new ccw gun

[Rob G]

Uncle Sam was very nice about returning some of my money this year and I'm planning on going down to the gun show tomorrow to buy a new CCW gun. My question is this, I was thinking of buying a compact 1911 style gun with a 3 inch barrel. Like a Kimber ultra carry or something simliar (hadn't decided exactly what yet). But I've been hearing all this stuff about how the short barrel 1911s have ammo feeding issues. It this just a certain manufacturer, certain caliber, or all of them is this style? Also would going with a longer barrel eliminate this problem and if so how long can you go and still conceal it without too many problems?

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I don't have one of these guns myself. I did personally witness one (not sure of the make) that literally would not fire two consecutive shots. The shooter put it away and went to something else. But that is only one observation of one gun.

The problem with these is that the short and very fast slide travel combines with the sometimes inability of the magazine to push the bowling ball cartridges up in time to be stripped off. In reading various forum postings, they seem to fall into either of two categories. Either they run well out of the box, or they do not and frequently cannot be made to, even after multiple returns. In other words, it is a crapshoot whether you will get a good one or not.

I've done some carrying with a 4 1/4" 1911 and did not find it at all difficult to carry IWB. In fact, very short barrels tend to tip away from your body. The part that presents more difficulty in hiding without "printing" is the butt.

 

[kokapelli]

I have a Para Worthawg and have never had a feed failure.

 

[Ruggles]

Had a Kimber UCII, and yes it had number of feeding issue. Sold it.

Had a Para Hawg, a few issues but not very many. Good gun overall, I would buy a second one. The Kimber I would not. (BTW had a Kimber Warrior that had issues as well)

I currently have Colt New Agent, same type of gun with just over 200 rds FMJ thru it with no issues.

3" 1911 are much more picky about how they feed ammo that their big brothers.

I really think that it's luck of the draw with these from the factory.

I would no trade my used Colt New Agent that I know works for a brand new Colt New Agent and $300 cash, if I did I might get one that has reliability issues. That is how I see it anyways.