compact 1911 vs full size 1911

[E150GT]

Hello,
It seems I might be getting the 1911 bug. I have only fired a full sized 1911 and only twice. One was a WWII era Remington Rand and one is a newer Springfield Armory TRP full sized. I will probably want a full sized version, but I like the idea of a compact 1911. Is there a huge difference in recoil in a 3" vs a 5" model? I like the looks of the rail-less 1911 from Taurus but I cant get over the huge " PT1911" scratched into the slide. Is there a quality affordable model like the taurus that isnt all engraved to death on the slide? Thanks

[USA1]

Is there a quality affordable model like the taurus that isnt all engraved to death on the slide? Thanks

How bout Rock Island?

As far as size, Why not get something in a commander size.
That way you get the full size grip, frame, and round capacity with a slightly shorter barrel for conceal-abilty.

[speedsix]

...I owned one 1911...then bought a Combat Commander...and carried it for several years on and off duty...if I bought another one, I'd buy a full-size instead...I like the balance better, and the extra barrel hides easily...I do just fine with my Rugers till I see a nice 1911...that bug bites hard...the Springfield Armory MilSpec Stainless would be my choice...I don't understand the difference between the one-piece and two-piece barrels I've heard of with Springfield...might want to check into that...

[Texas Dan Mosby]

There IS a difference in felt recoil, however, it is certainly not unmanageable, and not difficult to grow accustomed to whatsoever.

Supposedly, compact 1911's can have timing issues due to their shorter slides, which can lead to stoppages. Proper spring tension / replacement, and load selection, can help alleviate this issue. I own a Springer ultra compact and haven't had any issues with it, despite the load.

While I carried the compact for a while back in the day, I carry the full size models now because I've shot the begeezis out of them in competition and they are just stupid reliable, give me 8+1 rounds, and are easier to be accurate with than the "mini".

[Zoomie]

Shoot a 3" 1911 and then make your decision, you'll probably end up going with the 5" 1911, unless weight is a significant concern to you.

[G.A. Heath]

I used to carry a Rock Island Armory compact 1911 as my daily carry until I got an Alloy Framed 4" gun that was lighter. There is a slight difference in felt recoil, and the compacts do require more maintenance (more frequent spring replacements) to ensure they remain reliable. Compacts also tend to be a bit pickier about ammo selection although my RIA has never cared what it was fed, even with a broken recoil spring.

[68Charger]

I was || this close to buying a rock island 3.5" over at the gun show. It felt actually heavier than my government 1911. The mainspring housing was also digging into my palm. When I purchased the P238, it was the same thing, but it didn't feel as a bad as the RIA 3.5. I would definitely get a commander now that I actually sat down and played with them. Longer handle is a must. I'm looking for a extended mag for the P238 because of this. See how that flies.

Good luck on choosing. You should rent one at your local gun range, or ask a member in your area if they don't mind lending it to ya for the day.

[G26ster]

I have large hands, and I get all 3 fingers on the grips for both my SA 3 1/2" bbl and my Colt 3" bbl. Obviously only 2 fingers on the P238. I found no advantage to the grip with 4" bbl 1911s, but that's just me.

[gigag04]

Sub Commander length 1911s introduce a whole host of timing issues. Teddy Jacobson recommends using the lightest bullet possible. The barrel is so short that you get no muzzle pressure with 230s. They can run right but can take work. Not a good choice for a 1st 1911 IMO. Commander's are the bomb however.

[G26ster]

Sub Commander length 1911s introduce a whole host of timing issues. Teddy Jacobson recommends using the lightest bullet possible. The barrel is so short that you get no muzzle pressure with 230s. They can run right but can take work. Not a good choice for a 1st 1911 IMO. Commander's are the bomb however.

Teddy's the man, so I must be real lucky as mine run "right."

[gigag04]

I was going to have him tune my defender but I vacated the 3" platform altogether and just have governments an commanders. I'm going to send my commander to him soon, since he is limiting his work.

[Commander Cody]

I guess I am just “different”, but my favorite gun to shoot is a 3” Kimber.

[Pete92FS]

I guess I am just “different”, but my favorite gun to shoot is a 3” Kimber.

Same here. I never carry my full size 1911; it stays in the night stand or goes to the range. I've had the 3" Kimber for about a year and a half now and have never had a problem with it. It's fun to shoot and just about as accurate as the full size; plus it's a lot easier to carry.

[alvins]

i have 2 smith wesson 1911's they are good shooters.

not a big fan of kimber but most people only conside a colt a "real" 1911.

i think the compact 1911 is expensive for what you get.

[The Annoyed Man]

I've never had any reliability issues related to ammo selection in my 3" Kimber. I haven't been real good about keeping track of round count because I have no intentions of ever selling it, but the count is likely somewhere between 1500 and 2000 now. The only reliability issue of any kind at all that I've ever had with it were caused by a faulty slide stop lever when it was brand new. Kimber replaced the part within a few days, and it has been flawless ever since, shooting 230 grain ammo from day one.

The primary argument against heavy bullets in a 3" 1911 isn't any mechanical issues, it is the velocity of a heavier bullet in a shorter barrel. You face the possibility of making the same kind of ammo choice compromises that a revolver shooter makes when carrying a snub nose over a 6" barreled revolver. Personally, I'm more comfortable with big slow bullets than light fast ones, and I am satisfied that commercial 230 grain self defense ammo still exits a 3" barrel at greater than 800 fps, and that makes it adequate to the task at hand. Since my 3" gun functions perfectly with the heavier bullets, and since the recoil is not even close to severe, I am perfectly comfortable carrying and shooting 230 grain bullets in that gun — which also simplifies my ammo picture for my other .45 ACP guns.

Perceived recoil is only marginally more stout on the alloy framed 3" Kimber than on my steel framed 5" Springfield. There is a difference, but it isn't dramatic. The main thing that I notice between the two pistols is the shorter sight radius on the 3" gun.

I hope that helps.