Looking for any sub 5" 1911 info

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

I currently have a Springer 5" 1911 that I had customized and absolutely love it. This gun is my favorite to shoot and carry. I carry it with me everyday. The length and weight are not a problem at all. I have absolutely no complaints about this gun whatsoever. It is my first 1911 and definitely made me a die hard 1911 fan.

I showed my wife the EMP and she absolutely loves it. As soon as funds become available I believe we will be purchasing an EMP in 9mm for her.

Talking about the EMP and shoeing her the EMP made me think about purchasing a sub 5" 1911 for me (AFTER she gets hers) and I was hoping y'all could give me some opinions on yours.

Do you prefer 4.25", 4", 3.5", or 3"? Why?

What is easier to shoot for you a 3"/3.5" .45 or 3"/3.5" 9mm?

How accurate is it?

Is there a noticeable difference in the recoil of the smaller sizes?

Do you prefer the all steel versions? Why?

Do you prefer the lightweight frames?

Is the recoil different in a lightweight frame compared to an all steel frame of the same size?

Do you have a bobtail and does it affect your grip?

Anything else you can think of would be great too. I am looking at Springer and Kimber. I have experience with Springer and have heard nothing but great things about Kimber so would also feel comfortable with them.

[AEA]

I have a 5", 4", 3.5" and 3" 1911.
The EMP 9 is the 3".
A Springer Ultra Compact is the 3.5" (all steel).
A Ed Brown Kobra Carry is the 4" (all steel)
A Ed Brown Special Forces is the 5" (all steel- On Order, 120+ day wait).

All are very accurate with the Browns being the most accurate (tighter fit). You will be pleasantly surprised how accurate the EMP will be!

Yes, the recoil is a bit more in the smaller size .45's but still not as snappy as a 9mm. The .45 is more of a push than a snap.

I prefer all steel because I shoot (some) and carry +P ammo and I feel that it is easier on a steel frame. I carry the Ultra Compact in the Winter and the EMP 9 in the Summer when size and weight really makes a big difference. The larger (and more expensive) guns are for range work and BBQ carry. Not carried on a daily basis because I do not want them sitting in a Police property room forever should I have to use them in a SD shooting.

I even shoot a limited number of +P in the EMP 9 for reliability check and standard pressure for most range work.

The lightweight frames are really good for carry. I would not buy a single 1911 lightweight for range work only. Yes you can tell the difference when shooting, especially +P ammo. Recoil is considerably sharper.

The Kobra Carry is a bobtail and I love it! It does not affect your grip and is great for carry. It is actually easier on your hand during recoil as well. I have forward "Carry Cuts" on mine as you can see in the picture. It is a custom option from Brown.

I have had lots of Kimbers. I really like them in fit/finish but I hate their firing pin block safety systems and no longer own any because of that. Just a personal paranoia. Both of my Springers have the ILS (lock system) removed and replaced with standard mainspring housings.

You have the 5" Springer and if you love it as much as you say, you would really appreciate a step up to a semi-custom Brown/Wilson/Baer. Save your money and get yourself one of those 3 in a 4" model and you will really be hooked!

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

What do you not like about the Kimber's firing pin block safety?

It is funny that you talk about Ed Brown. All the additional parts on my Springer are Ed Brown. If you do not mind me asking, how much was your Kobra Carry?

You said that the recoil on a smaller .45 is not as snappy as a 9mm. What is easier to shoot for you a 3"/3.5" .45 or 3"/3.5" 9mm?

[AEA]

Regarding Kimber (or any) Firing Pin Block, I don't like the addition of parts that can fail and I do not like to be forced to buy a "Lawyer Lock" gun of any kind. I will not even buy new model Smith's with the lock system. I prefer to buy older models without it.

When I bought the KC, Sept. 2008, the MSRP was around $2500.00. Not sure what it is today. You can shop around and get them considerably less (although Brown does not promote this). I paid $2150.00 for mine NIB with no custom options. Just last Month or so I sent the slide back to Brown for the carry cuts and that was 100.00 + 50.00 for slide refinish + shipping both ways. If you are serious about buying one, let me know and I can give you a good Dealer that will give you a excellent price on any Brown, including options you may choose on a special order. You can go to Brown's site and see their order form and options form with MSRP prices.

Any .45 1911 will be easier to shoot than the comparable 9mm as the 9mm is a higher pressure round and that is why it is more snappy. Snappy also means slightly longer to regain sight picture for subsequent follow up shots.

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

Thanks again AEA. I am serious about getting a new 1911 but I will have to wait until after the wife gets hers.

I would LOVE an Ed Brown but that sure is a lot of $$$

BTW those are absolutely gorgeous Kobra, Springer, and EMP you have

[AEA]

Thanks!
It is different with the carry cuts. The new Special Forces 5" I have on order has the carry cuts as well. Along with a recessed slide stop and naked slide (no roll marks). It is the SF-SS-G3 model.

Are you still in Korea or home now?

Thanks for your service!

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

Still in Korea only 28 more days

I certainly envy you and all your beautiful 1911's.

[Skiprr]

Let us know where you'll be in Texas after you return from Korea. Forum members are known for their willingness to go to the range with fellow CHLers and let them try out guns of interest...

[Rex B]

I have an EMP and like it a lot.
But I would suggest you guys also look at the Para PDA/LDA.
I have compared and measured both side-by-side. Despite all the redesign and scaling down SA did on the EMP, the Para is virtually the same size in every dimension. Plus, it has a DA trigger, which I think is important for a carry weapon except for the very few of you that were born with a SA 1911 and have the muscle memory to match.
I have many pistols in 1911 and 1911-style SA, but my carry weapons are almost exclusively DA.