3" 9mm 1911

[fng]

I'm looking to get a 3" 9mm 1911, something like the Springfield armory EMP. I know STI has the Escort and Duty one. If any of you have any experience with any of these I sure would like some input. If I get one, with enough practice with the platform and once I consider myself comfortable, I plan to carry. I currently carry a shield 9 or a G19, just looking to change it up a little bit. Any input is on this would be great. Forgot to mention,
Those pistols I listed are not exclusive to my search, those I listed because those are the only ones that I know of..

 

[beauxdog]

STI makes a good gun, they just aren't well known like other company. We don't currently have any of the smaller guns in stock but we could find out the lead time for delivery and give you a price if you like. We are a dealer for STI.

Bryan Guillory
Louisiana Gun
12728 Jefferson Hwy BR
225-389-6077

 

[ca survivor]

Colt makes the Defender in 9mm, no experience with the 9 but my Defender in .45ACP runs 100%

 

[noob]

The EMP is a 9mm which will be noticeably slimmer than a .45 1911 I would imagine. If you like that, you may like the kimber solo, but that's not a 1911. Sig makes a small .380 called the 938. I had a 4 inch Springfield loaded champion that never gave me any issues.

 

[Jmfox3]

Sig makes a small .380 called the 938.

The Sig P938 is actually a 9mm. It is a great gun built on the 1911 model just miniature. Nice feature is you can also rack the slide with the safety 'on' to unload. The trigger is smooth and crisp; hands down better than the Kimber Solo. Managing recoil is going to be bit harder than a Glock 19 due to size and weight. If you have smaller hands the recoil management is easier than if you have larger hands. It also comes with finger plate magazines to get a better purchase.

 

[Bonephish]

The Sig P938 is actually a 9mm. It is a great gun built on the 1911 model just miniature. Nice feature is you can also rack the slide with the safety 'on' to unload. The trigger is smooth and crisp; hands down better than the Kimber Solo. Managing recoil is going to be bit harder than a Glock 19 due to size and weight. If you have smaller hands the recoil management is easier than if you have larger hands. It also comes with finger plate magazines to get a better purchase.

The Sig P938 is on the very top of the list for 3" 9mm EDC handguns - there isn't anything better. The 938 will handle most good ammo. Try 115 gr Blazer Brass for a little less recoil on the range.

 

[Bonephish]

Mine looks exactly like this one...

 

[Garandimal]

Yes, the SIG P938 is a fine little micro 9mm.

But recommend the 147 gr. std. pressure ammo for the 3" Bbl.

Softer shooting, yet very effective in a Tactical Hollow-point.



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GR

 

[shotgunjim]

This is my first post and from first hand I had a SA 9mm RO compact and had numerous issues with feeding. Very finicky about ammo. I just picked up a STI spartan 5 in 45 acp and it is accurate and feeds any ammo without fail. So my vote would be a short bbl STI for carry. I have owned 1911 colts, SA, remington, and the STI is at top of list for cost, accuracy, and most of all reliability. My next purchase will probably by short bbl sti 9mm for carry/plinking.

 

[pangris1]

Asking a 3" 9mm 1911 to run well is asking a lot of the platform. The timing of everything has to be perfect and the shooter must provide a stable platform for the slide to reciprocate properly. Any small 9mm auto may be challenged when a shooters stance and grip break down under pressure - I'm assuming this is intended to be used for defense or carry - the gun is more likely to malfunction.

Years ago I seriously considered a compact STI 9mm for my wife. Couldn't get it to run well in training classes. I have had other STIs that have all been exceptional guns. I believe it is a mechanical issue using a 19mm (length) bullet in a gun designed for a 23mm bullet, and then shortening the slide travel substantially etc etc etc. Shrinking it exacerbates that issue.

I am not a Ford vs Chevy guy here, this is based on my personal experience with what works when and where. I like the 1911 a lot, I have full size 1911s in 9mm and 9x23.

If you insist on a small 9mm, I'd look at the Glock 43, Kahr CM9/PM9. Both seem to function as well as tiny guns will, which makes sense as they were designed from the ground up to be what they are as opposed to shrinking a design to fit what you want to accomplish.

Good luck either way -