I've got a Kimber Ultra Raptor, similar to the Ultra Carry. Had some issues during break in, had to get a new slide stop, but other than that, no problems, shoots nice, easy to carry.
I am one of those that believes that a 1911 style 45acp pistol of less than a 4 inch barrel length is not very reliable. The extra inch most likely will not make that much difference for concealability. Reliability however is most important for me, especially in either a duty or carry gun. I have had reliability issues with both Kimbers and Colts. I voted for something else and this is it. It is over the price range you are talking about though.
This is my carry gun. A Les Baer Stinger. 4 1/2" barrel on an officer frame. Completely reliable.
+1 and that is from personal experience! Get ya a Springfield Mil-Spec and you'll be a happy and unfrustrated 1911 owner. A 5" is every bit as easy to conceal and will not give you the problems of a chopped 1911. JMO and I'm sticking to it.:smile:
My EDC is a Kimber Ultra Carry...plenty of rounds through it, never a problem. Very accurate, very reliable, very easy to conceal. I highly recommend one.
Go with the Ultra you can't go wrong
I have the Ultra with Crimson Trace, remember there is a break-in period with the kimbers
I had 1 problem but the folks on this board set me on the right track..
It was my grip, the kimber has a kick and I was hitting the slide lock, and locking the slid back with rounds still in the magazine.
I'm happy to write that after 300 rounds no problems and It eats everything I have put into it.
Also with the practice of my grip Technique, I have become a better shot as well.
This Kimer is very accurate and the Crimson Trace is on the money:danceban:
I believe the defender is more likely to be reliable than the other two based on my research. I just didn't like the two tone, stainless/aluminum look so I went with the Colt New Agent. It's been a good gun and the trench site is much easier to pickup on than the traditional 3 dot system.
I also agree with the other poster that if you can get a 4" you're possibly better off and the les Bauer Stinger would be like the ultimate .45 for any purpose if I could afford one!
I believe the defender is more likely to be reliable than the other two based on my research. I just didn't like the two tone, stainless/aluminum look so I went with the Colt New Agent.
Had the chance to hold these two guns side by side when I chose. They both were in stock where I bought mine. Either is a good choice I think. The weight difference and SS slide for every day carry and resistance to holster wear was the only thing swayed me to go with the Defender. I like em both. Could only afford one though.
I would not go any smaller than a Commander size pistol. I carry a P13 (4 inch barrel) or a full size 1911 with no problems. A 4 inch or longer barrel is easier to control and less likely to have malfunctions. Good gear makes all the difference.
I have a Colt Officers and Para P-12. Both are 3.5" barrels and both are great guns.
Neither has had any reliability problems except when the recoil springs wore out. New Wolff recoil springs solved the problem after shooting several thousand rounds with the original springs.
Ultra CDP with simulated rosewood CT grips in a Comp-Tac Minotaur Spartan IWB. So far with 700 rds and no burps, it is a tack driver with Cor-Bon DPX, 185 gains of pure copper at 1050 fps on my chrono.
The SA Micro is also a good one, and along with the defender, makes it a tough decision. From 1979-1992 I carried my series 70 Gold Cup in a Bianchi X15 shoulder rig, but then my eyes were still good. From 1993-2003 I carried my series 80 Combat Commander in a VM-II IWB. I put an XS big dot front sight and CT laser grips on it because my eyes were going south. 4.25" really rocks. Now that I'm blind in one eye and can't see out the other, I just take sound shots with the Kimber. I wouldn't think of going back.
Disclaimer: This post is made by a Kimber Master Dealer who has been known to sell at dealer net prices to students, family, and friends. Any comments made are totally biased in favor of Kimber products withoug disparaging Colt or SA. It is recommended that you buy each and every gun you see.
I've owned, tinkered with and shot 1911's of various makes for the last 26 years. I currently own a Springfield Armory Loaded 5", Kimber Compact 4", Colt Officers Model ACP 3.5" and Kimber Ultra Carry 3". The Ultra Carry was finicky because it was so tight. After almost 500 rounds break in, she is 100%. My other 1911's I own are all 100% reliable.
I firmly believe a 3" 1911 can be one of the best sidearms a person can buy "provided" that, just like anything else mechanical, you test drive it and ensure that particular gun is up to snuff. Don't trust any gun right out of the box.
Carry a shorty with confidence after a test / run in period. Just mind a few special rules with the shorty and you'll be fine.
Change your recoil springs often. My advice is every 1000-1500 rounds.
Use quality mags only. Mags are the heart of the gun. Experiment with mags to find which work best.
Change your mag springs often. My advice is every 3000 rounds max. 2000 is better.
Run standard pressure ammunition only. No +P loads which can affect timing.
Keep your rails well lubed with a quality lubricant such a breakfree. Use no grease.
Keep your mag bodies clean with a micro thin coating of lube on the spring only.
Hope this helps. Good luck with your choice. For me, the 1911 is top of the line stuff.
springfield micro compact loaded everything you need for an EDC out of the box, but all are fine choices there
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