Father Knows Best
Member
I think I need a custom 1911, because the pistol I'm looking for isn't in the catalog of any manufacturer.
I have been carrying a Para Ordnance CCW. It is a single stack 1911 built on an "officer" size frame but with a commander length (4.25") barrel and slide. I really like the concept of this gun. The shorter grip is easier to conceal than a full size frame, and yet still large enough for me to get a solid grip on (unlike, say, the Glock subcompacts). The single stack design is also thin and comfortable for concealed carry, especially with slim grips.
I'm not a fan of the ultra-compact 1911's, though. In my experience, barrels shorter than 4.25" give up too much in terms of reliability, accuracy, muzzle velocity and shooting comfort. Thus, the unique combination of the officer size frame with the commander length slide is a winner in my book.
I have two problems with the CCW, though. First, it has the LDA trigger system. It is a nice system, and helped me transition from Glocks, but I now prefer a traditional single action trigger, and cocked-and-locked carry. Second, it is an all steel (stainless) pistol, and is quite heavy at 34 ounces empty. Alloy frame 1911s shave about a half pound off that weight, which makes a difference in all day carry. I prefer steel frames when doing a lot of shooting (practice, competition) but alloy for CCW.
What I want is a single action 1911 with an officer size aluminum alloy single stack frame and a commander length barrel/slide. Para Ordnance comes close with its LTC alloy, but it uses a full size frame. I want all the standard bells and whistles, too, of course, such as combat sights, beavertail grip safety, beveled magwell, etc.
So ... am I right that I would have to have this pistol custom built? Would it be insanely expensive? Who would build it?
I have been carrying a Para Ordnance CCW. It is a single stack 1911 built on an "officer" size frame but with a commander length (4.25") barrel and slide. I really like the concept of this gun. The shorter grip is easier to conceal than a full size frame, and yet still large enough for me to get a solid grip on (unlike, say, the Glock subcompacts). The single stack design is also thin and comfortable for concealed carry, especially with slim grips.
I'm not a fan of the ultra-compact 1911's, though. In my experience, barrels shorter than 4.25" give up too much in terms of reliability, accuracy, muzzle velocity and shooting comfort. Thus, the unique combination of the officer size frame with the commander length slide is a winner in my book.
I have two problems with the CCW, though. First, it has the LDA trigger system. It is a nice system, and helped me transition from Glocks, but I now prefer a traditional single action trigger, and cocked-and-locked carry. Second, it is an all steel (stainless) pistol, and is quite heavy at 34 ounces empty. Alloy frame 1911s shave about a half pound off that weight, which makes a difference in all day carry. I prefer steel frames when doing a lot of shooting (practice, competition) but alloy for CCW.
What I want is a single action 1911 with an officer size aluminum alloy single stack frame and a commander length barrel/slide. Para Ordnance comes close with its LTC alloy, but it uses a full size frame. I want all the standard bells and whistles, too, of course, such as combat sights, beavertail grip safety, beveled magwell, etc.
So ... am I right that I would have to have this pistol custom built? Would it be insanely expensive? Who would build it?
