Light weight 1911

[O'Dell]

Does anyone other than Taurus and SIG make a light weight 1911, ie alloy frame. I have a SIG 1911 C3, which is a fine pistol, but I'm looking for another brand. I just made a deal to sell my 24/7 c 45 today, and due to their hit or miss QC, I probably won't buy another Taurus. I want a FS 1911, but I don't like the 39 - 41 ozs that most weigh.

[O'Dell]

Yep! The line of alloy framed "Super Carry" 1911's that Kimber introduced last year are worth considering. They do NOT have the usual demented firing pin safety and are available in all three sizes. The 5 inch guns use conventional bushings. I can personally vouch that Customer Service is exemplary at Kimber since they learned from their earlier experience.

If money is no object, both Ed Brown and Wilson Combat now offer nice commander sized guns with allow frames. Wilson may also have a full sized. I don't shop in that price range because it makes me sad. So, I am not sure about the entire line at Wilson.

The regular alloy framed Kimbers, like the very nice and available in full size CDP series, have a firing pin safety. It has never been a problem for me, but 1911 purists really like the oldest versions that lacked them and the newest Super Carry models because they lack them. The Super Carry also has a rounded butt for easier concealment. I really like that, but if you don't you could be "stuck" with the Wilson offerings.

I am sure there are others, but those are the ones I would like to own.

Pictured below is a Series I (no FP safety) CDP currently offered on GunBroker at this link (http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=222074779) with a buy it now price of only $1075. If you lose the goofy grips, it would be very nice.

http://pics.gunbroker.com/GB/222074000/222074779/pix447279700.jpg

Money is always an object! :D Two close friends had some off-putting problems with their Kimbers and CS wasn't much help. I'm afraid their experiences have soured me on Kimber. I'm sure that they build some excellent pistols, but I have a long memory. That Kimber in the picture is a good looking gun though.

Seriously, I'm looking in the $1000 or under range, and I'd like a full size. I already have a 4.25 inch SIG and a 3 inch STI on order. I had an excellent RI tactical, but it was heavy and was also stolen. That's why I'm back in the market.

[jeepster09]

Look at the Para's. My PDA 3" only weighs 24 ounces, not sure on the other models.

[johnh]

I carry a Kimber CDP Pro Carry much of the time, and it has been completely reliable. I know they are over $1000 new, but you might find one cheaper used. I got mine maybe five years ago for under $800. One thing about 1911s, if you don't like the way the manufacturer did something, it is easy to correct.

[gb6491]

Seriously, I'm looking in the $1000 or under range, and I'd like a full size.
Here are a few more:
Colt XSE Lightweight Government (model #: O1880XSE)
Springfield Armory Loaded Lightweight Bi-tone
Springfield Armory Lightweight Operator

There also the poly frame, hi-capacity Bul M5.

Smith and Wesson makes some scandium frame 1911 style pistols, but they may be out of your target price range.

Regards,
Greg

FWIW, my Kimber TLE II has been extremely reliable, as was my BP10 (poly, hi-cap). Customer Service was first rate when I needed a replacement part (user induced cosmetic damage) for the BP10.

[O'Dell]

Thanks guys. gb6491, you brought up one that I had overlooked - SA Loaded Lightweight Bi-tone. It's just about what I was looking for. Unfortunately, Springfields are in short supply currently, but now I have a idea of what to search for. There are tons of compact ones out there, but the FS, not so much, but I'll eventually find one.

Thanks again!

[earle8888]

Wilson also makes one!
Fondled the COLT New Agent which is light weight and very fetching

[O'Dell]

Wilson also makes one!
Fondled the COLT New Agent which is light weight and very fetching

Wilson is out of my price range. I have already ordered an STI 3 inch so I have that covered. I was looking for a full sized and the SA PX9104LP is just about right.

[DKD]

I have two Kimbers and both are tack drivers. Totally reliable from day one. I have the alloy framed "Ultra Raptor" @ 23.5 oz and the 4" All steel "Pro Rator" at around 28 oz unloaded. These two are reall lookers to boot. I even have the twenety-two 5" conversion upper for the Pro Raptor and it works great provided you use high velocity ammo.

[kramm]

Dan Wesson makes a CCO that weighs 1.6 lbs.

