| Author | Message | ||
     Macbuell |
Calling all you Gun Nuts that are more knowledgeable than I. I am looking for a 4" 9mm 1911. I like the Springfield EMP but I really want a 4 inch barrel and not a 3 inch barrel. If only there was a 4 Inch EMP I would be all set but there isn't. Anyway, looked at the Kimber Pro Carry II but I have heard awful things about Kimber. STI makes some options that look interesting but they can get pricey and I don't know much about them. The other problem is they are so hard to find that no one rents them so I will be buying without shooting before hand which always makes me nervous. Anyway, does anyone own a 4" 9mm 1911? Anyone have any recommendations? Thanks in Advance. | ||
| Nillaice |
look at what rock island armory has to offer | ||
| Buellish |
Mark,I don't know if this will help but my cousin owns Bulleye gun shop and indoor range in Lawrenceville.I've heard they rent what they sell.I haven't seen Randy for 32 years so I can't get the good buddy discount for anyone,but it might be worth a call and a trip over there. http://www.bullseyeindoorrange.com/ | ||
| Macbuell |
I checked out Rock Island. They have a 3.5 Inch 9mm that might work. Anyone know anything about Rock Island's 1911's? Good? Bad? Thanks, Mike. I might check out that range. | ||
| Rick_a |
Good for the money, though unremarkable. Kimber had some dark times while they were in a period of growth. They're G-T-G these days. | ||
| Mtnmason |
RIA is bottom of the line. Everyone at the range will turn their nose up at it. Only thing i see wrong with Kimber is the price tag. They are nice but your gonna pay. The EMP is a pistol i personally would LOVE to own. Again, pricey but worth it. If it has to be 4" 9mm check out Iver Johnson. Reasonably priced, quality fit and finish but i cant say i've heard anything about their reliability. Only shot one once. I've considered their "Thrasher" in .45 as a cheaper alternative to the EMP. All the advice I have not being a big 1911 guy. Let us know what you decide upon. | ||
| Sifo |
Here's my 9mm 1911...  http://www.stiguns.com/the-sti-range-master/ Great gun made in the USA. Not a cheap one, but you have to see it to appreciate some of the details that you get at that price, and it's one of the few guns that IMO opinion don't need a trigger job once you get it. I'm guessing you are looking for a carry weapon though, so this probably isn't what you are looking for. Still STI makes models suitable for that too. As far as the 9mm part goes, I learned some things after getting mine. 9mm ammo is slightly shorter than .45 ACP that the 1911 was designed around. This creates a situation where the 9mm has a slight tendency to fail to feed sometimes. Mines a target gun to me and I reload everything that goes through it, and found that setting the bullet slightly longer has helped tremendously. I seldom get feed problems now that I figured that out. You can't do that with factory ammo though, so I would want to have shot a whole bunch of your favorite, expensive self defense ammo through it before I would trust it as a self defense gun. I do shoot unjacketed lead bullets though and they will tend to hang up on feed ramps easier than jacketed bullets, so it may not be as bad with factory ammo. I have a friend who also has/had a 9mm 1911 who had the same feed problems. He also loads his own lead bullets. He solved his problems by changing it over to a .38 Super. I found out that this is a popular option for those who want a reliable 1911 that makes a 9mm hole. It might be an option if you really want smaller holes. I guess what I'm getting at is, why a 9mm? It doesn't make the gun smaller to carry, and a 1911 is great in a .45. My experience at this point would make me hesitate on a 9mm 1911 defensive gun. Some may find theirs to work flawlessly though, but enough have had enough problems to suggest longer than standard 9mm loads or the .38 super. | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
I'm a bit surprised that more companies aren't making more 9mm-40cal 1911's. The picking's really get slim with the 4". If I'm wrong, somebody will correct me, but I thought Colt makes the Commander 1911 in 9mm with a barrel length of 4.25". I haven't seen one at the gun shop where I work, so I can't verify or give a price, but If I were to guess, probably right around 1100. | ||
| Sifo |
The .40 is even shorter than the 9mm. I would guess feed problems would be even worse. | ||
| Macbuell |
