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fireman 9731
Member
Thats why I was wondering... The distance it takes for the slide to travel enough to eject one round and chamber another should always be the same....
Colt Defender...What do I need to know?
- Thread starter fireman 9731
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Try +P in it.
Well, just for curiosity's sake.
I had mine and loved it. Also worked on it and had it worked on more than all the others combined. When it worked properly (like, tried to work every time ...) it was great. It fairly close --- which wasn't enough.
Maybe it's just my hand.
My Government models always work ...
Well, just for curiosity's sake.
I had mine and loved it. Also worked on it and had it worked on more than all the others combined. When it worked properly (like, tried to work every time ...) it was great. It fairly close --- which wasn't enough.
Maybe it's just my hand.
My Government models always work ...
Big Daddy Grim
Member
I love mine carry it almost everyday. I have over 18,000 rds through it.
A nice guy at Colt sent me six spring sets, some time ago. I have no idea if that's standard practice, but I can suggest this as (what seems to me to be) an eye-opener: keep a fresh spring handy; mike-up the spring from your gun against the fresh one. They get "squished" real fast.
IMTHDUKE
Member
Not a problem with this one...
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fireman 9731
Member
Well it turns out that the shop that I bought from actually has a decent 1911 guy... I got a carry bevel done and the slide bead blasted... only 30 bucks and I had it done over night.
I really like the bead blasted slide, IMO a carry gun shouldn't be too shiny. The bevel job was great too. Looking at it you never could tell but it sure did smooth up the rear end a lot!
Really great work, for a good price, done overnight. I'm happy
I have also been looking into some different grips. I like the Hogue fingergroove ones that are on it now, but like others have said, the rubber does catch a shirt a lot. I really like the fingergrooves though. Does anybody know of any good fingergroove wood or synthetic grips?
I really like the bead blasted slide, IMO a carry gun shouldn't be too shiny. The bevel job was great too. Looking at it you never could tell but it sure did smooth up the rear end a lot!
Really great work, for a good price, done overnight. I'm happy
I have also been looking into some different grips. I like the Hogue fingergroove ones that are on it now, but like others have said, the rubber does catch a shirt a lot. I really like the fingergrooves though. Does anybody know of any good fingergroove wood or synthetic grips?
I bought a Defender years ago for use as a backup to my duty pistol; a 5" 1911. Its comforting to know I could use the full-sizes mags in the backup if I needed.
When I became a detective a couple of years ago I started carrying it on my belt more often. I've never had an issue betting my life on it.
The biggest mistake I made was putting XS 24/7 sights on it. I left the luminous big dot up front, but took off the rear and put the factory sight back on. The sight radius is just too short for very good accuracy with the XS system.
I put some slim wood slab grips on to increase the concealability, and got a few Wilson 7-round mags for it. The recoil spring is a double thing; one spring inside another. It makes up for the shorter overall length. Just DO NOT GET ONE OF THEM BACKWARDS! You 'll need to hammer on the slide to open it up once the open end of that spring sticks through the minute space at the end of the slide.
I was in the market for a sub-compact pocket pistol but choose to stay with the Defender instead.
When I became a detective a couple of years ago I started carrying it on my belt more often. I've never had an issue betting my life on it.
The biggest mistake I made was putting XS 24/7 sights on it. I left the luminous big dot up front, but took off the rear and put the factory sight back on. The sight radius is just too short for very good accuracy with the XS system.
I put some slim wood slab grips on to increase the concealability, and got a few Wilson 7-round mags for it. The recoil spring is a double thing; one spring inside another. It makes up for the shorter overall length. Just DO NOT GET ONE OF THEM BACKWARDS! You 'll need to hammer on the slide to open it up once the open end of that spring sticks through the minute space at the end of the slide.
I was in the market for a sub-compact pocket pistol but choose to stay with the Defender instead.
Tom Fury
Member
Shorter than...
If you poke around here long enough, you'll notice that the reviews on the Defender/New Agent seem to be almost overwhelmingly good. The owners of those specific types seem unanimous in their praise.
Then somebody drops in the beware of short stroke .45's thing.
I haven't had the problem with cycling; I usually worry about the tab on the spring plug breaking on Colts; everybody else goes around that somehow nowadays. I like the King's setup as above; usually the first thing I do with an OM. I like EGW's melt bushing too.
I for one, simply don't know where that (beware thing) comes from. I have only ever had trouble with a Springfield compact; solved with new Wolff recoil spring, Wilson mags (Wasn't picking up last round in stock mags).
