What is the best COMPACT 1911?

[KKoonce]

I know there is a lot of conversation about 1911s. But, I'm looking to purchase a compact 1911 next. Currently I carry a M&P .40. I was carrying my Para Ordnance 1911, 5 inch barrel. I love the feel of it but it's a touch to long for Concealed carry unless you wear a shoulder holster, and it's a bit too warm in eastern NC in the summer for a leather shoulder holster and ruins the concept of concealment with just a short sleeve shirt.

So, I'm thinking a 3-4 inch barrel will satisfy me. If not i'll just go back to the faithful M&P. Suggestions?

 

[Purple]

I think that your question is far to subjective to get a good answer on. There are many people here that all have different opinions on which 'gun' they think is best. You would be better off finding a gun that you think is comfy in you hand and the weight/size that you think you can carry concealed comfortably.

 

[Larry Saxon]

i have been using a kimber ultra carry since 1999. it has never failed in any respect, ever. have it in stainless, due to carry environment here in sw fl. just purchased a 4 in. kimpro a couple months ago, & alternate between the 2. i know most people ***** about the price, but i picked up the kimpro basically nib, with only a couple magazines of ammo through her for less than $700.00 out the door. plus the accuracy on both these kimbers is outstanding. they can bullseye all day at 25 meters. hope this helps, peace through strength, larry

 

[roguesam]

Have found the RIA Compact reasonably comfortable, with no FTF/FTE using ball or JHP ammo.

 

[stingray2100]

you my friend are going to get a 1000 +1 recmendations for the best CCW 1911.

here are a few.

RIA officers model.
Kimber Ultra (anymodel).
sigsauer ultra models ( I like th scorpion model, scond kind of cool).
springfield EMP models. Got to love them kinda heavy.
springfield officer GI, light operator, micro compact models.
colt defender
and last but not last the coult favorite ....I'm kinda bias on this one....can you see why?


CITADEL officer model ...hell yes..!


confusing???

 

[towboater]

I carry a 3.5 RIA, no failures with any ammo. Accurate as you can be. Some people say stay away from the 3 inch barrels, daddy carries a 3 inch kimber. Has for years, thousands of rounds and it never has had any issues. Guess every company has some flukes, CS is important, along with a good warranty if something should go wrong.

 

[Wesco]

I carry a kimber ultra crimson carry .45

It its on the pricy side but you will get the same quality if not better as you get with your M&p.

3 inch barrel, solid, reliable and feels good. Light weight, easily concealed yet its most accurate.

 

[Zcrabtree]

You may look into para more if you liked your full sized. I carry a para hawg 7, it's their 3.5in. model, I love it.

 

[NoviceSquared]

I like my High Standard Crusader Compact.

Pretty much the same gun as an RIA compact, made by the same company in the Philippines. Armscor makes great guns, and if you encounter a problem or get a lemon they have a great warranty with great customer service.

 

[Old Zebra]

I'm partial to the 3" Colt New Agent. Mine is a 9mm with Crimson Trace grips. It hiccups on Hornady CD rounds, but eats everything else. Aside from the aforementioned, there have been no other malfunctions with more than 900 rounds down the pipe. Loaded, this little compact weighs about 25 ozs. It has become my preferred choice for CC.

 

[Rocketgeezer]

Stay away from the 3 inch 45s, the 9mms are great but the 3 inch 1911s cannot be depended upon, and I dont care who made them, when someone tells me they have a 3 1911 and it runs perfectly, never screws up, I tell them ok, lets take it to the range and run 2 to 3 hundred rds threw it, if it works flawlesly I pay them whatever resonable amount of money they would ask, so far no has taken my offer?

 

[NoviceSquared]

Stay away from the 3 inch 45s, the 9mms are great but the 3 inch 1911s cannot be depended upon, and I dont care who made them, when someone tells me they have a 3 1911 and it runs perfectly, never screws up, I tell them ok, lets take it to the range and run 2 to 3 hundred rds threw it, if it works flawlesly I pay them whatever resonable amount of money they would ask, so far no has taken my offer?

I have a 3.5 I'd take that offer on.

 

[SGB]

Link Removed

 

[Rocketgeezer]

I have a 3.5 I'd take that offer on.

Yes I know, if you notice I did say 3 not 3.5 and for some reason that makes all the diff in the world, I have a Springfield full size, a Sig full size,and a Colt Commander, and they all can run several hundred rds without a hicup, but I have tryed 4 differant 3 inchers from differant makers, and I could not feel confident carrying any of them, I was thinking about takeing a look at a RI 3.5 hear good things about it even for a cheaper end gun

 

[TheDoaner]

I usually carry a Kimber Super Carry Pro in a Kramer custom leather IWB holster. It's a commander size .45 with every feature that I wanted in a carry gun and it's never had a hiccup. The Dan Wesson Guardian was going to be next in my 1911 lineup but I did get an M&P 9 Shield last night. I'm sure there's a great 1911 out there with every feature you want if you're willing to pay for it but please don't be one of those guys who spends $1500 on a gun and wants to stuff it in a cheap holster!