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Is there much of a diference in muzzle flip between these barrells?

I like the looks of the 4" better than the 5" but i want good control for a 1st time 1911 purchase.

Do i get a 5" get proficient with it then go to a 4"?

Get the gun you want.

The difference in "muzzle flip" (perceived recoil) between 3", 4", and 5" 1911s is negligible, unless you are really recoil sensitive.

AndyC wrote:The difference is hardly noticeable - go with the 4" first time, seeing as you want it anyway.

Andy's advice here is spot on.

A 4 inch barrel is the best compromise in the areas of shootability and carryability. You can't go wrong with this choice. It will do everything the others will do except fit inside the same envelope as the 3 inch - and this is a specialized circumstance need.

For years I had a 5" and a 3" and carried the 3" almost all the time - until I picked up an aluminum frame Kimber Pro Carry 4". That's been my "all the time" gun ever since except for those special circumstances.

If you find you have other needs (or more likely wants) later, you can always pick up one of the others.

Get the gun you want and become proficient with it. You'll be happier and spend less money. And there is really no detectable difference between barrel lengths in my experience. May consider 185 gr SD rounds (I prefer 185 golden sabers) in a short barrel but to each his own.

aggieoutlaw wrote:Get the gun you want and become proficient with it. You'll be happier and spend less money. And there is really no detectable difference between barrel lengths in my experience. May consider 185 gr SD rounds (I prefer 185 golden sabers) in a short barrel but to each his own.

What grain weight do you use for practice rounds?

You need to practice with the same weight you carry, ideally the same round even. Grain affects ballistics, recoil, cycle speed, and POI. A 185 is traveling much faster than a 230g for example. Your sight will only stay zeroed for one load. You can get cheap WWB or other bulk ammo in the grain you want to carry and practice with that. I personally reload and practice with 230g FMJ but carry 230g JHP. The POI is the same in my carry .45. Whatever carry ammo you settle on you need to run a few mags thru to ensure reliable use and POI.

If you're to believe the "experts", the 5" is the most reliable as that's how the Gov't model was built. I personally don't worry about barrel length as that's what is stuck down inside my britches while carrying. It's the grip length that might have some bearing on concealability. All of my 1911's are 5"ers.

It doesn't matter which barrel length you get for your first purchase - you can always get
the other for your 2nd 1911 purchase - you can't have just one :-)

All good stuff.

A co worker says to truly appreciate a 1911 you have to get a 5" barrel 1st.

I kind of see that.

Rugerboy50 wrote:

aggieoutlaw wrote:Get the gun you want and become proficient with it. You'll be happier and spend less money. And there is really no detectable difference between barrel lengths in my experience. May consider 185 gr SD rounds (I prefer 185 golden sabers) in a short barrel but to each his own.

What grain weight do you use for practice rounds?

I shoot both. Usually start and end practice with carry ammo. In between I shoot whatever's cheapest at Walmart. There is definitely a noticeable difference between weights and brands. But the difference is minimal at 7-10 yards.

...after a short time with a WWI 1911(no A1), I bought a Combat Commander...satin nickel...pretty little thing...and carried that for about 6 years...if I bought another 1911, it'd be a 5" stainless...I like the balance and extra length...I was perfectly happy with the shorter barrel...had a rookie who had the Commander(aluminum frame) and was afraid of the recoil because it was lighter...we'd go out to shoot and he'd shoot mine...I loaded both and held them one in each hand with just thumb and forefinger holding them and emptied them into the target...asked him which one jumped up the most...he admitted neither...and enjoyed his Commander very well since that time...I've never fired a 3"...

speedsix wrote:...after a short time with a WWI 1911(no A1), I bought a Combat Commander...satin nickel...pretty little thing...and carried that for about 6 years...if I bought another 1911, it'd be a 5" stainless...I like the balance and extra length...I was perfectly happy with the shorter barrel...had a rookie who had the Commander(aluminum frame) and was afraid of the recoil because it was lighter...we'd go out to shoot and he'd shoot mine...I loaded both and held them one in each hand with just thumb and forefinger holding them and emptied them into the target...asked him which one jumped up the most...he admitted neither...and enjoyed his Commander very well since that time...I've never fired a 3"...

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.

...is there enough to get your fingers on??? I don't like short grips...and don't have a problem concealing full-sized guns...P90 or P97 is my primary...I just didn't see the need for anything shorter than a Combat Commander, but a lot of folks who have the "baby" 1911s love 'em...long as the hole in the barrel's right...it's gotta be good...