Carry vs standard in a 1911

HeavyT

HeavyT

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Hey out there, just looking for opinions.

I'm about ready to get my first 1911, I know what make/model I want, but its offered in both a carry (4.2" barrel), and standard, (5").

Obviously my considerations are not for carrying, but I do a little competitive shooting, so that is the use I plan to put it through. Right now I have a P226 so that is what my baseline has been.

Just wondering what you all think of the 2 barrel lengths pros cons, and what you have purchased, and would you do it again the same...etc...

Thanks, Tom
 
Longer barrel= longer sight radius, a little heavier=less muzzle flip. Other than that, flip a coin. I prefer the carry because I find it less cumbersome, but if I get another it will be the gov't length just because I don't have one
 
1911s were designed around the 5" barrel. Any deviation from that usually means less than optimal function. Shorter 1911s generally seem to suffer from reliability issues relatively more often. For competition in particular, there is no reason to go short. The 5" will give you a longer sight radius (improve functional accuracy) and better recoil control (faster follow-up shots). That, coupled with better reliability of the 5" should be all that you need to know to make this decision.

However, if you simply prefer the look and/or feel of the shorter version, then get it. Unless you are a "serious" competitor, we all do this for fun, so competitive advantage is really secondary.
 
Like alpining said, the 1911 was designed with a 5 inch barrel. Apparently it will function reliably with a 4.25 inch barrel but not with a 4 inch barrel. (I have that from the site of some premium 1911 manufacturer -- might be Ed Brown -- so take it for what it's worth.)
 
Larry Vickers has a good video on the 1911 and probably on Youtube too. He has been gunsmithing 1911's for decades and is considered an expert on the platform. He emphasises that the 5" 1911 is the way to go for maximum reliability.
 
I concur that 5" 1911s generally work best and are easier to shoot well. Many would also argue that the Commander-style 1911s are not significantly more concealable than their 5" counterparts.
 
alpining said:
1911s were designed around the 5" barrel. Any deviation from that usually means less than optimal function. Shorter 1911s generally seem to suffer from reliability issues relatively more often. For competition in particular, there is no reason to go short. The 5" will give you a longer sight radius (improve functional accuracy) and better recoil control (faster follow-up shots). That, coupled with better reliability of the 5" should be all that you need to know to make this decision.

However, if you simply prefer the look and/or feel of the shorter version, then get it. Unless you are a "serious" competitor, we all do this for fun, so competitive advantage is really secondary.
Click to expand...

I can appreciate these comments for a "true" 1911, aka: 45 ACP. However, I think I've also read that in a smaller calibre, such as 9mm, the shorter 4.25" is the way to go and what I'm considering as well. Any thoughts on 1911 in 9mm? Please don't say a 1911 9mm is pure heresy....
 
You wish .... !

I can wear a 5" 1911 concealed and I have to stretch to make 5'7". However, I do like the look and feel of a Commander length 1911. Makers are getting better at making the shorty 1911's work reliably, and from what I've read on 1911 forums, a lot of people in the US carry bobbed versions of the type, privately and on duty.

Five hundred rounds of perfect function is regarded as a standard before betting you life on it. That would apply to any gun, not just a 1911. You pays you money - you takes you choice. Don't like it, there's always someone willing to take it off your hands.
 
Unfortunately for us in Kanukistan CCW is a dream only. You will be obviously only shooting at a range so I would go with the 5 inch all the way. I own both and the commander (4.25in) is a little snappier in the recoil plus shorter sight radius. It has been 100% as reliable as my 5 inch 1911.

If I could carry it would be something like a glock 19 anyway.
 
Personally in both sizes I prefer 45acp over 9mm. The experience I've had has shown that it's more reliable. For some reason I have always had reliability problems with 9mm 1911's. I also prefer the feel of the recoil from a 45 over a 9mm, I find it less snappy. As for size if I'm going compact I prefer a cco over a commander. Same sight radius but smaller frame. I find them just as accurate and they still fit my hands very well. If you're getting a cco or a commander I prefer the feel of the carbon steel over the lightweight versions as they soak up the recoil better. Here's a comparison between a colt cco and a colt commander.

DSC02628.JPG
 
I prefer full size since we are not allowed to carry anyway. I sold my STI Ranger 2 9mm - fantastic gun but it actually felt similar to my .45 in full length. I have shot full size in 9mm... very soft shooting and much more accurate. But hey - this ain't gonna be your only gun is it?
 
gopher73 said:
I can appreciate these comments for a "true" 1911, aka: 45 ACP. However, I think I've also read that in a smaller calibre, such as 9mm, the shorter 4.25" is the way to go and what I'm considering as well. Any thoughts on 1911 in 9mm? Please don't say a 1911 9mm is pure heresy....
Click to expand...

A 9mm 1911 is pure heresy.
 
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