Subcompact 1911s: Ugly or Cool?

[Old Dog]

I have had only two of the shorties, both SA Loaded Lightweight Micro-Compacts. One is more accurate than some of my 5" 1911s and has been supremely reliable ... the other a tad finicky (magazines and ammo preferences), but great nonetheless.

Limp-wristing is a real problem with the 3-inchers.

 

[Foto Joe]

As to reliability, Rob Pincus put out a pretty dim view of the subcompact 1911s based on watching them not work in training sessions.

Let's see, a failure to feed after 300 rounds?? Okay, maybe the plastic guns can pull that off without a cleaning in between but I don't think that's too bad for a 1911. Besides, who carries hundreds of rounds worth of magazines for self defense.

 

[tarosean]

Originally Posted by Alberforth
As to reliability, Rob Pincus put out a pretty dim view of the subcompact 1911s based on watching them not work in training sessions.

Let's see, a failure to feed after 300 rounds?? Okay, maybe the plastic guns can pull that off without a cleaning in between but I don't think that's too bad for a 1911. Besides, who carries hundreds of rounds worth of magazines for self defense.

Most sub compacts of all types are not as reliable as their full sized counterparts. There is no denying that.

3" 45ACP 1911's need perfect timing to work reliably as there is such a small "window" to get that large cartridge out. The slightest thing will throw that timing off.

They interest me but I would never own one under 4"..



Foto:
I personally would consider that bad regardless of what type of gun it is.

 

[gym]

I have never seen an ugly 1911. Unless someone ran it over with a tank, I can't imagine what could be ugly about a compact 1911.

 

[Pyro]

I think having a subcompact 1911 is just plain ridiculous, but to each his own.

 

[gym]

Why is that Pyro, I found that my 1911's were very similar "when comparing high quality guns", regardless of barrel length. The only difference was that you will sacrifice a bit of accuracy, but not enough to change the outcome unless you are shooting out past 25 yards. Even though I am not a great 1911 expert, I can still shoot them well.
I think the trigger, and fire control unit is the most important thing in the 1911's ability to be an accurate and respected man stopper. I just seem to shoot them better than most other guns. But I also shoot Glocks better than most other polymer and steel guns. Even though I grew up with steel German guns and revolvers.
But everyone is different, If I picked up a snubby right now, I would shoot it surprisingly well as I learned to shoot on them, and carried one for 25+ years.
It's like an old shoe.
1911 guys are much the same, cut an inch or two off the length and it still is going to work for them.

 

[savanahsdad]

Yea ok. I still won't buy something ugly.

I'd buy ugly, and have , there is a glock in my safe, and a COOL 1911 compact look-a-like.. the sig P238. not a 1911 but looks like one

 

[rskent]

Very cool. Unfortunately I let my one and only go several years ago. Funny thing, I don’t even remember what I sold it to buy. :banghead:

 

[Esoxchaser]

Love my EMP, 938 and 238. But I never had any 3" 1911's in .45ACP I would call reliable enough for anything but range duty, regardless of manufacturer.