Which small 1911 do you like?

DaTeacha · 10-02-2009, 08:17 AM

I have a yearning for a small 1911, either 9mm or .45 - I don't need to add .40 to my ammo needs. The ones I can think of offhand (no shooting pun intended) are the Kimber Custom Carry II series, the Para Warthog series, and the Springfield EMP. I have seen a Detonics at a show, but it seemed very heavy. I know Star made the PD a while back. I'm wondering what else is out there and what you guys think of each.

I would like an ambi safety and as many other ambi controls as possible, single action only trigger, hammer instead of striker fired, sights with adjustment in them if available, and a light rail wouild be nice.

Thanks for helping me think about if and how to spend my money.

Archetype_wyo · 10-02-2009, 09:55 AM

Of course as always it depends on how much you want to spend. If it were up to me and I had the exorbidant(i think thats the word) amount of money to throw around I'd go with the Kimber or the Para.

ackspac · 10-02-2009, 11:08 AM

SA Champion. By far my favorite.

big boomer · 10-02-2009, 11:11 AM

Believe it or not I like the High Standard I got a chance to shoot one and it out shot my two full size guns they are made in Indonesia or someplace like that but are very high quality. I also like Springfield Arm. there is one at the local gun shop I would love to get.

DaTeacha · 10-02-2009, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ackspac

SA Champion. By far my favorite.

Please relieve my ignorance. What is it? I presume SA is Springfield Armory. Their website doesn't show a "Champion" series.

Nevermind. I found it on their site. 4" barrel, 7.5" long. 7 + 1 capacity in .45

Midas · 10-02-2009, 04:58 PM

If I had to have an Officer sized 1911, I would go with the Kimber Ultra Carry line.

gandog56 · 10-04-2009, 10:55 AM

Hmmm, I am wanting the opposite. I am trying to figure out some way I can afford a Fusion Firearms 6" LONGslide.

gandog56 · 10-04-2009, 01:44 PM

I might hold off on a Para Warthog though. I seem to remember somewhere reading about feeding issues with them. Maybe they fixed it by now.

DaTeacha · 10-04-2009, 07:27 PM

Do you know if that was the gun or the way it was held?

The Fin down here has Kimber Crimson Carry models - all 3 series - on sale for $900 this month. That's the ones with the blued slides, no palm swell on the grip safety. I hate that little bump on the bottom of the safety myself. I find it noticeable and uncomfortable.

Deersniper · 10-04-2009, 07:46 PM

The SA EMP comes in 9 and 40, The Para Wart hog is too small for me, would be good for a women's hands. I personally have the SS Loaded Champ, one of the best guns Springfield made.

Ten Man · 10-04-2009, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaTeacha

I have a yearning for a small 1911, either 9mm or .45 - I don't need to add .40 to my ammo needs. The ones I can think of offhand (no shooting pun intended) are the Kimber Custom Carry II series, the Para Warthog series, and the Springfield EMP. I have seen a Detonics at a show, but it seemed very heavy. I know Star made the PD a while back. I'm wondering what else is out there and what you guys think of each.

I would like an ambi safety and as many other ambi controls as possible, single action only trigger, hammer instead of striker fired, sights with adjustment in them if available, and a light rail wouild be nice.

Thanks for helping me think about if and how to spend my money.

Kimber Pro CDP II. We own two. VERY nice.

Iron_Colonel · 10-04-2009, 09:52 PM

I got myself a Kimber TLE II with night sights in 4" Commander style configuration a while back. I traded a Para Ordnance P12 in on it. The Para was a great gun, don't get me wrong, the double stack mag well was just a little too big for conceal carry. It had a little 3 inch barrel, but really shot quite well. Here is a pic of my TLE II with some grips I stained I made out of oak. The barrel length is good at 4". Easy to operate. I don't need any ambi controls as I shoot right handed. And in a rare instance I would need to shoot left handed I'd manage. BUT, I do like a extended slide release (mine is currently on my SA Mil-Spec), and an extended thumb safety just for that little bit of extra leverage makes it easier to engage or disengage them. But you can really get ambi safety at any time. You might have to have it fitted to the gun. As far as ambi slide release or mag release, you might be looking at expensive stuff there. The front grip strap is checkered which is nice while shooting, and the mainspring housing is plastic, and is also checkered. Its a comfy gun to shoot.

