The Ultimate 1911 Configuration?

[dk-corriveau]

OK, so I recently purchased my second .45, a Para LTC, which is similar in size and weight to a Combat Commander. After bringing it home I got to thinking, what is the ultimate 1911 configuration? As in what caliber, barrel length, and weight (as in alloy vs steel vs slide/frame combination). I’m not talking about the details, I don’t care about extended mag wells, ambi-safeties, or lizard-scale serration patterns. Basically, if you had to pick one configuration for your 1911, what would it be?

Although I have limited experience with different 1911 platforms and I have limited range time with my Para, I have come to the conclusion that I prefer my new gun to my full size Kimber. Why? Because, it has better balance in my hand. Although there is very little weight difference between the two, the shorter barrel, slide, and frame (yes the frame of a commander sized 1911 is smaller in case you didn’t realize it) pushes the center of mass back just enough to make a gun that feels much more nimble in my hands. All that being said, my Para still has to prove itself on the reliability front, but so far so good.

So what is your preference?

 

[Mossyrock]

My favorite 1911 configuration is either the Lightweight Officer's ACP or the Kimber Compact. Both are based on the shorter, OACP frame and have either the 3.5 or 4" barrel. Springfield also makes a similar package, but the current designation escapes me. Packable, powerful and, with the right barrel, accurate. This is my daily driver, a Yost-Bonitz custom Lightweight OACP:



And this is my current project gun, a Kimber Compact Stainless, converted from .40 Smith to 10mm:

 

[farscott]

My personal choice is a full-size, steel 1911 chambered in .45 ACP. I like the balance, sight radius, reliability, and the lack of snappy recoil. I have no issues carrying a pistol like this with the right leather.

I find the Commander to have a bit too much muzzle flip for my taste. I am faster and more accurate with the full-size pistol.

 

[mattw]

So far the best thing i've come across in the short time that i have been shooting 1911s has been a US Property Model 1911 made in 1918 by colt. I have small hands so hammer bite is not an issue. The only things i would change about it for combat might be the sights and replace the original magazine

 

[Texas Colt]

I have to agree with Mossyrock. My daily companion is a Colt lightweight Officers model. It's small, light, easy to conceal, and still packs plenty of punch especially when loaded with Speer's 200 grain +P Gold Dot HP.

My second chioce would be the Colt CCO which is the same lightweight Officers model frame but with a Commander slide (4.25" barrel), which gives you a slightly longer sight radius.

 

[bigmike45]

I like you prefer the shorter versions of the 1911 style handguns. I have 2 excellent 5" models, a Kimber Custom TLE II and a Wilson CQB but the gun that gets to ride in my daily carry holster is my Speingfield Champion. Superbly balanced, accurate and no problems with fit or function. I personally modified this one from a GI WWII Model to meet my personal likes and needs.

 

[sanger]

I think for carry, a gov't length slide (for me, 3/4" doesn't make a difference in concealibility) with a lightweight bobtail frame and a bull barrel is the perfect carry piece. The frame could be a S&W scandium or a Caspian titanium.

 

[Smoke]

I think the Para LTC might just be the pinnacle of current production 1911's.

If your quest is The Ultimate 1911 Configuration put night sights on that LTC and you're done.

One man's opinion.

Smoke

 

[Devon]

For me

This one.. Combat Commander .45, for you, could be different

I've even used this J.P. Sauer .25, different strokes you know

 

[Black Majik]

All steel 5" Government.

 

[KevinB]

I'm new to the 1911 and I haven't tried enough configurations to definitively say "This is the one for me". But I couldn't be happier with my stainless steel fullsize S.A.1911. It carries and conceals wonderfully, better, or at least as well as my sub-compact and compact guns. I am already eyeing a Les Baer TRS though... someday.

-Kevin

 

[Paco]

All steel "5 1911.

The dam thing is perfect that way. Reliability, ballistics and durability start going down hill when you shorten it or change the basic materials.

-Paco

 

[dasmi]

Man, I need a 1911!

 

[fastbolt]

I own Colt Model O pistols with barrel lengths of 3.5", 4.25" & 5" ...

I've had excellent reliability with my steel Commander & stainless Officers ACP (although both have received bit of attention to enhance proper functioning).

My preferred platform size for overall use is the standard size 5" barrel. Yes, they're a bit longer, and even a bit heavier. They remain my preferred compromise, though ...

I do like the option of having a full size model with an aluminum frame, however, which is why I decided to order a SW1911Sc 5". To me, this offers the best balance of overall advantages when it comes to a 1911 intended to be used for daily off-duty usage.

My new stainless Colt Government XSE was a real tackdriver, right out of the box, even with its heavy trigger pull weight. It fed, chambered, fired, extracted & ejected a range of FMJ/HP used for 'break in', including 230gr JHP/BHP's (W-W Personal Protection, T-Series +P & Gold Dots), as well as brass & aluminum cased FMJ. (I don't like using aluminum Blazer, but someone donated a few boxes to me). Of course, the non-Colt ambidextrous safety lock had to go ... especially since the left side snapped off after about 200 rounds had been fired through the gun. That's one of the problems with the use of some of the non-Colt, vendor-supplied parts used in the XSE pistols, which are really only being used to satisfy customer demand ... or so I've been told. I could've bought a Kimber if I wanted parts to fall off my 1911.

When I scoped the trigger & sear engagement, though, when I had the pistol apart, the engagment was about as perfect as you could expect. Nice to see Colt producing some reliable, quality forged 1911's.

Of course, since I don't like the folded leaf followers used in the new Colt 8-round magazines, I discarded them (and the magazine springs), in favor of standard followers and 11 lb springs. Just a personal preference.

I'm looking forward to getting my SW1911Sc ...

 

[Rob96]

Ultimate 1911 Configuration

I just made it today. See, I actually prefer the stock grip and thumb safety that comes on the Colt Gov't Models. The only thing I needed was a rear sight that gave me a better picture. I accomplished that today with a Yost Retro Rear Sight.. Looks great on the gun and gives one hell of a picture.

 

[bratch]

I'm partial to the CCO style with the shorter Officers frame and a 4.25" barrel. I'm thin so the shorter grip makes it alot easier to conceal.

 

[Pietro Beretta]

My new stainless Colt Government XSE was a real tackdriver, right out of the box,

Good to hear, I am looking at the Blue model. After I get a 1000 rounds through her I will send her to get chromed. Im hoping this will be my Ultimate 1911