Colts have never been a problem; my record is three OM's, 2 were 1991a1's and one a mid 80's stainless.
I once owned a Detonics MK VII; tricky devil, shorter than the Colts. No trouble.
Have owned 3 built from Caspian Frames and slides; I by Novak and two by ah...me. No problems.
Building up from Caspian components is like peanuts with me; once I start, I can't stop; This has been fun for several years; they used to have a blow-out sale around Christmas; I'd buy a frame on sale and that was the winter project gun, usually traded or sold on in summer.
Currently own a Kimber Compact Aluminum Stainless; I bought it as a summer replacement; became my go to gun; 4" Series 1 No problems.
Don't get me started on S&W 4516/457's; same story, no trouble, only perhaps moreso; 457's astoundingly accurate too...
I just don't get it.
I've never come up ahem...short.
Cheers, TF
If you poke around here long enough, you'll notice that the reviews on the Defender/New Agent seem to be almost overwhelmingly good. The owners of those specific types seem unanimous in their praise.
Then somebody drops in the beware of short stroke .45's thing.
I haven't had the problem with cycling; I usually worry about the tab on the spring plug breaking on Colts; everybody else goes around that somehow nowadays. I like the King's setup as above; usually the first thing I do with an OM. I like EGW's melt bushing too.
I for one, simply don't know where that (beware thing) comes from. I have only ever had trouble with a Springfield compact; solved with new Wolff recoil spring, Wilson mags (Wasn't picking up last round in stock mags).
Colts have never been a problem; my record is three OM's, 2 were 1991a1's and one a mid 80's stainless.
I once owned a Detonics MK VII; tricky devil, shorter than the Colts. No trouble.
Have owned 3 built from Caspian Frames and slides; I by Novak and two by ah...me. No problems.
Building up from Caspian components is like peanuts with me; once I start, I can't stop; This has been fun for several years; they used to have a blow-out sale around Christmas; I'd buy a frame on sale and that was the winter project gun, usually traded or sold on in summer.
Currently own a Kimber Compact Aluminum Stainless; I bought it as a summer replacement; became my go to gun; 4" Series 1 No problems.
Don't get me started on S&W 4516/457's; same story, no trouble, only perhaps moreso; 457's astoundingly accurate too...
I just don't get it.
I've never come up ahem...short.
Cheers, TF
Revolver Ocelot
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- Dec 4, 2006
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- 1,470
I see that you said that you like the feel of the hogues it had on it but if you plani to carry the gun that bulk could get in the way, I'd go to the gun store and handle another 1911 to see if you like the feel of the slimer grips if so I'd highly advise getting another set of grips, otherwise I can see little room for improvment on what is already a very fantastic gun
Lone_Gunman
Member
Well you need to go buy lottery tickets, not guns, because in my opinion you are very very lucky. I have never owned a 3" 1911 that was reliable enough to depend on. I have owned three. Two were Kimbers and one was a Springfield. I think Kimbers are POS in general, but the 3" guns were especially bad. Kimber could never get them to work correctly, despite going back to factory.
Maybe the Colts are better in 3". I have always had good luck with Colt 1911s, but have sworn off anything shorter than 4.25".
I'd rather defend myself with a pointy stick than any 3" 1911 I have ever fired.
Deja vu
Ah, another 3 inch 1911 thread! I have a feeling of deja vu when I read these. For maybe the last 10 years I have read these threads, and the postings usually break down as follows:
- 20% of posters are just looking for information.
- 60% of posters are praising the accuracy and concealability of 3 inch 1911s.
- 20% of posters are bashing 3 inch 1911s because they don't work, or the bullet goes too slowly.
After reading these, I finally had to try a 3 incher myself, so a couple of years ago I bought a slightly used Colt Defender for $700. I had it dehorned, because the slide was too sharp, and put thin Alumagrips on it. I fired about 800 rounds through the gun, and it worked every time. The accuracy was good, and the recoil was stout. I got a holster and have carried it sometimes. I'm pretty sure it will work in a pinch, because I have tested it well. It sure does conceal easily. I like it.
Ah, another 3 inch 1911 thread! I have a feeling of deja vu when I read these. For maybe the last 10 years I have read these threads, and the postings usually break down as follows:
- 20% of posters are just looking for information.
- 60% of posters are praising the accuracy and concealability of 3 inch 1911s.
- 20% of posters are bashing 3 inch 1911s because they don't work, or the bullet goes too slowly.
