Lightweight 5" 1911 Options

[ChristopherG]

I carry a steel 5" 1911 at work and love it. I'm interested in training to become a firearms instructor, and one requirement of the course is that I show up equipped with a duplicate of my carry gun. Well, I'm not in a position to get another Wilson--and I'd like to take this opportunity to get a lightweight full-size gun instead. I'd use this gun for off-duty and plainclothes assignment carry. It would need to be in .45 acp, with combat suitable night sights. I'd like no rail, and I'd like it to look sharp.

The leading candidate in my current thinking is the Kimber CDP. The Springer loaded lightweight looks like a viable candidate, but the finish doesn't appear to be of the quality of the Kimber (I've handled a CDP Pro owned by another officer and was pleased with it). I don't really know of many other options for full-size lightweight non-railed 1911's. Are there any I'm overlooking?

As far as budget: the price difference between the Kimber and the Springer is not significant to me right now. I do need to stay on the low side of $2,000, though--preferably by a good few hundred bucks. Are there options out there I've not discovered? And any thoughts on the Springer/Kimber choices?

Thanks for your input!

 

[CWL]

Two fine guns, I own both. Personally, I'd lean towards the Springfield.

As a trainer, you will be called-upon to put a lot of ammo downrange, and a solid steel pistol may just wear better. It may help absorb recoil as well.

 

[WoofersInc]

Kimber makes quite a few of their guns with alloy frames. I have a Tactical Custom II that I use as one of my carry guns. It has been a great performer and the weight difference is quite noticable from the steel frame..

 

[JTQ]

S&W has a lightweight 5" 1911.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...angId=-1&parent_category_rn=15709&isFirearm=Y

I thought they had one without the rail, but this is the only one I saw.

 

[71Commander]

S&W 1911PD. 25% lighter than a SS 1911.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/411535337

 

[ChristopherG]

As a trainer, you will be called-upon to put a lot of ammo downrange, and a solid steel pistol may just wear better.

Right--and my steel CQB would still be my principle shootin' tool. This gun would be there:

(a) to fill in if the CQB goes TU during training (which isn't terribly likely, but as with anything, is possible); and

(b) to be carried when I'm wearing something other than a duty rig. When it's hanging off a 2.5" Bianchi belt, the weight of a steel 1911 is not a problem for me. When wearing actual clothes and carrying OWB off a normal 1.5" gunbelt, it can get to be a bit much. Just enough so that an aluminum 5" sounds like a nice break.

I'd certainly look at the S&W 5" if they still made it without the rail. Unfortunately they don't, and I can't seem to find anyone who wants to part with one.

 

[45crittergitter]

My last 5" lightweight Baer was purchased in like new condition with Trijicons for the princely sum of $1200 on Gunbroker.