Ooogled some 1911's a few days back

[EB85]

I was doing some running so I stopped to look at a couple I remember seeing for sale. One being a Kimber Ultra CDP. It's on consignment and I'm unsure if it's a first gen or a newer build. Looked clean (and beautiful, to boot) but the asking price was $1095. Seemed steep to me considering new MSRP is only about $2-300 more. Under that was also a Colt New Agent. I did some reading and the Colt seems to have a more reliable track record because the Kimber haters yell louder than anyone else. And yes, I know about the trench sights but I'm not planning on shooting competitively or beyond 10 yards with it. The New Agent was $850, also consignment. I current pocket carry a P238 and have been thinking caliber upgrade so I don't mind Condition 1 carry.

Opinions on either/or?

[harold63]

If you get one of these short barrel 1911's, keep in mind that they are not forgiving and technique is more important when shooting one than with a full size 1911.

[EB85]

If you get one of these short barrel 1911's, keep in mind that they are not forgiving and technique is more important when shooting one than with a full size 1911.

I know, I know. I'm like a woman when it comes to this.

As mentioned, I have a P238 and common sense should tell me to get a 938 if I want a step up in firepower.

[harold63]

I know, I know. I'm like a woman when it comes to this.

As mentioned, I have a P238 and common sense should tell me to get a 938 if I want a step up in firepower.

That's still a small gun, but similar to a 1911. I would try to find someone who has a SB 1911 and see if they'll let you shoot it a few times. It may not be that bad for you. I just mention the technique bit 'cause some people have trouble with a SB 1911 at first, and some never get the hang of it.

My wife had been looking at the 938 for some time, but we couldn't get past sending it to Sig specialist to get the controls and trigger tuned. She didn't like it out of the box, but she did like the way it felt. Ironically, she ended up getting a Para Expert commander with SS nitride slide and AL frame. Now, she has a "go ahead and make my day' attitude when she carries it. I don't fuck with her when she does.

[sprrdhawk44]

How about buying a full size 1911? You can get into a damn nice colt for $1100, and I'd take a Colt over a Kimber all day, every day, and twice on Sunday.

[EB85]

How about buying a full size 1911? You can get into a damn nice colt for $1100, and I'd take a Colt over a Kimber all day, every day, and twice on Sunday.

I forgot to mention that this is being more geared toward a carry gun than a range toy. If I was shopping for a shooter then I would agree with you 100%. But a full size 1911 is damn near impossible to hide on a 5'8" 180lb frame when you dress like I do.

[LightningMcQueen784]

You'd be surprised how much difference 1" makes.

I have a full Government size that I used to carry... totally uncomfortable to conceal, but OK open carry.

Then I got a 4" Commander size, and it carries perfectly. I'd caution going Officer size... but my commander size 1911 shoots great, and carries great (albeit a little heavy, since it's an all-steel frame & slide).

[joseywales]

You'd be surprised how much difference 1" makes.

I have a full Government size that I used to carry... totally uncomfortable to conceal, but OK open carry.

Then I got a 4" Commander size, and it carries perfectly. I'd caution going Officer size... but my commander size 1911 shoots great, and carries great (albeit a little heavy, since it's an all-steel frame & slide).

You mean 4.25" Commander Size

I only mention it, because 4" models are found in Kimber and other lines. I haven't experimented much, but I'm not sure it points as well as the 4.25" commander, IMH (In My Hands).

To the OP, I have some "name" brand guns and some are great, some not so great. You have left a couple diamonds in the rough:

1 - Rock Island Armory - for less than $500 you can try the full size 1911. I have it in 9mm and it is easily the most accurate gun I have fired at 7 yards, from resting on my shooting bag. I put 14 rounds in less than 1 1/2". Not astounding, but the trigger has an adjustment, which I haven't even touched yet. Only 60 rounds, slow fire, rapid fire, but thus far flawless. The FFL I bought it from said he has sold enough of the 45 caliber RIA to know they are good and was anxious for feedback on my 9mm version. So far, me likey! They offer a Tactical in full size and 3.5" and a Tactical II in the full size. When the Tactical II hits the Commander, bingo, Yatzee!!! I'm all in. Mag well, adjustable trigger, upgraded grips - these are harsh feeling. Like wear gloves at the range harsh, but for combat, when your girly hands won't care, it will make the gun easier to grip. I'm not sold on the grips, but...

2 - Ruger makes the full size and the 4.25"commander (Under $700, closer to $600 is shop a bit more than I did...). I just picked up their commander and am excited to give it a whirl. Everything I've read says this is a winner. The feel, fit, etc. are excellent. The only issue I've read about early models was that the front sight some times beats the round to the target Seems someone isn't fitting them properly. Anyway, my plan is front fiber optics anyway, so if it happens, so be it. I'm switching to fiber for most of my handguns.

[DK23]

I have Sig 1911 ultra nitron with a 3.3 inch barrel if you want to try out a short barrel. I live in Montco, but usually shoot at Classic Pistol. I only put about 150 rounds through it, but haven't had any issues.

[smoke-wagon]

My colt defender is awesome, I did own a full size before the defender but I didn't own them at the same time so I couldn't comment on the comparison. I put about 50 flawless rounds through the defender so far and I didn't find it hard to shoot and the recoil wasn't as bad as I expected.