Springfield Champion or Ultra Compact?

[Rick479]

I'm looking to purchase a carry pistol and have narrowed it down to the Springfield Loaded series. I want the stainless for ease of care. Comparing the Champion and the Ultra Compact, I see only a 1/2 inch barrel and overall length and about 4 oz. difference.

Anyone own either or carry either? Does it really make that much difference? Is there a difference in the grip length?

Any help/opinions would be welcome.

P.S. I'm not looking to get talked out of the Springer. But I will welcome any suggestions that are in the same price range (800-900 w/2 mags), realiability, and reputation.

 

[XavierBreath]

Three inch 1911s are notorious for reliability issues. Most 1911 producers, including Springfield and Kimber had problems with the design once they dropped to three inches.

Colt is about the only company that makes consistently reliable 1911 style handguns in a three inch barrel. You may want to take a look at the Colt Defender or New Agent. Neither has reliability issues, each is around $800-850, has a lightweight frame, two mags and carry Colt's reputation.

 

[Rick479]

I did look at the Defender and liked it. My question there is, since I couldn't break it down at the time, is the grip finished so I can go with something other than the wrap around it comes with? Reason I ask is that I have smaller hands and the wrap around puts just a little too much girth in it to make it a comfortable hold for me. I also like the additional perks on the Loaded series like the beavertail, match grade bull barrel, checkered front strap, Novak nights, etc.

I've heard elsewhere about the issues when the barrels dropped below 4", but haven't heard a lot recently so was hoping that they'd worked out the bugs so to speak. Are there the same issues with the 4" barrels?

I'm also leary of the aluminum frames. I know, probably just old school, but if I'm going to be shooting something as beefy as a .45, I want something that is built to stand up to it. I hit the range frequently to ensure I'm not just comfortable, but accurate as well. My carry right now is a Ruger SP101 in
.357, so weight really isn't an issue. I have great confidence that it will not only always go bang, but it will never wear out in my lifetime. Built like a tank. Besides, if I ever get in a situation where I need to bean someone because I can't shoot, I want it to make a dent.

 

[XavierBreath]

Standard Officer's ACP sized grips will fit the Colt Defender. I don't know why they insist on putting that Good Year grip on it.........The Defender has a smooth front strap, the New Agent's frontstrap is serrated. With a bushing change to the grip frame, slim grips such as those the New Agent wears will fit the Defender. Magazines for the Officer's ACP fit both the Defender and New Agent.

The Colt Defender comes in two versions, the early version has an upright rear sight, the later models have a Novak style rear sight.

Here is a Colt Defender with slim wood grips.

 

[Bobbeedigi]

I carry a rare all black Loaded Micro Compact. Love the stock grips but put some Hogues on it. Perfection!

 

[03Shadowbob]

I know at least 10 guys who have the Kimber Ultra carry and none have had a problem wiith the gun. On the other hand I have read great things about the Colt New Agent and had the chance to get one recently and the idea of a 3" 1911 is very tempting but I'll stick with my 4" Kimber. No matterwhat I am sure you'll be happy.