help me pick a compact 1911 for carry?

scottycoyote · May 16, 2018, 03:12 PM

Ive researched and researched.....I really want a compact 1911, im leaning towards 9mm for ease of shootability and a little increase in capacity. Im thinking 3 to 4" barrel and under 30 oz.

The players right now im looking at......the colt defender, the springfield range officer compact and the emp, the sig 1911, the s&w pro. Although for some reason Kimbers have never really done it for me I wouldnt rule out an ultra carry, etc if it makes sense. I have a sig 938 right now, but i really want something with the grip safety that comes with the traditional 1911.

Do any of these guns jump out to you, either as a must buy or a must stay away from? Most gun ranges around me dont have these types of guns available to rent (heck a lot of these guns are hard to even find in the gun stores around me)....so the usual "go rent it and see what you like" just doesnt apply.

Im going to end up probably just ordering it and having shipped to my ffl and if i hate it ill sell and start over. I dont know why but for some reason the defender really speaks to me...after that i like the springfields and i have not had a chance to handle any of the others.

what say you.........

Siggy-06 · May 16, 2018, 03:28 PM

My father has the Springfield, it's a great shooting pistol. Take a look at this latest Ruger too:
https://ruger.com/products/sr1911/specSheets/6758.html

scottycoyote · May 16, 2018, 03:29 PM

i meant to add the ruger to the list as well....i did get a chance to handle one of those recently, thanks for the reply

FITASC · May 16, 2018, 03:43 PM

There is a Wilson, that while expensive, is a 1911 version of the Glock 19 with the same capacity.

RickB · May 16, 2018, 05:11 PM

I bought a SIG P938 a little over a year ago (after carrying a compact 1911 for fifteen years), have about 1300 rounds through it, and would not even consider a 9mm 1911 as a replacement.
A gun that's literally twice as big, to pick up one round of capacity and a grip safety?
Don't do it!

scottycoyote · May 16, 2018, 05:30 PM

I bought a SIG P938 a little over a year ago (after carrying a compact 1911 for fifteen years), have about 1300 rounds through it, and would not even consider a 9mm 1911 as a replacement.
A gun that's literally twice as big, to pick up one round of capacity and a grip safety?
Don't do it!

well i wouldnt be getting rid of the sig.....it would just be another gun in the rotation

Bilbo463 · May 16, 2018, 06:00 PM

What’s your budget sir??

The Colt Defender has a good record for being very reliable.

I personally don’t carry any 1911 smaller than a Commander size.

tallball · May 16, 2018, 08:17 PM

If you want to try one out for cheap...

There are Star BM's out there for around $250. It's a nice service pistol (military/police grade) that's basically a smaller steel 9mm 1911 without the grip safety. Mine has been 100% reliable and is surprisingly accurate.

I've been very happy with mine. I think I paid $239 plus shipping.

cw308 · May 16, 2018, 08:17 PM

I carry a Colt New Agent , same as the Defender only has trench sights ,came with CT grips. Great carry and enjoyable to shoot . Oddly enough the recoil is mild accuracy for a 3" is good . Can't go wrong with a Colt.

Chris

ice monkey · May 16, 2018, 08:52 PM

Well, I’m in the same market. And I’m just as torn. I’ll tell you what I’ve narrowed it down to:

Browning 1911-380 - http://www.browning.com/products/fir...roduction.html

I picked up the Browning while I was waiting for the paperwork to go through on a Walther at a gun show... the guy wouldn’t let me change my purchase though I asked, and I’ve been thinking about the gun ever since. It feels that good in the hand!

Not only does it feel great and point itself, at 17oz, it’s a “summer” gun! You just have to be ok with .380. Browning did design it!

The second is the Sig Ultra - https://www.sigsauer.com/store/1911-...ct-nickel.html

Now I figure a 4” barrel is where I want to go, but this gun with Hogue grips on just points too! Dang!

But the reason it’s on my list is because of how famously reliable it is! This is not a scaled pistol like the Browning or the EMP, but it’s good looking and handles well. I don’t like their 4” for some reason though.

Finally, the EMP. - https://www.springfield-armory.com/p...y-contour-9mm/

The first 4” or commander 1911 was chambered in 9mm so it’s the most ... true to history lol? If that’s your thing. But even if it’s not, look at the thing!! Is calling a gun sexy a thing? It’s good looking and I love the bobtail.

I haven’t held the 4” EMP, but I understand it’s a naturally pointing weapon as well. That’s important. That it’s now got good reliability reports is even better.

