[txbonds]

I'm coming from a glock 26 and want something thinner. I have never tried a 1911 and really want to give the format a try. I've had my eye on a couple of different options and now that my glock is selling the pressure is on to decide...................... and well, I can't. So I need some help.

On my short list are:

Sig 1911 C3 .45acp
STI 1911 LS9 9mm
STI 1911 Escort 9mm/.45acp
STI 1911 Rogue 9mm
Springfield 1911 Micro .45acp
Various Kimber Ultra 1911 .45acp

I'm looking at both calibers simply because I already had a stash of 9mm ammo from my glock and have zero .45acp ammo on hand. So, if I go .45acp I'll be behind the ball looking for ammo until I build up a little stash of practice/carry ammo. That isn't a reason in my decision though.

The factors for me are dead reliability in the smallest and lightest possible option. I don't want to spend tons of time tuning and upgrading parts, so I'm trying to look at options that already have a good starting point of parts included. Also, I'd like to stay under $1k and possibly down nearer to $700 - $800 range. Used is okay, but new is also.

I've held the Sig C3, the STI LS9, and the Kimber Ultras and they all feel fine and are a good fit to my hand.

Any thoughts? I've searched and read until my head is spinning. Now that I need to decide, I am having trouble. Thanks.

[Palmguy]

Originally Posted by txbonds

The factors for me are dead reliability in the smallest and lightest possible option.

I don't want to spend tons of time tuning and upgrading parts, so I'm trying to look at options that already have a good starting point of parts included.

I'd like to stay under $1k and possibly down nearer to $700 - $800 range.

Putting on the nomex because I know scores of Kimber Ultra owners will be along shortly to talk about how they have 347 flawless rounds through their guns; but based on the above statements, I would recommend that you look in a direction other than a 1911-style pistol.

[G36_Me]

Just my opinion, you cannot get under $1000 with the specifications you have. You are in the $1600-$3000 range, Kimber vs Ed Browne type gun.

If you want a cheap reliable concealed carry 45 Auto, look at the G36. I'm not biased, I have all three of the guns and am happy carrying any of them.

[Palmguy]

Originally Posted by txbonds

So you don't think any of the offering with longer than 3" barrels are viable? Most of the ones I listed already have some upgraded parts and have been dehorned or the like. Some of them have longer barrels. Most of the ones I listed can be had for under my price point.

Why should I not consider one?

If you want a 1911 because you want a 1911, knock yourself out. Not saying you shouldn't consider one, just that if your primary priorities are what I'm reading them to be:

-Thin carry gun
-Dead reliability
-Small and light
-Good to go out of the box
-Price

then the 1911 might not be the best choice. Several items on those list have a greater probability of working against each other than on other formats.

[ctap105]

you just might want to go with and RIA which will run you about $500. Give it a 3.5 trigger job which will run about $200. $100 for slide to frame fit if it will accommodate and another $200 for some novaks. That will give you a $1000 gun that is 3" and dead accurate. Just not the best of name.

[87'vette]

For your price range Kimber is hard to beat.
Many people have had very good results with the RIA line of pistols.
Rock Island has both a Commander and Officers size.
Good luck.

[txbonds]

Originally Posted by triggerjerk

I too was looking for a sig C3 until I found a DW CCO

There seems to be a lot to like about the sig C3.

I'm still trying to research them. I've seen people complain about the slides being different than other 1911's, but am not sure what's different.

Also, I noticed the STI LS9 indicates the slide can be racked with the safety on. Is this good or bad? They indicate it as the good so you can clear the chamber without removing safety, but I'm wondering if there are down sides to this as well?

[ctap105]

Originally Posted by ilgunguygt

Im really surprised to see these responses in a 1911 forum. I bought a NIB RIA 3.5" 1911 for 375 dollars. Not a single malfunction through 750 rounds of my reloads. I now consider this gun good to go and will carry it anywhere. There are lots of other good bang for the buck commander and officer sized guns.

an ria is a good bang for your buck not the best bang for your buck. and besides, he's not looking for a best bang for your buck, hes looking for the best bang you can get within his budget....why go with a stock ria? makes no sense. it's a good gun at best.....not great

[faawrenchbndr]

Originally Posted by txbonds

Wouldn't both of those be over $1k?

