Okay.. Best 4" 1911 for defense?

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Northslope Nimrod

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I want opinions on the best 4" 1911 for CCW. I am more concerned with reliability than accuracy. I want it accurate but I don't want tolerances so tight that some dirt will jam the weapon.
Requirements:
1. 4" 1911
2. Under $1000.
3. Reliable
4. Good CCW qualities.

Subsequent question: Just for fun....Do they make the model in 9mm?
 
I'd go for the 4.25" Commander size personally. For me they balance better, and the commander size is the shortest I'd go for reliability. Of course, you might find a 1911 with a 4" barrel that works well, but personally the best makers are the ones that use a 4.25" barrel.

And that bring to my suggestion. A S&W 1911Sc commander. Light, powerful, thin, and reliable also. The S&W 1911's now are getting GREAT reviews. Check one out if you can. I'm sure you'd be quite impressed.

S&W 1911Sc commander. Mmm.... :D
 
Smith & Wesson 1911Sc is the best available now - IMHO

That is it, you need to check out the 1911Sc for carry:

1911Sc_1st640.jpg

1911Sc_2nd640.jpg


James :D
 
I own the original all-steel, gov't model sized SW1911 & have nothing but praise.

I have handled & drooled over (& finally shot!) a SW1911Sc.

If I had the money, that SW1911Sc would be mine...all mine.
 
If i were buying a new gun, the Smith would be pretty high on the list.

If you don't mind used I like the series I kimbers. I've got a pro elite that has had a ton of rounds through it and no problems. It is 4" though, not 4.25".
 
Northslope Nimrod said:
Yes....4.24 commander size. That is really what I'm after. Atleast 4" but less than 5".
Click to expand...
I don't understand why 1/2" would make much diffrence, other than maybe balance. I can shoot well with my 4" Champion from SA. Seems any of the better 1911 manufacturers would suit your needs, depending on what exactly you want in a gun.
 
Okay so it's not a 1911, but the HK USP Compact has everything you're looking for aside from not being a 1911. :D

Semi-auto............................Yes
.45......................................Yes
Can be carried in Condition 1....Yes
Reliable................................Yes
Accurate..............................Yes (Amazingly so.)
Under $1000..........................Yes
Good CCW Qualities................Yes
Commander size.....................Yes
1911....................................No

usp45c.jpg


If it absolutely has to be a 1911....go with the S&W. Everything I've heard and read says they are making a quality product.

My personal track record with new in the box 1911s from Colt, Kimber, Springfield, etc. is abysmal. If the examples I received from each of these manufacturers is typical for 1911s, I have no idea what the fuss is all about.

If you want an out of the box reliable .45, check out the HK.

And, yes, it comes in 9mm.
 
Last edited:
Springfield Armory Champion or LW Champion.
A bit over 4" ... Colt's Combat or LW Commander.
Or even a Kimber Pro Carry or Pro Tactical.
 
I'll second the SA Champion.

All steel, 4" and reliable.
Great guns! Avoid the lightweight, as they aren't really any fun to shoot.
 
steveracer said:
Avoid the lightweight, as they aren't really any fun to shoot.
Click to expand...

I've shot my friend's Colt Lightweight Commander XSE and it was very pleasant to shoot. Accurate too!
 
S&W 1911 Sc

Colts? Used? No thanks, unless the seller has a generous returns policy. At various times Colt has produced some less than reliable 1911s. I once aquired what turned out to be a Colt Commander Jam-o-matic. Now it is someone else's problem.
 
I paid $650 for a blued NRM Colt Commander about 2 weeks ago, new. Plain button hole hammer, and short grip safety (no duckbill).

I really like it. Fit and finish are excellent. The lovely wood grips accent the blued gun. The Stainless Commander was $839, and the Gvt size blued was $769.

I was surprised at how much of a difference in draw the reduction of 0.75 inches in the slide. It seems faster.

I have shot ball and JHP through the gun. I usually have 230gr ball in it. I have one mage of 200+P EFMJ and one with 230gr Golden Saber. I keep mine cleaned and lubed, and have not had any problems at all.

Under 10 yds, I get 2-3 inch groups with rapid fire point-and-shoot practice.

These days, under $1000 gets a lot of gun.

I also own a Kimber Compact, Springfield Compact (discontinued 1992 model), Para Companion 7.45, LW Officer's, and an ORM Commander from the Custom Shop Colt.

I like the 4.25 inches of slide and full grip.
You can spend $2000 on a Nighthawk, Brown, or Wilson. I am not sure if regular people can tell the difference in shooting accuracy with the high-end guns.
 
.45 for defense

I carry two diifernet .45s, depending on the circumstance. One is the Kimber Pro-Carry II stainless. It's a tack driver at 15 yards and carries well.
My truck gun is a Taurus PT145 Pro. I love this little gun. Far more accurate than you would suspect and hold 11 rounds. The only failures I've ever had with it is, when I would limp wrist the shot it didn't cycle fully. That's pretty common in all the little ones.
My son has the Spriger Champion. It's a very nice shooter, too.
 
My vote is for the Colt Combat Commander XSE or the Springfield Armory Champion. I had a Combat Commander XSE which I traded to a friend - for a Ruger #1 in .375 H&H. I love the Ruger, but miss the Commander.

I presently have a Springfield loaded Champion in stainless and am quite happy with it. The workmanship is excellent, but I have not had a chance to shoot it yet so I can't say about accuracy.

Either one of these guns you'll find are keepers and both go for around $700 American.
 
Actually, I feel the Commander is not a good ccw package unless you bobtail it. Full size frame and shortened barrel just equals more muzzle flip.

That's why I like the CCO. Best of both worlds.
 
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