Looking for at 1911s compact

[CSK22]

So I am thinking about getting another carry gun, was looking around and I really like the look of the compact 1911s, and I already know I like to shoot the full size version and I am familiar with the 45acp round.

Does anyone have one? If so do you have any pros/cons? Any models or manufacturers to stay away from? I have the RIA 1911 compact for my number 1 right now just because of price and of the reputation of their full size models(in reference to price) my price range is nothing over 400


So whatcha got guys? Pics are also appreciated.

 

[wtfd661]

I love my Kimber Tactical Ultra II, it has a 3" barrel with an aluminum frame. It conceals very easy and is a fantastic shooter. I've had no problems almost 4 yrs now. It is my main CC gun. Here is a pic,

Crap, sorry I just re-read your $400 limit.

From my understanding the RIA 1911's are pretty darn good guns (but I have no first hand knowledge).

Make sure you post (with pics) whatever you decide on, love the gun porn!!!

 

[walt o]

1911

I have a RIA compact and it will shoot anything i feed it . 1+ is customer service if you ever need it . Their are several other 1911 compacts made by Armscor that are labeled HI STANDARD,cant think of the others But if they are made by Armscor they are covered by the same guarantee. I think in your stated price range you are limited to them.

 

[Kimbertrace]

saw this posted on armslist

ARMSLIST - For Sale or Trade: Llama minimax 45 sub compact hi capacity with extras

 

[jd3772000]

Dont own one but the EMP is a sweet heart!

 

[CoyoteCreekGuns]

Since you want to stay on the economical side of the spectrum another one to look at is the Citadel Compact 1911 (3.5" barrel)

It can be had for around $485.00 new, so you might be able to find a used one for around $400, but that price is really low in order to get into a 1911 let alone a compact version (compact versions tend to be more expensive)

Good Luck & God Bless!

 

[melensdad]

Have you considered a Detonics Combat Master? There are still brand new guns available from the Pendergrass, GA factory at good prices. Stainless steel, compact and reliable, typically for about $650, give or take.

I've got a couple dozen various Combat Masters (each is different model/caliber/etc), most of mine are the original Seattle guns, but I did pick up a surplus NIB Pendergrass made gun and its a fine shooter and I've put it into my short list of carry guns (along with a custom Seattle Combat Master, a Para Carry 9, and a Ruger LCP).

The late Col. Jeff Cooper spoke very highly of the Combat Master and claimed it was the softest shooting 1911/45acp ever made. Something to do with the multispring captured recoil spring system they pioneered.

The Pendergrass Combat Master is the stainless gun in the lower left of the photo. You'll notice they have shortened grips (shorter than an Officer Model) which makes them easier to conceal. They also don't have the extended beavertail, so it won't poke in your back/side while you carry it. The slide is also slightly longer (about a 1/4") than most other compact 1911's and that is one reason why people believe these are more reliable than any other compact 1911 on the market.

 

[Jbrown]

If used isn't a problem, and you want a quality gun, the Para P-12 can be found in that range.

 

[r6vr6]

If you decide you want to spend some more money perhaps a colt defender would be to your liking. I love mine. Aluminum frame, stainless slide, novak style sights. Get a crossbreed supertuck holster with it and carry in comfort. I met a guy at the range yesterday that loves his too.

 

[G McBride]

+1 on the Colt Defender. I have one that I have carried for about a year now. Added a set of Crimson Trace laser grips in May.

I have found mine to be reliable and a pretty easy shooter. Change the recoil springs every 1000 rounds or so and you will not have any issues.

 

[Chefcook]

I can't say enough good about my carry piece. I love this pistol...

 

[hotfarmboy1]

Have you considered a Detonics Combat Master? There are still brand new guns available from the Pendergrass, GA factory at good prices. Stainless steel, compact and reliable, typically for about $650, give or take.

I've got a couple dozen various Combat Masters (each is different model/caliber/etc), most of mine are the original Seattle guns, but I did pick up a surplus NIB Pendergrass made gun and its a fine shooter and I've put it into my short list of carry guns (along with a custom Seattle Combat Master, a Para Carry 9, and a Ruger LCP).

The late Col. Jeff Cooper spoke very highly of the Combat Master and claimed it was the softest shooting 1911/45acp ever made. Something to do with the multispring captured recoil spring system they pioneered.

