What size .45?

DDGator · December 12, 2002, 09:58 AM

I have started doing some informal IPSC shooting in my area and I love it. Primarily, I use my CZ-75B.

I want to get a 1911 style pistol--shopping for my own Christmas present and all... I am leaning toward a compact size because I would carry it on occasion in lieu of my .38 snubby. I would also like to have another gun I could potentially shoot IDPA in CDP or IPSC in production class.

My questions is this -- can you effectively shoot a 3" or 3.5" (leaning toward the 3.5") in IDPA CDP class or IPSC production? Obviously I am not "gaming" or I would buy a full-size 5" 1911 that would be better -- but I know I would never carry that gun.

In short -- can you be competitive with a compact? Does anyone do it?

DAVID NANCARROW · December 12, 2002, 11:11 AM

I competed last year in IDPA with a 1991A1 Compact and did well with it. It was especially handy in the weak hand shoots.

cobraman · December 12, 2002, 11:30 AM

IPSC production class requires the gun to be Double action. That rules out the 1911 unless you buy a Para LDA, which I suggest you do not do. If you want the primarily for the games buy a 5 inch gun or a commander length. 3.5 inch guns wont be competetive or fun to shoot.

Kermit · December 12, 2002, 03:44 PM

Go with what you're most comfy & proficient with. Personally tho, I would recommend the 5"

December 12, 2002, 09:58 AM	#1
DDGator Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 148	What size .45? I have started doing some informal IPSC shooting in my area and I love it. Primarily, I use my CZ-75B. I want to get a 1911 style pistol--shopping for my own Christmas present and all... I am leaning toward a compact size because I would carry it on occasion in lieu of my .38 snubby. I would also like to have another gun I could potentially shoot IDPA in CDP or IPSC in production class. My questions is this -- can you effectively shoot a 3" or 3.5" (leaning toward the 3.5") in IDPA CDP class or IPSC production? Obviously I am not "gaming" or I would buy a full-size 5" 1911 that would be better -- but I know I would never carry that gun. In short -- can you be competitive with a compact? Does anyone do it?

December 12, 2002, 11:30 AM	#3
cobraman Senior Member Join Date: November 24, 1999 Location: orlando fl Posts: 751	IPSC production class requires the gun to be Double action. That rules out the 1911 unless you buy a Para LDA, which I suggest you do not do. If you want the primarily for the games buy a 5 inch gun or a commander length. 3.5 inch guns wont be competetive or fun to shoot. __________________ Shop Smart Shop S Mart

December 12, 2002, 11:11 AM	#2
DAVID NANCARROW Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2000 Location: Wyoming Posts: 1,761	I competed last year in IDPA with a 1991A1 Compact and did well with it. It was especially handy in the weak hand shoots.

December 12, 2002, 03:44 PM	#4
Kermit Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2001 Location: California Posts: 3,020	Go with what you're most comfy & proficient with. Personally tho, I would recommend the 5"