thinking about a new CCW

Kimber SOLO, HK p7m8, SIG p239 SAS Gen2, DW Guardian and HK p30sk. All great guns. The SOLO is easy to carry, so small will fit anywhere, capable of 1 inch bulls at 10 yards. I can't do it regularly, but have watched a couple of guys who can, including a LEO.
 
In the trade, there is a general indication that the compact 1911s are more jam prone. Of course, someone will say that theirs never jams but that view is out there.
 
Since the OP is used to carrying a full sized 1911, I would recommend a CCO sized 1911. It has a Commander length barrel (4.25 inches) and Officer length grip frame (shortened by one round). They can be had in either all-steel or alloy (aluminum) framed. I like them so much that I have four. I would recommend an alloy frame.

As to which one, well that depends on your budget and if want all-steel or alloy framed. The Colt Wiley Clapp CCO is a Series 70 pistol with an alloy frame and is set up very nicely at a reasonable price (less than $1,100 at Bud's). I don't own this pistol but own other recent vintage Colts and Colt makes solid pistols.

I do own a Dan Wesson CCO and can very highly recommend it. It's a bit higher at just over $1,300 at Bud's.

I would not trust a 1911 with a barrel less than 4.25 inches (Commander length). The shorter the barrel, the less tolerance there is for errors. Never let anybody tell you otherwise. While many work just find, the chances of getting a problem gun are just higher.
 
Shorter than 5 inch .45s I have owned and used include Colt Commander, Colt Defender, Springfield Ultra-Compact Ported, Para Slim Hawg, and Para LDA Carry. While I don’t think the Slim Hawg or LDA Carry are currently made, I believe there are current equivalents being sold NIB.

I traded the Colt Defender away after a fairly short trial. It never failed to function for me, and was accurate enough, but I never learned to like it for some unknown reason. I traded the ported SA away after an experiment convinced me I didn't want to carry a ported firearm. I carried the Slim Hawg until I acquired the LDA Carry and eventually traded the Slim Hawg away because the LDA became the EDC choice in .45 (and still is).

Despite the “general indications” of reliability problems (upon which I am by no means casting doubt), the only failure I have had among the above was a broken extractor on the Colt Commander. They have all, otherwise, been perfect for me. The Para LDA is a jewel, as is the Commander. The only choice point of LDA over Commander is that the LDA is that much smaller and easier to carry.

Good luck.

Will
 
When I go smaller than a 1911 (or Glock 21) for carry I go with a Glock 30s with the shorter 9 round mag. Conceals great and doesn't pinch like the 10 round mag does.

Plus I shoot it great.
 
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