Kimber, Colt or Springfield small 1911's

[Pro_Gun]

I need something lighter, smaller & very concealable to carry. I have a full size 5" 1911 in stainless, and a a Commander length 4.25", both are fairly heavy. Both are particular on what I feed them. I'd rather not fiddle with it any more than I must other than cleaning it.

What is reliable, eats any and all types of ammo holds at least 6+1 and will hold up forever?

I'd like to carry a 1911 if I could find one that feeds any ammo and fits the size/weight specs above.

Also recommend a holster. I like to carry OWB on my right about 4 o'clock.
or sometimes 2 o"clock.

Thanks,
Dave

[pa_guns]

Hi

To be manageable, just about anything in .45 ACP is going to be fairly heavy. To really get light weight and small size you are going to have to drop the caliber.

I'm afraid to say it - I think I have just described a non-1911 firearm. The "G" word comes to mind ....

Bob

[Pro_Gun]

I already have one of those. It is my primary carry piece. G-27, I was hoping I could find a 1911 as described that might not be so cumbersome to carry and be reliable.

[Jeffrey]

Have you given any thought to the Colt Lightweight Commander XSE?

[pa_guns]

I already have one of those. It is my primary carry piece. G-27, I was hoping I could find a 1911 as described that might not be so cumbersome to carry and be reliable.

Hi

I think you can find a pistol that is not as thick as the 27.

Finding a 1911 that's smaller and dead reliable with anything you decide to feed it is going to be tough. If you are willing to tune the pistol to match one specific type of ammo then finding something will be a bit easier.

Bob

[ambidextrous1]

I have the Springfield Ultra Compact with alloy frame; don't know what the weight is, but it's comfortable enough to carry all day.

When the extractor is properly tuned, ala Weigand, all sorts and shapes of .45 ammo will feed without incident. I reload & shoot a lot of 230 grain hot loads, with no noticeable degradation of frame or slide.

The recoil spring tends to take a compression set & needs to be replaced more frequently than I experience in a full size gun.

The factory mags fit flush & hold 7 rounds; eight round mags protrude a bit.

[Hunter]

I can personally say the Colt 1991A1 Compact is an excellent small frame 1911. Mine has been flawless. I also hear the Colt Defender is another great choice and even smaller

[Pro_Gun]

I looked at it at Colt just now but can't find any weight specs. Do you have any on the Aluminum 45ACP? One advantage is 8+1

Thanks,
Dave

Have you given any thought to the Colt Lightweight Commander XSE?

[Pro_Gun]

I looked at most of the SA line. Nice pistols. As mentioned I have a couple of Dan Wessons. Maybe I just need to tune the Commander length pistol. It shoots great and is very accurate. It just that both are a bit picky unless I'm feeding ball ammo.

Are you referring to Jack Weigand? Any other smith recommendations to get one dehorned and tuned up? Any idea on tuning/dehorning cost?

[QUOTE=ambidextrous1]I have the Springfield Ultra Compact with alloy frame;QUOTE]

[Jeffrey]

I looked at it at Colt just now but can't find any weight specs. Do you have any on the Aluminum 45ACP? One advantage is 8+1

Thanks,
Dave

http://www.triggerfin.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=372

[Rick McC.]

Two of my three Kimbers have aluminum frames; three inch Ultra CDPII and four inch stainless ProCarryII. Both are reliable, accurate and very comfortable to carry IWB CCW for extended (all day long in Florida) periods.

Regards,

Rick

[dakota1911]

Having owned all three I found the Colt Defender the best given those three choices. I would at least look at a something like the Colt XSE LW Commander which is my current carry and only a few ounces heavier than the Defender.

As a general statement I have found small .45s to be more cranky than mid or full size models of the same line and that extends to non 1911 ones like the Clock 36, Taurus Millennium, etc.

[Pro_Gun]

for all the suggestions. I have fully loaded and have been carrying the DW Commander for a few days now. Worked out some of the loading wrinkles/FTF and its really not that much heavier than the G27.

I think I'll keep my DW and work it out with it. It outshoots the G27 10-1 for accuracy. If I come upon some extra cash, I will consider the Colt XSE LW Commander first.

There is a pic in this FTF thread at the bottom of the page.
http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=21771&page=2&pp=10