question about smaller 1911's

[Ian's Dad]

looking hard at 1911's for carry..
question is how do the 3, 3.5, 4 and 4.25" barrell models shoot? most of the stuff i'm looking at are the 3 to 3.5 " barrells.. love the size and feel, but wondering if they are a pain to shoot, given the size in the large caliber? thoughts?

i know they won't shoot like a full size, but want to make sure i "enjoy" shooting whatever i get so i'll practice.

 

[LancerMW]

may want to look at the Springer EMP in 9mm. extremely slim, still i love my j-frame for IWB

 

[NMGonzo]

My most of the time carry is a J frame size thingy.

My 4.25 inch combat commander does not pack just as easy.

 

[Quack]

i carry an EMP & Kobra Carry. both conceal well. i used to have a Kimber Ultra Tactical. the 9mm EMP is easier to shoot than the Kimber was. the KC shoots well too.

 

[markallen]

Recoil is subjective.
Given that, The Para P-12 I used to own was about the same as a full size for recoil.
My Detonics Combat Master, despite having a shorter grip, has a lighter recoil then a full size. The Detonics has three counter wound recoil springs.
So I would suspect that what is inside the pistol would have a lot to do with recoil.

 

[Noveldoc]

My Star PD is an old classic. 4" barrel and thin. Not the smallest 45 these days but very light weight with the aluminum frame.

Shoots very well. I put one of those Pachmayr slip ons on the grips and recoil is fine. Also, I load down to about 2/3 max for range fun.

Tom

 

[wrench]

I have a Colt defender, alloy frame, 3" barrel, and a Colt lightweight officers, alloy frame, 3.5" barrel.
Both are accurate, reliable pistols, not at all unpleasant to shoot.

 

[Onesiphorus]

Citadel makes a fine officer size (3.5") model. Paid around $500 new and I don't regret a penny of it. I haven't had a malfunction yet (500 rounds) and it shoots to Point-of-aim. Stay away from small SA. Kimbers are good, but I know a few people who are getting rid of there Colt Defenders. If you buy a double stack Para, replace magazine and recoil springs with Wolff's before you even shoot it. They seem to work fine after that. S&W makes some very nice 1911's too.

 

[RevolvingGarbage]

Ive shot a Para LDA 1911 with a 3"ish barrel. Accuracy was excellent even compared to a full sized service pistol, and recoil was much softer and less snappy than the .40 Kahr I fired in the same session.

 

[kanook]

Kimber Raptor ultra carry, very accurate and not bad on recoil. I use ranger sxt 230 +p