I think there is really no point of making a .40 1911. The 9mm is primarily for people that are looking for less recoil. That is primarily why I want one ... for the less recoil and something that my wife will like to shoot. If you are comfortable with a .40, you might as well just stick to the 45 ACP. | ||
| Macbuell |
The more I think about it and the more research I do, the more I think I might just go with the EMP. It was designed around the 9mm cartridge so you don't have to worry about the feed issues mentioned by Sifo. It also has been tried and true and has awesome reviews. I think my wife will just have to do with the slightly higher recoil of the 3" barrel. It will still shoot and feel better than any polymer with a 3 inch barrel. | ||
| Buellhusker |
Have you looked at a Browning High Power? | ||
| Macbuell |
No, I haven't looked at High Power. I really want a 1911 | ||
| Mtnmason |
You're gonna love the EMP I'm sure. The .40 barks a bit louder but if that's what you're trying to get away from then the 9 should suit you well. Gives us a range report if you do decide on the Springfield | ||
| Blks1l |
The STI's are built right across the street from the hangar where I work, they are some nice fire arms. | ||
| Ninefortheroad |
"The more I think about it and the more research I do, the more I think I might just go with the EMP. " I wanted to suggest the EMP but you said 4" and think you are spot on with the EMP! Just in case you want to go the other way to 5"... I have a RIA in 5" and for the money and effectiveness, they are a solid weapon. Don't really care who "turns their nose up" on it. It is a bargain classic GI style 1911 accurate and the trigger is decent too ) | ||
| Aesquire |
2 questions. 9mm makes sense for the recoil sensitive, especially in a steel 1911. ( or even an alloy Commander ) 1. Why the 1911? If for the better half, is she trained on the 1911? ( a really good reason to want that platform ) 2. Why 4"? A Commander, 4 1/4" size is common and can use old school recoil spring guides so you can clean without tools. ( Guide rods may be peachy, but 100 year old tech still works without allen wrenches ) Para-USA makes 2 of it's LDA variants in 9mm in 3.5 & 3" models. It's different than a single action 1911, and for that reason you might not want it. http://para-usa.com/2013/firearms/lda/ldaCarry.php http://para-usa.com/2013/firearms/lda/ldaOfficer.p hp Nighthawk Custom makes a very well reviewed Ladyhawk in 9mm. Done in collaboration with Richard Heinie, it has excellent sights and ergos for a smaller hand. Only downside is the high price. http://www.nighthawkcustom.com/pistols/heinie-mode ls/lady-hawk.html If you go for the EMP, please report back on it. I'm quite curious. | ||
| Aesquire |
Rick_a, I see a lot of Kimbers used in shops, and thought they were decent. I don't haunt the 1911 forums so I suppose I missed this. New built is fine? | ||
| M1combat |
Kimbers are fine. I'd even say "good" for the money. That said... I got my 5" for $585 brand new  . You just gotta know somebody. To my point though. If your girl is in need of less felt recoil then she needs a 4.5-5". Also... a 1911 isn't for someone who doesn't have a very good grasp of firearms safety. The grip safety could easily get activated in a purse, and a 1911 trigger isn't exactly itching to not get pulled by something. Also... 1911's (unless built with the right spring and safety of course) tend to be very easy to take off safety after a few years. Another reason to not have one in a purse. If she'll carry it in something like this maybe... http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_ id=95 But I'm not sure it's the right choice anyway. I don't know her or her level of proficiency with a firearm... but a 1911 isn't a noob gun. If you really do need an "old" 9mm... the high power is a great choice. (Message edited by M1Combat on September 27, 2013) | ||
| M1combat |
Sifo... Why wouldn't you carry that STI? Rear sight? Too pretty for you  ? | ||
| Reepicheep |
Personally I think 45 recoil is more comfortable than 9mm recoil. 45 is more of a push, which isn't so bad. 9mm is more like a whack on the knuckles with a ruler. The nice thing about 9mm is magazine capacity. I got to use a Beretta 9mm (basically a stainless version of m9). I'm a 1911 guy, so I was looking forward to hating it. I failed miserably, and loved the gun. Great magazine capacity with cheap easy to find magazines and ammo, accurate, insanely reliable, and a cheap semi auto. I wouldn't want to have to carry it concealed on my person, but for situations other than that it's a go-to gun. | ||
