Got a holster - need something to put in it.

[Broge5]

Because of my daily attire, slacks and tucked in shirt - jacket when cool weather, I have decided on a kangaroo holster. It is very comfortable and conceals what I want well.

Now that I have the holster, I need some heat. I would like some thoughts on what I have narrowed down as my final (currently) choices.

I have been swayed toward the 1911's that are thinner and more easily concealed. I am partial to the Kimber Ultra (CDP most likely) or the Springer Micro Compact. The Springer is a little thinner. Have not shot either.

Also, I am considering the 4" barrel, but would like to hear some opinions - both on the difference in concealing and shooting.

Don't mind breaking one in. Hey, I like to shoot!

Open the flood gates.

[Thane]

Because of my daily attire, slacks and tucked in shirt - jacket when cool weather, I have decided on a kangaroo holster. It is very comfortable and conceals what I want well.

Now that I have the holster, I need some heat. I would like some thoughts on what I have narrowed down as my final (currently) choices.

I have been swayed toward the 1911's that are thinner and more easily concealed. I am partial to the Kimber Ultra (CDP most likely) or the Springer Micro Compact. The Springer is a little thinner. Have not shot either.

Also, I am considering the 4" barrel, but would like to hear some opinions - both on the difference in concealing and shooting.

Don't mind breaking one in. Hey, I like to shoot!

Open the flood gates.

The Springfield and Kimber are the same width, I believe. I think the difference in width you are seeing is in the grip panels. Thinner grips can be obtained for both guns.

With a 1911, width isn't really the main problem; concealing the butt of the gun is. I'd go with a "short" frame 1911 (Officer's frame, as it's often termed). Barrel/slide length is a matter of preference, but given my druthers, I'd take the longer one; it will have a (slight) velocity advantage over the 3" barrel, but the difference in sight radius (and shooter accuracy) is very real.

Personally, I carry a 4" 1911, a Springfield Champion, IWB. Concealing the grip is the hardest part; I've carried a full-size 5" 1911 this way several times.

[Broge5]

Thanks. I appreciate the input.

Now I have come across the Colt New Agent to add to the mix. I know the sight trough will shorten the distance/accuracy, but I hear a lot of good things about Colt, and this is a very concealble little piece.

Would like to hear from anybody with one.

[NcongruNt]

I'll have to agree with Thane on the barrel length. You'll generally shoot a longer barrel more accurately because of the increased sight radius. The butt is the real factor in concealment. I've been eying 1911s for a while, and definitely want to go with a 5". I also have decided on the flat-bottom 7-round mags instead of the extended 8-rounders specifically because the extended mags stick out more and are less concealable.

Currently for carry, I have a Hi-Power and a PA-63. The PA-63 is a much more compact gun than the Hi-Power, but the only reason the PA-63 is any more concealable is the size of the grip/butt. The PA-63 is narrow and single stack as opposed to the double-stack Hi-Power. I carry the PA-63 when I wear a suit solely because the butt of the Hi-Power makes too noticeable a bulge. From my brief encounter with 1911s at Forum Day with my normal Hi-Power holster, they do a much better job of snuggling up flat against you.

I'd recommend going to a shop and trying some different sizes on. I'd even try on a 5" and see how it wears, for perspective. If you have a shop/range nearby with different sizes available to rent, try them out. There have been guns that I was itching to buy, but once I went to the range an shot them, they lost their appeal. Get as much experience as you can with the gun you are looking to buy.

[BoneDigger]

Another option for you...

Consider the Ruger P345. Just as slim as the 1911 and half the cost. Change out the main hammer spring to a 19lb and you're good to go. Spring costs $5 and installs in 5 minutes. These are excellent guns, very accurate, and dead solid reliable.

Todd