3" 1911

[Genphlux]

Guys (and gals),

I'm in the market for a nice 1911, and for the sake of comfort while carrying concealed, I have considered picking up one of the Kimber Ultra Carry II 3" 1911's. I was wondering if any of you have any experience with these particular pistols or 3" 1911's in general. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, as I am rather uneducated on the matter.

I have fired many 4" 1911's, which I love, but never a 3". I know the first consideration is the fact that its a small weapon firing a .45 caliber round, so the recoil is going to be a little worse, but I have never had a problem in the past as far as accuracy or comfort with the Glock 30's that I've fired at the range. This will be a daily carry gun, so I'm really just looking for something that is comfortable to wear but still reliable and something I'm accurate with. I'm a pretty small guy, so the larger guns aren't as easy for me to wear or conceal. I'm about 5'9 and 160 lbs.

I had heard rumors that the 3" models weren't quite as reliable as the 4" or 5", but I don't know how true that may be. I hope some of you can help me out.

Thanks,

Brandon

[Rightwinger]

I own a Kimber Compact Stainless with the 4" and it shoots like a champ. I owned a Springfield Armory Micro 3" and it shot really well too! I had a 3" Para Light Hawg and it wouldn't chew anything! Depends on the maker, the day it was made and all the other variables any 1911 deals with. Break in, lube, fit, etc. You will hear horror stories on Kimbers but as with most things the bad stuff is very vocal, the ones with no problems never need to post.

Get the Kimber, you'll love it.

[Guest darkstar]

If you can't find a suitable 3", you may want to check out the S&W 1911Sc. I have one in the commander size (4"). It's amazingly light, feels great and is easily concealed.

[Guest Boomhower]

I'd be willing to bet that you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a 3" & a 4" once you stuck them in a holster. I was amazed at just how easy it was to conceal a 1911.....Plus I've heard of two different gunsmiths that won't touch a 1911 under 4".

And I have a Springfield EMP that I use for carry, so unless your one of those guys that can't carry a gun unless it starts with a 4, there are some 9mm out there in the 1911.

[andersmg]

Just thought I would throw this out there, the Springfield EMP is gonna be available in 40 s&w this year, not sure when or if you will be able to find one though..

[dunndw]

I'd look at the new SIS from Kimber. I had an Ultra Raptor, the alloy frame made it rather snappy under recoil with 230 grain loads. The 3 inch SIS is stainless steel, which MIGHT add enough weight to the little thing to absorb some of the snap.

It wasn't uncontrollable...but snappy is the only word I can find to describe it.

[Guest HexHead]

1911s are easy to conceal because of the thin profile. Length with a good IWB holster just isn't an issue. The best "compromise" would be the Kimber Compact, 4" barrel with the smaller Officer frame.

Personally I wouldn't buy a 1911 with a barrel shorter than 4". My regular carry is a Pro Carry II with the 4" barrel and fullsize frame and a Milt Sparks Versa Max II holster, and it's no problem to conceal.

[dunndw]

I put a Kimber Ultra Carry and the SIS ultra on the scales today @ Franklin Gun Shop. The SIS has about 1/4 pound more weight to it.

I thought long and hard about picking it up...but I passed.

[Genphlux]

Thanks for all of the info guys, I really appreciate it. I will take everything into consideration and let you all know what I end up purchasing. I'm not totally opposed to a 4" model, I just wasn't sure how inconvenient it would be to carry on my small frame.

[Guest jcramin]

If you can't find a suitable 3", you may want to check out the S&W 1911Sc. I have one in the commander size (4"). It's amazingly light, feels great and is easily concealed.

I carry a 4" SW1911SC every day, summer and winter.

J

[Guest abailey362]

I have an ultra carry II and have put a couple rounds through it so far and the recoil isn't bad at all. I don't have my carry permit yet, but have gotten a good OWB holster for it and it is very comfortable and easy to conceal.