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March 28th, 2011, 04:18 PM #1Senior Member
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The 1911 decision... Questions and recommendations
So, I'm looking to invest in my first Model 1911 pistol for carry/conceal purposes. I've never owned one before, and I have a couple of questions regarding them.
1) Why do some Model 1911's come with ambidextrous safeties and others do not? Mostly, I see 1911's with safeties on the left side only, and those 1911's with safeties on both sides of the pistol are fairly rare. Why is this?
2) For conceal/carry purposes, I would imagine that shorter barrels are better for concealment, at the cost of accuracy at range. What is an ideal, effective barrel length for CC'ing a 1911?
3) Piggy-backing on the previous question, shorter barrel lengths usually mean more recoil. Having shot a 5" barrel 1911 for the first time Saturday, what kind of recoil can I expect in a 4" barrel 1911 versus a 5"? How about a 3" barrel versus the 4" or the 5"?
4) After shopping around, I've found that Les Baer, Wilson Combat, and Nighthawk Custom are way out of my price range (duh!). However, Springfield and Kimber are more affordable (notice I didn't say cheaper!). I was told that the Springfield EMP 1911 was junk and that Kimbers' are excellent. What other manufacturers should I be looking at for 1911's?
Essentially, I am leaning towards a 3" barrel 1911 for concealability, but I want your guys' take on it. Is 3" too hard to control where recoil is concerned? Should I opt for a 4" barrel since it would be a satisfactory compromise between a 3" and 5" 1911?
Any help, guidance, suggestions, tips, or advice would be greatly appreciated!
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March 28th, 2011, 06:08 PM #2
Re: The 1911 decision... Questions and recommendations
I carry an Ultra CDP II on a daily basis.
The ambidextrous safety is for left handed shooters. With this type of safety you run the risk of it coming off if it is bumped. On the other hand it is easy to see(feel) that the safety is indeed still on.
3" versions can still be accurate, mine is. Is it as accurate as a 5"? Not really, but close.
Yes my 3" kicks more than my 5". It is still controllable and not as painful as a lightweight J frame IMHO.
Springfield makes a fine pistol as does Kimber. I personally don't have much experience with other brands, but I don't think you could go wrong with Colt or STI among others.
Check out this site for all things 1911.
http://forum.m1911.org/forums.php
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March 28th, 2011, 06:42 PM #3Grand Member
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March 28th, 2011, 07:11 PM #4Member
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fredonia,
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Re: The 1911 decision... Questions and recommendations
i bought a Metro Arms American Clasic ll 1911. its a 5" goverment model. its done in the hard chrome finish, has novak style front and rear sights, skeletonized hammer and trigger (that is adjustable), beaver tail grip safety. i bought it new from a local gun shop. i paid $600 for it out the door. its made in manila, phillipines and has a lifetime warranty. comes with a list of gun shops across the U.S. that will sevice the weapon if the time ever comes. the gun shoots as straight as can be. i shoot 2 1/4" groups at 25'.
its not a colt or kimber, but it does the job, and well for me. i couldnt get a new colt or kimber for that price (though i would LOVE one), and i wanted something that no one else owned, so thats why i went with it, oh yeah, and the price was excellent.
the only thing i dont like about the gun is the BIG roll mark on the left side of the slide. good luck with your decission.
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March 28th, 2011, 09:18 PM #5
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March 28th, 2011, 11:21 PM #6
Re: The 1911 decision... Questions and recommendations
I just purchased the Kimber Crimson Carry II (5") and absolutely love it. Its my first 1911 so I don't know as much as the guys who have posted before me, but can hopefully help a bit.
In terms of length and recoil, I don't think I would be concerned as much about the barrel length than I would be with what the frame is made out of. A friend of mine has the Eclipse II and there is noticeably less recoil with his gun because of the weight difference. Of course, more weight means less comfortable to carry (for most people), but less recoil. Just another thing to take into consideration before you make your decision.
Also, I have carried the Kimber a few times. Definitely not as easy or comfortable to conceal as a sub-compact, but still do-able - just in case you were shying away from the 5" because of cc'ing.
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March 28th, 2011, 11:53 PM #7Active Member
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Re: The 1911 decision... Questions and recommendations
I would recommend a Kimber.Their custom defense package are awesome.
I have the Ultra Carry 11,3'' barrel stainless and has night sights.Light weight
and very accurate.Recoil is manageable,my S&W 99 has more recoil.You do
have too change recoil spring assembly on the shorter barrel 1911,Kimber
recommends you change them about every 1800 to 2000 rounds.I have shot
Springfields,and Colts there nice shooting guns too.
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March 29th, 2011, 12:18 AM #8
Re: The 1911 decision... Questions and recommendations
I carry the ultra CDP II everyday, very comfortable and concealable the aluminum frame really helps on the weight....
When They come, I'll Be Gone...
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March 29th, 2011, 12:33 AM #9
Re: The 1911 decision... Questions and recommendations
Goes with me everywhere...unless it's crappy outside then I take the Glock
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March 29th, 2011, 07:51 AM #10
Re: The 1911 decision... Questions and recommendations
Ask the question,,, How long does the manufacturer guarantee the gun? Springfield = forever. You have a problem, call them, they email you a return shipping label, take it to Fedex, Springfield fixes it, they send it back to you. You pay nothing. No shipping, nadda. This is based on the premise that you did nothing to cause the problem.
If you can stretch to the price level, I recommend a SA TRP. One fine off the shelf pistol with some gunsmith fitting. Not just an assembly line gun.
Mr. Browning designed the 1911 with a 5" barrel for a reason. As you shorten the barrel, timing becomes more critical. This affects loading and ejection. Springs tend to become tired quicker, as there is less of them (length wise).
Reviewing some of the popular 1911 forums should help you make a decision. The one pointed out earlier is a good one.George,
So many guns, so little money.
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