Ultra sized 1911 which to choose?

[BackwoodsUT]

I picked these 4 models because they are all basically the same size and all are between $700 and $800 and have similar features. It may be too late for me to make a decision from the poll since I am planning on ordering the Defender in the morning. I'll check it before I do.


Colt Defender
Springfield Ultra compact Loaded model PX9161L
Kimber Ultra compact (SS)
Para Slim Hawg

[Ric4509]

I picked these 4 models because they are all basically the same size and all are between $700 and $800 and have similar features. It may be too late for me to make a decision from the poll since I am planning on ordering the Defender in the morning. I'll check it before I do.


Colt Defender
Springfield Ultra compact Loaded model PX9161L
Kimber Ultra compact (SS)
Para Slim Hawg

I stopped owning Ultra Compact/Sub compact 1911's due to my bad experience with my 2 Defenders in .45 acp and Kimber Ultra Carry. At first until about 500 rds they start malfunctioning. Failure to feed 3rd - 4th rd. The positive side is they are very accurate. Some subcompact 1911 owners in this forum were I guess pretty lucky with the Defenders or Kimbers. I dunno about Springfield's or Para subcompacts. 3" 1911s are finicky.

[Rio Vista Slim]

3" 1911s are finicky.
Precisely why I have personally made the decision to own no 1911 type pistol with a barrel shorter than 4.25 inches. I know (and as Rick stated) that there are many members of this forum who have had very good luck with the compact, mini, and ultra type guns. Unfortunately, I have not, so I choose to go no smaller than a Commander.

Just one person's opinion. :)

[Ric4509]

Precisely why I have personally made the decision to own no 1911 type pistol with a barrel shorter than 4.25 inches. I know (and as Rick stated) that there are many members of this forum who have had very good luck with the compact, mini, and ultra type guns. Unfortunately, I have not, so I choose to go no smaller than a Commander.

Just one person's opinion. :)

I have mentioned it before in one of the threads, can't remember which one, that the only 3" Colt Defender I have and so far is reliable is in .40S&W. I owned Colt Officers (3.25" bbl) and were also giving problems.

[Hawkmoon]

The Defender would be my second choice (or maybe a tie for first), but having just tested a Para-Ordnance Slim Hawg, I think it's a fantastic pistol. I ran a few hundred rounds of several different brands and types of ammo through it and experienced ZERO malfunctions. Not even with lead semi-wadcutters.

[Lloyd Smale]

none of the above. Id buck up for a couple hundred more and find an internal extractor kimber cdp.

[Bud White]

The Defender Is what i would go for

[jeff1124]

Based on Hawkmoon's review I'd have to say the Para slim hawg, having had no experience with any of those specific weapons. I do have several compacts and I do believe they can work reliably.

[MLee]

I have shot the Colt, the Para, and the Springfield. I own the Kimber Ultra-Carry II. I also own a Glock 36. My personal .02; Kimber has the best recoil spring design and hence least amount of bounce and recoil in a 3" bbl. .45. The Kimber is also surprisingly accurate in a pistol with that short of a sight radius. It's the best CCW weapon that I own. YMMV.

Mike

[ambidextrous1]

I think you'll be happy with the Colt; the Defender owners I've talked with are pleased with them. I've shot a few rounds through one, and like the feel of the Defender.

I've owned a Springfield Ultra-compact for many years; it's my primary carry weapon when weather permits. I'm strongly considering the purchase of a Defender, because, well, it's a COLT.

I see comments above referring to a 3" barrel; the Ultra- compact has a 3.5 inch barrel, and the micro-compact (from SA) has a 3" barrel; not sure about the Defender.
I think the 3.5 inch guns can be kept very reliable with regular replacement of the slide spring. I replace the spring when it has acquired a compression set of about 3/8 inch.

Perhaps a more important issue with the short barrels is reduction in muzzle velocity. I hand-load a round that gives 920 fps with a 230 gr bullet from the 3.5 inch barrel, and also fire this load in the standard length barrels; I don't recall that MV, but I'm sure that load would produce a 'lasting impression".

