of ownership in the Colt after the CS experience (repair or oral communication). I do not think it was my fault (read I know it wasn't) in how I was gripping the pistol as the cause of brass to the head, or I would have been hit a few times in the head by one or both of those Kimbers. Bear in mind that I had about 600 rounds each through those two Kimbers, and I shot 250 in one day when I impatiently tried to get through the Kimber recommended 500 round break-in.
I turned to SA and the EMP. I normally will not buy a pistol with an internal lock, but the SA version can be removed and I had little other choice in 3" 1911. (Yes, I know SA "likely" has some MIM, but at least the barrel is stainless). I replaced the IL mainspring and ambi safety.
The EMP now has over 400 rounds through it with one single fail to feed at about the 100 round mark with a Federal 147 gr. HP. I've since put another 300 rounds including 160 rounds of Federal 115 9BP HP without a problem.
The EMP 9mm is pleasant to shoot; ejected brass is deposited in a consistent area a few feet to my right (regardless of grip) so, it has never hit me with a single brass case.
I guess the best recommendation I can give the EMP is this: I'm getting a 40 EMP too. If the aluminum frame 9mm is such a sweet shooter, then a steel frame 40 should be as well.
The EMP does require the use of a small half circle thing to remove the recoil spring assembly, but it seems like a small inconvience for the rest of the package.
I've not needed it, but the general consensus is that Springfield's CS is excellent.
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
Don't like'em. Too dang persnickety.
test drive
Member
Yes the SA GI micro can be field stripped without any tools. it does come with a little plastic clip to use on the guide rod but its not a must use. SA has the best CS you can get.
Byrd666
Member
What can I say. EVERYONE here at The High Road has been more than helpful.
For right, wrong, or otherwise, I have decided on on the Springfield Armory EMP .40 as my choice. I think the .45 is just a tad too much, and the 9mm is just a tad too little. Ease of takedown, if that can really be said of doing Anything one handed, was another factor. And so was Customer Service. As well as reviews and company reputation along with my personal interaction with said pistol.
Once again thanks to all for the responses.
For right, wrong, or otherwise, I have decided on on the Springfield Armory EMP .40 as my choice. I think the .45 is just a tad too much, and the 9mm is just a tad too little. Ease of takedown, if that can really be said of doing Anything one handed, was another factor. And so was Customer Service. As well as reviews and company reputation along with my personal interaction with said pistol.
Once again thanks to all for the responses.
Snobal
Member
Sounds like you have made your decision.
My favorite is a 3 1/2" Citadel. Less than $500. Groups (from sandbags) at 25 yards into less than 3".
Good luck on whatever you choose.
My favorite is a 3 1/2" Citadel. Less than $500. Groups (from sandbags) at 25 yards into less than 3".
Good luck on whatever you choose.
orionengnr
Member
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So...good luck with that EMP.
Very good choice. I consider the EMP a very good value in it's category. It's price belies it's workmanship...it is every bit the equal of the TRP.
I personally found the weight of the steel frame of the .40 unacceptable...but then, I have long been comfortable with the 9mm
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