First 1911-what size?

ashecht · 10-07-2012, 13:01

I think I have narrowed my choice for my first 1911 to an sti Spartan. Don't know what size though. Suggestions? I doubt I will carry it if that helps

Tim151515 · 10-07-2012, 13:07

id say the standard 5 inch for your first

***faawrenchbndr*** · 10-07-2012, 13:07

Oops.......missed the doubt I'll carry

5" government for sure!

Motor City Glocker · 10-07-2012, 13:10

For me,it's a 5'' government model.

bac1023 · 10-07-2012, 13:15

For your first, I'd go full size unless you plan to carry it.

alwaysshootin · 10-07-2012, 13:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim151515

id say the standard 5 inch for your first

That would be my recommendation. There are only two choices as far as I'm concerned, and that's the combat, and full sized. The full sized is perfect in every way, and the inch shorter slide and barrel of the combat offers little in the way of advantage. Very slight weight reduction, and, slightly quicker draw. On the other hand, the disadvantages of the combat size is, an inch shorter sighting plain, and, not to mention an inch shorter of bullet travel in the barrel, giving less velocity.

I also prefer the natural point ability of the full sized over the shorter combat.

WoodenPlank · 10-07-2012, 13:19

5" for sure.

wrx04 · 10-07-2012, 13:20

Absolutely get a 5" model.

denn1911 · 10-07-2012, 13:23

My vote would be for the full-size 5" model. If you decide to carry it in the future, you can still carry it with the right holster and clothing. I'm glad that you decided on a 1911. Get ready to have some fun!

JokerG23 · 10-07-2012, 13:26

Definitely go with the full size 5"! I think it's perfect for concealed carry. I'm 6'1", 200 lbs and it conceals great with an IWB holster. The platform in my opinion is one of the best out there.

Bruce M · 10-07-2012, 13:30

I will add my vote to the five inch column.

Cambo · 10-07-2012, 13:31

Just curious(as someone who doesn't know much about 1911s), why all the 5 inch recommendations? I have heard that 3 and 3.5 inch were iffy, but what about 4 and 4.25 inch?

denn1911 · 10-07-2012, 14:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cambo

Just curious(as someone who doesn't know much about 1911s), why all the 5 inch recommendations? I have heard that 3 and 3.5 inch were iffy, but what about 4 and 4.25 inch?

There are many advantages of the 5" 1911, such as a longer sight radius, full grip and reliability. The commander size 1911 would be my second choice with its full grip.

RonS · 10-07-2012, 17:03

5" unless there is compelling reason to buy something smaller. I went shopping for a 1911 in 2008 and bought a 4" SA because it was in stock and I had the money for it. I wish I had come back in a week or two and bought the full size gun. I've been considering trading it in on a Range Officer.

oldnoob · 10-07-2012, 17:32

Full size, 5" barrel, single stack, Government.

deputy tom · 10-07-2012, 17:47

And another vote for the 5" full size. tom.

45caldan · 10-07-2012, 17:53

The ONLY reason to have a 1911 shorter than 5" would be to make it easier to carry.
So to repeat what has been stated here (since you don't intend to carry it) is get a full size 5" model.

barth · 10-07-2012, 17:57

+1
Everybody really said it all.
If you're not going to try to conceal the pup.
You just about have to get a classic 5" gun.
That's really the best of 1911 IMHO

MAC702 · 10-07-2012, 18:12

If you aren't going to carry it, it's a no-brainer. Now, if you want to be different, get a long-slide 6" model.

FWIW, I carry a 5" everyday.

ca survivor · 10-08-2012, 15:04

the government model, 5 inch for your first and second and third and ......

edit: I had like 5 commanders, that is the size I liked the most, but now I'm down to one commander, the one I carry, one Defender, and replacing the commanders for 5''

ctfireman · 10-08-2012, 16:48

In case you didn't get the idea yet, 5" rules.

Dawolf · 10-08-2012, 20:15

I will pile on and say 5", but will add my favorite is a 4" Kimber Pro Carry with a bull barrel.

CBennett · 10-09-2012, 06:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashecht

I think I have narrowed my choice for my first 1911 to an sti Spartan. Don't know what size though. Suggestions? I doubt I will carry it if that helps

depends on its use for CC I go 4" for home/range no CC 5" the 5" digs into me when i sit(i only carry IWB) the 4" is just that much shorter that it doesnt.

SigFTW · 10-09-2012, 06:39

Just in case you missed it, buy the 5"!!!!!

HexHead · 10-09-2012, 06:50

You're going to end up liking it so much, you'll end up wanting to carry it. Go 4.25", Commander size. I've had both sizes and settled on the versatility of the Commander size.