Compact, Lightweight 9mm 1911s: Who carries one? Good choice or bad?

[TMann]

I'm looking for a new carry gun. Anyone here own a lightweight 9mm 1911? Are you happy with it?

As far as my the other guns in my collection, I already have a couple of pocket handguns (P3AT and S&W 442) for those times when pocket carry is the best option. My main range/HD gun is a CZ 75B. I have owned and shot a number of compact/subcompact guns (Glocks, Kahrs, S&W 3913 etc.) but I'm really looking for something that shoots/feels more like my 75B or my 1911. At this point, I am considering a Commander size gun (~4" barrel) but I may look into the smaller models as well.

I frequently deal with tendinitis in my right elbow, so I'd like to stick with 9mm 1911s and stay away from the compact .45s.

If anyone has any feedback on the various 9mm Kimbers, the SA EMP or other models, I'd love to hear it. Thanks in advance.

TMann

 

[leadcounsel]

I don't have one, but I think Spartan STI makes one.

 

[Ankeny]

I carried a Kimber Pro Ageis for a year or so, nice pistol. The Dan Wesson 9mm Guardian is really nice pistol and I prefer it to the Kimber. I don't own a Springfield EMP, but the one I shot performed very well. I too have tendonitis. Your elbow will thank you for getting a 9mm instead of a .45.

 

[CouchCommando]

I carry a Dan Wesson Guardian in 9MM. It is a commander size, alloy frame pistol. It is a light to carry yet soft shooting pistol. Great trigger and extremely accurate. You won't regret it if you get one.

 

[bikerdoc]

Not really light weight CZ 75 compact fits the bill for me. And it will take the same mags as your 75 with a small stick out the bottom

 

[Winkman822]

On occasion in the summer months, I carry a Springfield EMP, but generally I opt for my larger harder hitting .45 ACP Wilson Combat CQB Compact

 

[2wheels]

The EMP is awesome, it's a dream to shoot and doesn't hurt to carry. Manageable recoil, accurate, pretty decent stock trigger. I've never had any reliability issues, and even if I did Springfield has great CS.

They're a little bit on the pricey side for some people ($1200ish most places) but they come with enough goodies like night sights to make it worth it IMHO. I've handled and shot a few officer sized 1911s from 9mm up to .45, and the EMP is definitely the nicest out of the box.

 

[rbernie]

I have carried a Kimber Custom II Aegis. It carries like any other full size lightweight 1911.

I prefer 5" 1911's to 4", just because, and I'm usually willing to make whatever rig concesssion are needed to do so comfortably.

Right now, my EDC is a lightweight 1911 in 45ACP - just because I'd rather carry 45ACP. I usually handload my 45ACP range ammo down to light levels for range use...

 

[berettaprofessor]

As you may have read, I just bought a Springfield EMP 9 a couple of weeks ago. It had FTE's in the first 3 mags, then began running like a top and continues to. Very good quality, very accurate, good sights, tight gun. Puts the empties all within a 2 foot circle just back and left. Couldn't be happier now.

 

[Flintknapper]

My Daughter carries a Para Ordnance “Carry 9” and likes it very well.

I can nearly hide it in one hand. Small, lightweight and very safe.





It has over 800 rounds through it now, never a bobble.

Accuracy for a small gun is definitely there, the target below is TEN rounds at ten yards. Not bad for something with a three inch barrel.




The Springfield EMP mentioned by others... is a similarly sized pistol (came along after the Para) and is a very nice weapon as well.

 

[Girodin]

I really like the EMP. If one likes 1911s I think it makes a fine carry gun. My experience is that it shoots well, carries well, and is reliable. I must admit that it wont really do anything that I can't do with some guns that costs hundreds less. However if a 1911 is your thing its a very viable CC choice IMHO.