Full Size and Compact Models

M

Mark IV Series 80

New member
Who else has a compact version of their full-size semi-auto?

There are many good reasons for having a compact version:

1. The ammunition is common for both guns.

2. The magazines are often common.

3. The guns both operate in the same way.

4. Many of the parts are common.

5. The compact version is easier to conceal


Do you use the full-size or the compact version more often?

Which gun to you shoot better?
 
I had a Glock 22 (full sized) and traded it in for a Glock 27 (compact). I would have liked to have both, but it wasn't financially an option. I find myself carrying my compact every day, where I rarely carried the full sized version. It's real nice to know that I can grab mags from a gun show for the Glock 27, 23, or 22 and have them all function.
 
With the 1911 design, compacts are more prone to failures than the Gov't. size.

However, I do own two Officer's model 1911's.
 
I have or had following "pairs":

Kimber Target / Colt Officer / Kimber Ultra Carry
Glock 17 / Glock 26
S&W 3906 / S&W 3913

I have found that in most cases I can draw and fire 2 shots faster but just as accurate with compact models when the target is closer than about 10 yards. As the distance increases the full size pistol was easier to hit with. The exception was S&W pistols where I found I can hit just as fast or even faster with the 3916 as 3906.

I currently carry my Kimber Ultra Carry simply because it is easier on my back.
 
I've a G-17 and G-26,i prefer the grip
on the 17 but the size of the 26,i shot
them both well,maybe a little better
with the 17.If i had to pick between the
2 i would go with the 26,it's easier to
carry and conceal;)
 
I have the Colt Government Model and the "compact" Combat Commander.

I use the Commander approximately 4 times as often as the Government Model.
For me, the Commander balances in the hand better and I can shoot it faster and more accurately.

The Government Model is box-stock and the Commander has a trigger job and a reliability tune-up. This may be another reason that I shoot the Commander better.

At one time, I wanted to get an Officer's ACP, but I heard about the reliability problems.

Does any manufacturer produce a reliable Officer's-sized .45 ACP?

Thanks,

Mk.IV
 
I have a Colt Combat Target for duty and a Colt Defender for off duty. I also use the Combat Target for IPSC, IDPA and the occasional steel match.Ithas been very reliable.I bought this gun in 1997 and probably have about 30,000 rounds on it. I have about 600 rounds through the Defender with no problems.

The only changes I've made are Chip McCormick thin grips on both guns and narrowed the front sight on the Combat Target to .090.

While its possible to use full size mags in the Defender, you can overrun the mag catch if you reload from slide lock.

As for accuracy, out to about 10-12 yards, theres not a lot of difference. The full size gun may be a little faster on split times because the weight helps control recoil. At longer distances, I can shoot the Defender as accurately as the full size gun, it just takes a little longer.
 
My Kimber seems to run just fine. However, it does have a 4.0" barrel and not the 3.5" of the Colt "Officer's model". The shorter grip conceals much easier. Of course, my idea of a "reliable" carry gun is one that will shoot two full magazines in a row at full speed without a hang-up. Beyond two mags is just extra gravy 'cause two's all I ever carry. Stay safe.
 
I have a SIG P-220 and a SIG P-245.

I like them both, and they have both proved to be very reliable. I don't shoot either one of them very much, as I have taken a liking to 1911s, and a revolver has become the CCW item de jour.

One thing that amazes me is how much a small difference in dimensions can affect a pistol's feel and concealability. The P-245 is only about 1/2" shorter in length and height, but it is more concealable, and the grip feels completely different.

I do have trouble hitting acurately with the P-245, and at first I thought it was a problem with the sights. Had a friend shoot it and came to the conclusion that I must be pushing the gun in anticipation of recoil more often than not. That is my fault, and I could rectify the problem if I were to shoot it every week.

A compact 1911 is on the list, but there are several cases of ammo and accessory items ahead of it on the list.
 
For the first time I have a full sized pistol to go with my compact.

My wife generously bought me a KIMBER ULTRA CDP for my birthday, I picked this gun up in February. A few months ago, I bought a KIMBER CLASSIC STAINLESS to go with it.

