Why can't I find a reasonably priced, compact 9mm 1911?

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TyRip

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I have heard more than a few people mention the need for a reasonably priced 9mm 1911 in a 3 or 3.5" barrel.

The problem is, Kimber has the Ultra Carry II in 9mm, but I never see them on gunbroker and when I called a large chain store about availability, they said there are a few months away at Kimber. That said, they are still $750 minimum from what I see. Now, I would pay $800 for the stainless ultra carry II, but I can't find one, and would prefer a less expensive option anyway.

Charles Daly is coming out with the Ultra M-5 in 9mm but that isn't until June (projected).

I know there is the Aegis, Ultra CDP, the EMP, and STI LS9, but those are all way up there in price (and I don't want to pay 8-900 for an STI).

Am I missing something? Does anyone else know of another option? My wife has an M&P9c that I really like, and I am considering getting one of those, but I just really like the form and safety features of a 1911. Until then I am carrying my 638 Airweight.
 
Why don't you look at John Brownings improvement on the 1911, the Browning P 35 Hi-Power. Superb quality, reliable, accurate, more comfortable in the hand and (mostly) in 9mm.

Roger
 
Maybe used? I think Auto ordnance may have had one. I have a commander sized Llama 9x19(don't laugh!) that is very accurate and reliable but won't feed jhp of any kind though:(

I do realize that you said 3-3.5" though, thats a tougher order to fill. I think Detonics made some limited numbers in this size as well.

I met a guy that wanted a officers ACP sized 1911 in .38super and I thin he ended up having to make that a custom cration due to the general lack of guns this size and caliber.

I remember creating a flush fitting .38super mag for this project was causing him headaches.
 
I have actually been looking into it and thinking a little more and this is what I came up with (also posted at the 1911 forum).

I think I found exactly what kind of weapon I want. I want an officer sized frame with a 4-4.25" barrel chambered in 9mm.

Does anything like this exist, or would it have to be a custom job?

This was in response to the Colt CCO and Kimber compact 4" model. They just seem so perfect. With the 1911 being so thin, the extra 1/2-3/4" in the barrel isn't a huge deal, but the officer frame makes a big difference (from what I understand, no first hand experience, but it makes sense).
 
The officer frame is at best only 1/2" shorter than the commander/gm frame so it's not that big a deal.
What helps more is a bobtail job or even rounding the butt so it won't catch and lift clothing so easily.

I f you MUST have 9mm try STI, or the Wilson Combat.

Les Baer, Nighthawk, and Wilson make CCO style pistols in 45acp.
 
Personally, anything less than 4 1/4 inch in a 1911 is a problem from what I've seen. The 1911 was designed to run on a 5 inch model, and 4 1/4 is the absolute min. I'd consider.
 
Agreed, I generally won't own an officers size 1911 but to each his own I suppose!
 
The design is out there. they just aren't "reasonably" priced. You might think that the prices are somewhere north of Nonaffordium (I certainly do). There are other pistols in the 1911 design mold chambered in 9mm (the Star BKM is the first to come to mind), but not many currently in production.
 
Officer-sized M1911s are "specialty" guns, are made in smaller lots and so cost more to produce.

That and the fact that they are harder to make work reliably, adds more to their cost.
 
True, I forgot to mention the Star BM/BKM. Not a true copy but maybe close enough for your needs.
 
The main issue with the Star B series is getting magazines. With the company out of business replacement parts can also be and issue.

I got two ($160, $140) to scratch the itch for a 9mm 1911. Shoot one, the other as a spare. Took me almost a year to accumulate enough mags to load 50 and hit the range, and I sure didn't like the prices for them.

--wally.
 
Couple of other suggestions. STI makes the LS9 with a 3.5" barrel but slightly shorter frame than an officers. Springfield has a lightweight compact model roughly the same size as the CCO. Both are 9mm. I got my springfield used but it had nightsites and an ambi safety. Both are good shooters.

Tim
 
Maybe I'm missing something, but the OP asked why he can't find a reasonabley priced 9mm 1911 and most of the suggestions are for guns that cost $700+ new.

With the price of ammo what it is, shooters need a value priced 9mm 1911 not some expensive target/custom/carry variation.

If RIA is making any 9mm pistols its news to me. They make a nicely priced .38Super, but after you've converted it to 9mm you might have well just got the Kimber/SA $700 gun.

In 1911s 5" is standard, 4-4.25" is compact, 3-3.5 is sub-compact.

--wally.
 
One reason is because I bought my wife one a few years back & took it off the market for around $675.

A Springfield Armory Ultra Carry Lightweight. 1911, 9mm, alum alloy frame.

Look for one used...but not my wife's, as she's not selling.
 
???

Why don't you look at John Brownings improvement on the 1911, the Browning P 35 Hi-Power
Click to expand...


I suppose that is why dang near every pistol manufacture is rushing out to make copies of them to right??..................Oh wait...............There not! :D
 
If 4" is ok, I got a stainless pro II in 9mm, that is a real shooter for $800. I almost can't miss with it and recoil is a joke. I replaced the MSH with an Ed Brown and I got some tru glo's from midway for it. It has been flawsless for over 600 rounds.
 
TyRip asked about 9mm 1911s. I have a Kimber Pro Carry II in 9mm (4" barrel) that is very accurate and reliable, that I got used for about$650. The mags that came with it were not especially reliable but the Springfield ramp design from MetalForm is excellent.
 
Supply and demand. With so many states allowing CC the demand keeps the market price high on the new ones like the EMP. At least that is my spin.
 
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