Suggestions on sm CCW

[the_colonel]

Want to get a smaller CCW and am considering the following; any suggestions?
Para Ordnance - OPS (sm 3.5" Bbl in stainless)
Para Ordnance - Nite Hawg
Springfield - Micro Compact
Kimber - Ultra Raptor

Any comments and experience would be helpful. I currently use a full size Kimber Gold Match and like it very much.

[Tom in Ohio]

While not a 1911, I carry a Kahr P9 (9mm) for off-duty CCW and as my on-duty back up gun. I have never experienced a single malfunction with it in 5 years of continuous use/carry and it is as accurate as a full size service weapon. It is very light and (most important to me) very thin.

Of the choices you listed, I would consider the Springfield. I carry a full size Springfield as my service weapon and am very pleased. I have never tried the Micro though.

[Hawkmoon]

I have both a Para Ordnance P12 and a Colt Officers. These are both 3.5" barrel pistols, the difference being that the Para is double stack. There isn't much difference in the actual total thickness of the two grips, but the Para carries the full thickness much farther forward, to a rounded corner, rather then being roughly oval-shaped.

The Para Hawg series have the same thickness, just a slightly shorter barrel. Unless you feel you need the additional capacity, IMHO the double stack is less easily concealed. Don't misunderstand ... I think the P12 is a fine pistol and I came within a heartbeat of buying a used P10 (same size as the Hawg) a couple of years ago. It's simply surprising how much bulk the double stack takes up despite not being appreciably wider at the widest point.

[Barry in IN]

Not trying to start a fight, but none of the above.
When I feel the need for something smaller than a full-size 1911, I just go to a different type of gun entirely.
My next step down in size is an HK P7M8, then a Kahr PM9 Covert and S&W 442 revolver.

I've had good luck with Commander-size 1911s, and actually prefer their balance and feel, but I don't think they're easier to hide than a 5".

I think the Officer's size 1911s are easier to hide, if only for the shorter grip sticking out. The thing is, I haven't found a good one yet. I've only had two- a Colt Officer's ACP and a Para Companion- but both had problems. The Colt was inaccurate, and the Para didn't like to feed. And, the Para broke (ejector) before it got through it's first magazine.
I think the Officer-length slide reduces the slide travel too much for best reliability.

I think the combination of Officer's grip, with a Commander-length slide/barrel sounds promising. They have the sgorter grip for concealment, with a longer slide for reliability.
I got a Kimber Compact, which is that configuration, about a year ago. I have only shot about 400 rds through it- not enough to fully trust it yet- but it works OK so far.
It may end up being an "off side" gun yet.

[Brian D.]

While I agree with Indiana Barry to a certain extent in principle about reliabilty of "sawed off" 1911s, would like to add the Colt Defender to the_colonel's list of choices in that style of gun. If he can find one that is. Four or five of us here have them, and no real problems surfaced among the lot of them. (Mine does not and will not work right with the FACTORY mag, and my buddy Bob's Defender had a slightly oversized rear sight dovetail, which wasn't hard fix.) Just the usual break-in period of a few hundred rounds, and they've run fine.

On another note, my Kahr choice was the K-9, because it was great deal that came up on a low-miles used gun. Being full sized and steel it doesn't fill my bill as pocket carry choice, but that's my only "gripe".

[Lion1]

Get a SW 642 the +P version and load it with 135 grain Gold Dots. This is what I normally carry. This load was designed for the snubby and many say it hits like a 357. I currently carry the 125gr. +P but will buy the 135gr. soon.

[emiddio]

regarding small 1911 style guns -- my only experience is with colt 1991a1 officers - 3.5", and colt's defender 3", mabye 3 1/4" or 3 1/8" -- and springfield officers size v10 ported and para ord. p10 officer size.

all have been reliable for me. but the officers, para, and springfield were all steel -- so heavier.

[horse 91-A1]

On Monday I'm ordering a Steyr M40-A1 for CCW and/or BUG. Since we are heading into long sleeve weather the Steyr will give less profile under a tucked in shirt than my usual M1991 CCW with t-shirt out. :)

Adios,
Bob

[bearandoldman]

My normal carry guns are either a SA loaded Micro Compact or a SA V-10. The Micro is aluminum frame and 23 ounce with a 3 inch barrel and the V-10 is stainless frame and 32 ounces with a 3-1/2 barrel. Both work well with any good ammo, the only problems I have had was short cycling the Micro due to a weak round now and then, Wolf was just too inconsistent in the power factor so I quit using it in the small guns. Usually carry the Micro due to the weight differing, 9 ounces does not sound like much but you can tell the difference after a few hours.

[ACEGUNNER]

Like Brain D., I would recomend checking out the Colt Defender also. I never did use the factory mags in it, just put them away in the drawer and used Wilson mags in it as I do in all my 1911's. I've shot over 3000 rds thru it and it don't miss a lick.