Looking to buy a compact 1911...So many options! Kimber, Springfield, Para....

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4xfourfun

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Well, I've been thinking of purchasing a compact 1911(3-3.5" barrel). Man, there are a lot of options out there. Wanting to keep it around $500-$800, which I believe can easily be done. I found a Kimber Stainless Steel Ultra Carry II .45 w/one factory mag(no extras) thats in pretty good shape for $625. The same guy also has a Springfield V10(ported) Ultra Compact .45 Hi-Cap w/one factory mag(no extras) thats also in pretty good shape for $525. I've been looking for a used Warthog, but have found nothing used locally. May have to look into ordering one. I'm in Illinois, so I won't actually be carrying it, but want something compact for various reasons. I have a fullsize Kimber SS II .45 and like it but wouldn't mind changing brands if need be. What do you all think?

-Ben
 
I have a Tactical Ultra II that for me has been a great weapon. I've owned for about 1 1/2 yrs with no problems at all (has eaten everything I've fed it with out complaint). Highly recommened it for ccw, good luck with what ever you choose.
 
I've got a Springfield Micro-compact. Very nice looking, 100% reliable and accurate. Also, I think the dual recoil spring assembly really makes shooting the small, light gun a joy!
 
It will always be a crapshoot on 3" 45's for reliability. Pick your maker and take your chances. I had a Springer that sucked and now own a Kimber that's perfect. Many will say the other way around. Just get what you like, if it turns out bad, the manufacturers will make it right.
 
Also remember the used ones are for sale for a reason. I truly believe the lemon rates goes WAY up with used guns. That's how I ended up with the lemon Springer, bought it used.
 
I like my full size Kimber, so I'm sure the Ultra Carry would be a nice gun. Do you think the price is in line? I really like the Springfield V10 Ultra Carry too, but I haven't heard a lot about them? And you can't go wrong with a gun called a "Warthog"! I kind of trust the guy selling the used guns but maybe I shouldn't. He is not a friend by any means but I know of him. He is selling off 6 guns to help fund his divorce.
 
I've seen some of those for sale on the net, and they have been priced pretty fair. Have you ever compared it to the Warthog as far as size or dimension?
 
P12

I haven't really compared them because this one works, all the time, and I have no interest in replacing it. The newer pistols have a larger extractor, which is repairing a problem that didn't exist, IME. I don't even know if the newer guns are single action or double action. I have a nice LW Commander, but prefer to carry this one.:) I built a holster for it, and I can carry it with shirt tucked in or out with no problem. I did give up wearing tight jeans years ago.
 
i would go with a sa. but i personally am not a fa of ported guns especially for carry. they are great guns for the range bt not something that i would carry. there are many great options out there from sa and you could find one in that price range new, check out the loaded series.
 
My Colt Defender has been nearly perfect with the only problems coming from faulty magazine followers. After replacing them with Tripp Research followers per the suggestion of a THR member, it has been flawless. I carry it everyday.

IMG_2982.jpg

(I have replaced the factory grip safety with a Wilson Drop In)

Also, as an EMP owner, I can also suggest the SA Micro Compact since they are essentially the same gun. I think the SA is much more smooth than the Defender and definitely a prettier gun.

BTW, if you end up with one, PM me and I'll tell you about a holster that can't be beat, in my opinion.
 
This should give you some idea of the differences between the double stack Para and the Kimber:

pistolsforsale.gif

The Para is shorter in the grip, but much wider. The Para is somewhat sensitive to limp wristing, the Kimber much less so. The Para holds 10+1 vs the Kimber's 7+1, and IMO is easier to shoot because of the wider grip (more surface area to spread recoil over). Perhaps because of this, I find that I shoot the Para more accurately than the Kimber. The biggest downside with the Para is that the company will only honor the life time warranty for the original owner. Because of this, I will not be buying any more of their guns, which is unfortunate since they are, in all other respects, excellent guns. I've been seriously looking at the Charles Daly UltraX to replace my current CCW, a Para Warthog.
 
They're all pretty good but I'll admit to being a Kimber fan personally. I'll let the others fight over brand but I would like to suggest maybe going for a slightly longer barrel. I've heard alot about ammo feeding issues with 3" barrels. No idea if they're true since I've never owned one and only shot one once. But based on that info I decided to buy a Kimber CDP with the 4" barrel instead. I've found that it's no more difficult to conceal than a 3" and it does seem to shoot a little better (accuracy, recoil).

Good Luck with whatever you choose and remember to post pics when you buy something. We love "gun porn" around here.
 
Hard to beat a lightweight Commander, anything shorter than 4" barrels in 1911's and the reliablity gets spotty. I know all u guys who have them that run but if you look at the big picture you will see that the chances of getting a reliable one right out of the box is much better with the little longer barrel. Too many compromises have to be made in the slide travel/recoil system on the mini guns. My fav is the commander slide on the officers frame.
 
Thanks for all the info and comments. I was pretty sure I had my mind made up until I started digging into them a little deeper. As i said before, soooo many options! I found a Para Ordnance Warthog that I have my eye on. I read in an article that they were getting 4" groups at 25 yards which to me is pretty good for that type/size of weapon. Hmm...
 
I'd get the Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry myself; as I already own one,
and its a great shooter. The old myth that .45 ACP's with barrels less
than 4" in length is less accurate is total BS~! Not only is it as accurate
as some 5" models; I've never experienced a problem with this particular
3" barrel weapon~! ;) :)
 
I love the 1911's, BUT, my experience with the short barrel 1911's has never been good. Nor have any of the ones I have personal experience with via my friends and shooting buddies been good. Even if they got them to work, it was short lived as springs weakened.
As much as I hate to say it, in a short barreled 45 I have seen the best results with the Glock.
But, if you are not going to rely on it for CCW then:

A Colt is always the right answer!!
 
I've been seriously looking at the Charles Daly UltraX to replace my current CCW, a Para Warthog.
Click to expand...

I just discovered that yesterday. Israeli made with a synthetic frame. Interesting.

I am not a 1911 guy yet but is it really necessary to have that long pointy tail? I don't see where the slide of a 1911 would bite any worst than any other semi automatic. Looks like that feature would especially be a pain in a conceal carry weapon both because it would imprint and stab you in the side?
 
I bought a Kimber CDPII pro for use as my daily carry weapon, and then came across a deal on a brand new Ultra Carry II LG that I couldn't pass up. Long story short, the Ultra Carry has become my daily carry weapon. NO less accurate than the pro, but smaller and a little easier to make disappear. Never a hiccup through the breakin period and shoots just as easy as the pro size. I'm not a huge fan of lasers, but it's nice to have the option. I like the way it feels much better than the para ordnance warthawg that I compared it to in the shop also.
Good luck in your decision!
SRT
 
Its always interesting to me that so many people have "100%" reliable short barrelled 1911s, yet they never have any scratches, carry wear, or signs of use on them. Why is that?
 
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