Well, that’s where I’m at. It’s funny, in terms of want, it’s EMP, SIG, Browning. Of course in terms of cost it’s EMP, SIG, Browning. But with respect to ease of carry it’s, Browning, SIG, EMP!

Too funny. I understand they are all shooters.

Good luck!

Nathan · May 16, 2018, 09:39 PM

In a couple words....Dan Wesson

Joe_Pike · May 16, 2018, 09:44 PM

I've got a Colt Defender, so, Colt Defender is my answer. At 24 oz., it is really light. I don't carry it, so, I'm not too sure why I have it at this point, though.

scottycoyote · May 16, 2018, 11:02 PM

Budget....I'd like to stay below $1k.
I think all the guns I picked can be had at that although some of them I'd have to catch on sale. Gundeals.com has the emp4 right now for 899 and I think that's the most expensive of the lot.

Koda94 · May 17, 2018, 12:11 AM

the "underdog" of compact 1911s is the CCO.

Since you already have a Sig 938, I wouldn't suggest an officers size 1911. The CCOs size is just the perfect combination of compact and still handling like its bigger brothers.

cw308 · May 17, 2018, 07:05 AM

How are you going to carry , position and holster . I love the Colt Commander 4.25 but if your looking to carry , small an light 3" in 45acp is the way to go IMO . For a carry test is 200 rounds 100% without any problems with the ammo your going to carry in it . The grip on the Defender doesn't fall short in the hand an the barrel is short enough to conceal easily . We're talking carry concealed. Designed for FMJ full loads . The pistol feels like a full size in your hand .

MC 1911 · May 17, 2018, 07:31 AM

Dan Wesson ECO is a good choice!

scottycoyote · May 17, 2018, 10:02 AM

"How are you going to carry , position and holster"

a gun that size i usually carry strong side at 4oclock......usually iwb but sometimes owb

Don P · May 17, 2018, 10:25 AM

I went with a Glock 36 over the Officer size 1911A1

cw308 · May 17, 2018, 02:58 PM

Have you ever tried appendix IWB , I find Vedder LightTuck kydex a good choice for CC.

Rangerrich99 · May 17, 2018, 04:34 PM

I don’t own one but have test driven an EMP9. Really nice piece.

rodfac · May 17, 2018, 06:15 PM

Ruger makes a good gun for the money in their alloy frame Commander length 1911. You can get it in 9mm or .45 and their customer service is good. Accurate, light for the weight, and reliable...Rod

Longhorn1986 · May 18, 2018, 06:55 AM

One of my carry pistols is a Kimber Ultra Stainless TLE II. It shoots every bit as well as its big brother, the same pistol in Custom. The night sights are handy and the only malfunctions I have ever had were ammo related.

Skans · May 18, 2018, 07:15 AM

I sometimes carry my STI LS40 - A very small, slim compact all steel 40 caliber 1911. It was made in 9mm also which are more common.

weblance · May 18, 2018, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickB

I bought a SIG P938 a little over a year ago (after carrying a compact 1911 for fifteen years), have about 1300 rounds through it, and would not even consider a 9mm 1911 as a replacement.
A gun that's literally twice as big, to pick up one round of capacity and a grip safety?

Not everyone likes a tiny gun with an awful trigger. I had both the P238, and P938, and found neither was very easy to shoot well... for me. The safety is tiny, and that alone was a deal breaker for me.

RickB · May 18, 2018, 02:34 PM

If mine had an awful trigger, I might agree with you.
It's miles ahead of any striker gun, if not equal to the best.

Agree that the safety could be better shaped, but it's not an impediment with a little practice.

I have large hands, and no trouble shooting the gun quickly and accurately.

May 16, 2018, 03:12 PM	#1
scottycoyote Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2005 Location: southwestern va Posts: 830	help me pick a compact 1911 for carry? Ive researched and researched.....I really want a compact 1911, im leaning towards 9mm for ease of shootability and a little increase in capacity. Im thinking 3 to 4" barrel and under 30 oz. The players right now im looking at......the colt defender, the springfield range officer compact and the emp, the sig 1911, the s&w pro. Although for some reason Kimbers have never really done it for me I wouldnt rule out an ultra carry, etc if it makes sense. I have a sig 938 right now, but i really want something with the grip safety that comes with the traditional 1911. Do any of these guns jump out to you, either as a must buy or a must stay away from? Most gun ranges around me dont have these types of guns available to rent (heck a lot of these guns are hard to even find in the gun stores around me)....so the usual "go rent it and see what you like" just doesnt apply. Im going to end up probably just ordering it and having shipped to my ffl and if i hate it ill sell and start over. I dont know why but for some reason the defender really speaks to me...after that i like the springfields and i have not had a chance to handle any of the others. what say you......... __________________ "i got the most powerful gun in the world........an .88 magnum. It shoots thru schools......"

