Thread: compact 1911

Hello gents, I'm looking for compact 1911 on a budget. I'd like a 4"- 4 1/3" barrel with either size grip. I've looked at the RIA, Citadel, Desert Eagle 1911c, and the Sig Sauer c3. I really like the feel, fit and finish of the Desert eagle (laugh all you want but it was a great pistol aside from the billboard on the side) and sig, but I was not a fan of the RIA and citadel. To me there seems to be too much variation from one to another, it seems to swing excellent to pretty crappy (even at their table at the NRA show). My big hiccupp is being in college I'm on a budget, and while I understand the marits of buying a $1,500 pistol but it's not logical for me at this time. I'd like to come in under $700,but $800 is absolute max and am open to just about any brand. I plan on using it as a CCW with a Bianchi 135 Suppression (similar to the crossbreed supertuck but with support further down the barrel). Thanks for the help gents.

I picked up my CZ Dan Wesson at a pawn shop for 650 I love it

I like my Smith 4516 aside from any of the 1911 clones

The 4500 series S&W's should be found easily in the used market, they are fast handling and were made for concealed carry in the compact versions...With all smooth sufaces I have them in 10mm .40 S&W .45 acp and 9mm

I'm with Sixgun here. I had a 457 Smith auto and got rid of it like a fool. It was a BEAST! Flat and compact with a 7rd mag IIRC.

They are good weapons overall in fact the only thing I never liked was the reverse safety, I always like to wipe a safety down, where the S&W is a very natural movement when bringing the weapon up and the safety flicks up into the ready to fire position... I find it easier and more natural _BUT_ it is the reverse on so many other handguns so anytime you change it messes you up

For me it's the colt defender

Originally Posted by gssixgun

They are good weapons overall in fact the only thing I never liked was the reverse safety, I always like to wipe a safety down, where the S&W is a very natural movement when bringing the weapon up and the safety flicks up into the ready to fire position... I find it easier and more natural _BUT_ it is the reverse on so many other handguns so anytime you change it messes you up

Is it hammer-less or just a very short bob? If it's bobbed have you ever had a problem with bite with that short of a beaver tail?

Str8Shooter
Have you experienced any reliability issues with the 3" barrel?

Not one issue with about 1500 rds through it.

Originally Posted by Devilpup

Is it hammer-less or just a very short bob? If it's bobbed have you ever had a problem with bite with that short of a beaver tail?

Completely Bobbed hammer, and no it is a very comforable grip and I do have large hands I wear ex-large gloves, but the S&W fits well and has plenty of area under the tail..

I fired my first 1911 when I was 15 years old. I am now 65. For the last 50 years I have never been too far away from a 1911. Personally I have no faith in the compact .45's. I have had reliabilty issues with two Colt Commanders. The Colt Defender seems to be an exception to the rule. People I know say they are reliable. In 35 years of Military and Police work, I never met a professional who used a compact .45. I met most of the great gun writers from the 60's thru the 80's and most when questioned stated the preferred the full size. A full size is not hard to conceal with a proper holster. Others expierence may vary.