Subcompact 1911 Suggestions

[derwiking]

I have a very disappointing story today.

I have been searching for some time for a decent subcompact for a CCW/Vehicular LCC weapon. I was thinking a Springfield XD Compact .45 ACP but being a 1911 guy I was always leaning towards the 1911. As much as I want to go out and grab a Kimber Ultra Carry, I much rather would have something more simple and functional for half of the cost (XD or similarly priced).

I happen to be on business in North Carolina and came upon a shop which had the perfect compromise, a High-Standard Crusader Compact 3.5" bbl which I was offered an outstanding price on (low $400's). Much to my dismay it is not roster approved. Damn CA. The dealer was even willing to transfer it to my local FFL in CA, what a rubbish situation.

Does any one have any suggestions for something comparable and decent with out going on the high end and looking at a Kimber or Springfield EMP? Now seeing that there are micro-1911s decently priced, albeit near milspec, I am intrigued and ready to throw the XD idea out the window.

Thanks in advance.

[FUBAR]

How about a SA EMP. I know its a 9mm but it would be alot more controllable.

[707electrician]

Does any one have any suggestions for something comparable and decent with out going on the high end and looking at a Kimber or Springfield EMP?

How about a SA EMP. I know its a 9mm but it would be alot more controllable.

[1lostinspace]

Do it right get a Glock 30

[derwiking]

OK, now I am just plain confused. Over looking the Roster list I see that there are no longer any RIA models listed either. I have seen RIA 1911's for sale before (and recently, also not used which obviously would be an exemption) in CA and I am wondering if the public DOJ list is not complete possibly?

http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/

That is the DOJ roster I am viewing, and see nothing for High-Standard or RIA. Can any one clarify this for me?

[redcliff]

OK, now I am just plain confused. Over looking the Roster list I see that there are no longer any RIA models listed either. I have seen RIA 1911's for sale before (and recently, also not used which obviously would be an exemption) in CA and I am wondering if the public DOJ list is not complete possibly?

http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/

That is the DOJ roster I am viewing, and see nothing for High-Standard or RIA. Can any one clarify this for me?

It looks like the put all of the RIA under "Armscor Precision" now.

[SA227driver]

Glock 30/36, Colt Commander

[derwiking]

Good find Redcliff. Looking into it now if perhaps any of the High-Standards were sub grouped in the same fashion.

[MossbergMan]

You want a low end gun to risk your life on? Is that what I'm reading here. You are not worth premium equipment? You are not going to find a "good, compact 1911" for a bargain price. There's a thing in the industry referred to as the the "bikini factor", meaning the smaller it is the more it costs (ask any woman about this).
Kimber, Colt, Springfield are making excellent compact and sub-compact firearms in the 1911 model. I understand budgets, but save a little longer and get a "first tier" manufacturer. Save the bargain basement guns for range fodder. There if they fail there it's no big deal.
Of course there's that nasty confiscation factor to consider if you are carrying in a less than legal way. But if you're carrying legally, do yourself a favor and stop squeezing the Washingtons so hard ( I can hear him squealing from here). Buy top quality, not lowest bidder crap. Aren't you worth it?
And no, I don't sell guns. I do train people and the crap some people depend on to save their lives is incredible. The term "Jam-o-matics" comes to mind, RG Rohns"may-pops", and in one case a 1903 Colt pocket pistol (made in 1921) that has never been field stripped for cleaning and malfunctions about every two rounds or so. I will never understand some people.
Good luck in your quest. BTW.. I carry a Glock 27 and in the 1911s a Springfield EMP 9mm.

[WILDMAN442]

I agree with the above poster. I know it will hurt the wallet but buy once and cry once man.

OR

Buy a sub compact M&P. Thats my personal choice.

Justin

[fonzy]

RIA has the compact for under $500 and it's CA legal. I know that PRK guns and The Range both in Fresno currently has them in stock.

[Sunday]

A quality 1911 is toooooo expensive for a CCW gun. A Glock ,XD,M@P you can count on them working and aren't expensive. I love 1911s more that can be imagined, but there are better choices . Not that a real nice Wilson Combat couldn't be used for self defense but plastic is king for a beater and a ccw gun is beater duty...

[707electrician]

A quality 1911 is toooooo expensive for a CCW gun. A Glock ,XD,M@P you can count on them working and aren't expensive. I love 1911s more that can be imagined, but there are better choices . Not that a real nice Wilson Combat couldn't be used for self defense but plastic is king for a beater and a ccw gun is beater duty...

Nah, a gun is a gun. If its not going to get use you might as well just buy a photograph of it and hang it on the wall

[ILVSMOG]

I've got a compact RIA 1911 that I use as a CCW pistol and I love it. People knock on RIA because they're inexpensive, but I've found no faults with mine at all. In fact, it shoots nearly as well as my other, FAR more expensive, custom 1911. I've never had any feeding or ejection problems with it. I've made a few minor modifications (grips, safety, trigger, etc.) but I've still got under $700 in it and it's an awesome gun. I'm actually thinking about another RIA in 38 Super as a project gun. I'm considering a Bobtail and some other mods I don't want to try on an "expensive" gun.

[derwiking]

Thanks for the input guys. I appreciate it.

I think I may be looking into a RIA compact when I return. If not, I may go the XD route after all. Again, I appreciate the input.

Carry on.