[Gojubrian]

Is the grip length an issue for larger handed guys?

[Sarge43]

I'm a big guy with big hands (6'3" and a solid 265. I like the gym) and a standard officers grip length isn't a problem for me. The only officer frame I had for a long time was a Kimber Ultra Carry. The secret to total comfort that I have found is in a DW CCO and a Bill Wilson Carry as both of them have a slight (about 1/4" radius) round to the very bottom corner of the butt. You wouldn't think it would make much of a difference, but that along with rounded grips makes the shorter frame a real joy to shoot. If you get the chance, try to handle one and you'll hopefully see what I mean.
Good luck!
Sarge

[canebrake]

Yes......NO.....Uh.......maybe.

I had to have a 3" mouse 45 ACP so I got me a Colt Defender. Oops, thought I had made a big mistake!

First I thought I should have got the Detonics Combat Master, then lamented that I by-passed my mantra of get a Combat Commander w/4.25 barrel.

Couldn't get on paper at 10m, had numerous FTF & FTE issues and felt noobie hopeless my first two outings. Then a range officer ask me if this was my first time to shoot an ultra? Yep and then began my lesson on shooting a mouse gun!

Bottom line, the 3" 45 ACP DOES NOT SHOOT like a 1911!

It takes some change and if you've never limp-wristed a hand gun before you may just be like me and find yourself a tad light in the loafers when shooting one!

I know, I know, just answer the question cane.

YES, I initially found the compact/ultra 1911 a difficult pistol to hold, but like the shooting/accuracy issue, easy to overcome.

Here's how I overcame the length problem, make it fit;

The addition of a Smith & Alexander arched MSH w/mag-guide. This forces the hand high into the grip safety and behind the barrel. Oh yea, not to mention the additional length.



Then get yourself a couple of Tripp Research 8 round Cobra Mags. The extra length provides your pinkie a place to grip/rest resulting in a sure purchase of the compact/ultra.

Tripp Research, Inc. (877) 837-9445 and ask for Aaron.

Plus the extra round gives me 8 + 1 Hornady 45 ACP+P 230 gr HP XTP® TAP® FPD™

[crockett007]

Originally Posted by Gojubrian

Is the grip length an issue for larger handed guys?

Short answer is "Yes". Like Canebrake, I opted for an extended magwell and ACT Mags with a pad. The BT safety helped as well:

[Shihan]

My hands must not be as big as thought, my Kimber UCII feels fine, but after handling it, now, I guess extended mag well would give a little better feel.
Never gave much thought until question was raised, great more money to spend.

[crockett007]

Originally Posted by Shihan

My hands must not be as big as thought, my Kimber UCII feels fine, but after handling it, now, I guess extended mag well would give a little better feel.
Never gave much thought until question was raised, great more money to spend.

That's why we love the 1911 platform.......

[Gojubrian]

I guess the concensus is to lengthen the grip of a compact 1911. After stopping by and handling a 1911 with a compact grip I can understand why. I think I'll opt for a commander frame 1911. Thanks.

[BCOWANWHEELS]

CANEBRAKE,
I really like your defender in fact its the nicest one i,ve ever seen. did you do the custom work on it. the polish job is super too..... i just got a defender 2 days ago and you,ve inspired me......
bob