| Sifo |
IMO, it's just not a great choice for carry. The size is a big factor, but some might find it reasonable to carry a full size 1911. Not me. Then you have reliability issues. It's built with much tighter tolerances than a 1911 was designed for. That's great for accuracy, but it's not tolerant of being dirty. Daily carry guns get dirty. Yes, the rear sights. Lots of ways to snag everything on that sight. Also I've found that it's possible to bump the sight down on the spring action and have it stick. It's only happened once, and pops right back up when prodded, but that's not my idea of something that I want to hinge my life on. Then of course, there's the reliability issue I brought up in my first post. It doesn't bother me for target use, but it isn't quite 100%. This of course may vary with each individual gun, but it's my understanding that the 1911 design just isn't quite right for the 9mm round. I'm afraid I'm not knowledgeable enough to know exactly what the issue is, but I think there's something to it. I read a bit about the Springfield EMP yesterday. I found this line from this review interesting... But the EMP promised to be something special with an action reengineered to function with the 9mm length cartridge. I think it's more than my imagination. I bought this gun to be a target gun though. I'm not unhappy with it at all for that purpose. For a carry gun though, you can save yourself a good chunk of change and get something more suitable for the purpose. | ||
| Macbuell |
When I said 4" I meant 4" or 4.25" so absolutely, a Commander would work. | ||
| Macbuell |
I'm reassessing. I think I might just get her a Springfield XDM Compact 3.8" 9mm. The big question I have about that is will the double stack handle be comfortable for but I should be able to rent the XDM. And then I will get myself a Commander 1911 some time in the future. (Message edited by macbuell on September 27, 2013) | ||
| Reepicheep |
My local shop let me see a cool little polymer Ruger .380 that fit beautifully in a wallet holster. $300 or something. If I had the money, that would be my CCW gun (which is carry always and probably never use). Now if I needed some sort of duty gun and was somebody who had to head towards the sounds of the guns, I don't think I would consider a carry piece smaller than an AK-74, with a SIG P220 or Baretta M9 as a backup. And a Tarus PT-22 wedged someplace not mentioned in polite society. (Message edited by reepicheep on September 27, 2013) | ||
| Preybird1 |
I like the 1911 kimber ultra carry2. Here is mine......i have had it for like 9 years.  more knock down power and conceal-ability!! | ||
| Aesquire |
Reepicheep, Walther is now making the PPKs in .22 in America. Might consider that for a last ditch carry. Also, the Ruger LC9 is worth a look. More power. ( Tim Taylor grunting ) They are now making it in a .380 version, LC380, that makes it far easier to use than the LCP ( .380 ) it's just under an inch bigger length & height. The LC9 is, as you say, a daily carry a lot shoot for skill, ( not plink all day ) as it is on the small side, more recoil & tougher handling. I'm of the opinion you should be very good with what you carry, which means you have to shoot it often enough. ( Monthly? ) If you buy a few spare mags, you use the one carried in the gun for that last mag load of full power rounds ending your practice. ( this programs you to the feel of the carry ammo ) Then allow that mag to "rest" for a month and load up another tested & proven good mag for the next months carry. Probably unnecessary with modern springs, but not a bad idea. Won't argue with the rest of your choices, though I may make different ones. The Kimber Solo, Sig, Taurus, etc. there are a lot of good tiny 9's out there today. Tech gun geek details are both practical and subjective. Where the switches are and how they work is a big part of working the gun. And what works for me might not fit your hands right. Macbuell, I've heard good things about the XDm's, check out the XDs, with a slimmer handle. As I said before, it's about fit. If the fit makes her unhappy, it makes no difference all the gun geek details. There's also a planet full of Glocks out there, and one of them may be perfect for her. Really having her fondle and point them at the store will get you halfway there, then it's