May 16, 2018, 03:28 PM	#2
Siggy-06 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 1,148	My father has the Springfield, it's a great shooting pistol. Take a look at this latest Ruger too: https://ruger.com/products/sr1911/specSheets/6758.html __________________ Flicks just like a lighter, just a different kind of fire.

May 16, 2018, 03:29 PM	#3
scottycoyote Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2005 Location: southwestern va Posts: 830	i meant to add the ruger to the list as well....i did get a chance to handle one of those recently, thanks for the reply __________________ "i got the most powerful gun in the world........an .88 magnum. It shoots thru schools......"

May 16, 2018, 03:43 PM	#4
FITASC Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2014 Posts: 6,448	There is a Wilson, that while expensive, is a 1911 version of the Glock 19 with the same capacity. __________________ "I believe that people have a right to decide their own destinies; people own themselves. I also believe that, in a democracy, government exists because (and only so long as) individual citizens give it a 'temporary license to exist'—in exchange for a promise that it will behave itself. In a democracy, you own the government—it doesn't own you."- Frank Zappa

May 16, 2018, 05:11 PM	#5
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	I bought a SIG P938 a little over a year ago (after carrying a compact 1911 for fifteen years), have about 1300 rounds through it, and would not even consider a 9mm 1911 as a replacement. A gun that's literally twice as big, to pick up one round of capacity and a grip safety? Don't do it! __________________ Runs off at the mouth about anything 1911 related on this site and half the time is flat out wrong.

May 16, 2018, 05:30 PM	#6
scottycoyote Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2005 Location: southwestern va Posts: 830	I bought a SIG P938 a little over a year ago (after carrying a compact 1911 for fifteen years), have about 1300 rounds through it, and would not even consider a 9mm 1911 as a replacement. A gun that's literally twice as big, to pick up one round of capacity and a grip safety? Don't do it! well i wouldnt be getting rid of the sig.....it would just be another gun in the rotation __________________ "i got the most powerful gun in the world........an .88 magnum. It shoots thru schools......"

May 16, 2018, 06:00 PM	#7
Bilbo463 Member Join Date: July 28, 2017 Posts: 45	What’s your budget sir?? The Colt Defender has a good record for being very reliable. I personally don’t carry any 1911 smaller than a Commander size.

May 16, 2018, 08:17 PM	#8
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	If you want to try one out for cheap... There are Star BM's out there for around $250. It's a nice service pistol (military/police grade) that's basically a smaller steel 9mm 1911 without the grip safety. Mine has been 100% reliable and is surprisingly accurate. I've been very happy with mine. I think I paid $239 plus shipping.

May 16, 2018, 08:17 PM	#9
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	I carry a Colt New Agent , same as the Defender only has trench sights ,came with CT grips. Great carry and enjoyable to shoot . Oddly enough the recoil is mild accuracy for a 3" is good . Can't go wrong with a Colt. Chris Last edited by cw308; May 17, 2018 at 06:44 AM.

May 16, 2018, 08:52 PM	#10
ice monkey Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 416	Well, I’m in the same market. And I’m just as torn. I’ll tell you what I’ve narrowed it down to: Browning 1911-380 - http://www.browning.com/products/fir...roduction.html I picked up the Browning while I was waiting for the paperwork to go through on a Walther at a gun show... the guy wouldn’t let me change my purchase though I asked, and I’ve been thinking about the gun ever since. It feels that good in the hand! Not only does it feel great and point itself, at 17oz, it’s a “summer” gun! You just have to be ok with .380. Browning did design it! The second is the Sig Ultra - https://www.sigsauer.com/store/1911-...ct-nickel.html Now I figure a 4” barrel is where I want to go, but this gun with Hogue grips on just points too! Dang! But the reason it’s on my list is because of how famously reliable it is! This is not a scaled pistol like the Browning or the EMP, but it’s good looking and handles well. I don’t like their 4” for some reason though. Finally, the EMP. - https://www.springfield-armory.com/p...y-contour-9mm/ The first 4” or commander 1911 was chambered in 9mm so it’s the most ... true to history lol? If that’s your thing. But even if it’s not, look at the thing!! Is calling a gun sexy a thing? It’s good looking and I love the bobtail. I haven’t held the 4” EMP, but I understand it’s a naturally pointing weapon as well. That’s important. That it’s now got good reliability reports is even better. Well, that’s where I’m at. It’s funny, in terms of want, it’s EMP, SIG, Browning. Of course in terms of cost it’s EMP, SIG, Browning. But with respect to ease of carry it’s, Browning, SIG, EMP! Too funny. I understand they are all shooters. Good luck!

