Looking for a 3" 1911 Carry...

[Daedalus]

STI has a couple that just squeak into your price range and are USA made. I am very happy with my Off-Duty model.

[Thedragonslayer]

was recommending the Kimber Ultra Carry!!!

[CHF_Pontiac T/A]

Thanks Everyone, especially Daedalus. She is really leaning towards the STI "Off Duty". Now we just have to try and find somewhere local that has one before we order it...

[Daedalus]

Great, Jason. Glad to help.

I gave up trying to find one locally and ended up getting mine from one of the biggest STI guys around: Bob at Brazos Custom Gunworks in Morgan, TX.

Here is the contact data if you need it:
254-622-2245
www.brazoscustom.com

It was a no-sweat purchase.

Jack

[zenfly]

I'd give the Dan Wesson CCO a look too.. and the DWs that sold for $800-900 three or four yrs back are selling for $1000-1200 used lately..STI has always made excellent 1911s though.. The new CCOs are from $1200-1400 but well worth it..

[Neener Neener]

Colt was the originator of that sized 1911. They got it right the first time, too. I've owned a Kimber UC and it was a lemon, although other have had different experiences. Doubtful, however, you will find a negative comment about the Colt Defender. They are fantastic shooter with managable recoil for the size, as well as surprisingly good accuracy for such a short barrel.

If recoil of a .45 is a possible issue for your wife (it is for mine), I would recommend a Springfield EMP9. That's on my short list.

[CHF_Pontiac T/A]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the advice. I think she has her heart set on the STI now. I wanted her to wait and get an ECO but she does not want to worry about bumping or incidental scratches it might get being an EDC. (That's ok, I'll just get the ECO myself!) I suggested the CCO and the VBOB but she feels the 3" is easier for her to conceal.

.45 is not a problem for her. She loves using my Valor whenever we go to the range. She prefers the .45 now and it made her start to prefer the 1911. She loves it so much it caused her to decide that she wanted a 1911 for her EDC.

[wxl]

STI would be a good choice. Heard good things on the Micro but never fired one. I have one of the early model Defenders and would not hesitate carrying it. The Defender, Colt CCO and a Sig P238 have been my main choices for carry.

[Sheepdog]

If you can't find one around you Dawson Precision stocks allot of them. They have come out with a Spartan 3.25 $ 699. Has a RIA frame. Check here.

http://www.dawsonprecision.com/Categ...NUFACTURER:STI

[DaFadda]

I'd have to go with the Springer micro compact... because that's what I have. Heard good things about several others, but you have also asked for a 3", not a 3.25 or 3.5"... Mine has been flawless. I carry commercial loads. I shoot Montana Gold JHP over a 4.5 grain Bullseye charge, or sometimes a 5.7 grain Hodgdon Universal Clay charge. The lighter recoil is welcomed when I'm teaching the 45.
Da