looking for a 3" 1911

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Captain33036

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Hello

I am looking for a 3in barrel 1911. I have gone over all the very nice ones: Kimber Ultra, Springfield Loaded etc, and just cannot justify spending $1000.

SO, began looking at the low end ones: RIA Tactical Compact, Springfield Micro Compact GI. The RIA is about $440 online, the Springer is $650 at a local GS (which I would prefer to do).

This will be a car gun and occasional carry.

I had a full sized RIA tactical 1911 that was terrific in every way and gave me excellent service. The tactical has the beavertail, flared ejection port etc.

I am leaning towards the Springfield because I can get it locally, it is a very good brand and has excellent customer service. The GI style does appeal to me. The question is: are the GI features, specifically the standard ejection port an issue in any way in terms of reliability?

Are there any other 3in or 3.5in 1911's that are reasonably priced (under $700)?

Thanks
 
I think a bigger issue in reliability would be your initial desire to get a 1911 in a barrel length of less than 4.25". This is only compounded when you decide to accept more cost cutting in it's production by going with the lower price models.

The 5" 1911 was built with a fair amount of operating tolerance in it's design...but it is a 100 year old design mated to the manufacturing realities of a different time. That operating window gets narrower as the specifications/timing are shortened. While I will not argue that a 3" 1911 can't be made to function, I don't think it can be argued that it will hold up as well as it's longer brethren...at least in my research with LE departments that issue them and talking to folks who carry them as part of their everyday work equipment.

The ultra short 1911s require consistent spring changes and proper maintenance. Perhaps my understanding of the term car gun is different, but that isn't what I think of when I hear those words.
 
Posted by 9mmepiphany: I think a bigger issue in reliability would be your initial desire to get a 1911 in a barrel length of less than 4.25". This is only compounded when you decide to accept more cost cutting in it's production by going with the lower price models.

The 5" 1911 was built with a fair amount of operating in it's design...but it is a 100 year old design mated to the manufacturing realities of a different time. That operating window gets narrower as the specifications/timing are shortened. While I will not argue that a 3" 1911 can be made to function, I don't think it can be argued that it will hold up to use as well as it's longer brethren...at least in my research with LE departments that issue them and talking to folks who carry them as part of their everyday work equipment.

The ultra short 1911s require consistent spring changes and proper maintenance.
Click to expand...
I came to the same conclusion a couple of years ago when I started down that path.

I ended up buying high quality all steel .45 with 3.9 inch barrel.

For IWB carry, the 3" version does not offer any advantage regarding concealment over my pistol. The grip frame size is what makes the difference.
 
i have a Defender 45ACP with over 5k rd's threw it and only thing i have done is change the springs every 1k....had a couple FTF'S in the beginning but after i changed to Wilson mags not a bit of trouble from it....just like with any machine you have to do maintenance...my 2 cents...
 
That's my thinking, too - that height is more important than length in terms of concealability.

The Officers frame is the shortest, right? Does anyone produce a bobtail cut on an Officers frame?
 
Para Warthog. I do not own nor have I shot one, just was looking at it a while back. It's a 3" double stack "1911 style" pistol, which if you're thinking CCW 10+1 will either attract or detract from your choice. Reviewers seem to either love it or hate it, but just something for you to research.
MSRP $1K, internet prices $700-$800

http://www.para-usa.com/new/product_pistol.php?id=8
http://www.gundirectory.com/more.asp?gid=20401&gun=Pistol

Of course if the double stack isn't your thing, the single stack Slim Hawg is roughly the same price, but is 6+1 with 3" barrel.
http://www.para-usa.com/new/product_pistol.php?id=61
 
Arp32 said:
Does anyone produce a bobtail cut on an Officers frame?
Click to expand...
Not that I am aware of...mostly due to the lack of required parts. The problem is that when the GM/Commander frame is bobtailed, it uses the Officer's (OACP) MSH for it's shorter length. There is not current production MSH shorter than the OACPs'. Anything shorter would have to be a custom built piece...if there is even enough space for the mainspring in something that short

Be aware that Para-Ord seems to have a chronic problem with QC being hit-or-miss
 
I recently acquired an RIA CS (officer's model) and it appears to be a very good gun. It has a beaver tail and flared ejection port but with the small GI style fixed sights, which is fine for my use with a little dab of paint on the front sight. I use to have a Kimber Ultra Eclipse that I had to do a good bit of "final fitting and tuning" to get it to run right but this RIA is ready to go! It's a heavy pistol but if you want a compact 1911 style .45 caliber pistol, then I recommend you give one a look.
 
DSCN2640.jpg
DSCN2647.jpg
That's a Citadel carry (officer's) size, with slim alumagrips, otherwise stock unmodified.

Mine runs like a top with the right ammo, there have been a few defense loads it didn't seem to care for. The magazines it came with were not ready for serious use, but CmC are pretty good and Wilson magazines are nearly flawless (one of the five or six I've bought doesn't drop free, I'd pretend to care but I just made it a range magazine like the CmC and factory Mec-Gar)
 
I own 4 sub 4" 1911's

I own 2 Kimber Ultras and they have both been flawless with any factory ammo that Ihave put through them including my carry rounds, Reminton JHP's.

I also own a RIA 3.5 Comp Tac. It does not like my lead handloads but has never failed with factory ball or JHPs.

I recently aquired a Springfield V10 and it too has been perfect with factory ammo. It alsohas digested all my handloads without issue.

Of all the guns mentioned, the Ultras are the ones I carry when I am not carrying my Tac Pro II. They are not only compact but light as well.
 
Hi Guys

Thank you for all the responses. I have read quite a bit about compact .45's and most of what I have read has been that they are or can be reliable. The Kimbers and SA's are mentioned most.

