Compact 1911???

[Klusterbuck]

Which one to buy without spending my entire "stash".....?

Thinking of trading off the .44mag, that never gets used, so that will help, but looking and something under 600...

Opinions?

buck

 

[Tegu]

I have heard some compact 1911 have reliability problems, I would go with Kimber or Springfield, but I think they are both over $600. Glock 23 would be a better bet for under $600, IMHO.

 

[Angry Bill]

The glock is a go to gun. Reliable and effective. The kimber is more than the $600, but also a great gun!

 

[smokinghole]

A G23 will also force you to guy new pants of you IWB carry. That or lose weight haha. I love mine though I just hate that it's a fatty.

 

[Hot_Sauce]

As mentioned a Kimber or Springfield. You may also be able to find a Para Ordanance. If you are looking to get something a little less expensive say in the $400 range you may want to look into Rock Island. They have a compact model that has a 3 1/2 barrel. They are not the prettiest 1911 but from what I've heard they feed ammo well and are reliable. They also have great customer support if needed.


PS Lot's of great info at m1911.org

 

[Mitch]

Lots of problems with trying to make a 1911 that small. Not crazy about the recoil system on an Officers length unless you go with a reverse plug and full length recoil guide rod. Reliability takes a big hit because the shorter and lighter slide flip much more than the longer ones. This means if you limp wrist it or use lighter loads you can get feed problems. I've built quite a few of these and they can be good, but often take quite a bit of tuning and breaking in. Safer bet is the Glock.

 

[Klusterbuck]

Lots of problems with trying to make a 1911 that small. Not crazy about the recoil system on an Officers length unless you go with a reverse plug and full length recoil guide rod. Reliability takes a big hit because the shorter and lighter slide flip much more than the longer ones. This means if you limp wrist it or use lighter loads you can get feed problems. I've built quite a few of these and they can be good, but often take quite a bit of tuning and breaking in. Safer bet is the Glock.

Damn.... Thanks though.

May just stick with the fullsize. I have just switched to IWB carry, and may not have to go compact anyway... The government model in my Galco OWB would show on occasion...... Not good IMO.

The IWB may have cured this. A little soon to tell, just got the holster this weekend. So far so good.

 

[Mitch]

Wasn't trying to push you completely away, just warning about the very small ones. Strange thing I found is that with concealed carry some times a inch smaller makes all the difference and some times it dosn't matter at all. IMO a Comander size is just as easy to conceal as an Officers and much easier to shoot. The Officers has a slight advantage in a shoulder rig, but not much, for inside the pants, small of back, etc I don't see the gains. You may still want to check out the mid size 1911's and if you get a deal on a very small one, go for it, but make sure you know it runs well or have recourse if it dosn't work for you.

I still have and love a Officers upper I mated to a Comander lower back when I did executive protection for a pay check. Very accurate and reliable with Corbon 185 +P's, I'll try to remember to post some picks of it tonight.