Teach me the ways of Compact 1911s (Kimber Ultra Carry CDP II, et al)

[nalees]

I saw a Kimber Ultra Carry CDP II w/ the CTC Lasergrips at the last 1500 and fell in love. It was super light compared to other 1911s that I had held, and it looked gorgeous. The price was fairly reasonable at around $950, however I didn't have that kind of $$$ on me.

Anyways, this opened my eyes to a whole new type of carry gun. I know absolutely nothing about 1911s, and I had always thought they were massive in size and weight. Could you guys throw out some other suggestions for guns comparable to the Ultra Carry CDP II in size/weight/reliability? I may keep saving for the Kimber, but if there are other budget-conscious alternatives... well, who am I to say no?

 

[printcraft]

Para Warthog - it's a double stack so you have more rounds on tap.
But I find double stack 45's to be fat gripped.
Para USA, High-Quality Handguns: Hawg Pistols

Hard to beat the Kimber Ultra though.

 

[furbymac]

i believe i saw a springfield compact 1911 once for around 400 but not 100 % sure where it was

 

[IndyMonkey]

It was light because the frame is Aluminum.

 

[wtfd661]

My first 1911 (but not my last or only one ) was a Kimber Tactical Ultra II that I bought over 4 years ago, and has been my EDC since. It's a great gun. It also has an aluminum frame and is easy to CC and has been uber reliable (zero issue since day one). They can be expensive, but to me are worth it. My opinion is to save up and get what you want, but there are other manufacturers and models in the Ultra or compact syle. See if you can get an opportunity to shoot one and see how much you lke it.

 

[60Driver]

By all accounts the Ultra Kimbers are VERY good small 1911's. With a short slide 1911 you probably want to save and get quality as this design (Officers length slide)requires good quality control to ensure reliability. I have read good things about the new Colt Defender but have no personal experience. Another option is a "CCO" (Kimber calls this "compact") type pistol, commander slide (4.25) on a smaller Officer's fame. This gives you a little more slide for reliabilty, velocity and sight radius with the concealability of the short Officers frame. Good friend swears by his!

 

[Joe Williams]

Since you said "budget conscious alternative," I'll mention that the Rock Island Armory compact 1911 is well worth a look. Not as pretty as the more expensive guns, I think the RIA 1911s are some of the best "bang for the buck" guns on the market today.

 

[subtlesixer03]

just save your money for the kimber or a para. you will save yourself a lot of money down the road by doing so. if you have never fired one find one to shoot from a friend. compact 1911 that are light weight pack a punch and have heavy recoil compared to full size one. i you can handle compact glock 45s you should be fine though. also make shure you dry fire practice to remeber to flip that safty off.

 

[airmotive]

I carry a Colt New Agent. My wife carries a Colt Defender. Both with CT laser grips and loaded with PowRBall 165 grain +P.

Both guns were occasionally picky about hollow point ammo, but have never had a single issue with feeding any ball ammo... Hence the move to the PowRBalls. Also, by the time you stuff the weapon with eight rounds, the difference between 165grain bullets and traditional 230 grain becomes noticeable....especially on the Colts' aluminum frames.

Both weapons are easy to shoot. I'm not sure about shooting all day with the +P Powrballs, 'cause at a buck per round, a day at the range would put you in the poor house pretty quick. But both the wife and I have put several hundred rounds downrange in a single sitting without drama or pain. Both weapons are also very easy to break down and clean.

The New Agent is much easier to conceal than my Glock 19. The basic dimensions are about the same but the 1911 is probably 1/3 thinner, making IWB carry much easier. Of course, you trade off round count for that thinness. However, I carry with the mentality that my weapon is there solely to allow me to escape, not win a gun battle. So I'm okay with having fewer rounds in the magazine. If I were a cop, I'd probably have a different opinion.

I was never and will never be a 1911 fanboy. These two Colts are the only 1911s I've ever owned. I would, however, compare them favorably to any major caliber concealed-carry weapon out there.

 

[Mr. Habib]

If you really like the Kimber, have you thought about getting it without the CT grips? You would save money now, and could add them later.

 

[Eulogy32]

+1 on the CCO setup. With the commander length slide you will gain accuracy, reliability (debatable, I know), and shootability for range days. Kimber makes a CDP Compact that is exactly like the one you saw only it has a 4 inch barrel instead of the 3 inch barrel. Colt has the original CCO, goodluck finding one. And Sig makes two very nice models, C3 and RCS.

Goodluck in your search. You can't really go wrong with any of the suggestions made so far.

 

[nalees]

yea i'm pretty excited to test some out. i think i know what i want for christmas

 

[Indyal]

Nalees, if you are willing to put in the time to care for the ultra CDP and practice, this is a good pistol. By this, I mean that a 3 in will most likely require more checking on acceptable ammo, magazines, proper grip, etc. I had one but decided I had to have a government model and traded it with just some regret. If you do an internet search on various 1911 forums, you read a ton of info that may help in your decision. I did not find the recoil a lot different than a government model but others have said there is considerable difference.

 

[Chaplain]

Kimber Ultra Carry II

I picked up a Kimber Ultra Carry II, w/laser grips, on impulse a few months back. NO REGRETS! In fact, it became my new everyday carry. It's a real BLAST to shoot! Especially when held high and tight to the chest sighting via laser. There is a big difference in felt concussion up close vs. at arm's length!
Is it a tack driver? NO, BUT WHO CARES! It is surprisingly accurate and at typical defensive distances it is downright deadly.
I love my 9mm's for CC but the narrow grip of a single stack .45 combined with the small overall size of the Ultra Carry II makes it easy to conceal and a delight to carry.
Just my opinion...

 

[NHT3]

A SIG RCS might also be an option.. Officers frame with a 4 " barrel.. You should be able to get into a nice one for around 800.

 

[AutoMovt]

Save up for the Kimber you won't regret it. Quickly after purchase and the first range day my Ultra Carry II became my primary CCW.

 

[Cowboy1629]

I have the Ultra CDP II that I put the CT laser grip on later and it has been an outstanding carry gun. Has shot everything from lead SWC to the high dollar carry ammo without any reliability issues. Can't say that about my out of the box Colts in years past, always had to have the ramps polished or tuned up to shoot everything consistently. Kimber makes a nice weapon.