[Hawkmoon]

Perhaps a more important issue with the short barrels is reduction in muzzle velocity. I hand-load a round that gives 920 fps with a 230 gr bullet from the 3.5 inch barrel, and also fire this load in the standard length barrels; I don't recall that MV, but I'm sure that load would produce a 'lasting impression".
That load sounds like at least +P, if not +P+. I don't think I'd shoot a lot of that out of any pistol with an alloy frame.

[ambidextrous1]

No argument, Hawk.

I've used that load for a few thousand rounds with no visible signs of degradation; I field strip & check weekly.

That's the load I use; I don't care to go hotter than that, lol; and perhaps I should have made it clear that I'm operating 'on the edge'.

I intentionally didn't give load data; and your post should encourage others to think about it before trying it. Thanks for yr comments.

[BackwoodsUT]

If I had given the none of the above, it looks as if that would win. I pretty much suspected that. The general consensus is anything under 4" isn't reliable. I guess I'll find out, maybe the hard way. This will be my first 1911 and probably not the last. This forum is an incredible eye opener to the variety of 1911s out there.

[gqucool1911]

Backwoods have you read Hawkmoons very excellent report on the Para Slim Hawg? That sounds like a excellent pistol from what I have read!!! My 2 cents worth!!

[gqucool1911]

Another thought Backwoods with just 3 oz's more weight and I have heard all positve coments on this particuler pistol and 4 inch barrel length check out the S&W PD model I have looked at this particular gun it is sweet!!

[BackwoodsUT]

Backwoods have you read Hawkmoons very excellent report on the Para Slim Hawg? That sounds like a excellent pistol from what I have read!!! My 2 cents worth!!
Nice article. I didn't see the total number of rounds he put through it though. 110 for break in but after that I don't recall seeing a number after accuracy but still very nice. I'm encouraged with the results.

[gnystrom]

The gun will fit in almost any front pocket. I have 1200 rounds through mine without one hitch. 95% of which were a great variety of my handloads. I do own the internal extractor model. Maybe I am lucky, but this gun is great. I have complete faith in mine. Good luck.

[marinakorp]

While my UCII needed to have the extractore tuned... is reliable and has bee running flawless for several thousand rounds.


Great Little piece

[warmrain]

Like all Kimbers, new production Ultras are internal extractors once again. I've got two (IE) Ultra CDPs and they are great. I also am very fond of my Colt Officers and would strongly consider a Defender had I not already had 2 3" alloy framed 1911s.

[BackwoodsUT]

It arrived on the 12th I've only had time and money (anniversary month) to put a couple boxes through it.
What I have found so far it eats up the American eagle cartridges but doesn't seem to like the CCI Blazers. ftf one in every stack randomly. It would stop about an eighth of an inch from fully going into the tube. A little nudge on the slide would close it fully.

LOUD hearing protection a must.
I need practice with it low and left about 4" @ 7 paces.


http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l277/BackwoodsUT/coltdefendercopy.jpg

[pa_guns]

Hi

I sure would advise finding someplace you can rent / borrow one of these for a couple of hours. Not everybody reacts to small pistols the same way. Depending on the size of your hands and your shooting style you may find you love them or hate them.

There never is a perfect solution to this problem. Small size always means compromise. Large caliber is great, but it's not the only thing. You might find that a .40 makes more sense in something this small.

Bob

[warmrain]

I really like my (one alloy,pone stainless) two Ultras and my Officers. But for something this small (as Bob said) you might consider something like a Springfield XD micro (3") in .40 caliber. They operate very much like a 1911 and have the same grip angle too.

[marinakorp]

Defender is a nice choice (really... any of them are)

here is a unsolicited pic of my ultra


http://www.marinakorp.com/Guns/PICS/LARGE/IMG_2473.jpg

[warmrain]

When you get to 3"... now you need to decide alloy or steel. I couldn't and ended up with one of each... one for training/comp/range and the other for carry.