Want a small Carry 1911

[jwalker497]

In my opinion, width of a gun is the most critical factor for concealing a handgun, then grip height.

Finding a carry piece that's thin and short is not easy. The only real options are Kahr's and 1911s. Of course, there might be some other onese her and there, like the PPS, etc. But if you also are looking for a .45, you're really limiting yourself. So I came to the conclusion that 1911 is the only answer.
I was doing some research and was going to go the CCO route, but they're still too long. So that leaves me with the shorties (3in barrel) and of course I read the issue about reliability.

So Now I am looking for the smallest (Thin, Light, Short) 45acp1911 that will function reliably. Easy, right?

After researching all I really have found is Kimber Ultra Carry (like the CT laers option) and a Colt New Agent.

What other options are out there?? Has to be 45acp, short grip, lightweight, and a 1911. I would consider Para's as well.

 

[Echo9]

Para Slim Hawg. I've handled one, and it's definitely thin. Reliability.... Not so sure about that. I've heard a lot of horror stories, and I've never heard someone talk about how great their Para runs. Maybe someone here has an opinion?

Keep in mind when looking for a thin 1911 that you can always replace the grip panels if they're thick.

I don't like the New Agent because I don't like trench sights.

Check out the SA Micro Compact.

 

[XavierBreath]

The Colt Defender.

I own both a New Agent and a Defender. They are the same pistol except for the sight systems, the finish, grip safety and grips. The Defender has an excellent reliability record. Probably the best of any 3 inch 1911. The New Agent is still too new to enjoy the same record.

Be aware there was a recall on the recoil assembly and thumb safety for the Colt Defender and New Agent (see below).

I retired my Para C6.45LDA because of reported slide failures. In my opinion it was a supreme carry gun, but the slide failures were enough for me. I have not owned a Kimber 3 incher or a Springfield 3 inch 1911. They do not seem to have the same reliability record as the Colts. I say that based on the pistols of friends and having read about the issues on various forums over the years. On any of the thee inchers, expect to swap the recoil assemblies out every 1000 rounds or so.

Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC has determined that the Slide Lock Safety and the Recoil Spring Guide Pad in certain Colt model pistols were not manufactured to Colt specifications and must be replaced. All of these Colt models were sold after March 2007 and the range of serial numbers affected by this product recall is as follows:

1911 WWI Replica (O1911) From: 4597WMK To: 5414WMK
1918 WWI Replica (O1918) From: 1001WWI To: 3431WWI
New Agent (O7810D) From: GT01001 To: GT04505
Combat Elite (O8011XSE) From: CG10000E To: CG11293E
Defender (O7000D) From: DR33036 To: DR35948
Talo Night Defender (O7000NDF) From: NDF0001 To: NDF0400

Here is an article that might help you make a choice.

In this article I compare the Defender and New Agent.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Defender or New Agent. Like Xavier I have both I am more comfortable with the Defender had lot longer and I just trust more at this time . That said Agent has never had problem and been reliable . But like a old pair of comfortable shoes I pick up Defender more often than not

 

[jahwarrior]

i've handled the Colt Officer's model; that's a pretty compact gun. but to be fair, with a good holster, you can easily conceal a full size 1911, even in the summer. i know, i carry a PT1911, and can conceal it under a light shirt.

 

[philobeddoe]

I've got a Colt's Officer ACP, a half dozen full sized Colt 1911's and a sweet Lightweight Colt Commander ... as well as a 4" Springfield XD45 ... and the Lightweight Commander is just a joy.

I suggest doing a little research and handling the Lightweight Commander before settling in on something subcompact. It may be just what the doctor ordered.

 

[Oro]

In my opinion, width of a gun is the most critical factor for concealing a handgun,

I agree with this. So there are two main guns I carry:

1) 2.5" S&W K-frame,

2) Colt Commander.

Shorter or smaller than either of those you get into serious issues of reliability. No one can show a sub-commander to be as reliable or accurate. Likewise, it's hard to carry more power than in a 2.5" S&W 19/66 .357 magnum.

You can go smaller than the above, but you will give up either 1) practical reliability or 2) controlability.

Look, this is just physics. The power of the rounds doesn't change. Others can argue differently; do their arguments alter the physics?

 

[03Shadowbob]

S&W CS45 also could be a possibility. I've been keeping my eyes open for one.
As far as 1911 style, Everyone that I know that has an Ultra Carry has not had any problems. Sure they are out there but not involving those I know or have asked.
I have heard that the Springfiled is possibly the most reliable 3" 1911 out there.
That being said, I love Colt 1911s.
I do not go by much of what I read on the net about guns and failures as every time I buy a gun that has been getting a beating on the net, it has run just fine.

 

[distra]

Springfield Micro 1911 3". Perfect for what you want. I picked one up used a couple years ago for $700. Sweet little 1911, never had a bit of trouble with mine. Feeds JHP (Hornady TAP and XTP) with ease. Very reliable micro 1911.

 

[mnrivrat]

I will second the Springfield Micro Compact based on my friends example.

 

[CZ223]

I think

that the newer 3" 1911's are a lot more reliable than they used to be. I have handled the new agaent and, but for the sights, I liked it a lot. A lot of guys here like the Rock I sland guns and I have been toying with the idea of picking up their compact tactical. Course I can't find one right now. They have very good revies and for right around $500 you can afford to put a little money into if you so desire.

