4" 1911 Recommendations?

Status
Not open for further replies.
C

CuzinMike

Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2007
Messages
20
Location
Missouri
Hello,

In my search for a good house/car/ccw I'm looking at several 1911s. I already have a full-size Para P-14, but looking for something a bit more compact, preferably under $700. I like the Springfield GI Champion a lot. Any other suggestions?
 
Prefer true 4.25" Commander length 1911s with the conventional spring plug over the 4" bushingless guns. With that in mind I'd look for a base model new Colt Commander or a used XSE Commander to fit your desired price.
 
S&W PD in the Commander length. Having said that, I used to have a Springer Lightweight Compact and never had a problem with it. Not as accurate as my smith commander's, though. Although recoil may have been a bit less with the bull barrel.
 
I love, want and am lookign for a Kimber Pro Raptor II so that would be my first choice. Otherwise any Kimber Pro, Carry, CDP, TLE, Tactical, Eclipse, Covert.
 
None under 4" or under - unless you're a gamblin man.
Very mixed bag... Some are great, and too many are unreliable - no matter who makes it.
If I was in your shoes I wouldn't go with anything under a 5" barrel & it would be Colt or Springfield.
 
I would highly suggest that you do a search on 1911s and type in the word Malfunction with it...
Don't get me wrong - I love 1911s, but you should do a lot of homework first
 
I would highly suggest that you do a search on 1911s and type in the word Malfunction with it...
Click to expand...
Uh ... dude, nothing wrong with 4-inchers. 1911s, that is. It's the Officer's-size (3.5") and shorter that seem to have garnered the reputation for spotty reliability ...

In straight 4-inchers, I love my two SA Champions, Kimber Pro Carry, and Pro Tactical II.

My first love, however, is the wonderful Colt's LW Commander (4.25 inches) and its heavier brother, the stainless Combat Commander ... (can't say I like the newer Commanders with the silly front cocking serrations and flat mainspring housings -- the classic look still rules).
 
I'll second the motion on the Colt Officer's model...The manual actually says the barrel length is 3 5/8ths and well within your budget....
I've had this one for a short-time so I won't swear to stake my life just yet; but no problems so far.....BTW, the take-down is slightly different...
4qooinq.jpg
 
love my charles daly.100% with all 230 JHPs tried.poa=poi and $480 out the door
ps better triggeer than dad's kimber bought the same day
 
I can suggest the SA PX9149LP Bi-Tone Lite Weight Loaded Champion with a 4.25" Bull barrel, but they are hard to find.
 
SA Loaded Champ

I found one for 700.00. Nice one, 10-10. We both agree, only the best for us.
 
Uh ... dude, nothing wrong with 4-inchers. 1911s, that is. It's the Officer's-size (3.5") and shorter that seem to have garnered the reputation for spotty reliability ...
Click to expand...

Don't get sensitive on me... dude.
There are plenty of 1911s in the 4" that have malfunctions - especially when you consider the money that a good one goes for. Simple fact.
There is also a higher percentage that are fine - but after reading hundreds of articles, posts, and first hand dealings I know 1911s that are 4" and under are more prone to malfunctions than Glock, XD, SIG or H&K - and there are a lot of people out there that agree. Anyhow, whatever - I'm not ganna argue about it - anyone who wants to know can do a google search, and read at other 1911 forums for their selves to help make their own determinations.
 
A Para-Ordnance LTC is a great choice for 4.25 inch traditional 1911 (the LTC doesn't have the double stack mag or LDA trigger like other Paras, it is a "real" 1911.)

Very high quality, especially for the price. Used colts will probably cost even more than a new LTC, and really aren't any better. Definitely check out the LTC.
 
Love my new Dan Wesson Commander Bobtail (though the thumb safety needs some filing/fitting), but it sells for ~$930 in person or $850+S&H+transfer online.
 
Finalcut, it's not only the 1911 platform that incur problems by going small. With the emerging CCW populace, mfgr's cannot resist the idea of a lghtweight, snagfree, palm-size pistol...What is a fact is when you downsize major calibers and ask them to function in less space and weight: problems occur. More difficult for inspection & quality control...:rolleyes:
 
My favorite 4" bbl 1911 by far. Mainly because it has the same grip length of an Ultra carry which makes it easier to carry. There is still just enough room to get a full grip on it though. Check out the Kimber Compact models. Here is my CDP Compact. 932946528_604b77af98_b.jpg
 
CuzinMike, you made a choice yet? Me, I was inspired by Finalcut's words to go out and pick up a new Kimber Covert Pro (gotta love the cammie grips and laser sights) and an SA GI Champion (parkerized, since I had no park'd 4-inchers) to keep the other 12 or so
1911s with 4" or shorter barrels in the collection company. Guess I'm just a gamblin' man ...
 
CuzinMike, you made a choice yet? Me, I was inspired by Finalcut's words to go out and pick up a new Kimber Covert Pro (gotta love the cammie grips and laser sights) and an SA GI Champion (parkerized, since I had no park'd 4-inchers) to keep the other 12 or so
1911s with 4" or shorter barrels in the collection company. Guess I'm just a gamblin' man ...
Click to expand...

I hope it works out for you : )
I do love the 1911, and like I said - I have a WW2 Colt my self....
Some times gamblin' yields a great reward - I hope this is the case with your new gun.
 
No gripes about my Springfield Champion now that I had the grip safety swapped out for a King's beavertail. $400 used, plus about $60 in parts {beavertail, Commander hammer and sear} and $40 in gunsmith labor.

I haven't found .45ACP ammo it won't feed reliably, including big-$ hollowpoints and Federal EFMJ down to low-$ Wolf and CCI Blazer.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

C
  • Locked
looking for a 3" 1911
2
Replies
34
Views
2K
nearmiss
N
H
  • Locked
Most reliable 1911 out of box?
2
Replies
39
Views
3K
The Real Hawkeye
T
B
  • Locked
1911 HElp
Replies
12
Views
741
XNavyflyer
X
K
  • Locked
1911 questions.
Replies
18
Views
862
kamagong
K
C
  • Locked
M&P 45 Compact versus LW Commander
Replies
2
Views
369
9mmepiphany
9mmepiphany
Back
Top