Defender - shorten frame grip? Weight of Defender? Suggestions wanted.

[dandean316]

I currently have a Para Carry 3†1911. I really like it except it is just a little too heavy for me. Yes I have good holster (VM2) and thick wide belt. Yes I looked at other light guns (Glock, Kahr). I’d like to stick with the 1911 platform. In searching for a lighter 1911, I found the Defender to be my best option. However, I’d like it to be a bit lighter if possible. Depending on who to believe, I have seen the Defender listed at 22.5 and 24 oz. Does anyone have the right weight for this gun?

Also, I checked out the Defender Plus yesterday at my local shop and the grip is a bit longer than on my Para Carry or on such guns as the Kimber Ultra CDP. Did Colt ever make a light 3†1911 with shorter grip? I asked the store owner and he wasn’t sure.

What I’d like to get is a 3†1911 .45 as light as possible. From what I see the Defender is the lightest 3†1911. I know Kimber has the Ultra CDP (25 oz) and the RCP (26 oz), but was thinking if I’d get the grip shortened on the Defender, it’d be the same size as my Para Carry (30 oz) and much lighter. Is grip shortening something that is a fairly common gunsmith procedure? What I was kind of thinking is something like Tussey does, but I understand he’s backed up a lot.

And help or suggestions are appreciated.

 

[Jim Watson]

The Colt Defender IS the short butt model.
The Defender Plus is a Defender barrel & slide on a Commander receiver.

So all you have to do is find a standard Defender to have the smallest Colt. As small as anything from Kimber or SA that I can think of.