Emphasis mine. Mind if I ask why?Excaliber wrote:I agree on all points.
I have carried 1911's in all 3 configurations for many years. None of mine are custom guns, and none have received the custom pistolsmith treatment. They've all got some improved parts and a little polishing here and there, but nothing exotic or expensive.
There is no doubt that the 5" versions are the most reliable.
The shorter versions are definitely much more sensitive to on time spring changes and proper cleaning and lubrication. This is not a problem if one pays attention to these things and knows how to do them right. I wouldn't carry a gun that was finicky and prone to failure, but I also don't pick my guns by how much abuse I can give them before they fail because I don't abuse them by neglecting cleaning and lubrication so it doesn't much matter.
That being said, I have no hesitation about carrying a 3" Ultra Carry that has proven itself extremely reliable over the years with around 7,000 rounds through it. It's much easier to conceal under summer clothing and it does everything I need it to do whenever I need it.
I respect Mr. Pincus and think he has much to say that is worth listening to. In this case, I just have to say that his conclusions on the 1911 may not apply to all such guns, because they don't describe my experience with mine.
I've was an Instructor for a lot longer than ten years, I guarantee I've trained a lot more students than he has and I carried a 1911 in combat zones. I carried a G19 or G17 for a while because it was what there was. I carry a 1911 and a Springfield Champion. My choice.
He could not be more wrong about the 1911 and looking at other of his material in the past and talking to professionals in the industry, I don't find he has anything worth listening to. It's an opinion. As is his. His is in complete contravention to the opinions of people that use these tools in the most hostile environments on the planet and have access to any weapon they want.