1911 4" barrel, 6+1, what's good?

[DMK]

1911s with 4" barrels, Commander sized slides and Officer's sized 6+1 frames. In my opinion, the perfect concealed carry handgun.

So assuming that I can't find a Colt CCO(what I want but harder to find than hens teeth), which is the best one?

- Kimber Compact II

- Springfield Compact

- Any others?

Anybody have problems with any of these guns?

 

[Sean Smith]

I'd be partial towards a Kimber Compact, but pre-Series II.

 

[Aleko]

- Any others?

Wilson Combat. They have several different Compact models (4.1" bbl with Officer's frame), 7+1 (or 8+1 with extended pad) capacity, better quality than both Kimber and SA and no firing pin block/ILS parts. Better customer service too.

 

[MoNsTeR]

My wife's all-stainless Kimber Compact shoots quite well, and seems to me to have less muzzle flip than a 5" bushing-barrel gun.

 

[jercamp45]

I agree...the configuration is one of the best for CCW!!!

I have seen a few CCO's here in Vegas..Discount Guns in Henderson, if I recall!!
Then there is the Kimber.........the CDP Compact looks real nice!
Para makes the LDA CCW...the LDA is one sweet trigger!! Unlike ANY DA I have ever tried. Had a Para Companion C7.45 for two years and it works GREAT! Even though of ordering the CCW slide and barrel and have it fited to my frame.
Wilson ARE nice, but Expensive!!!
The KZ 45 Compact is about the same size with a couple more rounds on board....about 1000 bucks hereabouts......if you are not committed to Officer's mags, mag pouches etc....it might be a good investment.
Caspian makes Titanium Frames in Officer's sized, plus Commander slides, including Damascus...for the weathy amongst us(the Ti Off Frame and Damascus Cmdr slide is only 1000 bucks, then you gotta add the other parts!!).
Have very little experience with Springfield Armory...shot their LONGSLIDE last range visit!!!! Ohhh, that was sweet too....bit hard to hide though!!
Think STI makes a model too, but not sure.
Possibilities to ponder...
Jercamp45

 

[Lightsped]

Here is mine. It is a 4 inch barrel. Strangely enough I am able to squeeze 8, yes eight, rounds into my Kimber mag. 8+1 total. No FTF, or FTE. 100% perfect.

 

[DMK]

Thanks for the responses gentlemen and beatiful pistol Lightsped.

I'm specifically looking for the short 6+1 frame though to facilitate concealability. If I want 8+1 capacity, I'll grab my Govt. model. It's not the barrel length that bothers me with it, it's the grip length.

I think I'll start looking around for the Kimber Compact, unless I happen to come across a Colt CCO in my travels.

 

[SADshooter]

You might also consider an STI Ranger.

 

[Gunslinger45]

I am assuming that you have held (and or fired) one of the guns that you mentioned? If so, how well did you do? The reason I ask is that most men with large hands can not shoot a shortened frame 1911 well. This is due to the fact that their little finger of their shooting hand falls below the grip frame. This altered grip usually results in poor gun control and lousy scores. To cure for this is generally a mag well, which lengthens the grip frame out to standard size. This defeats the purpose of the shortened grip frame. I personally can hold a compact 1911 well as my little finger does not fall below the grip frame. But I don't own such a gun and don't think I ever will.

Lightsped

Is not the gun in your pic a Kimber Pro Carry? If so it has a standard length grip frame and hence your ability to use 8 round mags in it with the mag bottom flush to the grip frame.

 

[Futo Inu]

I *almost* agree.

You said:

"1911s with 4" barrels, Commander sized slides and Officer's sized 6+1 frames. In my opinion, the perfect concealed carry handgun."

I say:

1911 with 4.1" barrel, Commander sized slide, and "Officer's sized" 9+1 frame. In my opinion, the perfect concealed carry handgun. It's called a Wilson KZ-45 compact.

Short of that, I like the Kimber CDP compact with your description.

Why oh why do I spread the KZ gospel? All I'm succeeding in doing is driving up the demand and thus the price for mine I'll soon be getting.

 

[DMK]

I am assuming that you have held (and or fired) one of the guns that you mentioned? If so, how well did you do? The reason I ask is that most men with large hands can not shoot a shortened frame 1911 well. This is due to the fact that their little finger of their shooting hand falls below the grip frame. This altered grip usually results in poor gun control and lousy scores.

I have not fired a short grip 1911, but have fired or own a number of other pistols where there is not enough room for my pinky finger. Although not optimal, I can shoot satisfactorily at close ranges.

Unfortunately, concealed carry does involve a number of compromises.

 

[Gunslinger45]

Ed Brown makes a bobtailed 4" 1911 that may interest you. It has a full length grip frame but has the last 1/3 of the rear part of the grip frame angled inward toward the front of the gun. According to hype it solves the problem of the standard full length 1911 grip frame being hard to conceal without sacrificing the capacity of the gun.

 

[caz223]

I'll also step in here and cast the dissenting vote, as well.
Para carry/companion LDA.
They are sweet.
Also, while not exactly a 1911, my star PD falls into the 4", 6+1 category, as well.

 

[jercamp45]

I have pretty large hands......

and I have an Officer's and a ParaOrd LDA Companion.....both are favorite for personal carry. My pinky comes right to the bottom of the mag well, and, no, I have not be pinched on a speed reload. Had Officer's models for years, they have proven reliable and handy for me.
For the CCW here in Vegas, you qualify at 3, 7 and 15 yards....at those distances I shot the Officer's and Para just as good as my Government.
I DO like the balance and feel of the CCO style guns though, and there is less to theoretically go wrong with them....bushing wise.
Most lethal force encounter's are REAL close, and the Officer's and Para will still put then in the chest at 25 yards......
Soon planning a desert shoot to play at distance....report to follow!!
Jercamp45