Here it is in the stock configuration with the rubberized grip panels.

oilfield_trash · 10-05-2009, 12:31 AM

I'm partial to the Kimber Ultra Carry II since I bought it for CCW duty. It has been flawless thus far. I can't speak for the others, but I love all my Kimbers.

GlockMeister · 10-05-2009, 12:35 AM

The Para WartHog in .45acp...The Springfield EMP would be another...

Billyz · 10-05-2009, 01:00 AM

Colt Combat.

Bowfisher · 10-14-2009, 07:28 PM

I have held the Kimber and the Springfield you are speeking of. Both are awsome LITTLE guns. For the firepower of a .45 I think they are a bit too small. I'd go with a 9mm. I was looking for the same thing when my local dealer pointed me in the way of a Dan Wesson Bobtail Classic in .45 ACP. It has all the features you asked for except the light rail but its about a 1/2in. longer barrel and handgrip. But conceals just as well as the others. The dealer also garanteed it to shoot better than the other guns. And it was less money. Just my 2 cents and experience.

DaTeacha · 10-15-2009, 12:16 PM

I thought Dan Wesson was out of business. That's interesting to know about. I have no problem with DW quality in my revolver. Can you post a pic?

rondog · 10-15-2009, 03:20 PM

I personally carry a Rock Island Armory Compact model. Same thing as a Colt Officer's ACP. 3.5" barrel, standard M1911A1 platform. They're around $400, depending on where you get it, mine came from Sarco. Very reliable and accurate, and I can't see spending big bucks on a pistol that's going to get banged around in the rigors of daily carry duty. Mine has Crimson Trace Lasergrips on it now.

SightNSqueeze · 10-15-2009, 03:30 PM

.45 ACP Colt Mk IV, Series 80 Officers ACP w/.45ACP+P JHPs. I picked it up for $250 at a pawn shop about 12-13 years ago.

gandog56 · 10-15-2009, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaTeacha

I thought Dan Wesson was out of business. That's interesting to know about. I have no problem with DW quality in my revolver. Can you post a pic?

Not out of business, just acquired by CZ, Still make the guns here in the US.
Dan Wesson CCQ Bobtail:

10-02-2009, 08:17 AM	#1
DaTeacha Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: near Funk, Ohio Posts: 2,913	Which small 1911 do you like? I have a yearning for a small 1911, either 9mm or .45 - I don't need to add .40 to my ammo needs. The ones I can think of offhand (no shooting pun intended) are the Kimber Custom Carry II series, the Para Warthog series, and the Springfield EMP. I have seen a Detonics at a show, but it seemed very heavy. I know Star made the PD a while back. I'm wondering what else is out there and what you guys think of each. I would like an ambi safety and as many other ambi controls as possible, single action only trigger, hammer instead of striker fired, sights with adjustment in them if available, and a light rail wouild be nice. Thanks for helping me think about if and how to spend my money. __________________ Teach NRA -- If you're reading this, you should be a member. United, We Stand.

10-02-2009, 09:55 AM	#2
Archetype_wyo Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Buffalo, Wyo Posts: 1,731	Of course as always it depends on how much you want to spend. If it were up to me and I had the exorbidant(i think thats the word) amount of money to throw around I'd go with the Kimber or the Para. __________________ The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun. —Patrick Henry

10-02-2009, 04:58 PM	#6
Midas Chief Troll B' Gone Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NW Arkansas Posts: 3,571 Images: 2 Blog Entries: 6	If I had to have an Officer sized 1911, I would go with the Kimber Ultra Carry line. __________________ The Second Amendment: America's Original Homeland Security. NRA Life Member

10-04-2009, 10:55 AM	#7
gandog56 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Montgomery, IL. Posts: 11,784	Hmmm, I am wanting the opposite. I am trying to figure out some way I can afford a Fusion Firearms 6" LONGslide. __________________ People think I'm paranoid because I own guns. If I own guns, what do I have to be paranoid about?

10-04-2009, 01:44 PM	#8
gandog56 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Montgomery, IL. Posts: 11,784	I might hold off on a Para Warthog though. I seem to remember somewhere reading about feeding issues with them. Maybe they fixed it by now. __________________ People think I'm paranoid because I own guns. If I own guns, what do I have to be paranoid about?

10-02-2009, 11:08 AM	#3
ackspac Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 215	SA Champion. By far my favorite.

10-02-2009, 11:11 AM	#4
big boomer Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Minn. Posts: 2,307	Believe it or not I like the High Standard I got a chance to shoot one and it out shot my two full size guns they are made in Indonesia or someplace like that but are very high quality. I also like Springfield Arm. there is one at the local gun shop I would love to get.

