Looking for 45 recommendations

[XinTX]

Love the idea of carrying my 1911, but afraid it would pull my pants completely off given the weight. Currently carry nothing but polymer frames.

Anyone have experience with Para Ordnance or Iver Johnson 1911s? Can find 3" barrels for near my price range.

I carry a 3" 1911 no problem. It's all stainless, so it's heavier than other 3" models. Good gun belt and holster and the pants stay put. It's no problem at all. For $600 you could get an RIA compact, gun belt, and holster. I'd recommend getting a good gun belt REGARDLESS of what you're going to carry. Using a regular belt, I'd get 'droopy drawers' pretty much no matter what I carried. With a gun belt, even a loaded Government model stays put.

[Jumping Frog]

With a gun belt, even a loaded Government model stays put.

Sitting in McDonalds right now with my morning coffee and a 5" Springer 1911 on my gunbelt. My everydaqy carry. A gunbelt makes all the difference.

[RPBrown]

I paid $800 new for a Colt Defender. You could probably find a used one around your price range.