1911 CCW advice respectfully requested

[rx.tx]

I spend too much time on these forums now! Gotta love it though. So here's my predicament:

I've been shopping Kimber 1911's for my .45 CCW needs. I've come to love what I see in the Kimber Super Carry Ultra HD:
Kimber America | 1911 Super Carry Ultra HD

Thing is, that's a $1300-1400 pistol. That's only a few hundred under the H&K Mk23 that I dream about! Hell, that's a Beretta 90-Two 9mm AND a H&K P30LS V1 .40!

So here's my question to those of you who know: for $1350 should I be looking into a different 3"? Maybe an entry-level carry from a different manufactuer such as a lightly used Wilson/Nighthawk/etc.?

I've shot many 1911's including Kimbers, and the Kimbers certainly did shoot well. Whether or not "shooting well" is worth twice the price of Para's and other 3" 1911's is a mystery to me. Any quality comparison opinions?

Why can't I be into learning foreign languages or knitting or something cheap?! God I love guns.

[17Spatriot]

I would never spend that much on a 3", period.

[djpaintles]

Are you completely sure you want to CCW a cocked and locked 1911?

[ahairymole]

I CCW fullsize 1911's daily but for $1300 I would rather pick up a TRP.

[eddie gunks]

i CCW a Colt officers model for 20 years (yes, cocked and locked). it is an awesome gun. you should be able to find one for under $1000.....i just looked. colt is making one called the "new agent" looks to have a list price of around $800.

FWIW i just retired my 1911 as a carry gun and use the FSN. lighter and larger capacity. for my summer gun i still go to my colt 380 pocketlite.

[Furyataurus]

What about an HK45C?

[mrcharlie]

I would not trust a 3" 1911 style for CCW, they are notorious for poor reliability. Go with Government or Commander.

[rx.tx]

Thank you folks for all the input. I'm looking into your suggested alternatives now.

I just love 1911's. I love the way they feel in my hand, I love the way they look, and well there's just nothing I don't like about them. Like boobs. 1911's are like boobs to me.

I've read in many spots that 3" 1911's are bad compared to 4" 1911's. I've also read reviews from many folks who love their 3" 1911's. I haven't seen any realistic data from either party though, so it's a bit tough. I have shot 3" and 4", and the 3" does kick a bit more, but it was completely manageable.

[s4mur41h4x0r]

I disagree with those who discredit the merit of the 3" 1911. I CCW a Colt Defender and it is an amazingly well built firearm that I trust my life to and have been carrying ever since I got my CCW. In addition to that it is very comfortable and I dont even realize it is there most of the time. 8 rounds of .45acp, hell yes! As to it being less accurate than a 4", hmmm I would have to say that the difference is not inaccuracy it is in the fact that the trajectory is different out of a 3" barrel. Let's put it this way, both myself and my dad can hit a bullseye at 25 yards. Granted I doubt I would ever have to shoot one that far away, but it was more of a "I betcha I can" type of thing.

Personally I would highly recommend the 3" 1911 to an experienced user, but a polymer or revolver to noob's..

As for quality/cost, in my book Colt beats out Springfield and Kimber every time and I only paid $800 for my defender and it is very tight and well made and the hogue grip makes it much easier to shoot. I own 4 Colt 1911's two 3" and two 5" Love them! I would NEVER pay that much for a Kimber...

http://www.coltsmfg.com/Catalog/Colt...derSeries.aspx

You WONT be disappointed.

[oregonreloader]

If price is your concern why not consider a used gun? Usually there's noting wrong with them and you can pick one up at a significant savings.