which lightweight "Commander-size" 1911 would you choose?

[Chris17404]

Hi all,

I've been researching my options for a new 1911 for concealed carry. My current 1911, a full-size Springfield Mil-Spec, is just too big and heavy for me to carry concealed.

Thus, I've been researching some of the lightweight "Commander-size" 1911's that are currently in production. Here's what I've found:

Smith & Wesson 1911 PD
Kimber Pro Carry II
Colt XSE Lightweight Commander
Springfield Armory Loaded Lightweight Champion

All of these guns are somewhat similar in features, but there are some differences. I prefer a single-side thumb safety, a beavertail grip safety, and the classic look of a barrel bushing, which is why I've initially been leaning towards the SW1911PD. I also don't mind the SW's external extractor. They work. I've also heard the SW 1911's are extremely relibable out-of-the-box, and customer service is great. The Kimber Pro Carry seems to have a lot going for it too, and has lots of fans, especially the Tacoma PD. It does have the bushingless bull barrel, but that's really no big deal to me. I just want a gun that's RELIABLE when I carry it.

So... which of these would you (or do you) carry and why? Am I missing any lightweight Commanders from my list? I recently held a 1911 with an "Officer's size" grip frame, and it was too short for me, so I definitely want to stick with a full-size frame.

Thanks for your time.

Chris

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Smith10]

Smith 1911PD would be my pic, accurate, reliable, durable.

[semperfi.45]

I learned to shoot on a Colt .45 in the Marine Corps. So I am Semper Fi to Colt.

[pogo2]

I've had a Kimber Pro CDP for a couple of years and it has been a wonderful gun. It has gone through a couple of thousand rounds of mixed ammo with no problems, and is one of my most accurate guns. It also has good ergonomics and conceals easily because of its thin profile. I put on thin grip panels and a single side thumb safety to make it even thinner, and use Wilson magazines holding 8 rounds.

[spurs06]

Chris,
I like the Kimber. I have a Pro Raptor as a primary carry weapon and absolutely love the feel and accuracy of the gun. the fact that it has a little show-off quality ain't bad either. I like the steel frame and the full grip and the meprolight sights.
The downside is the price, though I bought mine at a gun show and paid a little less than msrp, and if you want to put a Crimson Trace grip/laser on it, you have to replace or trim the ambidextrous (right side) safety.
Good hunting!

[retsupt99]

Kimber Pro owner here...
Actually I have both the CDP Pro and Ultra...both are great guns and have had no problems...

Stay armed...stay safe!

ret

[limatunes]

I haven't voted yet because I'm still thinking but I'll give you my thought process along the way.

I carry a Kimber Ultra CDP and have a Kimber Stainless Ultra carry that is up at the gunsmith.

I have never had a Springfield 1911 that gave me trouble, and heard good things about the S&W as well.

The only thing that turns me off to the Kimber is the Series II part. Both of my Kimbers are Series Is and I'm not very fond of the Series IIs. I've seen people have problems with them and those are problems that could have been avoided by going for the Series I and if it's a carry piece you never want to deactivate a safety. That's bad.

I'm torn.. hmmm... Right now I'll have to say go for the Springfield.

[SIXTO]

I voted for the Springfield, only because I already have a Kimber Pro, I dont want to wait on a Colt and the Smith... well its a S&W.

[Captain Crunch]

I'm a die-hard Colt fan, so.................

[Rotorflyr]

I voted for the S&W, but only because out of all the choices listed I've read about the fewest problems with them, don't have any first hand experiance with any of them.

[ELCruisr]

I'd favor finding a series 70 Colt myself. If not then probably a new Springfield.

[Roadrunner]

I like my Colt. The XSE's are nice weapons.

[Bud White]

i would go with the colt xse i do not like bushingless weapons had a smith and had problems so pass on that

[rodc13]

Another vote for the Kimber. My Ultra CDP II is an outstanding pistol.

[Thumper]

I voted for Springfield because my Springfield Champion is awesome, accurate and a joy to carry!