The Pendergrass Combat Master is the stainless gun in the lower left of the photo. You'll notice they have shortened grips (shorter than an Officer Model) which makes them easier to conceal. They also don't have the extended beavertail, so it won't poke in your back/side while you carry it. The slide is also slightly longer (about a 1/4") than most other compact 1911's and that is one reason why people believe these are more reliable than any other compact 1911 on the market.

I found a detonics MK VI today for $750. Stainless, Said Seattle, WA. on the frame. Looks just like your combat masters but different grips. How good is that price for one? I'm sure he'd come down on it some for cash, he normally will. Otherwise he has a kimber ultra carry II for $850 I was looking at some too. Just trying to decide on whether to put one of these on layaway on Mon or not.

 

[melensdad]

A MK VI gun should come with adjustable rear sight inserts (a total of 3 inserts that can be swapped in/out of a slot in the sight). It should have polished side on the slide and a nice bead blasted like finish on all the other parts. Factory standard grips can either be simple checkered walnut -or- rubber grips; either/both are acceptable for a MK VI gun.

The one spot you need to ask about is the captured recoil spring system. These are often original and for a carry gun should PROBABLY be changed (replacements are available from Victory Arms). So if you have cash you can use that as your beat down point on the price and it is a legitimate beat down point. But the price is really not bad at $750 if the gun is in not scratched up, but just shows a normal bit of wear.

For reference, here is a photo of a mint MK VI gun (this one a very rare 9mm version) but outward appearance should be just like this gun, with either these simple walnut or with rubber grips.

 

[hotfarmboy1]

A MK VI gun should come with adjustable rear sight inserts (a total of 3 inserts that can be swapped in/out of a slot in the sight). It should have polished side on the slide and a nice bead blasted like finish on all the other parts. Factory standard grips can either be simple checkered walnut -or- rubber grips; either/both are acceptable for a MK VI gun.

The one spot you need to ask about is the captured recoil spring system. These are often original and for a carry gun should PROBABLY be changed (replacements are available from Victory Arms). So if you have cash you can use that as your beat down point on the price and it is a legitimate beat down point. But the price is really not bad at $750 if the gun is in not scratched up, but just shows a normal bit of wear.

For reference, here is a photo of a mint MK VI gun (this one a very rare 9mm version) but outward appearance should be just like this gun, with either these simple walnut or with rubber grips.

Yeah it is just like that one. The grips just look to be a black plastic/hard rubber and wraparound the front of the grip. Its in great shape otherwise, no scratches, looks very nice shape like that one there. Are they the lower recoil like the combat master? What's the differences?

 

[WileECoyotee]

Don't forget to look at Springfield Armory .
I recently purchased this Micro compact , it shoots really well for a 3" barrel .

 

[melensdad]

Yeah it is just like that one. The grips just look to be a black plastic/hard rubber and wraparound the front of the grip. Its in great shape otherwise, no scratches, looks very nice shape like that one there. Are they the lower recoil like the combat master? What's the differences?

If the gun has rubber grips, they should look like these grips in the picture below. The guns came from the factory with either wood or rubber. It is really just the buyers preference between the type of grip. Some like rubber others like wood. Not sure there is any recoil reduction in one or the other.

 

[gunfun101]

I have a Colt 1991 A-1 compact I bought 4 yrs ago for $550 and it is the most accurate factory .45 I have ever owned.

 

[hotfarmboy1]

If the gun has rubber grips, they should look like these grips in the picture below. The guns came from the factory with either wood or rubber. It is really just the buyers preference between the type of grip. Some like rubber others like wood. Not sure there is any recoil reduction in one or the other.

Yeah thats the kind of grips on it. It felt pretty good in my hand. What I meant are what are the differences between the MK VI and the combat master? Are there any? Also what mags do they use? Will they use 6 rd 1911 mags, or something just for them?
The kimber they had for $100 more is still kinda tempting, but right now this sounds even better in shootability and concealability

 

[jacobswell]

This is my everyday carry.

 

[Nayls47]

1911 Compact for under $400.00. How about the RIA CS?
I saw one today at the Fort Wayne gun show. $399.00 at the ZX Guns booth. If it doesn't sell tomorrow it will be in their shop in Goshen. I love mine!