3" 1911 Reliability

[BuckTurgidson]

Two questions regarding 1911's with 3" barrels:
1. Do they cycle as reliably as 4" 1911's?
2. In comparison with a 4" 1911, does the relative bullet velocity loss associated with a 3" 1911 result in less reliable expansion of hollow point ammo?

[Cyc Wid It]

1. No.
2. Depends on ammo.

[BuckTurgidson]

Any advice regarding hollow point ammo that cycles and expands reliably when used in a 3"?

[GrizzlyGuy]

You might be interested in this: Why are short 1911s considered to be unreliable? I have no experience with the compact and subcompact 1911's but found that info when I was thinking of getting one (still am, but will probably go with a 4.25" S&W 1911PD instead).

[shooting4life]

Better to sick with 4 inch barrel in 1911

[stphnman20]

I'm in love with the Kimber Covert. The Ultra is the only one thats available here CA. Which does not make any sense!

[FCinCA]

I took a personal defense class one weekend which I used a Kimber Ultra CDP II. I went through approximately 800 rounds in various drills and reloading scenarios. I only had 2 FTF's which happend towards the end of the class and attribute to the weapon being dirty. I changed the spring and have shot an additional 400 rounds without one FTF or FTE. It is my primary CCW.

[johnny_22]

Springfield EMP in 9 mm

My EMP works great. Never a problem and can be shot by either my niece or me. Springfield went to a lot of engineering to make the 3" 1911 work reliably.

Gun Tests' reviews were also positive.

I haven't done expansion tests, but the EMP works with Federal' EFMJ 124 gr and any practice rounds (PMC, Remington/UMC, S&B) I pick.

[Legasat]

I have only shot a couple 1911's with 3" barrels. Had problems cycling with both.

[BuckTurgidson]

GrizzlyGuy, thanx for the terrific link!

[ap3572001]

The most reliable 1911's are 5 inch , std GI recoil rod and ball ammo.

[glockman19]

I have had no issues with my Kimber Ultra Raptor II.

[AMDG]

So 4" + are GTG? I've got the Kimber Pro TLE/RL II and DW CBob on my wish list.

[Cyc Wid It]

4" isn't a true commander size. True commander size + full size are the most reliable.

[SpringfieldEMP]

The only failures on my EMP have been with damaged ammo. Other than that. No ftf, or fte...