Compact 1911s

[Pa8]

Hello all, newbie here.

I'm looking to buy a small or compact 1911 style pistol to carry.
Been checking the DOJ certified list and reading up on some of them.
Narrowed it down to three:

Springfield Armory 1911 EMP 9mm

Para-Ordnance 1911 style LDA Light Carry 9mm

Colt Defender 1911 style 45ACP

Anyone have a experience with these? Or better recommendations?
I have small hands and I want something that will be comfortable. Haven't shoot any of 'em yet. I'm going to the Gunroom to see if they have it for rent. Thanks.

[dan12580]

I would say go with the emp. I have 1 and have nothing but great things to say about it. being the self professed newbie I don't think you're ready for a sub compact 45 1911. in my opinion subcompact 45s are not something you research your way into. 9mm is cheaper to shoot and a whole lot more pleasant then 45. Especially for carry you want to be confident and proficient with the weapon your life may be dependent on.

[Henry47]

i have a kimber compact stainless. it's on the list and is quite nice too

[9mmepiphany]

Of the three you've mentioned, the EMP will have the best build quality and largest window of functionality

[Hanniballs]

Have you looked at the P238?

[FlyboyJS]

I have and carry the EMP in 9mm. Love it. Actually 9mmepiphany got me hooked on it after I shot his during a training session with him. I know someone with a Colt Defender and he likes the Colt but I haven't shot it but a couple times and I enjoy the EMP better.

[desertmedic]

Pa8... Forgive me for stepping outside of your parameters but may I ask how much you have to spend? Reason I ask is because I bought a Kimber Ultra Covert II over the Summer and love it. Its incredibly accurate for a 3" .45 pistol. Its a very comfortable pistol to shoot and has incorporated Crimson Laser grips and tritium sights if thats your forte. I highly recommend this pistol.



Sorry for the graininess... Stupid iPhone.. lol

[707electrician]

The EMP is an awesome and very accurate pistol

[dirtykoala]

Pa8... Forgive me for stepping outside of your parameters but may I ask how much you have to spend? Reason I ask is because I bought a Kimber Ultra Covert II over the Summer and love it. Its incredibly accurate for a 3" .45 pistol. Its a very comfortable pistol to shoot and has incorporated Crimson Laser grips and tritium sights if thats your forte. I highly recommend this pistol.



Sorry for the graininess... Stupid iPhone.. lol

Awesome compact 1911, I ended up trading mine for a full sized TLE/RL, I miss it and will probably ceracote my TLE to look like the covert.




and they shoot balls of fire which is a huge plus

[7anthony7]

EMP is a nice weapon. The Colt is also a nice gun. Shoot them all and pick the one you like the best.

[den888]

Kimber Ultra Carry or Colt Defender

[Mr. Beretta]

I have a Colt Defender Plus & love it!

Get the Colt!

[desertmedic]

Koala... Ya could have at least used desert MARPAT as a back drop!! lol Nice pics buddy...

[dirtykoala]

Koala... Ya could have at least used desert MARPAT as a back drop!! lol Nice pics buddy...

Then you wouldn't have been able to see the gun.

Thanks.

And all of my desert MARPAT is super faded.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[desertmedic]

lol True Koala.. Shot you a PM.