beginner shooter Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 Im looking for a 1911 platform for my CCW gun. I would like to have one that is compact and lightweight (found this out last night just wearing my full size 1911 around the house in the way I would carry it). I chose the 1911 because of its slim profile and proven reliability, but where Im running into issues is on the price. So my question is, do any of you guys know what brand to go with without paying upwards of $1000 for a gun that will not be shot all that much? I am also open to other platform suggestions provided they have about the same profile as a 1911 and the same reliability. I'm looking at trying to keep the price in the $500-$750ish range. Thanks for the help here. -Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spanky Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 I can't make any suggestions since I don't carry (or own) a 1911 style pistol but why would you not shoot your ccw gun much? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beginner shooter Posted May 13, 2010 Author Share Posted May 13, 2010 I would practice with it to maintain accuracy, consistant draws, etc. But my theory, at least, is that my match gun is a 1911 so all the workings of the gun are already ingrained in my noodle. Basically everytime I go to a match Im increasing my skills shooting a 1911. I just dont want to carry something that big or heavy around all day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffWard Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 I don't know of ANY compact 1911's under $1000. I also don't know of ANY reliable compact 1911s... LOL If I had to carry a "mass-produced" compact 1911, I'd choose a Springfield or Colt, both of which will run around $1200 last I looked. Should be the most reliable. I shoot a M&P Pro in Production, and for the same reason as you, I carry a M&P9c. If I were looking for a new "budget" carry gun (I'm not), I'd look hard at the new Taurus "Slim" 9mm, which has a similar manual of arms to the 1911 (thumb safety, etc), and it's skinny as he__. If S&W built a single-stack polymer 9mm under an inch in thickness... I'd own one tomorrow. Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CocoBolo Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 I shoot with American Action Shooting a lot and they cater to the CCW crowd. What I can tell you about the small sized 1911 is that they lack the reliability that I need in a CCW gun. I had one of the first M16's issue in country and I gave it back, and picked up an M14 and a 45, something that you could depend on. But of the ones I have seen the Kimber is the most reliable. Mags are an issue as well. What do I carry. Sig P239 in 9 mm. I like the idea of just pulling the trigger I prefer a steel gun and I like my hammer. The Wife carries a CZ75 Compact and loves it. Lots of small double action reliable guns to pick from. Sigs and CZ are 100% reliable. Don't get me started on the Caliber, it does not matter that much it is the placement that counts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jman Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 http://www.sightm1911.com/Care/1911_ccw.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiG Lady Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 SIG...!!! The P-239 or P-229 are good 'carry' choices. I've had both. I bought a Springfield GI Champion (.45ACP) to ultimately take their places, but regret NOT having the Sigs in my arsenal any more. I'm sure I'll have another before long. Highly recommended for carry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin G. Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 Khar makes an excellent pistol that is quite slim and reliable. Their P series are above your price range for a new one. However the CW series can be had for what you want to spend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-ManBart Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 I think folks are confusing the term "compact" here....a Commander or Combat Commander sized gun can be perfectly reliable. They're not in the same size range as a really "compact" gun, but they're reasonable for most people to carry. R, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beginner shooter Posted May 13, 2010 Author Share Posted May 13, 2010 Well during lunch today I went to the BX to check out some different guns. The 2 they had that looked good to me were the Glock 23 and the CZ75 .40S&W. After handling the CZ I think thats what Ill go with. It's $675 which is in my price range plus since it's on base I dont have to pay any tax on the gun. Thanks for the replies guys (and Sig Lady). I never had any doubt that the BE'ers would take care of my question. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ogiebb Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 (edited) if your looking for a small light really compact 1911 i would try out the STI ls9.. i carry it sometimes to give my kahrs a break Edited May 13, 2010 by ogiebb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary1911A1 Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 (edited) For me I find the CZ to be close to a 1911 and Jeff Cooper thought it was a good pistol. I do think the CZ75 is best in 9MM and with the right ammo it can be a good self defense round. Check out the CZ Forum for more info: http://www.czforumsite.info/index.php Edited May 13, 2010 by Gary1911A1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tt350z Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 You can get a loaded Springfield 1911 for around $750. I guess I'm a little bias towards Springifelds as thats what I've owned and carried. I'm a small guy, but I carried a full size Springfield TRP in a Milt Sparks VMII holster with no issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nik Habicht Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 I think folks are confusing the term "compact" here....a Commander or Combat Commander sized gun can be perfectly reliable. They're not in the same size range as a really "compact" gun, but they're reasonable for most people to carry. R, And in my very limited experience, a 4-4.25" top end on an Officer's frame can also be perfectly reliable. Get much shorter than that, and the tolerances start to stack up the other way. A good smith/builder can overcome that, but it'll cost.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzYooper Posted May 14, 2010 Share Posted May 14, 2010 I carry a 1911 commander and I feel that it is the right size for me. In competition I use a full-size 1911 and it is what I am used to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ken hebert Posted May 14, 2010 Share Posted May 14, 2010 to the OP: I carry a S&W lightweight commander in .45, the one with the scandium/unobtanium/whatever frame and steel top end. Full size grip for my full size paws, shorter barrel length conceals pretty easy under a t-shirt in an OWB holster. I've been through: Wilson govt 1911, HK P7M8, and a SIG 229. Like you, I shoot a 1911-type weapon in competition and this is very natural for me, same manual of arms. Slim, lightweight, and runs 165gn hydrashocks 100%. Been carrying it for a little over 2 years now, have no desire to change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbbean Posted May 14, 2010 Share Posted May 14, 2010 (edited) I found a used EMP 9mm in your price range, and had Bill Fender give it a once over and a trigger job. It is a sweet little gun that I enjoy shooting almost as much as my competition 1911. Check Gunbroker regularly, and you'll find them in the top of your price range, or new for just over your price range. Easy to carry, adequate for the job, and fun to shoot. What more could you ask for? Edited May 14, 2010 by bbbean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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