So I'm starting my search for a 1911 (won't be buying until October 15th when the year end bonus comes in) but can't really decide on what size I want between 4 inch or a 5 inch. I've shot my BIL Kimber Pro Carry and liked it, but haven't had a chance to shoot a full sized 1911. I know I know, go shoot a bunch of them...

What are the pros/cons of the 2 sizes?
What is your personal preference?
Why do you have the size you have?
Which one would you recommend?

Uses will range from simple range time, to side arm on the ranch, to CC some days.

First thing you need to give us is the max $ you want to spend...

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I'm not looking for buy a ___ named 1911. I'm just interested in the differences between a 4inch and a 5inch 1911.

I'm looking at the Kimbers, either the Pro Carry w/ night sights or the Custom w/ night sights.

there's more than two sizes. Is that Kimber Commander sized?

If CC is going to be a prominent use, then go with a Commander bobtail. IMO.

[This message has been edited by shiftyandquick (edited 7/18/2012 3:46p).]

You are going to have marginally more recoil from a Commander (4") than with the standard 5".

In all honestym there isnt a hell of a lot of difference between the teo - magazines are the same, grips are the same, the only difference is 1" shorter slide on the Commander.

For your first 1911, i would suggest a full size unless you will be using it for a daily carry, then a Compact model would the the way to go.

If you plan to carry, go with the commander. If not, get the full size.

I love my Sig carry (4")...hate that I have to custom make a holster.

do you have to make a custom holster because its a 4inch?

As blasphemous as it is, the 4.25" Commander feels better balanced to me than the 5" Government. You can't go wrong with either one but if you will only have one (haha) get the 5" Government size. . . . and it should be a Colt.

tamu2009 - holsters vary. Some manufacturers make slide length specific, but most make skeleton holsters that can be used on any style of 1911.

quote:

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but if you will only have one (haha)

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haha. it'll be a first, and definitely not an only. I'm leaning towards the 4 for a first one with a really nice 5 later

I'd tell you the other way around, but it's your choice to make.

Get a 4" and send it off to get bobtailed so you'll have a nice carry/range pistol then get your 5" down the road

I didn't notice any real difference between shooting my friend's full size Springfield 1911 and my Colt Commander.

[This message has been edited by hot_rod_9384 (edited 7/18/2012 5:15p).]

For a carry gun, I think the bobtail makes more of a difference than 5" down to 4".

It is only a matter of time before I get a bobtail on my full-size to make carrying easier.

5". my $.02

+1 on the bobtail.

4 inch is probably more practical but you can't beat the nostalgia of the classic 5 inch so that's what I went with.

I'm not a fan of the bobtail, but I also have enough room in the fat rolls to conceal without any issue, so there's that.

I dislike bobtails - but I actually prefer an arched mainspring housing as well, so...

+1 for going w. the Commander. Holsters are easy to find, and, if you like, you can add a tungsten full-length guide rod, and it will balance more like a government model.

I have a Sig 1911. The slide frame is squared. Hence, the comment about having to get a custom holster (esp. IWB leather).

What is a bobtail. Sorry for being a 1911 noob.

It's where a gunsmith or custom manufacturer removes the sharp angle from the heel of the gun. It makes carrying more comfortable and adds a nice symetry to the commander size 1911's



[This message has been edited by Gruene town FIDO (edited 7/18/2012 10:58p).]

Size does matter in this case too. More mass less recoil. That said when you add in alloy versus steel sometimes it is a wash. I am a fan of the bobtail, in my mitt is just feels better. The bobtail in my book does seem to conceal some better, the round end is less "sn****" and allows the cover garment a smooth edge rather than a sharp corner. As said above the grip length is the same so mags and a full four finger width are equal. I tend to carry the bobtail a bit more.

I really like my 4" 1911. I want a full size also, but I'm glad my 1911 is the smaller size right now.

How much is said bobtail usually?

It depends - if you are buying it from the MFR like that, it's usually a couple hundred at the most more.

If you are having it done, it can range from a couple of hundred on up, depending on the finish, type of grips, new mainspring housing required, etc.

While it may make CC slightly easier, it's definitely not a necessity. If this is your first 1911, don't worry about things like bobtail.

I'd make sure you have the following before I even thought about a bobtail:

1. Beavertail safety
2. Good sights
3. Good trigger

Those 3 things will make a much larger difference in your enjoyment of the firearm versus the marginal gain you may recieve in CCW capability with a bobtailed grip.

It depends - if you are buying it from the MFR like that, it's usually a couple hundred at the most more.

If you are having it done, it can range from a couple of hundred on up, depending on the finish, type of grips, new mainspring housing required, etc.

While it may make CC slightly easier, it's definitely not a necessity. If this is your first 1911, don't worry about things like bobtail.

I'd make sure you have the following before I even thought about a bobtail:

1. Beavertail safety
2. Good sights
3. Good trigger

Those 3 things will make a much larger difference in your enjoyment of the firearm versus the marginal gain you may recieve in CCW capability with a bobtailed grip.