help me choose a "compact" 1911

[texas bulldog]

poll pretty much says it all. i'm looking at getting a less-than-full-size 1911 that would often be used for CCW. i've mostly limited it the above, but i'm always open to further suggestions.

if you choose "other", please enlighten me. thanks!

 

[MICHAEL T]

My Dan Wesson Bobtail is great But my 3" Colt Defender is also nice .
I say get the DW has night sites and other nice add ons. A poor mans Ed Brown

 

[paul45]

I voted other. Colt Commanders, 5 choices. Colt New Agent or Defender.

 

[jimk66]

I suggest you consider either the HK45c or Sig P220c. Not 1911's per-say but great ccw carries.
Also hear the SA EMP is coming out with 40 cal. The EMP is a fantastic little gun.
JimK

 

[JDGray]

Can't say enough good things about my Kimber Ultra CarryII Lightweight, easy to shoot, very flat with slim grips installed.

 

[rcellis]

I voted for the Para LDA (mine is 3"), simply because it's been my off-and-on carry gun for some time. I also like my Para Hawg 9, a 1911 platform in 9mm.

 

[stevemis]

I have a Para Warthog and it's been a complete nightmare. Based on this experience, I feel Para's products are inferior and their support is essentially nonexistent. Spend your money somewhere else.

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=362606

 

[CSG]

Kimber CDPII Compact. Nearly the perfect 1911 carry gun IMO.

 

[Frog48]

I voted "Other", because I like the Kimber Ultra Carry and Springfield Micro (.45 ACP, not Micro EMP 9mm). Both are 3".

 

[rondog]

Other. The Rock Island Armory Compacts are great pistols, and a great value! I carry mine everyday, everywhere. Here's mine....

 

[bl4ckd0g]

I just ordered a RIA compact tactical and eagerly await its arrival.

 

[Defensory]

Kimber Ultra Carry II

http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/ultracarry/ultra_carry_II/

 

[A man with a gun!]

Another vote for the Kimber UC II

 

[NGIB]

I like my little RIA as well. Leaves you some money for ammo and range time...

 

[samurai]

Para LDA 3.5". Mine shoots great and is easy to carry.

 

[texas bulldog]

I suggest you consider either the HK45c or Sig P220c. Not 1911's per-say but great ccw carries.

i've considered the sig, but it's significantly thicker than a 1911. thinner the better as far as i'm concerned for CCW. i've (mostly) eliminated the glock 30 for the same reason. don't know much about the HK (other than you suck and they hate you, of course).


a lot of votes for the kimber UC II. to be honest, i hear such mixed reviews about kimber's products and service that i've kind of stayed away from them under the theory that where there's smoke there's fire. that and they seem a bit pricey for what you get. i could be convinced to look again, however.


oh...and thanks for the pics, guys. that was a nice bonus.

 

[Pilot]

I like the Colt Lightweight Commander XSE for a carry gun. My buddy has one and I've been trying to trade for it for a long time. May just have to buy one.

 

[NGIB]

If you're shy about looking into a Rock Island, jump on over to the RIA section of m1911.org and read what the folks say. The importers (Advanced Tactical in Nevada) go out of their way to make sure folks are happy. Mine (have 3) have been perfect so no need for service, just nice to know it's there if I need it...

 

[Browning]

I chose 'other'.

This would be my pick for a compact 1911 style pistol meant for concealed carry.

The Springfield EMP.

 

[Hanzerik]

I also chose "Other". My Compact RIA has been reliable so far through 500+ rounds of FMJ and LSWC. It is my main CCW, and carries nicely in a Comp-Tac MTAC, and Galco FED.

 

[Eric F]

I must say +1000 to the RIA, I have a friend with a compact with over 4K and no malfunctions. For the money you will not be able to beat it. Could use some better sights if I had to make a single complaint thats it.

 

[tlen]

S&W Commander size SW1911PD, SKU #108283...........
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14719&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15709&isFirearm=Y

 

[kevnmc]

Other. Kimber CDP Ultra Carry II. At first I was skeptical about this gun because of how expensive it is and some of the reviews I had read. Now that I have thrown about a 1000 rounds down range with it I can honestly say I love this gun and trust it 100%. Replaced the wood grips with hogue grips. The ones with the finger indents. Only because the wood grips are so nice I didn't want to hack them up. Really like the hogue rubber grips.

 

[tinroad37e]

Another vote for the Rock Island Compact or a High Standard Crusader (the same handgun).

 

[tomkatz]

Of the ones listed, Dan Wesson.
Other, S&W 1911 PD scandium commander.