I am focused now on getting a SA Micro Compact GI. I think this will suit my needs well at a price I can justify. I can get one locally, which I like...gives me a chance to inspect it thoroughly. And if there is a problem, I know that SA will take care of it.

RIA is a good brand as well. I know Ivan does a great job for customers. But going to go with SA on this purchase.

So, that is my tack for now. I still have one friend who is insisting that a carry gun be DAO and light weight (even though he himself does not have one like that! He has an old Colt 1911). He thinks the 33 oz weight of the SA will be an issue. Can anyone comment?? I carry a Kimber Pro Carry when I need to. It is 27 oz. Not a problem in a belt holster. If I carry, it is not for long periods of time.

For general comment, would the Glock 36 be a better choice for some reason?? It seems to get good reviews...but then other reviews mention some very un-Glock like reliability issues.

SO....to me.....what I think the SA Micro Compact gives me is:

- the same manual of arms as my other pistol, the Kimber Pro Carry 9mm
- .45acp firepower, which I am used to from my previous Kimber Custom II
- excellent concealability in a slim form

The downside:

- weight
- possible reliability issues
- it is not "point and shoot"

This is for occasional carry. I am not a LEO and not expecting trouble. I do everything I can to stay safe and avoid any bad situations.

All comments very welcome. Thank you everyone.

John
 
Well Captain, if you're thinking about a Glock in .45, I'd go with the 30SF...however, after trying the 36 and 30, I ended up back with a 26 for size, weight, capacity and ease of shooting...very hard to beat...plus, in your case, ammo compatibility as well...:cool:

But, it sounds like you want the Springfield that you've found and the weight issue is able to be delt with...reliability is the key factor in these shorter 1911 styled pistols...they may only run 100% with FMJ...but, out of a 3 or 3.5 inch barrel you really can't expect expansion but should be able to get adequate penetration while still using standard pressure ball ammo...it's what I run in my "short stroker"...;)

Decisions, decisions....:eek:

I have to say that as of late, my carry guns have been either a G26 (every time I ride my Harley) or a S&W J frame .38 (old model 60)...as your friend suggested to you, I also somewhat prefer a pull, point, shoot gun for concealed carry....but again, nothing wrong with a good 1911 styled pistol either... as long as whatever gun you pick is reliable, it's all just a matter of preference...:)
 
Thanks for the input, Ken.

The G26 is a consideration. I had one, liked it, but did not like it for carry. The grip just never felt good when I went to take it out of the holster. Fat and stubby to my hands.

But, Glock does have lots of options. There is the G19 mag and spacer. Or the Pierce extender.

Not a bad option....the only issue for me is that it just felt blocky. A 1911 in a holster feels very comfy to me. That is why I might consider a G36, for its slimness. But...you still only get 6 rounds with it...so....you give up ergonomics for weight....not sure if I want to....or should. But then, that is why I am asking these questions of the group.

You know how it goes.....you have to get what makes sense, but you also have to get what really moves you.

I think ....at least....

Still thinking
 
I hear ya...the 26 fits my hands but I'd pass on the G36 - seems to be a problem child for Glock...at least the ones I've seen were. Yep, for a compact single stack .45, might as well give the Springfield a try...they suppose to have great customer service so if it does give any problems, they can make it right.
 
Thank you for all the responses.

I did more research and thinking, then went looking. I found a shop that had a lightly used Kimber Eclipse Ultra II. I checked it over and felt it was the best deal and the best choice.

.45acp
25 oz in weight.
Match grade barrel
NIGHT SIGHTS
Two 7 round magazines (the SA Micro Compact GI mag is 6 rounds). Great!
And all the standard 1911 upgrades and Kimber features
It is 0.25 in shorter than the SA MC GI, that helps
Front strap checkering!

Price was $750. Retails for $1236

A new SA MC GI is $650. SO, I am pretty happy. Glad I spent the extra money.

Cleaned and polished it, looks good. Now...will have to see how it shoots. Should be OK.

Thank you for all comments

kimbereclipseultra2.jpg


Best

J
 
For a 3" 1911, I'd go with something from a company known for good customer service, because it's the 3" ones that sometimes don't work. Springfield, S&W (they at least make a CCO, that much I know), RIA, Colt, etc.
 
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Crap I missed that you bought the Kimber. Pretty gun. Report back with how it works at the range.
 
Thanks!

The upgrades were what tipped the deal. I was going to go with an SA, because of customer service. But, I felt the kimber was a good deal and the Ultra has a very good rep.

What I got for the extra money, that I felt helpful:

Lighter weight.
Extra round!
Front checkering
Night sights (and much better sights than the SA GI)
Match grade barrel (whatever that really means in a 3in 1911)

Customer service is important, but only if there is anything wrong. My experience with two Kimbers has been excellent, so I am expecting this to be fine.

I felt, more importantly, that nothing can make up for having an extra round in the mag.

The lower weight, exceptional sights, and front strap checkering add a lot of value for the $100 extra dollars paid.

Hope to get to shoot it today. Should be fine. Will try to let you know

Thanks

J
 
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The lower weight, exceptional sights, and front strap checkering add a lot of value for the $100 extra dollars paid.
Click to expand...

can't argue with that. not sure a match grade barrel ads any value at any price though unless you're literally a world champion shooter, and if you are, you're going to be shooting some stupidly expensive race gun and not a kimber :D
 
:)

Well...quick range report:

100 rounds of UMC bulk ball ammo. And..... 100%! No failures of any kind at all. No brass in the face, no bad tendancies at all.

Did not shoot for accuracy, but this gun is VERY accurate. Really pleased with this. Glad I got this one. Felt very good, in my hands. Shooting two handed and one handed. Tried quite a few drills, everything worked perfectly.

Very happy.

Best

J
 
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