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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.

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.

I very much agree with Skiprr here. The 5" 1911's are a pure pleasure to shoot, and are fine for uniformed duty carry for LEO's.

My first 1911 was a 5" and I carried it extensively off duty. However, the size and weight of that envelope require more accommodations than I choose to make for daily carry today, so I favor the shorter barrels for that purpose.

Each to his or her own, and YMMV.

That is a good point about the shorter grip in the 3 inch. That is the only thing i dont care for. I have toyed with the idea of a 3 inch slide on commander frame.

Kimber now offers a full length grip on a few of their Ultras (3" barrel). They call them "Ultra+".

http://www.kimberamerica.com/1911/cdp-i ... lus-cdp-ii

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.

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.

I have one of those and it's a nice shooting gun.