Kimber Compact vs Bobtailed Pro, concealability

[AZ Husker]

This will work for any manufacturer. I've had friends ask me about the difference between the Pro (almost commander size with full size mags) vs the Compact (almost Officer size, with short mags). Remember, both these Kimbers have a great 4" bull barrel design, the difference is the grip size. As far as I'm concerned, there is a huge difference between the Ultra and the Compact in reliablilty. The photos show what a Bobtail in a full-grip model can accomplish. The full-grip Pro has the Airborne grips, while the compact (or Ultra frame) has the slim Alumagrips. I'm not putting one down, I love them both. Folks just keep asking me the difference. When you compare the grip lengths, I think the Ultra is a silly choice!
Tracy

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[rocky]

A bobbed full size grip does make more sense to me.

[Knuckledrager]

I had the op to shoot the compact and was rather surprised at how well it shot. Great manners! If the mission were an easy to conceal .45 I would choose the compact.

[gen3monte]

I like the bobtailed grip myself

[AZ Husker]

Don't get me wrong, that Compact shoots wonderfully! I just like the bobtailed full grip, especially when it conceals better too!

[Sarge45]

I thought I would like my Compact better than the ProCarry but I really think they are both fantastic guns.

[Pete Zaria]

I just have to say, those are two HOT looking 1911s. My next purchase is definitely going to be a carry-able 1911, I'm just deciding between 3, 3.5 and 4" barrel length, and manufacturer.
Those are beautiful.

Which sees more time on your hip?

Which sees more rounds at the range?

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

[TN_Mike]

Man that bobtail is one SWEET looking pistola! I love it!

Congrats on a beautiful set of 1911's. I am a tad jealous....

[AZ Husker]

My compact is going to my Daughter as her 21st birthday present. She'll have to complete her CCW class (I know she will). My advise to you guys considering Kimbers is stick with the 4" barrel Pro's or Compact's. I've helped buddies out with their Ultras, and still recommend at least the 4" Barrel. In a true defensive position, I'd stick with the 5" models.
Tracy

[Thumper]

Carry the Compact... send ME the Pro!

I'd vote for the Pro too!

[AZ Husker]

I'll keep the Pro...it's been through Slydocks and Chuck Rogers hands. I've got an Ed Brown Kobra Carry set up similar to the Pro, and it's a hard choice to decide after all the work on the Kimber!

[Tubby45]

bobber

[stephen]

Where did you have the bobtail done? Who did the grips? Nice looking weapon, I'd love to do that to a Pro CDP.

[pogo2]

What is a typical cost to have a bobtail done on an aluminum frame 1911?

[AZ Husker]

My Kimber bobtail was done by a friend, Slydlok, who is new to this forum. We didn't talk prices, just swapped stuff. I'm having another Colt bobtailed right now by a prominent AZ smith, and with extra texture treatments, it's in the $200 range, including the new Brown Bobtail MSH required. Brown sells the jig, and it's not a difficult job from what I understand. I don't know about an aluminum frame, all mine are steel.