Recoil and accuracy difference in 4" vs. 5" 1911

[hexidismal]

So, I've been carrying a full size, lightweight frame, 1911 for years now. The loaded lightweight from Springfield here. Important to note here is that I prefer a carry gun that can double as a reasonable target gun.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=21

Lately, I've been wanting another 1911, probably another piece for a carry option, and the idea of something a little shorter appeals to me. This one has caught my eye as something I'm very interested in. The Kimber Stainless Pro TLE/RL II like the one shown here. I haven't been the biggest fan of Kimbers honestly, but I think it's a nice looking gun and it has all the features I want.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=213559269

The thing is though, I have owned and fired several 5" 1911 style guns, but never fired a 4". I did however fire one of the Ultra Carry 3" models that belonged to someone at my range, and found it downright unpleasant. Although my accuracy with the 5" is quite good, I was horrible with the 3"... and the recoil wasn't fun either. I do have another .45 though, the P345 with a 4.2" barrel that I can shoot very well. I don't know if my accuracy problem with the 3" was just sight radius or what. I'm decent enough with a 2.5" barrel k-frame revolver.

Between my current carry gun, and the possible 4", I think the weight difference would be negligible. Springfield lightweight 5" weight is listed at 33oz , which I have added a SS magwell to probably adding a little. The Kimber 4" is listed at 36oz, and I'd probably be adding a magwell to that so the 4" should actually be heavier. The 4" would also have the rail and bull barrel adding weight toward the front, which I would imagine should soak a tiny bit of recoil.

With all that back story and info, and considering my negative experiences with the 3", how happy do you think I'd be losing that inch of sight radius ? And for those who transition between a 5" and a 4" 1911 , how do you feel it affects felt recoil ?

 

[Jed Carter]

I carry and like to shoot a SIG RCS 1911. It is a commander size slide with a 4.2" barrel mated to an officers size frame. It has a bit more kick than one of my 5" but not enough to interfere with a quick follow up shot. I am better with a Government size 1911 but for a carry weapon it put the venerable CZ PCR to shame. Novak night sights are a nice touch too. By all means get a 4-4.25" 1911, I will pass on any 1911 with a shorter barrel.

 

[stanger04]

To me personally I really don't notice a shooting difference between the full size and the commander. I can tell from the full to officer but not a lot from commander to officer, in all steel guns, not alloys.

As for losing the 1" of sight, depends. You will get a lot of different answers on that one. Look at it technically and practically, then weigh your decision.

 

[CZ57]

The scandium framed S&W 1911s come in a 4.25" Commander size. Light weight and stronger than aluminum alloy. The one I have experience with is an excellent shooter and handles recoil well even up to +P loads.

 

[G27RR]

In an all steel 1911, I don't notice much difference between a 4" or 5" barrel for recoil or accuracy. I do notice more recoil comparing a 4" super carry pro with its aluminum frame vs an all steel 4" or 5". Accuracy is still the same for me, assuming equal quality pistols.

The 3" has the most recoil, but I shoot my STI Shadow nearly as well under 25 yards as a larger 1911. I don't find. 3" to be punishing, though, so your mileage may vary. I carry a 3" 1911.

 

[srkavanagh6621]

I have the Springfield Loaded Champion and LOVE IT. I actually traded my Colt with the 5 inch barrel because I personally shot the champion better. To me it just balances better and is as accurate as any handgun I have had the privilege to shoot. the 4 inch guns are very nice. I really like springfield too so if your not to set on a Kimber(which I have read many mixed feeling about but no experience on my own) I would recommend the springfield.

 

[stanger04]

I like the Springfield more as well, Kimber's are good guns, I'm just not crazy about their standard sights. That's a personal thing though, have a lot of friends that love them.

 

[dusty14u]

I have a Kimber Raptor 5" and an ATI commander length(4.25) and have found the commander length to have more recoil. I notice it more when shooting 1 hand unsupported of course. Both guns are steel framed and I haven't weighed them to see what the difference is. Given that there is more recoil in the commander length I haven't noticed a huge difference in accuracy. The Raptor is more accurate but the match type sights as opposed to the GI sights are probably a large factor in the accuracy dept. as well as the tighter tolerances of the Kimber over the ATI.

 

[buckhorn_cortez]

Kind of a complicated question to answer as the gun characteristics can affect the perceived recoil. As was noted, the recoil from an aluminum frame gun feels greater because of the lighter weight - that's one of the tradeoffs in choosing a carry gun.

I have a 5-inch barrel gun and 4.25-inch barrel gun in stainless (DW Valor and VBOB), and the recoil from the shorter gun is "snappier" but does not feel that much greater overall - and accuracy is the same between the two.

You can do some other things with short barreled guns, like getting a bull barrel which helps with recoil because of the additional weight at the front of the gun - but, there's the tradeoff again - more weight to carry. You can also change recoil springs and which will affect perceived recoil a bit.

I also have a Detonics Combat Master that is really a handfull, even after porting the gun - which did reduce recoil.

My advice would be to choose the heaviest gun you feel comforable with and get a holster that distributes the weight better. I have a Wilson Tactical Supergrade Professional on order (4-inch barrel) and chose that gun because it is all steel with a heavy barrel. Not exactly a lightweight carry gun, but it should be easy to handle with the least amount of recoil for that size gun.

 

[rellascout]

For me its more about the weight than the barrel length. 45 acp out of a 1911is more of a push than a flip. More weight in the gun less felt recoil.

I see almost no difference between my DW CBOB, all steel, and my Colt 70 Govt series. There is a difference between these 2 and the CCO which has an alum frame. You can feel a bit more sting from the CCO which is a commander slide on an officers frame. Again this has more to do with weight than the barrel length.

As far as accuracy both lengths are capable of more accuracy than I am. At defense distances within 15 yards there is almost no noticeable difference for me. It is more about the indian than the arrow. IMHO

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I've owned or shot them in both barrel lengths and do not recall any significant difference in recoil or accuracy. The 4 1/4" Commander-length slides do have slightly better handling qualities, seeming to balance better in my hand than the five-inchers.