Compact 1911's

[bobzilla]

I can keep 5 shots inside of a foot at 50 yards with my 3.5" Compact. lol

 

[mbaza3]

I really like the looks of the compact 1911's. I am wondering what benefit a compact 1911 has over something like a Kahr PM9.

 

[bobzilla]

I've been considering an aluminum frame to put on my 1991A1 to "lighten the load" a little. Its a wee bit heavy to wear every day.

 

[dondavis3]

My Colt Mark IV Officers Model.

And here's the 1st 50 rounds shot of of it all those many years ago.

It's been reliable and accurate forever.

By the way I don't post many targets - I'm not that good of a shot.

 

[Shibby575]

I like my springer ultra. I have t had an issue and have owned it for 7 or so years.

 

[Cam]

Absolutely no issues with my Kimber Ultra Carry. Literally been 100% for somewhere around 2000 rounds.

 

[cwillour]

Several years ago, I had two officer-sized models go down in a 2-3 year period.

The Springfield died when I fed it a mag of +P ammo. Half-way though the mag, the slide starting hanging mid-cycle and would take 1-2 seconds before it started to come forward. I tried for months to get it fixed and working correctly including a couple of trips back to Springfield, but anytime I started shooting quickly it would start hanging up again. Sold it after about 1yr of messing with it.

The Kimber developed a problem w/ the grip safety malfunctioning and preventing the gun from firing. I was working up in northern Wisconsin and left it in my vehicle a long winter afternoon while I was at a clients and something must have gotten damaged / distorted in the freezing process. Kimber fixed it without a problem, but I could not bring myself to rely upon it afterwards and sold it w/in a week of getting it back.

Keep in mind that both of these were made in the mid-90s and from what I understand, the current generation has far fewer issues. I would, however, think about avoiding older models and/or +P ammo.

 

[PlinKing2392]

I went out and shot the new piece this weekend (it was a cold one) and I had a few issues with the slide not coming completely back into battery. I have a feeling that it had a lot to do with the fact that the wife may have been limp-wristing a bit, but it happened to me when shooting with one hand, also probably form related. It never hiccuped with the cheap stuff or the defensive jhp's. A few hundred more rounds without issues and she may be carry worthy.

 

[Mr Evilwrench]

Para P12 at 3.5". Don't have billions of rounds through it, but not one single failure of any kind.

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

I have a Kimber Ultra CDP II (3" model) and love it. After the initial 200 round break in (in which i did have 1 or 2 failures to feed) it has eaten and spit out everything i have fed it. Round count is at just over 1000 and no issues. It has been my EDC for about 2 years and cant imagine relying on anything more than it.

What he said...only mine is a crimson ultra...sounds about like my experience. FWIW.

 

[rphutchi]

Partial to Springfield. Purchased a used micro compact that was unreliable. FTF FTE. Sick to think of money spent on a lemon. Called Springfield and discovered how good they were to warrant their product no matter how many owners down the line I was. They paid for shipping both ways and pick up and delivery from my front door. 10 days later I had no FTF FTE. Makes it easy to buy Springfield.

 

[eblevins]

colt defender

I am in love with my defender

 

[D-Ric902]

Colt Compact, has more rounds than I can count

Para CCO, had this for more than 6 years and never a blip. At least a couple thousand rounds through it. Gonna be the project gun for this year.

 

[GIJEW]

I've carried a stainless steel Colt officer's model .45 for about 20yrs. It's reliable and reasonably accurate (3"-4" groups shooting unsupported at 50') but you do have to be vigilant about test firing it from time to time. I bought it used and over 20 yrs, have replaced magazine springs, the extractor, and the recoil spring twice.

 

[88E30M50]

I went out and shot the new piece this weekend (it was a cold one) and I had a few issues with the slide not coming completely back into battery. I have a feeling that it had a lot to do with the fact that the wife may have been limp-wristing a bit, but it happened to me when shooting with one hand, also probably form related. It never hiccuped with the cheap stuff or the defensive jhp's. A few hundred more rounds without issues and she may be carry worthy.

My RIA took a bit of break in as well. The stock ACT mag is not the best around. I've had good luck with my ACT mag, but the gun runs better with a Wilson Combat mag. The ACT mag hung up a bit during break in but seems to work Ok since though.

Contgrats on the new gun.

 

[Squib]

If you can find a nice one you may want to check out the Smith & Wesson CS45. It is no longer in production, but it is very popular and getting harder to find. Folks rarely sell them.

A 3.25" barrel and a nat's eyelash under 6.5 overall, they are very accurate and with the single stack it is slim enough to carry comfortably. The only thing I've done with mine to put on a pair of Big Dog grips. They are thinner and more comfortable than the factory grips. And, I've shot more uncomfortable 9s (KelTec) and even 380s (Taurus).

 

[PlinKing2392]

My RIA took a bit of break in as well. The stock ACT mag is not the best around. I've had good luck with my ACT mag, but the gun runs better with a Wilson Combat mag. The ACT mag hung up a bit during break in but seems to work Ok since though.

Contgrats on the new gun.

That's interesting. I didn't have a single problem with the ACT mag, but the three little issues were all with the wilson combat mag. Again I seriously think it was form related, not the gun.

 

[SolidSnake99]

I'm glad i found this as I have been saving for a compact 1911 since I sold my Glock. I am debating on the Kimber Ultra Carry II 3" or the Pro Carry II 4". Not sure what I want yet. I loved my model 22 Glock but ever since I held a Colt Night Defender at the 1500 last year I knew I wanted a compact 1911. Being used to the 4" frame in the Glock I had I'm leaning towards that but if the accuracy between that and the 3" isn't noticeable I may go with the 3" for easier carry purposes. I guess it all depends on how familiar you are with the given platform as to the accuracy goes though...