Looking for a 3" 1911 Carry...

[CHF_Pontiac T/A]

Hi Guys,

Well I am in the market for a new or used 3" 1911 carry for my fiance' and I am looking for some suggestions. Figured I would ask the experts before listening to the opinions of others. I'd like to keep this one under $1,200 if possible.

Thanks in advance:)

[Dreghorn]

I can't speak for any of the other makes and models out there, but I recently purchased a Sig Sauer Ultra Compact, 3.3" bbl, .45, two tone, alloy frame, and I have not had a single problem with it. It's had maybe 4 to 500 rounds through it so far, fmj and hollowpoint, WWB to Georgia arms reloads. Sweet little pistol. I think I payed just under 1000.00.

I also have a Springfield EMP in 9mm and it has functioned flawlessly for the 6-800 rounds through it.

[herefordman1]

My better half likes the UC II.

Jim

[CHF_Pontiac T/A]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the help. I also forgot to mention that this will have ALOT of rounds put through it if that matters at all. We shoot pretty regularly and all the guns get pulled out and passed around at family functions:)

[Horse'nround]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the help. I also forgot to mention that this will have ALOT of rounds put through it if that matters at all. We shoot pretty regularly and all the guns get pulled out and passed around at family functions:)

As they should be!
If you're sticking with 45cal. you might take a look at a Colt New Agent or Defender, the few chances I've to play with them they seem like a nice little gun.

[Mike45]

I was thinking of upgrading my wife from a Sig P238 to a Colt Defender in 9mm.

We went to the local gun store, she liked the size but was unable to rack the slide.

You may want to figure this in to your calculations.

Mike

[Dreghorn]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the help. I also forgot to mention that this will have ALOT of rounds put through it if that matters at all. We shoot pretty regularly and all the guns get pulled out and passed around at family functions:)


I don't get much time to play :( , so it takes me a while to get ALOT of rounds through any of them. Best I seem to be able to do lately is once a month to the range.

[Daedalus]

STI has a couple that just squeak into your price range and are USA made. I am very happy with my Off-Duty model.

[Thedragonslayer]

Ellison was recommending the Kimber Ultra Carry!!!:eek:

[CHF_Pontiac T/A]

Thanks Everyone, especially Daedalus. She is really leaning towards the STI "Off Duty". Now we just have to try and find somewhere local that has one before we order it...

[Daedalus]

Great, Jason. Glad to help.

I gave up trying to find one locally and ended up getting mine from one of the biggest STI guys around: Bob at Brazos Custom Gunworks in Morgan, TX.

Here is the contact data if you need it:
254-622-2245
www.brazoscustom.com

It was a no-sweat purchase.

Jack

[skosh69]

Ellison was recommending the Kimber Ultra Carry!!!:eek:

hehehe...I was going to mention YOUR Kimberrrr, but I thought it best to not stir up the hornets nest of haters....

Oh hell....GET A KIMBER!!!!!!!!! hehehehe

......don't need to say, I'm off to the corner now....(kicking the cat as I go....)

[MPrimo]

I have had great luck with my Springfield Micro 45. Over 500 rounds and 100% functional. It is also accurate and easy to shoot.

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc122/MPrimavera/DSCN0727.jpg
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc122/MPrimavera/DSCN0733.jpg

[Snipersnest]

I've got the Kimber Ultra and she's a real nice shooter.

[Riverpigusmc]

Dave will probably add his expertise soon, but if you get a 3"..buy a LOT of extra recoil springs. I think Kimber recommends changing them every 500 or so rounds..and if she uses it for anything other than range, i.e. a carry pistol, don't use a shock buff..it wont let the slide function. Actually, I wouldn't use them in any carry pistol. Good luck :)

[Daedalus]

Dave will probably add his expertise soon, but if you get a 3"..buy a LOT of extra recoil springs. I think Kimber recommends changing them every 500 or so rounds..and if she uses it for anything other than range, i.e. a carry pistol, don't use a shock buff..it wont let the slide function. Actually, I wouldn't use them in any carry pistol. Good luck :)

Generally that is correct. STI uses a unique recoils system; dual springs and a fancy marketing name I can't recall. They recommend replacement every 15,000 rounds. I'll let you know in ten or fifteen years if it lasts that long on mine ;)

[zenfly]

I'd give the Dan Wesson CCO a look too.. and the DWs that sold for $800-900 three or four yrs back are selling for $1000-1200 used lately..STI has always made excellent 1911s though.. The new CCOs are from $1200-1400 but well worth it..

[Neener Neener]

Colt was the originator of that sized 1911. They got it right the first time, too. I've owned a Kimber UC and it was a lemon, although other have had different experiences. Doubtful, however, you will find a negative comment about the Colt Defender. They are fantastic shooter with managable recoil for the size, as well as surprisingly good accuracy for such a short barrel.

If recoil of a .45 is a possible issue for your wife (it is for mine), I would recommend a Springfield EMP9. That's on my short list.

[CHF_Pontiac T/A]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the advice. I think she has her heart set on the STI now. I wanted her to wait and get an ECO but she does not want to worry about bumping or incidental scratches it might get being an EDC. (That's ok, I'll just get the ECO myself!) I suggested the CCO and the VBOB but she feels the 3" is easier for her to conceal.

.45 is not a problem for her. She loves using my Valor whenever we go to the range. She prefers the .45 now and it made her start to prefer the 1911. She loves it so much it caused her to decide that she wanted a 1911 for her EDC.

[wxl]

STI would be a good choice. Heard good things on the Micro but never fired one. I have one of the early model Defenders and would not hesitate carrying it. The Defender, Colt CCO and a Sig P238 have been my main choices for carry.

[Sheepdog]

If you can't find one around you Dawson Precision stocks allot of them. They have come out with a Spartan 3.25 $ 699. Has a RIA frame. Check here.

http://www.dawsonprecision.com/CategoryProductList.jsp?cat=+PRODUCTS+BY+MANUFACTU RER:STI

[DaFadda]

I'd have to go with the Springer micro compact... because that's what I have. Heard good things about several others, but you have also asked for a 3", not a 3.25 or 3.5"... Mine has been flawless. I carry commercial loads. I shoot Montana Gold JHP over a 4.5 grain Bullseye charge, or sometimes a 5.7 grain Hodgdon Universal Clay charge. The lighter recoil is welcomed when I'm teaching the 45.
DaFadda

http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g407/DaFadda/P1020456.jpg

[CHF_Pontiac T/A]

Thanks everyone! We appreciate all of your help and advice! We just placed the STI Off Duty on order this morning with Thunder Mountain Customs (http://shop.1911parts.com/). They seemed to be the only one around who had one in stock and Mike gave us a great price and service too. I'll post up some pics once we get it.:D

[zenfly]

I have several 3" 1911s and they haven't been 100% ...

[Daedalus]

Good choice, Jason. Mine runs like a top. Enjoy it.

(And now I hear the DW ECO will not be available until April. Ugh! Makes my Off-Duty my one and only officer-size for now.)

[CHF_Pontiac T/A]

I can't wait for the ECO to come out to see what it is like. I may just break down and buy my Wilson Combat if they take too long though!:D