After reading these, I finally had to try a 3 incher myself, so a couple of years ago I bought a slightly used Colt Defender for $700. I had it dehorned, because the slide was too sharp, and put thin Alumagrips on it. I fired about 800 rounds through the gun, and it worked every time. The accuracy was good, and the recoil was stout. I got a holster and have carried it sometimes. I'm pretty sure it will work in a pinch, because I have tested it well. It sure does conceal easily. I like it.
Tom Fury
Member
Grip suggestions
OK, I hear you that you like the Hogues...
As has been said, I don't like them because they stick to clothes when carried concealed, and will bunch up, and "print", or cause you to adjust clothing all the time which will call attention to you; Hogue rubber grips perhaps not the best for a concealed cary piece. Can't deny the comfort; a lot of trade-offs in this game, no?
I am sure the gorgeous alumagrips above give an idea of how pretty the Defender can be with more solid ones; wood or aluminum, don't snag clothing.
For some gorgeous options, go look at Esmeralda grips (online only, they're not in shops).
Another option if you like the wraparound; Pachmayrs; they are not as soft as the Hogues, but less sticky; no fingergrooves, but a checkered wraparound surface. A trick I learned with these is to cut out 1/4-1/2 inch from the top of the wrap around, with a bit of a "smile" configuration across the bottom of the cut. This bares the space where your middle finger grasps the grip, and feels surprisingly good, and gives great control.
Somebody (Pearce grip?) used to make a wraparound section with finger grooves that attached under a stock set of grips; best of both without the stickiness perhaps.
Or its' time to introduce yourself to more customizing and have the front strap on that bad boy checkered...
Cheers, TF
Cheers, TF
OK, I hear you that you like the Hogues...
As has been said, I don't like them because they stick to clothes when carried concealed, and will bunch up, and "print", or cause you to adjust clothing all the time which will call attention to you; Hogue rubber grips perhaps not the best for a concealed cary piece. Can't deny the comfort; a lot of trade-offs in this game, no?
I am sure the gorgeous alumagrips above give an idea of how pretty the Defender can be with more solid ones; wood or aluminum, don't snag clothing.
For some gorgeous options, go look at Esmeralda grips (online only, they're not in shops).
Another option if you like the wraparound; Pachmayrs; they are not as soft as the Hogues, but less sticky; no fingergrooves, but a checkered wraparound surface. A trick I learned with these is to cut out 1/4-1/2 inch from the top of the wrap around, with a bit of a "smile" configuration across the bottom of the cut. This bares the space where your middle finger grasps the grip, and feels surprisingly good, and gives great control.
Somebody (Pearce grip?) used to make a wraparound section with finger grooves that attached under a stock set of grips; best of both without the stickiness perhaps.
Or its' time to introduce yourself to more customizing and have the front strap on that bad boy checkered...
Cheers, TF
Cheers, TF
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benderx4
Member
This is a great gun. Use the correct ammo and know that the shorter slide makes this gun more susceptible to limp-wristing and you'll be fine! Happy shooting.
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fireman 9731
Member
I saw some wooden wraparound ones in a picture once... I can't find it now, but does anybody make any wooden wraparound grips that aren't custom?
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fireman 9731
Member
Anybody?
Quijibo
Member
I guess I'm a minority. I have Hogue Finger groovies on my Commander and I love 'em. Yes, I do carry it...alot.
I'm currently in the market for a defender cause... you know... you have to have a "summer carry" pistol!
I'd love to find a nice, barely used one for around $600 (I've been looking for awhile).
I'm currently in the market for a defender cause... you know... you have to have a "summer carry" pistol!
I'd love to find a nice, barely used one for around $600 (I've been looking for awhile).
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krs
Member
I used to believe the 'less than 4"' unreliability myth but a frien's Defender showed me different and I bought a New Agent that's been just as good..
Colt knows how to make their little ones work.
Colt knows how to make their little ones work.
orionengnr
Member
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- Jan 3, 2005
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- 5,713
Yep, I've been reading some people saying this for years now. My experience has been exactly the opposite, and I've read of a number of people whose experience mirrors mine. Most of the 1911s I've owned have been 3". Both of my carry 1911s are 3", and both of them are Kimbers.
My advice (FWIW): do your own homework, learn what you trust, and go from there. Someone else's experience or opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it.
Hostile Amish
member
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- Jun 7, 2008
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As with any 1911, but especially with compacts, clean OFTEN and replace the springs when nessecary. In fact, I'd replace the springs a bit more often than nessecary.
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