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I'm thinking about picking up a 1911 and have an idea what I'm looking for, but wanted to see what options I have, (and did not know about). What I'm looking for is a compact (officers size) 1911, aluminum frame (stainless slide perferred) that is not a kimber. Ideas? Or am I chasing a pipe dream?

with a 1911 the choice is basicly endless. I have a sprifield loaded coated in black T

I have a Springfield Ultra Compact (3.5" barrel, same as officers). Mine is all stainless, but I believe they make the same model with an aluminum frame. Check it out.

It comes with 6 round mags, but Wilson makes 7 rounders for it with a slim base plate that just barely sticks out (47OCX). That way you can carry 7+1.

Don't be scared of kimber, there great 1911s!

CombatWombat wrote:Don't be scared of kimber, there great 1911s!

eventually...

Kimber's are nice, but the 6+ Month wait on their new models is probably why he is passing on them.

To the OP......
If you could go with a 4" (Commander) instead of the 3.5", there is a nice Springer Lightweight for sale on this board.

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=45312" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Located in College Station.

I thought STI had a setup like OP wants with at least a hard chrome option on slide. But now can't find it on their web site. I have seen an STI Shadow (Austin Gun Liquidators owner's personal carry gun) with a sweet Duracoat type treatment on slide that included removal of the factory "STI Shadow" engraving on the slide (one of my pet peeves about STI is their big gaudy model names on the slide).

I recently purchased a Springfield 1911 Lightweight Champion Operator (4" w/rail) - same model mentioned above that was for sale. It's a great shooter in my opinion. I initiated breakin cycle this weekend and put 100 flawless rounds of Walmart Federal 230 grain through - no issues whatsoever .

The sale price is very good from what I've seen on researching pricing & availability. I too had preference of Stainless and I'm still unsure as to whether or not I'll eventually change this preference. That's the only feature I gave up with this model. Compared to SS Loaded Champion, however, I gained Lightweight design, match grade barrel, rail, and a special teflon-like armor coating (only reason I gave up SS preference).

Good luck in your decision.

I'd go for a commander over the officer personally. I just prefer 1911 that are weighty love my loaded 1911 full sized with parkerized finish. But to each their own good luck with your selection. Happy carrying

AEA wrote:Kimber's are nice, but the 6+ Month wait on their new models is probably why he is passing on them.

To the OP......
If you could go with a 4" (Commander) instead of the 3.5", there is a nice Springer Lightweight for sale on this board.

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=45312" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Located in College Station.

Don't know where the OP is located and I know it's not a new model but Carter's Country in Houston has the Kimber Ultra Crimson Carry II for $1099.00. I've had one for a year and a half and it's operated flawlessly.

If you are not familiar with shooting the 1911 platform....I would suggest going with a larger model for your first one. The officer's model is quite a bit harder to shoot well and many are pickey about ammo.

So far as a brand, in my opinion, you cannot go wrong with a Springer. I have a few SA models including the first 1911 I bought in the mid-1980s. That gun is still my "go to" despite many tens of thousands of rounds it has sent down range.

How much are you looking to spend?

jason237m wrote:How much are you looking to spend?

That's the real question.

Excellent question! I should have included that in my first post. I think I'll be looking in the 1000 dollar range (Mrs. Atxtj wouldn't be real happy if I spent more). I am familiar with the 1911 platform and wouldn't be truely opposed to a commander sized gun, but I'm a small framed guy which makes carrying larger pieces somewhat difficult. Oh and I have no problem with buying used.

I concur with going with at least a 4" length. I've had a couple of the 3" 1911s and have found no disadvantage of going with the longer barrel but have experienced the problems mentioned with the 3" models.