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1911 Barrel Length

Emb145Emb145 Member Posts: 7 ✭✭
edited November 2001 in Ask the Experts
At the gun range I heard an opinion that 1911-type pistols should have a barrel length of at least 4 inches for proper functioning. I've been considering Para-Ordnance's C7.45LDA Companion, which has a 3 1/2" barrel. The other option would be their C7.45LDA CCW, which has a 4 1/4" barrel. However, the CCW does not have the full beavertail or exposed hammer, which for some reason I can't seem to get past. I realize they are just cosmetic on the LDA, but that is what I prefer. Anyone out there with experiences with the shorter 1911 barrels? This firearm would have to be totally reliable. Thanks for any replies.
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Comments

  • Emb145Emb145 Member Posts: 7 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Had some really great info to feed on on my last note. Thanks everyone. Here's my next question.The 1911, in it's original form (5 inch barrel) is a work of art. I believe the .45acp works great with this barrel length. How well does it work with the shorter barrels? Does it lose it's effectiveness greatly? Should a guy use, say 200gr hollowpoints with a shorter barrel than, say, 230gr Hydra's when using a 5 inch to keep the velocity up? How hard is it to conceal a full-size?I really like the full-size, but the compact models sure look good too. With the info provided earlier, I am thinking of a Kimber Custom or Royal, or, a ParaOrd LDA series. A friend of mine owns a PO LDA and absolutely loves it. I hope to shoot it this weekend.These forum's are great. Thanks again for the info.....
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  • kaboomkaboom Member Posts: 75 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    All mine are 5". I had a 4 1/4" Commander once, and I couldn't tell any difference in the way it took down bowling pins. A friend of mine has a 3 1/2" Colt lightweight officer's model which he likes very much. He says it makes bigger exit holes in wet phone books with 185 grain SXT hollowpoints than with the heavier bullets. We haven't chronographed it, but I have read that the short barrels lose about 100-150 fps from the 5" barrels. For 230 grain bullets that means not much over 700 fps which isn't enough to open up a hollow point. I would go with 185 grain Silvertips if I carried a shorty .45. They will expand at almost any speed. I don't carry a 1911 so I can't say how hard it is to conceal. They are quite thin and flat though compared to some of the newer guns, and the alloy frame shorties are pretty lightweight.
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  • punchiepunchie Member Posts: 2,792 ✭
    edited November -1
    Personal choices are Speer GoldDots or Triton QuikShok. The best liability wise would probably be whatever brand your local LEOs use as a duty round.Unfortunatley, I have so much mass of my own (270 @6"4") that I can readily conceal most anything so that has never been a problem to me.
    AN ARMED SOCIETY IS A POLITE SOCIETY
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  • ebeshirsebeshirs Member Posts: 382 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Well, I have a Kimber stainless target (5") and I use it most of the time as my carry gun. I am 5'8" and 180. The secret is an inside-the-waitband holster. The barrel length never comes into play with an IWB holster. Although I have shot extensively a Kimber Ultra Carry (3") and I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. If I had it to do over again (read another $700), I would/will get a stainless ultra carry.As for the "stopping power" of a short barrel, check out this web site : http://pub58.ezboard.com/bthestoppingpowercommunity
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  • gravediggergravedigger Member Posts: 945 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a Kimber Custom (5"). I've shot a friend's Pro Carry (4"). I found the recoil and handling of the Pro Carry to be very good. Not much different than the full size. Now this was only one magazine at the range, but these were my observations.-Marcus
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