TexasCHLforum.com

Charles L. Cotton wrote:There is a general consensus that anything less than a 5" barrel on a 1911 compromises reliability. The shorter the barrel the greater the compromise. The custom pistolsmith who has been building and modifying my 1911s for 30 years strongly agrees, as do I. I carry a 5" 1911 about 95% of the time and a Colt Commander the other 5%. Except in limited circumstances, it's not much more difficult to carry a 4 1/4" or 5" gun than a 3" subcompact 1911.

All that said, my wife has carried and shot her Kimber Ultra Carry (3" 1911; .45ACP) for many years and it is reliable. I've seen 3" 1911s function flawlessly in CHL classes as well as other classes and even in the PSC IDPA BUG match. I am convinced that the shorter 1911s require more diligent cleaning, maintenance, and spring replacement than do 5" guns, but that's part of the price one pays for carrying a smaller lighter pistol.

My wife's 3" 1911 has malfunctioned, as have every single semi-auto I own. I've seen 3" 1911s malfunction in classes, along with guns made by Glock, SIG, S&W (M&P), Beretta, Colt, Springfield, Bersa and Walther, as well as any other manufacturer I've left out. I've seen far more malfunctions with micro .32s than all others combined.

I do not believe a 3" 1911 is the gun for a 1911 novice, nor do I believe they deserve Mr. Pincus' broad-brush condemnation.

Chas.

Lionman13 wrote:This is mine. I love it, and it's my first EDC. I'm carrying it in a Desantis Sof Tuk. I have an issue though with my pants. They all fit snug with no belt, and I've worn the same size for over a decade. It's going to be expensive to buy new pants, but tuckable and IWB are a must.

Shield 9mm.