Compact 1911s -- does 7oz. matter?

[Shmackey]

Under government size or tighter than milspecs, and 1911's become unreliable.

Now that's stretching it.

 

[Smoke]

I prefer to carry Commander sized guns or Full size. If you are used to carrying larger guns the weight savings of few oz's won't matter.

If all you carry is the smaller guns you will notice a difference.

My Kimber Ultra Carry CDP is for times when a bigger gun won't quite work. It has always worked flawlessly.

Smoke

 

[DDGator]

Thanks for everyone's input.

I bought a Kimber Ultra Carry last week. It was very slightly used. I figured I would go with the lighter gun. I am pairing it with a Comp-Tac C-TAC with the velcro hooks and I am having a gun belt made special with the appropriate velcro attachments sewn on the inside. Should be a nice carry rig.

Unfortunately, before I ever shot the Kimber, the thumb safety snapped -- the metal sheared right off near the pivot point in the frame. Not especially confidence inspiring. The gun is going back to Kimber (my dealer's decision) to be fixed.

 

[NorthernExtreme]

I have a Kimber Pro-Carry (ST-AL) and 2 Pro-Carry HDs (all ST 1 carry, 1 Range).

Here is my take on things.

If I need a pistol (I prey not) it will be the worst of all situations. And when I have to use it, I want every advantage I can get.

#1 An all steel gun is easier to shoot than Aluminum-frame gun.
#2 The all steel gun will hold up heavy shooting better.
#3 A Top Of The Line Holster and belt does more for carry comfort than 7oz. ever will.
#4 It's cheaper.
#5 Some Pistol Smiths will not do some work on an Aluminum gun.

I'll be the first to admit, the Aluminum guns are nice to carry, But I don't carry for the sake of carrying. I carry for the worst of all scenarios, and I'll willingly accept 7oz. of Steel for the advantage it may give me if needed.

7 oz.s isn't worth the possible loss of my Wife, children, myself, or others if that 7 oz.s could have made the difference. I admit the chances are small, but they are real. And I'll gladly carry that 7 oz.s just because of that small chance.

Besides It is easy to get use to, and you don't notice it in a good Belt Holster.

 

[HankB]

1. With most modes of carry, a shorter barrel on a 1911 has little effect on concealability. The butt is what usually takes some care to hide. In fact, with some holsters, a slightly longer slide will better stabilize the pistol, and help keep the butt tucked in closer to the body.

2. Reliability seems to be an issue. Some mini-1911s seem to work just fine, but the odds of getting one that works well are less than if you have a larger pistol. (Of course, I once had a Gold Gov't Jammamatic, but that's another story.)

3. A few makers use ramped barrels on their alloy-framed 1911s. With SOME combinations of alloy frame and certain hollow point ammo, excessive wear of the feed ramp can occur, sometimes to the point of wearing "gouges" into the aluminum.

 

[Tactical]

I am aware of all the issues with sub-4 inch guns. But, there are plenty who have no problems with them. I think that Internet forums and their lore sometimes blow problems way out of proportion.

Bingo

Believe nothing of what you hear and half of what you see.

You need to do alot of BS sorting.

 

[Majic]

Believe nothing of what you hear and half of what you see.

Then scratch your head if you run into one of the little problem children. I have seen several examples of the lil brats who have thrown temper tantrums.

 

[wally]

</Asbestos suit on>

Unreliable short barreled 1911s == limp wrists.

</Asbestos suit off>

No problems with my Colt series 80 Officers ACP or Kimber Ultra Carry.

--wally.