 

[sanerkeki]

Para or kimber have nice small 1911.

 

[Quoheleth]

I have a Rock Island compact (an officer size) that has been 100% reliable, shooting factory 230gr Ball, handloaded 220 and 230gr LRN, factory 230gr HPs, and even handloaded 185gr LSWC. I lost track of how many rounds I've pushed through it - gotta be getting close to 700-800, by now. Accurate? You bet. To give you an idea how user-friendly it is, my brother who has never fired a 1911 before, picked it up and dumped 7 shots into a baseball-size group at 7 yards.

This has zero mods. It has the bull barrel, beavertail, and low, GI-style sights. Some dont like them, but they are so low and sleek that they won't snag on anything. Best part is I had it delivered to my FFL for something like $430.

The only thing I'm considering is an ambi thumb safety, as I'm a lefty.

Rock Islands have a great rep, outstanding service - should you need it - and are one of the great bargains in 1911s, IMHO.

Q

 

[Digitalshooter]

Does anyone have any experience with the Detonics Combat Master? I don't have one myself, but it is the smallest 1911 style 45 that I have seen, and a good bit smaller than the Ultra Carry II.

 

[Hacker15E]

I have a 1970s Seattle-made Detonics CM Mk I.

I have never carried it, but it is a very well made and reliable pistol -- highly recommended.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I also have a old one from late 70's It to is relieable But its really heavy compared to the Defender and Agent I still carry now and then But the Defender is way lighter and I really like a grip safety Detonics lacks that feature Also Colt hasn't closed and reopened what 3 or 4 times like the Detonics. Defender is just a little larger in grip and holds 1 more round

 

[Pappy109]

In my opinion, width of a gun is the most critical factor for concealing a handgun, then grip height.

Finding a carry piece that's thin and short is not easy. The only real options are Kahr's and 1911s. Of course, there might be some other onese her and there, like the PPS, etc. But if you also are looking for a .45, you're really limiting yourself. So I came to the conclusion that 1911 is the only answer.
I was doing some research and was going to go the CCO route, but they're still too long. So that leaves me with the shorties (3in barrel) and of course I read the issue about reliability.

So Now I am looking for the smallest (Thin, Light, Short) 45acp1911 that will function reliably. Easy, right?

After researching all I really have found is Kimber Ultra Carry (like the CT laers option) and a Colt New Agent.

What other options are out there?? Has to be 45acp, short grip, lightweight, and a 1911. I would consider Para's as well.

The Colt is the best for your needs. Let's face it, they have been making the JMB 1911 for many more years than Kimber and I would rely on experience more than flash if I were investing in a piece of life saving machinery. My 2 cents! The Glock Slim Frame Model 36 is worth a looky see also

Regards,

Pappy

 

[The Bushmaster]

Firestar M43, M40 or M45...

 

[markallen]

I have a Seattle Detonics Combat Master also. I have had it since 1980, and it has been 100% reliable with 230gr FMJ. I have shot lighter weight HP ammo in it, but it doesn't like bullets that are truncated.
The Combat Master was designed to carry in condition 2, ( hammer down). But it is Still a 1911, and the thumb safety, and half cock work just like it's full size brethren. I have no problem carrying mine in condition 1. So lack of a grip safety hasn't been an issue with me.
It is a little heavy, almost as heavy as the Govt1911, but it carries, and conceals so very well.

[/IMG]

 

[03Shadowbob]

Mark,
Nice gun. That hammer looks like it would bite the hell out of the webbing of a hand.

 

[markallen]

Actually it doesn't. The hammer spur is different then a GI hammer, The spur is higher up on the hammer, And if you look at the slide in the back you will notice that the rear sight has been moved forward, and the slide has been sloped downward. this allows, with the reshaped spur, to make contact with the hammer easier, and faster.
I have never had hammer bite from it. But then again I have never had hammer bite from any 1911 that I have ever owned or shot. I must be lucky.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Now why would you move the rear sight forward like that?

 

[phanderson]

Have you considered a higher end custom or semi custom?
I am one of those who believe that 1911's under 4" in length lose a lot in reliability to gain more in conceament. My personal choice is a Les Baer SS Stinger. A commander length barrel on an officer frame. So far, it has had zero malfunctions with several different kinds of ammo and has way over a thousand rounds thru it. I use Wilson mags and 185 grain Hydra Shoks for my carry load. It has been my constant companion for over a year now. Most would shy away from it because of the investment cost, but I figure that reliability and accuracy are the primary concerns rather than cost.
BTW. I have tried smaller weapons, but am more comfortable with my Stinger. If I were to carry a smaller weapon, it would be a revolver of some kind and not a 1911.

 

[Full Metal Jacket]

this is a great carry gun, it's a 4inch LW champion operator. the rail is smartly designed so as to be unobtrusive for carry.

here's mine:

 

[dec41971]

I have a lovely Kimber Ultra Covert II 3" .45. Same gun as the ultra carry, just pimped out to the max. Its been reliable with 1500+ rounds no failures whatsoever. Very accurate with the iron sights, and even more so with laser turned on. I am very satisfied with it.