1911 Frame sizes

[fhqwhgads]

Trying to learn about 1911s. Thinking of getting one for a second (alternate) carry piece. Can someone point me to a resource that would explain differences in the size of 1911s (like commander, etc)?

Are all 1911s single stack? Any recommendations for a 4" barrel carry piece? Are the beavertails any problem when carrying IWB?

Thanks for the help, guys!

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[cpmiv]

Initially 1911's were single stack. Other mfg's have made doublestack versions. I carry a Warthog (Para-Ord, 3", doublestack) and haven't had any problems with it's beavertail.

I never remember the barrel lengths to thier designations so I end up looking here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1911A1

[Ti Carry]

Trying to learn about 1911s. Thinking of getting one for a second (alternate) carry piece. Can someone point me to a resource that would explain differences in the size of 1911s (like commander, etc)?

Ultra = 3" - 3.5"
Commander = 4" - 4.25"
Government = 5" - 6"

Officers frame = compact, shorter grip for ease of carry. The Ultra's are officer frames and compact's as well.


Are all 1911s single stack?

The true 1911 was built as a single stack but there are double stacks now a days to choose from such as Para Ord and others have out.

Any recommendations for a 4" barrel carry piece?

There are many to choose from and would depend on your budget or what you are willing to spend as to where this could go.

Are the beavertails any problem when carrying IWB?

No!

Thanks for the help, guys!

What are you currently carrying?


Ti.

[jazurell]

Currently carry a Dan Wesson Patriot Commander
http://www.cz-usa.com/products_dan_wesson.php?m=1
The Patriot Bobtail is nice.
When it's too hot to wear a vest, I put a Kahr PM9 in my pocket.
http://www.kahr.com/front.html
Both have been reliable from day one.
Good luck, there are many, many choice from which to pick.

[pogo2]

Any recommendations for a 4" barrel carry piece? Are the beavertails any problem when carrying IWB?

There are quite a few manufacturers of 1911s today, but if you really want a 4 inch barrel, as opposed to the traditional Colt Commander length barrel of 4.25 inches, there are only 3 that I know of with this type of product - Kimber, Springfield and Wilson. Companies like Colt, STI, Dan Wesson, S&W and Sig make only the 4.25 inch barrel.

Then it comes down to how much you want to pay, and what features you want. Springfield is probably the lowest in price, followed by Kimber and then Wilson. Any of the three makes a good gun, and most of them will work with no problems.

In the 4 inch 1911 category I use a Kimber Pro CDP and am happy with it. I like the "carry bevel" on the slide and the flat profile and light weight (aluminum frame) of the gun, which makes concealment easier.

My Kimber Pro

[Bud White]

The Choice on 4 inch type guns also breaks down to do you want a bushingless barrel like kimber springfield
or a bushed barrel like colt smith wesson

The kimber/springer is a 4inch and colt/smith a 4 1/4 i prefer the bushed type barrel myself

[rocky]

Also consider steel Vs. Alum frame. I find Alum works well for me due to being lighter for all day carry.

[Bud White]

Also consider steel Vs. Alum frame. I find Alum works well for me due to being lighter for all day carry.

That is also a good point i prefer Steel myself i have had one bad exp with alum frame and i have another you cant do anything to due to refinishing issus

[fhqwhgads]

Currently carrying a XD40 sc. I'm thinking a slimmer pistol (single stack) might be a little better for IWB carry for me.

Anyway, the XD may wind up going to my wife after she gets her carry permit, so I figured a 1911 would be a good fit for me.

[fhqwhgads]

Good info, guys.

What's the difference between a bushed barrel and not? A 4.25" barrel is fine; I wasn't specifically limiting myself to a strictly 4.00" barrel.

For argument's sake, let say I want a 4.25" barrel on an officer's frame, single stack. Where's a good place to start looking?

[Bud White]

a bushed barrel still uses a bushing like the orginal design

the other uses a cone barrel where the barrel locks up on the slide i dont care for this design but its probley fine

for a commander style top end 4.25 and officer's grip you could look for a used colt officer 's or a colt CCO they were recently made


or you go with wilson or les baer i dont know of anyone else off top of my head makes one like that

[pogo2]

For argument's sake, let say I want a 4.25" barrel on an officer's frame, single stack. Where's a good place to start looking?

The compact frame size (also called officer's) with a 4 or 4.25 inch barrel is not as commonly found as the same gun with a standard "government" frame size. Colt has made a few of them, and still has one available in the "Gunsite" series they make, model number O9840CGP :

Colt Gunsite pistols

Kimber probably makes more of these, and they all have the 4 inch bushingless barrel (which works fine, in my experience). Here is their Compact Stainless model, which sells new for about $750:

Kimber Compact Stainless

[AnimalKracker]

If you are looking for a good reliable good shooting pistol that is backed by a lifetime warranty and you can chat with the President of the company and also to the national distributor and not break the bank doing so check out the Rock Island Armory. You can go here to talk to the people that own and shoot them and see how pleased they are with them. http://forum.m1911.org/forumdisplay.php?f=17 Here's my pair.

[Tubby45]

Traditional Bushing barrel (my preference)
Officer = 3.5" same shortened dustcover as commander, but with shorter grip frame (6rd cap in 45acp)
Commander = 4.25" full size grip frame, shortened dustcover & minor measurements inside DC
Government = 5" full size grip frame and dustcover

Bushingless Bull barrel
Compact 3"
Compact 4" either on a commander (6-rd in 45acp) or full size (commander or government 8-rd in 45acp)

[oldCop]

Go here for lots of information

http://www.m1911.org/