Compact 1911 45acp for carry

[TipBledsoe]

Id just like to hear your opinion, hopefully from experience, of several different compact 1911 choices.
I have zero interest in a Tupperware gun nor a hammerless sear-fired; I'd prefer all stainless steel single-action semi-auto, but an aluminum alloy frame would be acceptable.
My research has me considering Colt Defender, Kimber Ultra CDP, and maybe Kimber Aegis Elite Ultra Compact or Magnum Research Desert Eagle 1911 Undercover; all having 3" barrel. I don't know much about S&W SW1911 Pro. Remington 1911 R1 Ultralight Executive and Ruger SR1911 are pushing my size limits.
Maybe there's others you're aware of that I've missed.
Your thoughts?

 

[Bozz10mm]

There is the Springfield EMP. It is not available in 45 ACP tho. 9mm and 40 S&W.

 

[Coop45]

Id just like to hear your opinion, hopefully from experience, of several different compact 1911 choices.
I have zero interest in a Tupperware gun nor a hammerless sear-fired; I'd prefer all stainless steel single-action semi-auto, but an aluminum alloy frame would be acceptable.
My research has me considering Colt Defender, Kimber Ultra CDP, and maybe Kimber Aegis Elite Ultra Compact or Magnum Research Desert Eagle 1911 Undercover; all having 3" barrel. I don't know much about S&W SW1911 Pro. Remington 1911 R1 Ultralight Executive and Ruger SR1911 are pushing my size limits.
Maybe there's others you're aware of that I've missed.
Your thoughts?

There is the CZ ECO oops...Dan Wesson

 

[oldag]

Take a look at the Sig 1911 Ultra compact.

Very good fit and finish, reliable with a variety of ammo, accurate. All of mine have been flawless in operation.

Go over to the 1911 Addicts forum, you will find a lot of positive feedback on the Ultra there.

 

[Army 1911]

Look at the Dan Wesson lineup. They have several that meet your stated specs.

 

[Charlie]

I've carried my Colt Defender (with a laser grip) for many years. I wouldn't sell it for less than a few thousand dollars! Which means I'm keeping it.

 

[Moonpie]

I tried the Springfield EMP. Mine was a jam-o-matic.
Switched to a Colt Defender. Works great.
Later I tried a Dan Wesson Guardian. Fantastic gun.

 

[Axxe55]

Might look at Kimber, CZ Dan Wesson, Colt and Springfield Armory for a pistol in the frame and slide size you are wanting. I'd personally steer clear of the Remington R1, even though I own one. Quality has slipped and it seems many newer R1's are having many issues. The Ruger Officer model might be another one to consider.

Ruger® SR1911® Officer-Style Centerfire Pistol Models

ruger.com

https://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/1911?layer&cat=367

1911 EMP® Handguns - Springfield Armory

www.springfield-armory.com

1911 Range Officer® Handguns - Springfield Armory

www.springfield-armory.com

Colt's Manufacturing LLC

Colt's Manufacturing Company - firearms, handguns, pistols, rifles, revolvers.

www.colt.com

Colt's Manufacturing LLC

Colt's Manufacturing Company - firearms, handguns, pistols, rifles, revolvers.

www.colt.com

StackPath

ECP - Dan Wesson Firearms

With the ECP, Dan Wesson delivers the best bull barrel 1911 on the market. Bringing the heavy match-grade barrel, the Enhanced Compact Pistol, with a 4-inch barrel, is ideal for concealed carry. The bull barrel itself is flush-cut to make for easier disassembly and has a 30 degree crown.…

danwessonfirearms.com

Be advised that going to a very compact 1911 is going to be expensive. Very expensive over Commander or Government model 1911's. Some can even be quite finicky with ammo selection. They can be a little more difficult to be as accurate to shoot with the much shorter sight radius. Plan on some range time getting familiar with shooting them.

 

[6shooterTX]

I've carried a Sig 1911 C3 alot. It's not really compact though, just a shorter barrel length and 1 less round capacity. After 2-3 hours standing/walking, the lower back is going to start feeling it, not matter good of belt/holster you have (Crossbreed, horse hair for me).

 

[Byrd666]

Have you looked into the options from the makers below?

https://americanclassic.eagleimportsinc.com/americanclassic/lifestyle/concealed-carry

https://www.armscor.com/firearms/ria/

 

[oldag]

I've carried a Sig 1911 C3 alot. It's not really compact though, just a shorter barrel length and 1 less round capacity. After 2-3 hours standing/walking, the lower back is going to start feeling it, not matter good of belt/holster you have (Crossbreed, horse hair for me).

I carry a 1911 CCO mostly, compact 1911 some. No lower back issues. Use a steel insert belt.

 

[cvgunman]

There is the Springfield EMP. It is not available in 45 ACP tho. 9mm and 40 S&W.

Closest to an EMP in 45acp was the Champion. No longer made IIRC

 

[Lonesome Dove]

I carry a Commander.

 

[Axxe55]

Closest to an EMP in 45acp was the Champion. No longer made IIRC

They did have the Micro Compact Loaded 45 some years ago, but it was only offered for two years. Not a rare SA 1911, but not common either. I was very lucky to buy one when they first came on the market. Wonderful pistol.

 

[awmp]

I have had two Kimber Ultra 45acps, no issues. As mentioned earlier, Sig makes some nice officer sized 1911 45acps that have a lot of nice features.

 

[innominate]

How are you going to carry? I'm assuming not pocket. Apparently weight is not your primary concern. Do you need to limit the barrel length to 3"? Commander size 1911 in 9mm is a nice package imo.

 

[Charley]

Guess I'm cheap, carry a RIA compact with a 3 1/2 inch barrel. Added an ambidextrous safety, did some minor fluff and buff, and it was ready to go. Never a FTF or FTE in probably 3000 rounds.

 

[Hayseed]

STI escort comes to mind.....

 

[billtool]

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.

 

[impactbumper]

I have never seen this many fortunate Kimber owners in one thread


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