SPRINGFIELD ARMORY LOADED MICRO COMP.45ACP, LTWT, BI-TON

[DanPatWork]

Just an update, we settled on what we wanted. We didn't quite end up with the compact. We did however end up with a great deal on a SigSauer C3 Crimson.  Range report to follow after I recover from a particularly nasty upper respiratory infection.

Here is a teaser.

[billt]

Just an update, we settled on what we wanted. We didn't quite end up with the compact.

I think you made a good choice. One of the biggest issues with the chopped 1911's is reliability. Not just "good" reliability, but the kind you are willing to stake your life on. It just isn't there with a lot of these Mini 1911's. Part of the reason is because of the lack of mass of the slide itself. Because of that lack of weight they are forced to run the slide velocity extremely high to get them to function reliably. The result can be a very finicky feeding weapon, and one that is very ammunition picky. Neither of which are good traits in a carry weapon, that has to function perfectly every time you pull the trigger. In short the 1911 was not very well designed with miniaturization in mind.

With all that said, Springfield makes about the best attempt at these type of pistols, as far as reliability. Their Micro line is about as good as it gets. The other problem with these guns is short service life due to the increased slide velocity. Especially in the alloy framed models. The guns basically beat themselves to death much quicker than a full sized 1911. As time passes these problems are being addressed better, but for a Mini style carry gun Glocks are a much better option. For some reason they don't suffer the reliability issues the chopped 1911's do, or the limited service life. The Mini Glocks shoot as well, and last every bit as long as their full sized counterparts. They also cost about 50% less.

[jaybet]

That Sig is a nice gun, you should be very happy with it.

[PegLeg45]

Congrats on a very nice 1911 pistola.
Hope it shoots well for you.

[Strider]

I carried one for many years off duty. Never had any work done and put thousands of rounds thru it with no malfunctions. I cannot say the same for other brands as I have seen issues. oer experience maydiffer. I would shoot it a BUNCH before I bet my butt on it.

[Sponsor]

[DanPatWork]

Just an update, we settled on what we wanted. We didn't quite end up with the compact. We did however end up with a great deal on a SigSauer C3 Crimson.  Range report to follow after I recover from a particularly nasty upper respiratory infection.

Here is a teaser.

 Finally made a range day of it yesterday.  With several handguns and a rifle needing a field test,  the  amount of time spent was limited.  Ammo availability  also forced a few restrictions as well.

 My initial reaction is that the Sig C3  is a keeper.  The recoil spring is noticeably heavier than any standard 1911 government that I have shot or owned to compare to. There is no noticeable difference in recoil  and the front and backstrap checkering are positively aggressive in grip management. Trigger break is a good example of the term "breaks like glass", with a pull in a range  I would estimate at 4-5lbs. Target accuracy is consistent with what I have come to expect from a Sig and my poor eyesight. 20 yards offhand with groupings of 3".   The included  crimson trace laser was extremely low and to the right.  Somehow I forgot to bring the adjusting allen wrench so a return trip to correct that will be required. My only problem...  this is the first 1911 I have ever shot with an extended safety.  My grip will have to be corrected for this as I was inappropriately holding the pistol,  and this resulted in my thumb engaging the safety during recoil.  This is a first for me, and I'm not sure if it is poor training or a result of to much time spent with guns lacking the traditional thumb safety.  Other than operator error the gun was a flawless joy to shoot. Teardown and cleaning was the standard job anyone that has ever cleaned a 1911 would expect.


Many more range days will be needed before I will be comfortable enough to say I or my wife can carry this pistol, but ammo availability and cost will determine how fast this will progress.