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1911 Clone Compact Carry - What to Choose?

LimpyLimpy Member Posts: 7 ✭✭
edited October 2001 in Ask the Experts
Within a reasonable price range (under $650ish), what would be a good 1911 clone for a compact carry with a 3-4" barrel length? This would be a backup to a larger .45 that I own, but I'm looking for something smaller, ie maybe something good for an "inside the pants" holster. I know Kimber makes some very outstanding firearms, and I have heard good things of the reputation of the Springfield 1911's. Charles Daly makes a cheaper priced compact 1911, but I wonder if that lack of cost results in a lack of product? Maybe I should look harder at a real Colt and go with a Defender? Any input on good choices and bad choices or stories of compact 1911'a that have worked great or poorly? Since it's a backup, I'd rather not blow ALL my christmas money on it. All input is very appreciated! Thanks- Limpy [This message has been edited by Limpy (edited 10-17-2001).]
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Comments

  • BigTexBigTex Member Posts: 64 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Kimber Ultra Carry or Pro Carry
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  • cpermdcpermd Member Posts: 5,273 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Older Detonics CompactThe Original Compact 45
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  • royc38royc38 Member Posts: 2,235 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you can find one get the Colt Defender. I own one and it is the very light (I think the lightest) for its size and you still have 7+1 capacity. If you can't find one you might try the kimber. A lot of people swear by them but other than handling one in the store I have no shooting experience with them. A lot of people bad mouth Colts but I quite haven't figured that out. Some of the ones I saw made just before they quit selling to the public looked like their quality standards were a little lower but I have a lot of series 70 and series 80 guns and they are the most fantastic weapons I have ever seen. So to answer your question If you can afford it get a Colt. If they were that bad, nobody would be copying them. And if you notice Colt is still the yardstick. If you can't, try the Kimber. But stay away from the cheap clones. You get what you pay for. Another gun that deserves mention that doesn't cost an arm or a leg is the Star PD. This gun is no longer made but if you can find one reasonably they are worth it (250.00-350.00). Good Luck.[This message has been edited by royc38 (edited 10-17-2001).]
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  • gunny6gunny6 Member Posts: 61 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Look long and hard for the Colt Defender..It`s really a great pistol...
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  • gravediggergravedigger Member Posts: 945 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I personally like the Kiber Pro Carry. A friend of mine bought one recently. Despite my pre-concieved notions of a compact 1911 being inferior, I was pleasantly suprised. Very good handling and recoil wasn't much more than a full size Kimber.-Marcus
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  • gravediggergravedigger Member Posts: 945 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Make that Kimber not Kiber. Typing and drinking again.-Marcus
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  • rg666rg666 Member Posts: 395 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would consider the Para Ordinance P-12. Great gun for the money & in some cases they will give you a pre-ban 12 round mag. Think about it 12 Rounds in a compact 45???? Awesome amount of firepower!! They stand behind their products too. Take a look at the gun on their website. Good Luck whatever you choose. RG http://www.paraord.com/pages/pseries/p1245.html
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