[NGIB]

Ok, I know many people that pack a full-size 1911 every day. While large and heavy - they are also very thin and carry well. The very short barreled 1911s are very finicky and can be temperamental. The bottom line:

Research is a good thing; however, there is NO perfect gun that does everything well for everyone. I actually carry a very small Sig P238 in .380 most of the time. It suits my normal mode of dress and is easy to carry & conceal. I have lots of pistols to choose from, including 5 different 1911s, but the little Sig is convenient so I carry it...

[willfully armed]

I carried a Kimber pro carry II for quite some time. Stupid accurate with a sweet trigger. And they are thinner than most normal carry guns.

1911's come in 3-6'' barrel lengths.

The Kimber ultra carry is a 3" and it shoots just as well as the 4" pro carry.

That Sig 238 is a superb mouse gun. I usually tuck mine in the watch pocket of my jeans.

Avoid milspec and GI models unless you plan on customizing it.

[Owl1024]

Originally Posted by willfully armed

I carried a Kimber pro carry II for quite some time. Stupid accurate with a sweet trigger. And they are thinner than most normal carry guns.

1911's come in 3-6'' barrel lengths.

The Kimber ultra carry is a 3" and it shoots just as well as the 4" pro carry.

That Sig 238 is a superb mouse gun. I usually tuck mine in the watch pocket of my jeans.

Avoid milspec and GI models unless you plan on customizing it.

From what I've read about Kimber so far, I like the Ultra Carry (or is it Ultra Carry II?). Thanks for the info. about available sizes.

[Owl1024]

Is the Para GI Expert available with barrels shorter than 5 inches?

[willfully armed]

Originally Posted by Owl1024

Is the Para GI Expert available with barrels shorter than 5 inches?

I dont think so.



There are tons of solid options in the 3 and 4" size, just google them.

Ive shot the Kimber 3&4's and know them to be reliable and accurate.

I carry a HKUSP9C every day, they cost a little more, but look into the HKUSP45C.


$615 HK USP-C 45 compact H&K USPc Var 2 left hand : Semi-auto at GunBroker.com

[Owl1024]

Originally Posted by willfully armed

I dont think so.



There are tons of solid options in the 3 and 4" size, just google them.

Ive shot the Kimber 3&4's and know them to be reliable and accurate.

I carry a HKUSP9C every day, they cost a little more, but look into the HKUSP45C.


$615 HK USP-C 45 compact H&K USPc Var 2 left hand : Semi-auto at GunBroker.com

That HK looks SWEET...and not outrageously more expensive than my price range...just means I'll have to save a few more pennies & be patient before I buy. Thanks!

[orangello]

If you decide to go itty bitty, look at the lil Kahr pistols. I've yet to own one, but the .40 i fondled was sweeeeeet.

[Owl1024]

Originally Posted by orangello

If you decide to go itty bitty, look at the lil Kahr pistols. I've yet to own one, but the .40 i fondled was sweeeeeet.

Actually, the more research I do online, the more I lean toward a 5-inch pistol. Any advice/comments/recommendations concerning pistols with a 5-inch barrel?

[orangello]

You should really get to the range & rent or borrow some pistols to narrow things down. I have the 5" XD45 & like it; if you are going to be concealing often, consider the slimmer guns like the 1911.

[Don Davis]

You should look at this .45

EAA Witness Match Elite



Fantastic shooter I paid $549 for it.