I have a Taurus PT1911 and am extreamely happy with the quality, feel, and realiability of this weapon, not to mention the price was great. My question, does Taurus make a shorter version of the 1911 (ala Commander or Officer model type), if so where can I find one, and if not does anyone suggest another brand that compares to the quality that won't set me back $800-$1000?
Springfield makes an ultra compact that compares well with the taurus. About the same price range too. Or you could get an amrscor (sold as either Rock Island, or High Standard) for a bit less money. I went with the HS... I've heard nothing but great things about them and the retail was $450. (got it a bit less at a show) here it is with my new grips
New Finish I also have a Micro-Compact. However I bought it at a local gun shop and paid about 800 for mine. I have had it for about 3 years. Just sent it off and got it hard chromed. When I get a pic of it, I will post it. Looks great. Bob
The Kimbers are nice, but pricey. My son just got one and it's smaller than my Colt Officers SS. It does shoot nice, though. He's put only about 600 rounds through it so far, but nary a hiccup.
The Kimber Compact II falls right at the base of that price range. I've had mine for about 7 or 8 years and the only time it has ever misfed was with my wife seriously limp wristing it. I'm able to drop a full magazine into an 8 inch steel at 50 yards with it too, so it's pretty tight, even after the close to 10k rounds that have been through it. Not bad for the $700 that I paid for it. The Hogue Combats were put on really early as I wasn't accustomed to the muzzle flip on such a short barreled pistol, they really help keep the muzzle down though for quick follow ups. You may want to look at a model that has a checkered front strap or pick up a pair of the Hogues.
I just got in a couple of Charles Daly compact .45's (made by armscor) they are plenty compact with a 3.5" barrel and come with (2) 6rd mags. I priced them at $525 so price isn't too bad. I also have a Rock Island 4" barrel compact priced at $430, so you don't have to pay a fortune to get a small .45
I don't have a whole lot of experience with 1911's, but I thoroughly enjoyed owning a Kimber Pro 10 II .45. I bought it used for $400. They used to sell new for something like $599. It's kind of the best of both worlds between 1911's and Glocks. It has a syntheic frame with a wider grip allowing a double stack 10 round mag, not bad for a Officers size 1911. Some people don't like the wide grip, but I enjoyed mine. Plus, it's a little lighter than most 1911's.
First post here so please be gentle! Bought a 2nd hand Springfield Micro Compact last week from one of the larger local dealers. I got what I consider a good deal as the weapon shows very minimal wear. Haven’t taken it to the range yet. http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=9
