what brand commander/compact for daily carry?

[dsg2003gt]

I am new to 1911s, as I havent even received my first SW1911pd from Budsgunshop yet, but I have already been bitten from shooting friend's guns.

Now, I bought the 5inch tactical railed version as my go to home defense gun, but I would really like another for carry, preferably in commander/compact configuration. I am looking mainly at the kimber CDP2, the springer loaded lightweight champion or a SW1911SC. I really like the internal extractors, and its good to see kimber switched back to them, but extraction problems seem to be very low on SW which is why I went with them in the first place.

Whats your fav brand for a carry gun? Please keep suggestions <$1000.

Thanks
Matt
:)

[yotecaller]

None of the above---I would get a COLT;z

[thurn55]

I have the same question! What is the best commander/compact 1911? I just bought, a couple days ago, my first 1911 Springfield Loaded Full Size. While doing my research, I looked at S&W, Kimber, Springfield, Wilson, etc. Was first interested in the Springfield Loaded Champion. Decided to go, for my first experience in the full 1911 package, with the 5" full size. If my Springfield performs like I think it should, I may get the Champion, or a smaller Ultra SA.

Really, what are the differences in the commander/compact operation compared to the full size 1911. Any problems with 'bull barrels'? What about the shortened barrel and the performance of the .45ACP in ballistics? Any other mechanical problems? Reliability? What brand has done the commander-sized correctly? Who has done the 3"-ers right?

Someone needs to talk me out of buying a .45GAP Glock 39 as my concealed carry and change my mind to a 1911 shorty...

If it matters, my current CCW gun is my Glock 19 that follows me everywhere (sometimes my G37).

[OnePaladin]

I bought a 5" S&W 1911Sc for carry. The stainless steel frame and slide makes corrosion from sweat a non-issue. The lighter frame is a real plus when lugging it around on my hip all day. S&W's life-time warranty is great. Finally, it is dead on accurate. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[chromeluv]

how much $$$ do you want to spend? You have options....

springfield/colt/kimber series 1/wilson/brown/nighthawk..

all should get the job done..

[Big Bird]

Look at the STI Ranger II, or see if you can find a original Colt Series 70 commanader or a 1st generation Kimber Pro or Compact. Stay away from alloy frame 1911's...that's my opinion--YMMV.

[breech]

Check out the Springfield Champion.

[dirksterG30]

Originally posted by breech
Check out the Springfield Champion.
I'll second that. I've got the Stainless Champion - comes with Novak night sights, Cocobolo grips, ambi safety - I got mine new for about $800. Mine had 1 FTE during break-in, and has been flawless since (over 1200 rounds).

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/dirksterg30/1911s/PX9142L.jpg

[dsg2003gt]

from what I have read on the internet in the past few days, and from your advice, Im going to go with the SS springfield Champion, it has all the features I need with the shorter barrel.

Ill put a review thread up after I get a chance to shoot both guns.

[rgregoryb]

S&W 1911SC of course

[Skpotamus]

I played with a couple of Springfields and had some problems, same with Colt and Kimber. Got a hold of a S&W 1911 PD 4.25" and have never looked back. 100% reliable, I don't have to change the extractor out every 2K rounds like I did the springfield and it's very light weight.

[Slvr Surfr]

Originally posted by rgregoryb
S&W 1911SC of course

+1 Best carry purchase Ive made. Cant beat 28oz empty! ~woohoo~ ;?

[TacticalShot]

S&W 1911SC. Light, controllable, accurate, reliable, backed by a great company. Handles even the hot Double Tap 230-grainers with aplomb.

http://fernando.smugmug.com/photos/46013401-M.jpg

[DistantTea]

Those are all pretty big. I know I won't carry a gun that large. If I wanted to carry a 1911 style gun I'd be looking at a Colt Defender, Springfield Microcompact etc...

[Slvr Surfr]

Originally posted by TacticalShot
S&W 1911SC. Light, controllable, accurate, reliable, backed by a great company. Handles even the hot Double Tap 230-grainers with aplomb.

http://fernando.smugmug.com/photos/46013401-M.jpg

Nice Pic, And I dont think that the gun is too big. For me its just right. A good CCW holster will go a long way to making it concealed and comfy to wear.

[Make Mine a .45]

The important question is.....
What do you..... like?



Me...I like my 4" Kimber Compact....a lot!

I am also working on getting me a 4" Wilson compact too!

[doughboy18718]

My first and only 1911 so far, as well as my daily carry, is a Kimber Ultra Carry II. I would recommend this gun to anyone, as well as a S&W 1911SC. I love the compactness and concealability of the UCII, even with the mainspring housing/magwell i put on it.

[Wayne02]

Originally posted by dirksterG30
I'll second that. I've got the Stainless Champion - comes with Novak night sights, Cocobolo grips, ambi safety - I got mine new for about $800. Mine had 1 FTE during break-in, and has been flawless since (over 1200 rounds).
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/dirksterg30/1911s/PX9142L.jpg
I like the size of this one. Does Springfield make this size in a light weight version?

Or, does S&W make their 1911 in an sc version that is this frame size???

What is the weight difference between the one in this picture and the famous S&W sc1911?

Thanks
Wayne

[GlockRacer]

I have a Springfield Champion, absolutely love this gun!!! In fact it helped me make up my mind to try out the springfield microcompact as well. I'm still just breaking in the micro compact, but have had about 6-8 FTF's with it, in the last 150 rounds it hasn't had any issues, so its getting much better! About 250 rounds through it total so far, just took it apart for cleaning and am going to try it out again tomorrow night!

[dirksterG30]

Originally posted by Wayne02
I like the size of this one. Does Springfield make this size in a light weight version?

Or, does S&W make their 1911 in an sc version that is this frame size???

What is the weight difference between the one in this picture and the famous S&W sc1911?

Thanks
Wayne

I know that Springfield has a lightweight Champion, but I don't see it on their website. Check here for lots more info: http://forums.1911forum.com/

[TedG]

You might as well get one... you will sooner or later.