May 16, 2018, 09:39 PM	#11
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,336	In a couple words....Dan Wesson

May 16, 2018, 09:44 PM	#12
Joe_Pike Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2010 Posts: 1,581	I've got a Colt Defender, so, Colt Defender is my answer. At 24 oz., it is really light. I don't carry it, so, I'm not too sure why I have it at this point, though. __________________ Stay Groovy

May 16, 2018, 11:02 PM	#13
scottycoyote Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2005 Location: southwestern va Posts: 830	Budget....I'd like to stay below $1k. I think all the guns I picked can be had at that although some of them I'd have to catch on sale. Gundeals.com has the emp4 right now for 899 and I think that's the most expensive of the lot. __________________ "i got the most powerful gun in the world........an .88 magnum. It shoots thru schools......"

May 17, 2018, 12:11 AM	#14
Koda94 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2012 Location: Cascadia Posts: 1,295	the "underdog" of compact 1911s is the CCO. Since you already have a Sig 938, I wouldn't suggest an officers size 1911. The CCOs size is just the perfect combination of compact and still handling like its bigger brothers. __________________ lightweight, cheap, strong... pick 2

May 17, 2018, 07:05 AM	#15
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	How are you going to carry , position and holster . I love the Colt Commander 4.25 but if your looking to carry , small an light 3" in 45acp is the way to go IMO . For a carry test is 200 rounds 100% without any problems with the ammo your going to carry in it . The grip on the Defender doesn't fall short in the hand an the barrel is short enough to conceal easily . We're talking carry concealed. Designed for FMJ full loads . The pistol feels like a full size in your hand .

May 17, 2018, 07:31 AM	#16
MC 1911 Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 373	Dan Wesson ECO is a good choice!

May 17, 2018, 10:02 AM	#17
scottycoyote Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2005 Location: southwestern va Posts: 830	"How are you going to carry , position and holster" a gun that size i usually carry strong side at 4oclock......usually iwb but sometimes owb __________________ "i got the most powerful gun in the world........an .88 magnum. It shoots thru schools......"

May 17, 2018, 10:25 AM	#18
Don P Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2005 Location: Swamp dweller Posts: 6,187	I went with a Glock 36 over the Officer size 1911A1 __________________ *NRA Life Member, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor,, USPSA & Steel Challange NROI Range Officer, ICORE Range Officer, ,MAG 40 Graduate* *As you are, I once was, As I am, You will be.*

May 17, 2018, 02:58 PM	#19
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	Have you ever tried appendix IWB , I find Vedder LightTuck kydex a good choice for CC.

May 17, 2018, 04:34 PM	#20
Rangerrich99 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2014 Location: Kinda near Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,254	I don’t own one but have test driven an EMP9. Really nice piece.

May 17, 2018, 06:15 PM	#21
rodfac Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,625	Ruger makes a good gun for the money in their alloy frame Commander length 1911. You can get it in 9mm or .45 and their customer service is good. Accurate, light for the weight, and reliable...Rod __________________ Cherish our flag, honor it, defend it in word and deed, or get the hell out. Our Bill of Rights has been paid for by heros in uniform and shall not be diluted by misguided governmental social experiments. We owe this to our children, anything less is cowardice. USAF FAC, 5th Spl Forces, Vietnam Vet '69-'73.

May 18, 2018, 06:55 AM	#22
Longhorn1986 Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2016 Location: Fort Bend County, Texas Posts: 173	One of my carry pistols is a Kimber Ultra Stainless TLE II. It shoots every bit as well as its big brother, the same pistol in Custom. The night sights are handy and the only malfunctions I have ever had were ammo related.

May 18, 2018, 07:15 AM	#23
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	I sometimes carry my STI LS40 - A very small, slim compact all steel 40 caliber 1911. It was made in 9mm also which are more common.