I was just saying that I love my Kobra Carry.
The Dan Wesson CBOB, is a very simular weapon,
and no, the Dan Wesson CBOB is not over $1k

[Ruggles]

I think you will find STIs have a very good rep and deserve it.

[upnover97]

i have/carry a springfield emp in 9mm, love it and it shoots amazing no reliability issues, very east to get back on target. i have been researching another 1911 and will be ordering a springfield loaded champion lightweight after xmas.

[TattooedGlock]

Can't go wrong with any of the Kimber CDP models. All light and fully set up so you won't need any aftermarket.

[txbonds]

Originally Posted by HAIL CAESAR

With the criteria you have laid out the Sig C3 is your gun. It has a 4.25 bushing barrel that will give you the best possibility for reliability, but has the Officers frame for best concealment. Plus the frame is alloy for the lightest weight.

The Dan Wesson CCO model is another choice although hard to find and pricier.

A Kimber LW Compact gives you a 4 inch bull barrel and a Officers LW frame and can be had new for 800 bills.

I've been checking out the CCO models:
Sig C3
STI Guardian
Kimber Compact

But I've not seen a kimber compact for $800. What model is that and do you have a link?

[HAIL CAESAR]

Usually there are several Kimber LW Compacts on Gunbroker, but I just checked and there are none now. They do have a few regular steel frame compacts although. Just check periodically using "Kimber Compact" as a search under pistols.

Here is a list of other CCO models I have compiled for another post..

Originally Posted by HAIL CAESAR View Post
Here is a CCO list that I wrote at one time. It is my personal opinion, so take it with a grain of salt about my views on the quality.

The size of 1911 you are describing is loosely called a CCO. It is a officer frame and a 4.25 commander slide. Some people people (including myself) make a distinction of a TRUE CCO and LIKE A CCO. A true CCO will have a 4.25 barrel and a barrel bushing. Most "Like" a CCO will have a 4ish inch barrel and the barrel will be bushingless. Colt is the company that owns the name "CCO", much like "Commander".

To answer your question of who makes a 1911 of similar size the list is as follows;

STI Guardian- Like a CCO- 4ish bull barrel- Very good quality gun- $950ish.
Steel frame.

Colt CCO and Colt Gunsite CCO- True CCO sized-4.25 barrel- very good quality gun-Discontinued model- somewhat of a collectors item $950++++, if you can find one.

Old Dan Wesson CCO- True CCO (Except external extractor)- Discontinued Model- good quality- good luck finding one.

New Dan Wesson CCO. True CCO with internal extractor. $1,250+, hard to get only 200 made this year. Alloy frame with 4.25 inch bushing barrel. I have it now. It is excellent quality!

Kimber- Like a CCO, OK quality gun, various models - $750 and up depending on model. Lots of reports of problems, but lots of reports of satisfaction. Be prepares to buy a new recoil spring even on a new gun. Kimber makes a steel frame and a alloy frame LW.

Sig 1911 Compact- True CCO (except external extractor) good quality gun- earlier guns have had problems, newer guns have seemed to have no problems- $850+-Sig makes a steel frame and a alloy frame LW.

Springfield Armory COMPACT- Older discontinued model, do not be confused with current Ultra or Micro size guns they are not the same- if you can find one they run $550+. good quality. Some were 4.25 with bushing and some were Bull 4 inchers. Steel frames and LW Alloy frames.

Smith & Wesson ES. Seems to be good quality (very new) True CCO expect the external extractor. 4.25 bushing barrel. Stainless slide and Scandium frame. $860.00ish, but people are trying to get rich selling them for more than that.

Fusion Arms True CCO. Great/Excellent quality. 1,500 and up. They built guns the way you want them. So price is up to the way you want it built. Steel and Alloy are offered, plus anything else your mind and wallet want.
((Mines on order))


Les Baer Stinger- True CCO, excellent quality 1911- $1,500+ depending on options. Steel frame. Older discontinued had alloy frame.