[DKD]

My bad I guess...I was under the impression he was looking for a light weight 3" carry piece.
Good luck trying to find a 5" carry piece weighing under two pounds without going to an alloy frame guys.

[Bawanna]

Not trying to change or convert O'Dell but I believe that Kimber has turned the corner towards the good. I'd have no reservations buying a Kimber. They have several models that are very appealing to me. I'm quite enamored with the Raptor and Warrior models.

Theres a ton of choices out there, more than ever. What a fun quest for just the right one.

I think my Cbob was the answer to my personal quest. I was reluctant to leave the LDA (not left, just residing peacefully in the box) and go back to SA but we're getting along just fine.

Not sure what some of CZ/Dan Wessons other models are going for but the Vbobs are way over the 1000 mark. Most of the Cbobs if you can find one are over as well which is all moot anyhow since they are commander size. (what was I thinking).

[O'Dell]

Hey Guys! O'Dell appears to be shopping 5" barreled, Government model 1911's, like the Kimber CDP which he rejects, that have alloy frames.

Staying under $1000 may require considering a "previously owned" gun. ;)

Exactly right Tucson - a light weight full sized 1911. The only one I've found that fits the criteria is the Springfield Loaded lightweight dual tone 1911. [model PX9104LP] I already have a 3" and a 4.25" [STI & SIG] alloy frame 1911. I've found a couple in stock on the web and am now working on price.

[Bawanna]

It is very pretty isn't it. The Range Officer has beening calling my name lately also but I think it's steel. Nice gun too.
Thats a real beauty though. I say pick table 45. Maybe a group discount. One needs to live in Washington (with me).

[O'Dell]

I ordered the Loaded Lightweight dual tone tonight. It'll be my heaviest pistol at 30 oz empty, but not bad for a FS 1911.

[deadhead1971]

On Friday, I ordered a Kimber ultra raptor stainless. 4 to 6 weeks

This will be my first 1911 and first 45 acp. I did have 45 colt vaquero but traded it as the price of 45 colt is through the roof, and I have no time to reload.

[O'Dell]

On Friday, I ordered a Kimber ultra raptor stainless. 4 to 6 weeks

This will be my first 1911 and first 45 acp. I did have 45 colt vaquero but traded it as the price of 45 colt is through the roof, and I have no time to reload.

The Springfield will be here this week, but I'm waiting three weeks for the STI Escort. The dealer said they have to build it - what's with that? I had three 1911's stolen, so with the SIG C3 I bought and these two, I'll be back to where I was.

[Just One Shot]

Kimber Pro Carry II - 28 oz. with a 4" barrel.

http://i54.tinypic.com/wkr7s2.jpg

:)

[onegun]

Congratulations on your new 1911. I recently decided to add one to my stable of SIG P220s. Just wanted something to remind me of my time in the Army. I'm not one to play with every modification or consider expensive custom jobs. I also wanted a lightweight but did not want a full size so I picked up one of the TALO Colt CCOs. (Commander slide, Officer grip) I like it very much and it shoots well (better than those I carried for 20 years thru a couple of wars) It will never replace a SIG but it is a very nice compact 27 oz pistol. I think the only changes I'll make are the grips and I'll let Bo put on a set of big dots. It won't be very authentic but will satisfy my 1911 itch.
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t201/IkenI_photo/COO9840T.jpg

[O'Dell]

Congratulations on your new 1911. I recently decided to add one to my stable of SIG P220s. Just wanted something to remind me of my time in the Army. I'm not one to play with every modification or consider expensive custom jobs. I also wanted a lightweight but did not want a full size so I picked up one of the TALO Colt CCOs. (Commander slide, Officer grip) I like it very much and it shoots well (better than those I carried for 20 years thru a couple of wars) It will never replace a SIG but it is a very nice compact 27 oz pistol. I think the only changes I'll make are the grips and I'll let Bo put on a set of big dots. It won't be very authentic but will satisfy my 1911 itch.
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t201/IkenI_photo/COO9840T.jpg

Nice pistol - I like it. It's a bit lighter than my SIG C3, but should be the same size. I don't think I'll replace the night sights on the C3. I picked up the STI Escort today at my FLL gun store. It's a compact 1911 with a 3" barrel and is now my lightest 45 at 22 ozs. The Gwinnett Cty Police still have my like new nickel plated P220 in their evident locker, and I'd really like to get that gun back. They're had it since August.