Compact 1911 45acp for carry

[TipBledsoe]

Big fan of the Kimber Ultra Carry 2. Wasn’t sure about the alloy frame at first, but love it now. A few thousand rounds down the tube with zero issues. Had a self created rust problem, but the team here helped me work that through. Good looking as it ever was- except the scratch on the frame I put there scrubbing off the rust. It just has a little more character than it used to. View attachment 225536

The Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II has caught my eye

 

[billtool]

The Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II has caught my eye

It should. Good looking pistol for sure. It'll have some heft too, I'm sure. I prefer heavier guns.

 

[avvidclif]

Another satisfied Kimber owner. 4 currently.

 

[Psssniper]

Colt Officers everyday for the last 6 years.

 

[Tex929rr]

Three Kimber Ultras; I was surprised that the steel framed ones aren’t any easier to shoot than the alloy framed one - just heavier. The two steel frames are Eclipses; one had to go back for FTF problems but other wise all three have been reliable.

I also have a Para Slim Hawg that has been flawless; I think they are out of production but if you can find one they are very small. The “Black Watch” finish looks nice but gets beat up easily.

 

[JohnSo]

Have two Kimber Ultra CDP II's love them, Great to carry (everyday) heavier than my Glock 43 by a considerable amount, but a nice feeling nonetheless. Wife wants to get rid of hers, but I'm a bit hesitant, I'm considering it I suppose. Might find it's way to the classifieds...

 

[TexasRedneck]

My primary EDC is an STI Elektra - which is no longer made. But at 22 ounces, it's one of the lightest 1911 45's I've ever seen. Got lucky enough to grab a 2nd one a few years back - so if something DOES happen and I have to use it, I have the twin until I get the other one back.

An' for the record, I've got "several" others to choose from, but I mostly carry one of these.

 

[ronr68]

I have a Ruger SR1911 Commander 45acp that I would sell. No more than 300 rounds or so. Bought it on a whim at BOW. Shoots really nice, just doesn't get out much. Comes with 2 Ruger mags, no box. $700 in Austin area.

 

[Byrd666]

@ronr68 You might want to post a for sale post in the classified section

 

[ronr68]

Yeah, I know. Just taking a shot. When I get serious about it, I’ll put it up. Hard to part with a 1911.

 

[OLDVET]

I used to carry a Springfield Range Officer Compact in 45 ACP. One day I was talking with a friend of mine and he changed my mind. My friend is a retired DPD officer who served 25 years in South Dallas area. He recommended I carry a much less expensive weapon.
He said if you use your weapon, it will be impounded. If there are no grand jury charges, it will be returned to you.
He said items tend to get lost in the evidence room, especially a nice firearm.
Now, I don't know if he was pulling my leg, but I now carry a Glock 19 that I bought for $450. My Range Officer remains in the gun cabinet.

 

[TipBledsoe]

I have a Ruger SR1911 Commander 45acp that I would sell. No more than 300 rounds or so. Bought it on a whim at BOW. Shoots really nice, just doesn't get out much. Comes with 2 Ruger mags, no box. $700 in Austin area.

You're WAY too proud of your Ruger for me to consider being a buyer

 

[TipBledsoe]

My primary EDC is an STI Elektra - which is no longer made. But at 22 ounces, it's one of the lightest 1911 45's I've ever seen. Got lucky enough to grab a 2nd one a few years back - so if something DOES happen and I have to use it, I have the twin until I get the other one back.

An' for the record, I've got "several" others to choose from, but I mostly carry one of these.


View attachment 227256

How many rounds do those hold?
Are they same as Kimber Ultra Carry size?

 

[TipBledsoe]

I used to carry a Springfield Range Officer Compact in 45 ACP. One day I was talking with a friend of mine and he changed my mind. My friend is a retired DPD officer who served 25 years in South Dallas area. He recommended I carry a much less expensive weapon.
He said if you use your weapon, it will be impounded. If there are no grand jury charges, it will be returned to you.
He said items tend to get lost in the evidence room, especially a nice firearm.
Now, I don't know if he was pulling my leg, but I now carry a Glock 19 that I bought for $450. My Range Officer remains in the gun cabinet.

I can relate to your thought, but yet don't you also feel there's not much point in owning the nice Springfield if it's relegated to being a safe queen?

 

[oldag]

I used to carry a Springfield Range Officer Compact in 45 ACP. One day I was talking with a friend of mine and he changed my mind. My friend is a retired DPD officer who served 25 years in South Dallas area. He recommended I carry a much less expensive weapon.
He said if you use your weapon, it will be impounded. If there are no grand jury charges, it will be returned to you.
He said items tend to get lost in the evidence room, especially a nice firearm.
Now, I don't know if he was pulling my leg, but I now carry a Glock 19 that I bought for $450. My Range Officer remains in the gun cabinet.

In the unlikely event that I have to use a pistol, that will be the LEAST of my worries.

In that situation I want the best pistol possible, to heck with the cost.

 

[ronr68]

You're WAY too proud of your Ruger for me to consider being a buyer

I guess I’m not too eager to sell it. Make an offer.

 

[Ingramite]

Over the past several years I've sort of jumped around on short barrel 1911s.
Two Defenders, two Kimber Refined Carry Pistols, one Colt New Agent, a SIG Ultra, A Rock Island Armory Compact.
The end result of all that? They all work and work 100% of the time. All of them more accurate than I am.

When I was working it was in an office with business casual dress code and a "Don't ask, Don't tell" concealed weapon policy.
That meant front pocket carry and most days that meant a 3" 1911 in a leather pocket holster in my cargo pants.

You would think that with all of that experimentation that I could proclaim a "Best 3" 1911". I did like the Kimber RCPs and the Colt New Agent because neither configuration had sights on top of the slide. Truly whip it out, and shake it, spray and pray pistols.
No snag, low drag.

What I can tell you....
The beauty of the 1911 for a carry pistol is in it's slimness. I install slim bushings and slim grips just to suck it in as close to my body as possible. Ok look, I have big hands but a carry pistol should be "carry everyday, shoot now and then" so I made the adjustment necessary for slim grips....and now I like them.

All of that is about pocket carry, and I do realize that this is a very specialized assignment for a 1911. At the end of the day, pocket carry is THE only reason I would consider a 3" 1911.

On days that I could set my shirt tail free my preferred mode of carry was in my waistband. A 3 inch 1911 is exactly as slim as a full size Government model. IWB carry led me into exploring bigger pistols concealed under my shirt tail. The "perfect" configuration turned out to be CCO models. That is an officer frame with a Commander size slide. The butt of a 1911 is the area most difficult to conceal and that short officer's frame is just the ticket.

Someone mentioned SIG pistols.
I have a C3 and had an Ultra. The fit and finish is outstanding and they come with checkered front straps and great sights. I would recommend a SIG any day.

 

[TexasRedneck]

I used to carry a Springfield Range Officer Compact in 45 ACP. One day I was talking with a friend of mine and he changed my mind. My friend is a retired DPD officer who served 25 years in South Dallas area. He recommended I carry a much less expensive weapon.

I'm more concerned with surviving any conflict. If the gun disappears, then we'll have a discussion with their IA department. Key thing there is I'll be there to HAVE that discussion.

 

[TexasRedneck]

How many rounds do those hold?
Are they same as Kimber Ultra Carry size?

Yup - 6 in the mag, 1 in the tube. Full-size mags will fit in it as well, so that's what I carry for spares.

I'd hate to let a feller down what needs shootin'!

 

[TexasRedneck]

I guess I’m not too eager to sell it. Make an offer.

That's generally not the way things are done.....especially when someone starts out so high.

Just sayin'.