Best 3" 1911

[HAVOC5150]

Like the title says.... any recommendations?

[-hanko]

Like the title says.... any recommendations?

There is no "best"...

Whatever you try and prefer (price v. accuracy v. longevity) is your "best".

What anybody recommends may or may not have anything to do with it.

All that said, I've carried a Colt Lightweight Officer model since the mid-1990's...no issues with failures to feed, fire, extract, eject, etc. No broken parts, just no issues period.

It's light enough that I don't notice I'm carrying it after a few minutes.

You will get other "recommendations".

[HAVOC5150]

Thanks Hanko,

[dc2allday]

Define "best" from what your looking for, best could be the most expensive, the heaviest, best looking, most accurate. Figure out your budget and what you're looking for in said firearm.

[Carcassonne]

.

My Colt Officers has been very good.

It doesn't like light reloads. It shot every factory ammo I tried. I have not tried the newer Hornady, Speer, or Winchester rounds. It worked with Black Talons, so it should work with Winchester SXT Ranger.


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[HAVOC5150]

Most reliable. A friend was looking at the Kimber Ultra Covert II. He asked me to find out what was the best 3 inch 1911. It's going to be his new carry gun.

[-hanko]

Most reliable. A friend was looking at the Kimber Ultra Covert II. He asked me to find out what was the best 3 inch 1911. It's going to be his new carry gun.

Your friend needs to try a few before buying. A little google on his part wouldn't hurt either.

[Josh3239]

3'' 1911s aren't necessarily known for their reliability, not that they can't be reliable they just aren't really known for it. Also a lot more expensive so more to lose like if the police take it for evidence after a shoot.

How about the Springfield EMP? Can get them in 9mm or 40SW, built around the smaller caliber, 3 mags, great CS, alloy frame light for carry, and night sights come standard.

[bubbapug1]

A sig P938 works well.

I haven't had too many issues with an emp I own but it rarely goes more than 20 rounds without a slight feed issue. I usually just have to nudge the slide forward the last 1/8"- I'd say it's still not an ultra reliable platform.

[calibased]

im scared of mini 1911's because of the platforms volatility. Without question you probably have to dish out a pretty penny.

[Yreka]

I had a Springfield Ultra Compact V10 Loaded.. I never had any problems with it, other than I couldn't hit the broadside of a barn, and it wasn't very pleasurable to shoot.

I have shot other UC's to the same effect, I think I'm just not a fan of the caliber in such a small form factor

[TrailerparkTrash]

1) Colt
2) Colt
3) Colt

In that order.

[idntwn2]

3 inch 1911's are not for the uninitiated. They are expensive and can be finicky. I have a Kimber Ultra, and it is an amazing shooter. Truly. I no longer carry it much.

That is all I am going to say about it.

If the friend is familiar with and is comfortable with the 1911 platform, have him shoot a little one from any one of several builders if possible. Then he can make up his own mind. If this is to be a first CCW gun or first 1911, look elsewhere.

That is my recommendation FWIW

[Citadelgrad87]

Is an officers model a 3 or 3.5 inch? I see them listed both ways.

Here's mine. When I first got it, It was finicky, Terry Tussey sorted it out, but it cost more than the pistol cost brand new.



It's small block Chevy reliable now.

[colossians323]

Some custom work done