barrel length

[Noreaster]

Looking at 45s and I handled a buddies S&W 1911 scandium with 4.25 barrel and really liked the way it felt/pointed. Didn't get a chance to shoot it.  What are your thoughts on 4 inch vs 5 inch.  I've always owned a full 5 inch barrel on my 1911s. I'm buying one for the range and CC.

[1911crazy]

I had a 1911 colt combat commander w/shorter barrel and a series 80 goverment model w/5" barrel.  To me i like the 5" barrel better.  I believe the longer barrel is less on the recoil and easier to handle and shoot thats my opinion after owing and shooting both.  Of course you should shoot one first before buying one.

I'm thinking of going in the other direction too with one of my next 1911 purchases its the 6" barrel.  My reasoning is its just another different 1911 to play with.

Even with my redhawks in 44mag in both the 5 1/2" barrel and the 7 1/2" barrel the 7 1/2" barrel is a pleasure to shoot while the shorter 5 1/2" barrel the recoil really jumps when i shoot it.

[Noreaster]

Never shot a 4 inch and was wondering about that. Went out looking around today. I couldn't believe the prices. S&W was more than the one Colt I found, but they were both up their in prices. I've read good reviews on the Para GI Expert but can't find one on the shelf. Thanks for the reply.

[Bigeasy]

Go to a gun shop, and see how a commander length gun feels in your hand.  I used to own one, as well as 4 full length 1911's, and a 3 inch Kimber ultra Carry.  I like the muzzle heavy balance of the full size guns on the range, but prefer the Commander length for all around carry.  I was surprised by my Kimber Ultra Carry.  It is very accurate, and not at all hard to shoot.  A little more muzzle flip the a full size gun, but that's about it.  The 45 acp is not really a hard kicking round to begin with.  Some people have reported reliability issues with the ultra short barrel guns, though I have not had a problem with my particular gun.  I think a Commander length gun is a good all around choice is you are going to carry.  As far as brand goes, its hard to find a dog these days.  I would stay away from Taurus, from past experience.  If money is a concern, look at the Rock Island Armory guns.  I have over a thousand rounds thru mine now, with no problems at all.  A friend bought one on my recommendation, and has at least 500 or so on his, also without issue.  They can be had for about $350 or so.  Of course, the Kimbers, S&W's, Para's, Springfield's and Colts cost twice that, or more, but are good as it gets.

Larry

[Mikey]

My range gun is a full sized 1911, my cc gun is a 4.25" aluminum framed Commander.  Both are set-up identically.  If I ever sell the Commander I will purchase one of the S&W Scandium 4.25" models.  If you are concerned about the recoil of the Scandium framed S&W please understand that (1) you will never notice it if you ever have to use it (2) it is not that much more or really, any more noticeable at the range than the standard issue sized pistol and (3) if you are at all concerned about it then get some 20 lb recoil springs from Wolffe Springs in Ardmore, Pa., and install them.......HTH.

[Lloyd Smale]

I like them both. A 5 inch for the range is best and a 4 inch for carry

[williamlayton]

Mikey is on point again.
Recoil, for me, only comes into play on small and lightweight snubbies--I guess you could include a PPK sized weapon.
I refuse--at my advancing age--too put up with recoil in range sessions. It just is not fun---OK, I am a wus.
In a full load .45 in a Commander sized weapon or a .40 or a .357sig--recoil is very managable-and a pleasure too shoot.
My norinco is a pleasure too shoot and as is the P220 Sig--both in .45.
9x23 full house loads are easy also.
In Super .38's all are easy.
Some of these LW Officers or smaller are not.
Now I shot some heavy loads in a Smith .327--the 632 frame--and that was pure joy.
Admit what you can handle at the range for fun.
Don't discount that you probably won't notice the recoil in a less than friendly fire situation--whatever is in your hands.
However; In either situation, getting back on target is the same---and that does count on second shots.
Blessings

[Noreaster]

Thanks for the info guys. I'm not concerned with recoil. I currently carry a Glock 33 in 357 sig. I have noticied that it shoots very well, but with the short barrel and sight radius it can be off target very quickly during stress fire. I will be buying the 45 mostly for the range and maybe some fun shoots and didn't know how much the shorter barrel would effect it. My buddy with the commander style S&W loves the gun and I'm trying to get together with him to try it out. I was very surprised when I went looking. He bought the gun about two or three years ago and the price has gone up two hundred and fifty dollars since then. May hold off and look for something used.

[Noreaster]

Haven't seen a Rock Island. I like the price. I don't think the extra ounces and 3/4 barrel length would kill me on belt carry, espicially at that price. Still gotta give the commander style a chance at the range before I make a decision.

Two local guns shops in my area, shelfs are almost bare. Between fears of the current administration and a gruesome home invasion a couple of months ago people are buying fireams at a rate I've never seen before.

[Savage]

I have 1911s in 3-4-5 inch barrels. To me, the 4" is the best balancing of the lot. I shoot the 4" as well as the 5" under normal conditions. My favorite 4" is a Kimber Pro Carry. My one and only experience with the RI Tactical has not been a good one. Recoil is a non issue with any of mine in .45acp, alloy or steel.
Savage

[shvlhead.45]

Have or had 1911s in 5, 4.25, and 3.5 inch.  My 5 inch 70 Series Colt is harder to control then my 3.5 inch Rock Island due to longer and slower recoil pulse IMHO. 

I'm with those above that say the 4-4.25 inch guns.  3.5 inch gun conceals easier though and I feel no handicap with it compared to any of the others and I shoot it more accurately than the others out to 25 yd.

Oh, got the Rock Island due to service my brother got/gets from his shorty Rock Island.  Both his and now mine give absolutely failure free service with everything I've run through it. 

My dream gun is the little Para LDA, the ones I've looked at had the sweetest trigger.

SH.45