1911

[garymass]

Ok I have asked this question many times on different sites and only get a few answers but I will try again. I have never owned a 1911 and have been looking at all the different models and makers that are out there and so many choices. First I would like to be able to carry it concealed as I only like owning guns I can carry.
My next question is I have carried guns with no safeties on them which means it comes out piont and shoot which for self defense is the best so I would have to retrain myself with a new weapon with taking the safety off which also concerns me if it is worth it.
I have looked at Kimber,SW, Taurus, Para and Springfield. So far everything keeps pointing me back to Kimber but are they truly worth the extra money? I also like the new EMP from springfield in 9MM but it is almost the same price as the Kimbers in .45. Anyway I know we have a lot of gun owners on this site that have more experiance in these guns then most and just don't want a salesman that is just trying to make the sale at one of my local stores telling me what I want to hear.
Thank you in advance for your advice.

G

[Richard S]

I've been known to go on for hours in praise of the Model of 1911, John Moses Browning's highest achievement, which I carried during my military service.  My favorite 1911 is a highly customized Colt Government model.

As far as value for money is concerned, the Springfield Armory 1911s are hard to beat these days.  However, since you indicate that your past experience has been with double-action guns, you might want to take a look at one of the Paras. Here's a link to a review of the Para LDA (Light Double Action) 1911 by Massad Ayoob, whose opinions I always value highly:

http://www.paraord.com/pages/aboutlda.html

[ccoorreeyy]

I don't know much about the 1911 platform, but that EMP is a nice looking gun.  I may have to check them out.
Corey

[Jack_Bauer]

I love the 1911. Kimber makes a fine firearm. If you feel you can learn to use the safety and carry cocked & locked I would highly recommend it. There's nothing that feels like a quality well balanced 1911 in your hand.

My Kimber Warrior and Ultra RCP II.



My Ultra RCP II in current carry configuration.



Granted since I've been toting my R9S in the pocket I haven't carried the RCP too much lately. But it's still there if I need it.

[Richard S]

Beautiful trio, JB!  Thank for posting the photographs.

[eddie_c-clamp]

Check out the Colt Defender too. I bought one LNIB after comparing to the Kimber UCP.


Check out TFL for sale site. There are always Kimber UCP's for sale. Makes me a bit wary.........

[Richard S]

Forgive me, Gentlemen, but all this 1911 talk and Eddie's mention of the word "Colt" just triggered an irrational urge for me to post this photograph again:

 

[rod m1]

Check out the Colt Defender too.

I love mine and carry it everyday. All 1911  models with 3 to 4 inch barrels  have there share of probblems with feeding or ejecting, kind of like the R9. But the Colt Defender is known to be the most reliable.

If you won't a full size model any well known make will be very reliable. But once you shorten the barrel your choices diminish and maintenance doubles. The 3 inch barrel models your only real choice is Colt and you still mite have to do some tweaking to it.

For further study:

http://forums.1911forum.com/

[Jack_Bauer]

I love mine and carry it everyday. All 1911  models with 3 to 4 inch barrels  have there share of probblems with feeding or ejecting, kind of like the R9. But the Colt Defender is known to be the most reliable.

If you won't a full size model any well known make will be very reliable. But once you shorten the barrel your choices diminish and maintenance doubles. The 3 inch barrel models your only real choice is Colt and you still mite have to do some tweaking to it.

For further study:

http://forums.1911forum.com/

I disagree. The three 3" Kimbers I've owned including the current one pictured above have been flawless.

[grayfeathers]

My Springfield armory Micro compact has not failed in over a thousand rounds so far. Its a 3 inch barrel.

[Newt]

Why go cocked & locked when you can go locked and uncocked, P7M13,M8.

[Cutaway]

That Chrome M1991 is a belter

The HAFDASA contract M1911's are one of my fave's

[X-Pilot1]

I have carried a Kimber Ultra Carry II 3" for 2+ years and put probably 500 rounds through it, not 1 problem and I love the 3", I am rather short and it conceals great in a crossbreed supertuck with dress pants and also in a Desantis cozy partner when wearing jeans.

[Richard S]

X-Pilot1:

Welcome to the Forum!

If you don't already have an R9 in your pocket to back up that beautiful Kimber, I'll bet the "theirishguard" could take care of that for you.

[X-Pilot]

Thanks, Already sent Tom a check for a stealth, can't wait...I sold my previous back-up/pocket pistol and have been feeling very bare on some occasions.