off to make noise and see if she really likes it. Often, a compact semi will need a fairly strong recoil spring, maybe too much for her comfort. A lot of guys get their Lady, or Grandma a small .380 with blowback action and springs they can't use. Just not enough hand strength. Ditto with snubby .38s. The smaller frame usually makes the trigger pull too hard for accuracy and confidence. In little revolvers, the Ruger LCR has the best trigger, ( a whole new design, Ruger's Prez observed many women at the trade shows trying out the triggers on snubbys and walking away unhappy. He made trigger pull a priority in the design process, and it's good. ) and some nice recoil reduction. Still a stout kicking puppy for small hands. Don't bother with +p loads in a short barrel light gun. IMHO. A load meant for shorter barrels is wise, like the ones here. http://www.handgunsmag.com/2010/11/16/ammunition_l oads_for_snub_nose_revolvers_111610/ | ||
| Aesquire |
For Reepicheep. http://www.gunsandammo.com/reviews/rugers-lc9-powe red-up-pocket-protection/ The LC9 Might even be a nice choice for Macbuells's Lady. http://www.handgunsmag.com/2013/09/18/tiny-titan-r uger-lc380-review/ | ||
| Reepicheep |
Nice! All I need is an infinite toy budget. | ||
| Aesquire |
Correction. The PPK/s in made in Ulm, not the US, and the frame is zinc alloy, not steel. ( really good zinc alloy, but hey ) So for the purpose of "deep concealment" as proposed, you're probably better off with the Taurus pt-22. IF it's reliable with the chosen ammo. ( and if it's not, the ammo it's reliable with IS your chosen ammo. ) I'm seriously looking at the Ruger LC9. It's hard to "rent" one in NY, and most local shops don't have ranges. The "Handguns Mag" article says recoil isn't bad, so, again, I was wrong about that, though a steel 1911 size gun will, of course, kick less. Kick. Don't mock those who don't like too much. Recoil tolerance is very subjective, and not arguable. I'm comfy with an alloy Commander in .45 with full power loads. I'm NOT comfy with an alloy S&W snubby in .357. Model 29 ( Dirty Harry ) .44 magnum, fine. .44 magnum Garrett hard cast hammers out of an early Ruger Blackhawk.... ow. If your wrist has been broken too many times, or carpal tunnel problems, ( I know a few folk with that issue ) or simply size, ( I wear xl gloves and know ladies I can circle their wrists with thumb & finger.... I don't hand them .44's unless they have proven they can deal. Some can. Some can't, and others can build up to hard kickers, but it takes hard work, and that hard work is NOT shooting a hard kicking pistol, it's the exercise you get from/for Swordplay. ) I have no issues with a Glock 19 even with +p loads. I suppose I'd be fine with the LC9 with standard loads, and my current favorite is Federal's Guard Dog EFMJ. The +p version is LE only, and the standard pressure version will not pass FBI barricade testing, but I actually like it for that since the Guard Dog's purpose is to limit penetration going through walls. And, it will expand. Period. Every time. http://www.handgunsmag.com/2012/01/06/review-feder al-guard-dog-ammunition/ Let the arguing begin. http://www.handgunsmag.com/2013/08/12/10-best-carr y-guns-right-now/ Watch the REAL arguing begin. http://www.handgunsmag.com/2012/10/23/size-doesnt- matter-using-9mm-for-personal-defense/ & wheelguns http://www.handgunsmag.com/2013/04/16/38-special-c artridge-comeback/ With magazine restrictions, and the desire not to leave evidence laying around after a defensive shoot, the revolver is making a comeback. ( not that anyone would leave a crime scene, but no sense littering, right? ) While I very much like a Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 special, it's a rude gun, not all that tiny, and the S&W new polymer Bodyguard or Ruger LCR are much easier to carry. The .38 Special won't pass the new FBI barricade tests either, but unless you have to shoot at people through doors or cars, that's not a big deal. If you DO it's going to be hard to justify in a court of law, and you should have been using, in the words of our Glorious Vice Prez, a shotgun. With slugs, not birdshot. The rest of his advice, shooting through doors and shooting into the air, is felonious and insane. IIRC it was a Texas Ranger at a fancy party where the hostess saw his Cocked & Locked 1911a1 on his hip and asked if he was expecting trouble. "No maam, if I was expecting trouble I'd have brought a rifle". ditto on the toy budget. |
