The shortest barrel I own in a 1911 is my Colt Commander at 4.25". I wont speak on your reliability concern over short barreled 1911s as I've never owned one. Keep in mind, however, that the .45 ACP is a low pressure cartridge. A .45 ACP out of a 3" or 3.5" barrel will limit your ammo selection to +P, lighter bullets, or both.
If a standard pressure 230 gr. .45 ACP reaches around 850 fps from a 5" barrel what can we expect from a 3.5" barrel? I would guess 650 to 700 fps.
I think .40 S&W is a better choice if you want a barrel of 3.5" or less.
If a standard pressure 230 gr. .45 ACP reaches around 850 fps from a 5" barrel what can we expect from a 3.5" barrel? I would guess 650 to 700 fps.
I think .40 S&W is a better choice if you want a barrel of 3.5" or less.