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3.5" .45, will it function properly?

NOTPARS
I am interested in acquiring a .45 to replace my Para P12. My first concern is whether or not the 3.5" barrel is too short to function properly and second, finding a quality version that won't break the bank. Kimbers are too pricey, and, even if the Springfield Loaded is cheaper, they are always out of stock. I am looking at the Para Hawg 7 and reviews have been mixed. Any other makers I should look at? Thanks.
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • perry shooter
    There are at least 3 things that contribute to functioning problems with short barrel 1911 Type pistols.#1 because the rear of the barrel must tip down at the rear to UNLOCK and the bushing holds the barrel front in place, the barrel is tipped down at a larger angle . This leads to more difficulty in chambering a new cartridge. #2 recoil Impulse is generated as bullet travels down the barrel. Shorter barrel= short impulse . Making matching load to pistol harder. And IMHO #3 the most common cause is the fact the pistol is lighter . This causes more recoil. This tends to make many shooters LIMP WRISTING the pistol. RESULTS = less reliable pistol negating the reason to have a compact pistol to Carry. YMMV
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  • v35
    I bought a used Kahr TP45 for $450 that probably had no more than a couple of boxes through it.It went through two dissatisfied previous owners who couldn't get reliability.
    I found it handled +P 100% and standard ball 60% because Kahr installed
    a heavy recoil spring they claim handles both.
    After lightening the extractor tension & it's opening and using a Tokarev recoil spring it works 100% on target lead SWC and standard loads.
    After slight magazine and frame alterations, 1911 magazines now work and fit flush.Factory mags make the grip just too long for concealment.
    This 20 ounce gun carries very well in a Galco 268 and in a cheapo, plastic Glock holster with the excess trimmed away.
    Recoil is very light and accuracy very good except sights will be exchanged for Tritium big bead with shallow V rear for quicker acquisition for tired eyes.
    I like it.
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  • oldnbald
    I've never had a problem with any of the several 3.5 Inch 1911 .45 that I own. I have had problems with the only 3.0 inch 1911 .45 I owned.
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  • NOTPARS
    Thanks for the replies. I have read so much about these guns having problems but they conceal so well and the flatness of the .45 works for me with an inside the waist holster. For OldnBald, if its appropriate, can you recommend any that don't seem to have as many complaints? I like the Kimbers but too pricey for me.
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  • marinebadger
    I have the S&W pro Series 3" 1911 and have not had any problems with it. Mostly using the cheap Rem. and Federal ammo, but also some hotter loads. Retail is $1200, but Cabela's sold one to my friend for $800 so the deals may be out there.
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  • dfletcher
    Most if not all short barreled 1911s have no barrel bushing and use a barrel geometry to aid in unlocking and providing for that "big tip". The shorter and quicker recoil impulse means the slide spends less time in its rearmost position and that follow up cartridge in the magazine must snap up straight away, tired magazines can cause problems. I think great improvements have been made, but it's still difficult to make a 3" 1911 function properly.

    The short barreled 1911s that have worked best for me are the Detonics. No longer made, their shorter grip (shorter than the current "Officer Model" length grip currently used) helps conceal better. I've owned them since 1977 and the one or two I've kept since then functions flawlessly. They use a captive recoil spring set up so disassembly is easier.

    The Colt Defender works very well also and is much lighter.
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  • Emmett Dunham
    The little plastic Glock compact .45 is the best and most accurate small hand gun I own and the price was right.

    Emmett
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  • gary wray
    quote:Originally posted by Emmett Dunham
    The little plastic Glock compact .45 is the best and most accurate small hand gun I own and the price was right.

    Emmett


    Ditto. Love my little Glock 36....lots a power in a small package. Never given me a problem. Like it so much that I bought one for my SIL for one of his backup guns (county sheriff).....he likes it too.
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  • bill2740
    I carry a Smith 945 with a 3 1/4" barrel--never a problem.
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  • yoshmyster
    Don't buy an aluminum framed shorty without looking real hard. Make sure every scratch is a scratch and not a crack.

    If you find a used Kimber CDP II for less than $750 you can have them replace the frame for $250. Might take a while and you might get a whole new gun like I did.
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