The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: bjtraz on February 22, 2010, 09:50:31 PM

Title: Compact 1911 style.
Post by: bjtraz on February 22, 2010, 09:50:31 PM
I'm considering a new carry gun. I really like the single stack for the slimness of it. Caliber is not decided, but thinking .40 S&W or .45 ACP, leaning towards .40 S&W. My favorite, aesthetically, is a 1911. I'm thinking Kimber Ultra Carry, Springfield EMP or Para LDA. Pros/Cons? Any I haven't thought about? I would like to stay under $900.00, the further the better.  ;D

Brian
Title: Re: Compact 1911 style.
Post by: Walter45Auto on February 22, 2010, 10:07:05 PM
My dad's Kimber Ultra Carry shoots and Works Beautifully. Look Hard enough you should find one under $900. A friend of mine Carries one of the Para LDA's of the same size, and says he hasn't had any problems with it. I'd go with .45, But I'm Biased. ;D
Title: Re: Compact 1911 style.
Post by: tfr270 on February 22, 2010, 10:08:34 PM
I'm baised...since I'm the proud owner of a .45acp 1911. A friend has a Kimber Ultra Carry and loves it. How about a Para Warthog?

(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c398/tfr270/Ranch/StudentsForDemocracy_2009-06-09_215.jpg)
Title: Re: Compact 1911 style.
Post by: WatchManUSA on February 22, 2010, 10:08:57 PM
I'm considering a new carry gun. I really like the single stack for the slimness of it. Caliber is not decided, but thinking .40 S&W or .45 ACP, leaning towards .40 S&W. My favorite, aesthetically, is a 1911. I'm thinking Kimber Ultra Carry, Springfield EMP or Para LDA. Pros/Cons? Any I haven't thought about? I would like to stay under $900.00, the further the better.  ;D

Brian
It is hard to go wrong with any of those listed.  I don't think any are a bad choice.
Title: Re: Compact 1911 style.
Post by: MAUSERMAN on February 22, 2010, 11:38:00 PM
I like the 45acp but what about a 10mm.
Title: Re: Compact 1911 style.
Post by: Walkeraviator on February 23, 2010, 02:46:11 AM
I am a big fan of .45ACP in full size 1911's, but I have to admit I am a huge fan of .40S&W.  If I was set on a compact 1911, I woudl go with the Springfield EMP in.40...but thats just me.
Title: Re: Compact 1911 style.
Post by: ellis4538 on February 23, 2010, 06:27:58 AM
I carry a lightly modified Colt LW Officers ACP that I bought and had modified for under $900 a while back.  The LW seems to be more reliable than the all steel guns from what the experts have written and mine is.  The only ammo it doesn't like is the Speer 200 gr. "Flying Ashtray"!  I carry Federal HydraShocks and never look back.

FWIW

Richard

PS:  Mods are better bevertail grip safety, modified thumb safety and crisp 4+ pound trigger.
Title: Re: Compact 1911 style.
Post by: TAB on February 23, 2010, 10:33:42 AM
I find the small 1911 are harder to shoot.   I really like commander length guns for carry.   full size grip, but just a little shorter barrel.  Officer models and smaller, just don't feel right.
Title: Re: Compact 1911 style.
Post by: bjtraz on February 24, 2010, 09:03:05 PM
Well, bit the bullet!!! Went with a Kimber Tactical Ultra II, in .45 acp. Found it used at a local gun store with night sights (mepro), flared mag well, checkered front and back strap (& bottom of trigger guard, huh!) for $700.00. The inside is immaculate, but there is a little pitting on slide, pretty minor. How'd I do?  ??? I'm happy. Can't wait to get out to the range, maybe this weekend. Will give report when I do. Have pics but too large, will post when I get smaller ones.

Brian

Title: Re: Compact 1911 style.
Post by: m25operator on February 24, 2010, 10:11:13 PM
If it works, you did goooood. have fun.
Title: Re: Compact 1911 style.
Post by: jaybet on February 25, 2010, 09:14:53 AM
YAAAAY!!! Pix and range report due ASAP!
Title: Re: Compact 1911 style.
Post by: bjtraz on March 13, 2010, 06:35:48 PM
Sorry for the delay. I finally took some pics small enough to upload. Took it to the range last week. I have to unabashedly claim that I LOVE IT! The trigger is super smooth, with no creep or overtravel. I had some loading problems, but they were traced to my reloads. They were loaded too long for the magazine. Funny they load fine in my Taurus & S&W. I guess the compactness of the gun extends to the depth of the grip, although I didn't measure it. Felt recoil was minimal, even with the ammo that I intend to carry with. I like the night sites, and feel they will work well, but am still plannig on a set of laser grips. All in all, it was a good investment, just waiting on the Crossbreed holster to materialize so that I can begin carrying it daily.

Brian
Title: Re: Compact 1911 style.
Post by: bjtraz on March 13, 2010, 06:36:49 PM
..............................and another!
Title: Re: Compact 1911 style.
Post by: Big Frank on March 13, 2010, 07:29:21 PM
That's one sweet .45.
Title: Re: Compact 1911 style.
Post by: PegLeg45 on March 13, 2010, 08:50:16 PM
Love to have one of those myself........paint me green with envy.
Very nice gun.
Title: Re: Compact 1911 style.
Post by: sparker56 on March 19, 2010, 09:12:33 AM
My first (but not my last) 1911 was a Rock Island compact.  I saw it, I held it, I loved it!  Didn't know anything about the debate over short barrel vs. long, spring issues, or anything else.  I was lucky enough to get a great gun (over 1k flawless rounds so far) at a great price.
(http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh458/dadoo57/IMG_0899.jpg)

I have since gotten a full size Rock Island also.
Title: Re: Compact 1911 style.
Post by: garand4life on March 19, 2010, 09:41:19 AM
Sorry for the delay. I finally took some pics small enough to upload. Took it to the range last week. I have to unabashedly claim that I LOVE IT! The trigger is super smooth, with no creep or overtravel. I had some loading problems, but they were traced to my reloads. They were loaded too long for the magazine. Funny they load fine in my Taurus & S&W. I guess the compactness of the gun extends to the depth of the grip, although I didn't measure it. Felt recoil was minimal, even with the ammo that I intend to carry with. I like the night sites, and feel they will work well, but am still plannig on a set of laser grips. All in all, it was a good investment, just waiting on the Crossbreed holster to materialize so that I can begin carrying it daily.

Brian

The only thing that drives me crazy about these newer 1911s is that with the almost standard ambi safety you have to modify the gun for the Crimson Trace grip to fit.