3 inch 1911s

[sholling]

well how much velocity would be lost from 3 inch barrel compared to a 4 inch? i couldnt imagine it would be much.. but does it really make that much of a difference?

Keep in mind two things. First that in an autoloading pistol (unlike a revolver) the chamber is counted as part of the barrel. That means that with 45acp a 3" barrel is roughly equivalent to a 2" revolver. That's not much room to accelerate. Second most 45acp is designed for optimum expansion when fired from from a 5" autoloader. Now I haven't velocity tested different barrel lengths myself but I've read figures as high as 10-13% when dropping from 5 to 3" vs 3-5% with a 4" - that's from my failing memory so don't take those figures as gospel. I've also discussed this on another board with a noted expert on bullet performance and terminal effects who expressed a lack of confidence in 3" 45acps and the resulting reduced velocities. Reduced velocities = reduced expansion.

It sounds like you have your heart set on a 3". I'm not really sure why because they're no more concealable than a 4" CCO. They share the same grip length and that's the key to concealing a 1911. But if you can live with the compromises then go for it.

[Colt]

Unless you have a need to carry concealed, and if you really need that short barrel, I would recommend a Commander or similar sized 1911. A true Colt Commander/Combat Commander has a 4.25 inch barrel, ad some others make this size. Others make a 4 inch barrel. Additionally, you could look for a CCO type pistol, which has the Commander sized top end, but smaller ("Officers' size) frame.

I think reliability wise, you're better off at no less than a 4 inch barrel.

Good luck.

[Sam]

Sholling, excellent choice for a first no roster pistol. I was thinking a lw CQB Compact too!

[mayo 111]

Look at the link.. http://www.w0ipl.net/Vel-45ACP.htm

thanks for that, from that link it obviously shows that the 3 inch had lower velocity compared to the longer barrels. but the 3 inch did seem to have tighter groupss, which is interesting.

i did a bit more research and what i found is that even with the shorter barrel the weight and velocity of those bullets are still more than the .38 special (which is all i have right now) so i dont think the drop in velocity would really have too much of a negative effect.

thank you sholling for all your info, it was very helpful and informative, and you are right, i kinda do have my heart set on the 3 inch, but im gonna still try to look around see if i can find somewhere to rent both the 4 inch and 3 inch and see which i like best, or maybe next time im at the range if i see someone with either or maybe they will let me try theirs out...

thanks everyone else for your input!!

[Ranger20]

Mayo......

I got to agree with the 4" or 4.25" as being the best compromise in reliabilty and carry.

I have a CCO shorter grip and a Regular sized grip 1911.. both Kimber 1st gen guns the CCO is all Steel the other is a pro carry LW..

I had a colt officers... while good and I liked the smaller grip hence the CCO... The Colt took some work and $ to get it reliable. I just prefer the 4" guns.

My Colt Commander 4.25 new basic gun was always reliable out of the box. I got talked out of it to a family member... no regrets.

I know a few guys that love their 3" kimbers and colts.. and have never had issues with them. Any 1911 can have issues even the 5" guns. Prove em out prior to carry or counting on them regardless... Don't be afraid to keep extra springs handy. Springs are cheap and cheap insurance and help to keep "murphy" at bay...

best to ya!

[sqroot3]

name this gun: rostered, 1911-style, barrel 4" or less, MSRP under $500

can you think of anything besides the various armscor/rock island offerings?

[Ranger20]

name this gun: rostered, 1911-style, barrel 4" or less, MSRP under $500

can you think of anything besides the various armscor/rock island offerings?

NOPE... Not under $500... Surprise me
Oh wait here is one... well not under 4" or less... but hey it's a Colt Even...

[ExtremeX]

+1 for EMP

Ive never owned one, but I do like 3" 1911s in .45 acp

[tacticalcity]

I was helping my buddy rent some guns [meaning I had to go with him]. He went with a Kimber Custom II [5"], and a Raptor II [3"]. The Custom II was a lot more pleasant to shoot than the Raptor. The recoil and punch were a lot more noticeable. The Raptor wasn't unmanageable by any stretch of the imagination, but you could definitely feel the difference.

+1 to this. Bear in mind that you can easily carry a full size 1911. Unlike other really large frame guns, the 1911 has a very thin frame. In the right holster, it hugs your body and a light shirt will conceal it without printing. That is a lot harder to do with double stack guns like Glocks (of which I am a huge fan), H&Ks, or most Sigs. So unlike other types of guns, there is usually not a lot of need for the compact and subcompact versions of the 1911. Not unless you plan to carry in a purse or a fanny pack most of the time. If it is going to be on your belt, or not even be carried concealed at all you can take advantage of all the benifits of a full size 1911 and have no worries about it printing.

[sqroot3]

NOPE... Not under $500... Surprise me
Oh wait here is one... well not under 4" or less... but hey it's a Colt Even...

HAHA...i had an airsoft phase once...

[bigbob76]

+1 to this. Bear in mind that you can easily carry a full size 1911. Unlike other really large frame guns, the 1911 has a very thin frame. In the right holster, it hugs your body and a light shirt will conceal it without printing. That is a lot harder to do with double stack guns like Glocks (of which I am a huge fan), H&Ks, or most Sigs. So unlike other types of guns, there is usually not a lot of need for the compact and subcompact versions of the 1911. Not unless you plan to carry in a purse or a fanny pack most of the time. If it is going to be on your belt, or not even be carried concealed at all you can take advantage of all the benifits of a full size 1911 and have no worries about it printing.

Well said tacticalcity. Another thing for me to consider is how comfortably I can sit with a 5 inch 1911 in any particular holster. Sometimes it seems like that is where a slightly shorter barrel can help.

[BLD]

I love my Colt Defender. While it goes against everything I believe in when it comes to 1911s (firing pin block, MIM internals, and a plastic MSH & trigger) It has proven itself to be good enough for defensive and CCW use. While it packs a little more punch than my Commander and Government length 1911s It has proven to be just as accurate. It keeps up with my Ed Brown if that says anything.

As far as CCW goes, sure I could carry my Full size 1911s, but I choose to carry my Defender. It's lighter and smaller, so it is easier to dress around. That means it's with me in case I need it.

I can't tell you which type of 3" 1911 to choose (or any gun for that matter). I can tell you that if you find one that feels right, shoots well, and is reliable, then why not go for it.

[stormvet]

I carry a 3" Kimber CDP ultra sometimes. I usually carry a CDP PRO but when I need to go smaller I will carry the ultra. It is a great little .45, never malfunctions and way more accurate then it should be with a 3" barrel. I was very leary of the 3" 1911s but this Kimber made me a believer.

My carry setup.

[fullrearview]

Loving my Kimber Ultra Covert II, but still breaking it in. So far about 200 rounds. Feeds ball every time, but still looking for some JHP that it likes. I hear that after it breaks in, the JHP will feed fine.

As others have stated, you will feel the recoil, but you get used to it with practice.
Also, it conceals GREAT!!!! (along with a CCW, of course)

I hear that about them...It will get there.

[stormvet]

I use Remington Golden Saber in my Kimber .45s, feeds just as well as ball ammo.