TexasCHLforum.com

+ 1 on all the comments. For obvious reasons your CCW has to be be 100% reliable . The 3" -31/2" barrel 1911 could have some initial issues but could easily be taken cared of or tweaked. IMHO, it is because the 1911 design was based on a full-sized frame not on a compact or subcompact..I have a 1991A! Colt Compact and I love it after a few trips to the gunsmith but in all reality the only thing it needed when it was "not realiable for carry yet" was a set of good mags and a few hundred rounds. Just like most 1911 lovers, I ended up up installing upgrades that looked good and functioned well but unnessesary. I too, have heard a lot of good things about the Rock Island Armory Compact. I have two Rock Island full size 1911 myself and I have became a believer and a big fan..Might be something to consider.
Here is a pic of my Colt Compact and good luck on your search..