10-04-2009, 07:27 PM	#9
DaTeacha Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: near Funk, Ohio Posts: 2,913	Do you know if that was the gun or the way it was held? The Fin down here has Kimber Crimson Carry models - all 3 series - on sale for $900 this month. That's the ones with the blued slides, no palm swell on the grip safety. I hate that little bump on the bottom of the safety myself. I find it noticeable and uncomfortable. __________________ Teach NRA -- If you're reading this, you should be a member. United, We Stand.

10-04-2009, 07:46 PM	#10
Deersniper Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 3,611	The SA EMP comes in 9 and 40, The Para Wart hog is too small for me, would be good for a women's hands. I personally have the SS Loaded Champ, one of the best guns Springfield made.

10-04-2009, 09:52 PM	#12
Iron_Colonel Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Washington St. Posts: 3,281	I got myself a Kimber TLE II with night sights in 4" Commander style configuration a while back. I traded a Para Ordnance P12 in on it. The Para was a great gun, don't get me wrong, the double stack mag well was just a little too big for conceal carry. It had a little 3 inch barrel, but really shot quite well. Here is a pic of my TLE II with some grips I stained I made out of oak. The barrel length is good at 4". Easy to operate. I don't need any ambi controls as I shoot right handed. And in a rare instance I would need to shoot left handed I'd manage. BUT, I do like a extended slide release (mine is currently on my SA Mil-Spec), and an extended thumb safety just for that little bit of extra leverage makes it easier to engage or disengage them. But you can really get ambi safety at any time. You might have to have it fitted to the gun. As far as ambi slide release or mag release, you might be looking at expensive stuff there. The front grip strap is checkered which is nice while shooting, and the mainspring housing is plastic, and is also checkered. Its a comfy gun to shoot. Here it is in the stock configuration with the rubberized grip panels. __________________ Mosin Nagant evangelist on a mission to convert YOU! Last edited by Iron_Colonel; 10-04-2009 at 09:59 PM.

10-05-2009, 12:31 AM	#13
oilfield_trash Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 187	I'm partial to the Kimber Ultra Carry II since I bought it for CCW duty. It has been flawless thus far. I can't speak for the others, but I love all my Kimbers.

10-05-2009, 12:35 AM	#14
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 9,676	The Para WartHog in .45acp...The Springfield EMP would be another... __________________ "The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion." "Edmond Burke" Last edited by GlockMeister; 10-05-2009 at 01:29 AM.

10-05-2009, 01:00 AM	#15
Billyz Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 241	Colt Combat. __________________ COG #47

10-14-2009, 07:28 PM	#16
Bowfisher Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Pattyville KY Posts: 5	I have held the Kimber and the Springfield you are speeking of. Both are awsome LITTLE guns. For the firepower of a .45 I think they are a bit too small. I'd go with a 9mm. I was looking for the same thing when my local dealer pointed me in the way of a Dan Wesson Bobtail Classic in .45 ACP. It has all the features you asked for except the light rail but its about a 1/2in. longer barrel and handgrip. But conceals just as well as the others. The dealer also garanteed it to shoot better than the other guns. And it was less money. Just my 2 cents and experience.

10-15-2009, 12:16 PM	#17
DaTeacha Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: near Funk, Ohio Posts: 2,913	I thought Dan Wesson was out of business. That's interesting to know about. I have no problem with DW quality in my revolver. Can you post a pic? __________________ Teach NRA -- If you're reading this, you should be a member. United, We Stand.

10-15-2009, 03:20 PM	#18
rondog Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 3,296	I personally carry a Rock Island Armory Compact model. Same thing as a Colt Officer's ACP. 3.5" barrel, standard M1911A1 platform. They're around $400, depending on where you get it, mine came from Sarco. Very reliable and accurate, and I can't see spending big bucks on a pistol that's going to get banged around in the rigors of daily carry duty. Mine has Crimson Trace Lasergrips on it now. __________________ I child-proofed my house, but they still keep getting in!

10-15-2009, 03:30 PM	#19
SightNSqueeze Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Intercoastal Sea Islands, SC, USA Posts: 2,725	.45 ACP Colt Mk IV, Series 80 Officers ACP w/.45ACP+P JHPs. I picked it up for $250 at a pawn shop about 12-13 years ago. __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Was "Your" Voice Heard Today? NRA-ILA ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~