The virtues of the CDP that make it so good for carry - mainly the short barrel & light weight aluminum frame - are negatives when considering a pistol for range work, although the little gun is surprisingly accurate at indoor range distances of up to 50' (that's as far as I've shot it). Also, there is the aluminum frame. While I don't know of anyone who has shot an aluminum frame to death, it still can't be as tough as steel.

So, I bought the 5" Classic Stainless. Same operation, grip angle, etc. as the CDP but with a longer barrel & SS frame. Great for range work and probably a little more accurate, but concealing 2" more of barrel length & toting around the extra weight place it at a disadvantage, IMHO, for CCW when compared to the CDP.

But - if nothing else, having a full & compact version gives you a sound & justifiable reason to buy more guns! ;)
 
I own many full sized 1911s several Commander sized 1911s and even an Officers Model Ultimate stainless and the Commander sized is my all time favorite. The same thing goes for the Glock 17/19 and the compact 19 is my favorite, I have never really cared for anybodys version of a duty minigun such as the mini Glocks or Officer's models. The Commander and the Glock 19 are the perfect compromise in size and weight. Give me the mid sized guns anyday. Perhaps that's why my Kimber has a 4" barrel on it. ;)

7th
 
Mark IV,

Yes, I switch between a full sized Kimber and a Colt Lightweight Officer's ACP. Colt is carried more due to it's light weight but both are extremely reliable

Most of my parctice and fun shooting is with the Kimber but I'll usually run a function test on the Colt with a box(20 rnds) of carry ammo and on ocassion will run a box or two of hardball(50 rnds) for fun.

Both guns are set up identical with short triggers, arched MS housing and slim stocks, so it's easy to switch back and forth between the two.

Mark / FL
 
Officer's ACP

Hello Mark King,

Did you have to do any work on your Officer's ACP to achieve reliability?

I have heard that the stock recoil spring plug is prone to failure and it needs to be replaced with an aftermarket part or system:

http://www.1911forum.com/ubb/Forum8/HTML/001734.html
http://www.1911forum.com/ubb/Forum8/HTML/001723.html
http://www.1911forum.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000257.html
http://www.1911forum.com/ubb/Forum16/HTML/000583.html

Do you have and older Officer's ACP or one of the newer models?

I like the size and weight of the Officer's, but I would not want to do a lot of work on it to get it to run right.

Thanks for any information that you can provide.

-Mk.IV
 
I have a Para P12 and SA Champion, both currently 100% reliable with ball and HP ammo.

The SA Champion is new, with less than 500 rounds fired, and seems reliable not only with the 2 mags supplies with the gun, but also reliable with 4 new SA mags subsequntly purchased. The only mod I plan for the Champion is a trip to Custom Arms Co. (Pete Carber) for a 4# trigger.

The P12 has two mods, a 4# trigger and the recoil spring assembly has been replaced with an Ed Brown conversion kit.

Regarding the Colt Officers ACP, I'm familiar with the built-in reliablity problem with the recoil spring cap since the Para P12 is essentially a high-capacity copy of the Colt Officers ACP. The standard recoil spring cap is a metal stamping which has a reputation for failing due to metal crystallization after hundreds or thousands of rounds fired. Failure sends the recoil spring down-range, rendering the gun useful only as a club or thrown object. In my opinion, all Colt OMs and P12s should be converted or at least the shooter should have spare recoil spring caps on hand and inspect the stamping frequently.

The P12 is my carry gun, but that could change. The Champion is a sweet pistol!
 
Mark IV,

I'd had the pistol for two years and then sent the gun to Scott, McDougal and Assoc. and had their Offier's package applied to my pistol. Which included adding a Brown beavertail, Videcki short trigger, taking off the sharp edges and reliability package. I also had Wilson's nite eyes tritium sight set installed. Since then I've had the gun refinished in Rogard by Robar.

It turned out really well and the gun has been extremely reliable. And yes the original spring,plug and guide rod were relaced with the Wilson unit.

If I were buying a pistol today to replace the Colt, it would probably be a Kimber compact CDP or preferably the earlier Elite carry (Dark Slide, clear anodized frame) . They work right out of the box.

Mark / FL
 
I own a Kimber Custom Classic and my wife just got herself the Kimber Compact.

Both are great guns and I've found that I enjoy shooting her compact a bit more than my full sized .45. Its easier to conceal and at my ability level, it's just as accurate.
 
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