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Rugerboy50 wrote:Think I'm starting to lean towards a Springfield Loaded 5" Parkerized finish for my 1st one.

It's not going to be a CC piece.

Great input from everyone so far.

Skiprr wrote:

Excaliber wrote:They're surprisingly easy to shoot. My 3" Kimber Ultra Carry almost always surprises folks who try it because the recoil is not at all uncomfortable or difficult to manage.

I use 230 gr. +P Ranger SD rounds, and though snappier than standard 230 gr. FMJ practice rounds, the load is still not uncomfortable at all, even one-handed, in my 3-inch Kimber.

Rugerboy50 wrote:A co worker says to truly appreciate a 1911 you have to get a 5" barrel 1st.

I didn't own any 1911-format pistols that weren't 5-inch barrels until 2007, so I kinda know where your purist friend is coming from. However, I think your purchase needs to be purpose-driven. If you want a carry pistol and don't think you want to carry a full-size 1911, then you may be really happy with a 5-inch as a range gun, but it may get left behind as a daily carry in favor of something smaller. If you're wanting something suitable for NRA pistol competition, a 5-inch with an adjustable rear sight will be better.

But as someone else said, 1911s are like potato chips: even with best intentions otherwise, once you have one, you'll want another.

speedsix wrote:...after a short time with a WWI 1911(no A1), I bought a Combat Commander...satin nickel...pretty little thing...and carried that for about 6 years...if I bought another 1911, it'd be a 5" stainless...I like the balance and extra length...I was perfectly happy with the shorter barrel...had a rookie who had the Commander(aluminum frame) and was afraid of the recoil because it was lighter...we'd go out to shoot and he'd shoot mine...I loaded both and held them one in each hand with just thumb and forefinger holding them and emptied them into the target...asked him which one jumped up the most...he admitted neither...and enjoyed his Commander very well since that time...I've never fired a 3"...

AndyC wrote:The difference is hardly noticeable - go with the 4" first time, seeing as you want it anyway.