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

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....)

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/c...a/DSCN0727.jpg
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/c...a/DSCN0733.jpg

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

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 ;)

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..

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.

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.

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.