Wilson Combat Compact- Like a CCO, 4 inch bull barrel. Excellent quality 1911 alloy or steel frame.- $2200+ depending on model.

Nighthawk Custom_ True CCO- excellent quality 1911- $2500+ depending on options. They will build a bushing or a bull barrel.

Springfield Armory Custom Shop -True CCO takes about 6 months to build. They will build it your way. They will build a bushing or a bull barrel. Alloy or steel frame. $1,600+++

There are full custom shops that will make you a CCO, be prepared to sell at least one of your children on the black market.

If they are more I've forgotten, please anyone help me out.

My opinion time; The CCO is the perfect CCW size 1911 ever made. Reliability of a Commander, frame size of a Officer for less printing. Even less printing if you have the frame MSH rounded.

[txbonds]

I had been checking those out as well. You said " acceptably" reliable. Is that only because 2 rounds of range ammo didn't work, or something else?

Originally Posted by MoBill

For what it's worth, my usual carry is an STI Escort in .45:



It's lightweight and easy to conceal, and mine has been acceptably reliable for ~ 500-600 rounds of varied ammo, with a variety of magazines; only problem I've had was with one box of cheap target ammo I bought at the range -- 2 rounds in that box of 50 would not chamber in the Escort (but worked fine in a Spartan). This Escort now wears CT laser grips. I'm very happy with it. It's more fun to shoot a full-size, in my opinion, but this one's more about work than play. I switched from carrying a G23 -- I much prefer carrying the Escort.

Good luck with your search!

bill

[bac1023]

Originally Posted by outcast1911

I had a PT1911 for a while(great gun for cheap).Traded for a SA LW Champion,but if Taraus brings out a commander sized gun I will by it.


Brian
Blue Ridge

We don't need a commander version of the PT1911.

The full size is more than enough.

[txbonds]

While that DW CCO is drool worthy, the $1389 price is just more than I should spend right now.

That said, I am still having trouble narrowing down between the 3 or 4 that seem to keep calling my attention:


Sig C3 1911
S&W Compact ES
STI Guardian


STI LS9
STI Rogue
STI Escort
etc.
Don't know why I like that LS9, but it just looks interesting due to size.

[Madmax1010]

I like to stick with full size 1911's.

The springer TRP is a very good carry 1911!
mine eats anything and up to 3300 rds and not a problem of any kind.
The customer service at spring can not be beat!!!!!!!

[HAIL CAESAR]

[QUOTE=txbonds;14317134]


Sig C3 1911
S&W Compact ES
STI Guardian

QUOTE]

Out of the three.....any would be fine. The STI frame is blued steel so it will rust. The S&W & Sig are Alloy.

[brickboy240]

I'll throw another vote for the Springfield GI.

I love mine and its a fantastic shooter that is accurate and well made for the money spent.

- brickboy240

[glock2740]

Can't beat the Rock Island Tactical.

[txbonds]

Went by a local shop today and checked out two more options that fit my budget. One was a Colt Combat Commander in blued steel and the other was a Kimber Pro Carry with night sights (which was similar in size but much lighter).

Honestly, they both felt pretty good in hand and neither felt too large or heavy. I think it opens up some more options for me to look at.

I'm going to a gun show this weekend to fondle a few more for comparison.

So, now that I've widened my view, what are the thoughts on the Kimber pro carry and colt combat commander?

[txbonds]

Yep, that's it. They want $899 for a brand new one. The kimber pro carry with night sights was like $980 I think.

Originally Posted by Sarge45

Ahhh yes. The Colt Combat Commander. I carry one daily for the last about 4-weeks or so. I REALLY like it.


15 yards rapid fire first time out at the range and before she has been cleaned up. Most excellent carry gun.

[glock2740]

The Kimber Stainless Ultra II is hard to beat for the price. If you want to stay with the 9mm format, the Kimber Ultra CDP in 9mm is a great gun.

[Armed Infidel]

...or you could get a Springfield Loaded Champion!