1911 compact carry options
- Thread starter lastchance1701d
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I may have to stand corrected as I understood they sourced "frames" for several of the lower priced guns from Armscor as well. That may still be the case, or I may have bad info. The FAQ only talks to the GP6 and Spartan which are wholly built by someone else, not guns that "may" have part(s) sourced elsewhere and built at STI (which doesn't mean there's anything wrong with them). Again, maybe my understanding is wrong but I'll stand by the fact that I've never heard a foul word about an STI and exspecially the company itself. It's great that they are here in Texas.
True, I've not heard a foul word spoken either. Do you have a source for your information? Just curious. I like the horses mouth, but I'm not going to email them just to ask what appears to have been answered by the FAQ, but it would be interesting if you have a verifiable source.
I'll vouch for that from correspondence with STI.
Had the kimbers....... sold 'em 'cause they just weren't *all that*.
Some folks like that brand.
I'll stick with homegrown. Even the Spartan is a fine example of GM --- a direct competition for the Springer 1911 A1 loaded.
like this thread is about though, the Shortys are plentiful and the Escort is my choice over what else is available. Barely over a grand and worth more, with it's fit, finish and undercut t/g, STIppled front strap, Tactical adjustable sights. Lightweight.
Preliminary shooting results are just a box of 50, magtech brand ball, break-in rounds@ 15 yds. All inside 9 ring I'll rest it and report more accurate and specific results when I get the days off.
Great pistol from Georgetown, Texas.
texas_teacher
Well-Known
I will definitely be needing to add an Escort to my collection then... I'd been looking for one and like you said if you're going to get one why not go homegrown...
I'm not an expert by any stretch, although I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express.
We love my Kimbers because they feel right. I don't mean to sound like TXSUT, but they do. Maybe it's the shape and size of our hands?
Don't misconstrue any of my comments on the subject, I am fond of Kimber. I also like the idea of TX made. I don't like the idea of potential false info being tossed about as fact. Even if that means that STI is less than truthful on their website, which we have no reason to suspect without verified sources. That said the only "compact" 1911 I have is a Para-Ordnance P12.45, which I really like. Not everyone can conceal one though.
And please don't think I'm running down the kimbers, either. I think everybody should carry what they are comfortable with, as long as, in your hands it it 100% reliable with your ammo of choice. I just didn't warm up to the feel of the kimbers. I even made 100 bucks on selling one of them.
in the articles i've read on STI, they are all in house manufacture on frames and slides except for the gp6 and Spartan. I do know they offer some of their guns with a cast frame vs. forged, as per the ad copy on their site. That is likely a price point decision.
The frame on the Escort is a forged aluminum frame. This gun is so light compared to the steel officer size. Recoil is commensurate with a small frame lightweight .45 auto. Minimal for me, but increased over a steel frame gun. It does make for a day long comfort not afforded by a steel gun, yet still. 45.
I've noticed I don't reach for the keltec .380 on very light clothing days. The Galco Sky-ops(I think that's the name) IWB holster is a perfect combination, too.
STI's version in steel, is called the Off-Duty.
I think you'll be VERY happy with an Escort.
texas_teacher
Well-Known
And that being said I've heard some reviews about Paras that makes me a little skeptical... I've heard their quality is really great on some but that on others the quality is unreliable... I'd save my money for something that fits that reliable category...
Yeah, I've heard mixed reviews on the Paras too. Mine is great though. Perhaps I got lucky. I won't be rushing out to get another, but I don't think I'd hesitate to snag one for a good deal either based on this one.
texas_teacher
Well-Known
I'm always glad to hear that I'm not the only one that has heard something... it makes me feel less crazy...
Anybody have a review of a Citadel compact .45... saw one today at the gunshow and loved the weight and the feel of it (very similar to a RIA)... price was good and almost bought it but really thought better of it before I researched a little and got on here and asked for reviews... anyone own one?
chevydeerhunter
Well-Known
I was looking at one too and it's made by Armscor. For the price, it looks like a great truck gun. If it's reliable, it would be a heck of a carry piece.
texas_teacher
Well-Known
Glad to hear that I'm not the only person who has considered it...
I agree with dadoo about the Rock Island. I have a Compact Tactical in .45 and just love it. It's the same as the picture from dadoo, but has better sights and trigger. Got it on line for $440. Also have a Llama MiniMax .45 and a MiniMax 9mm. These are 3.5" Officer's Model sized pistols and I really like both of them. Of course, Llama is out of business now, but there are some good used ones out there. Older models were of questionable quality, but the newer ones were great. Don't have to spend an arm and a leg to have a "good" pistol.
texas_teacher
Well-Known
Only some of their models are... others are made elsewhere...
texas_teacher
Well-Known
Anyone that is looking for a 1911 that is both compact and easy to manage you might look at the V10 model by Springfield Armory... some of them come with a ported muzzle that expels a great deal of the exhaust gases to reduce the muzzle flip to nothing more than a simple 9mm with the punch of that .45 that you're looking for in a compact carry 1911...
