1911 4-inch vs 5-inch

[nighter]

Had a conversation today and I have never really thought that hard about it. I am going to pick a new one up tomorrow and was curious is there really and difference in that 1 inch other than a little fps maybe?

 

[rockhopper46038]

Well, although I think you are okay with the 4" guns, I think in general you give up some reliability as the 1911 gets shorter. The design's geometry is only so forgiving.

 

[Constructionist]

You'll have 25% more barrel going from a 4" to a 5" which could translate to more accuracy. And I second the above comment about reliability. As far as cc, most of my attention goes to keeping the butt from printing, so the barrel length isn't really an issue for me with regard to concealability - I prefer a full sized pistol.

 

[nighter]

kinda what i figured thanks guys for the input

 

[NHT3]

You'll have 25% more barrel going from a 4" to a 5" which could translate to more accuracy. And I second the above comment about reliability. As far as cc, most of my attention goes to keeping the butt from printing, so the barrel length isn't really an issue for me with regard to concealability - I prefer a full sized pistol.

IMHO, on a quality 1911 I don't think reliability is compromised, velocity difference is negligible and as for accuracy, target below was 3 shots from a 4" pistol at 7 yards, two hand hold.
A 4" pistol just feels a little more balanced to me so that's why it's my personal choice.

 

[kilo11]

If it's not for CC, then get a 5in. The 5in. gun will be more reliable. Also, I don't know what caliber you were planning on getting, but a 1911 chambered for cartridges other than the .45 ACP will generally be much more finicky. In my experience 1911's in 9mm seem to be the most problematic and require considerable time and effort to keep them running. The 1911 will be most reliable in .45.

The 1911 is a gun that relies on tuning and timing. The 4in. guns have a shorter cycle time, and therefore don't have as long to function within the original timing. I'm not saying a 4in. gun will be unreliable, I'm saying a 4in. gun needs more attention to quality and maintenance to keep running reliably. You won't see the same issues with a 5in. gun.

 

[Cam]

I'm also in the camp that thinks if it's not for carry then go 5". I can also say that none of my 3" or 4" 1911s have ever exhibited a single malfunction.

 

[Claddagh]

Ditto what NHT3 said. I choose to carry my 4" Champion because its balance suits me better and it's proven to be not only 100% reliable, but also every bit as accurate as my full-sized 1911A1's when I do my part right.

As for functional reliability, I ran nearly 2300 rds. of assorted brands of generic 230 gr. ball and JHP's through it during the course of a 5-day Defensive Pistol class at the Chapman Academy several years back. Not one malf which wasn't set up for clearance/emergency action drills and accurate enough to accomplish the 50 yd. hits needed as part of the Qualifier at the end of the course.

 

[churchmouse]

I have 1911's in both length's. I do see more accuracy from the longer barrel but only out past 50 yds. Properly handled they run about the same. Cheaper units will always have some issues as with any brand or type. I do prefer to shoot the 5" pieces as I have a fair sized hand and they just feel better.
My son prefers the 4" barrel pieces and does well with them. Buy what you feel good about and will fit what and where you are shooting. Use what you buy and become acquainted with it.
Most defense shots come under 20 ft.

 

[Faine]

5.5

I prefer even longer than 5" I went with a 5.5" barrel, I'm a big guy though and the little added weight does feel better to me. I have shot 5" and 4" versions before and didn't notice any difference other than comfort.

 

[wtfd661]

I've owned 5", 4" & 3" 1911's and none of them have had any issues with reliablitiy, all have run great. Go with what feels best for you.

 

[Captain Bligh]

Three 1911s in my house, two 5" and a Kimber Compact. The Compact is much more accurate than either of the others. YMMV

 

[Oldbird13]

Well said Churchmouse. I don't worry about sacrificing accuracy that far out. Very pleased with my 4" Kimber TLE II

 

[Double T]

Next pistol will be a 4" 1911...well...after the wife's M&P

 

[dyerwatcher]

Once I hit 50 and the eyes are not quite as good any more........I find it easier t focus on the 4" 1911 - maybe it is just me - but under 25 yards I prefer the 4". I have two - no reliability concerns at all. As a side note - I have a Sig P239 with a short sight radius - it is the best shooter I own next to my Python.....moral of the story.....GET A GOOD TRIGGER!!

 

[45fan]

I alternate between an officer and government size 1911, both Springfield models, and both have been reliable and equally accurate. The only place the shorter barrel is nice is when carried IWB, as the 5"barrel is almost too long for me to carry comfortably. A shorter person might run into issue ( I am 6' 4"), or possibly carry a bit higher on the belt.

 

[88E30M50]

NHT3 is spot on. I have both full size, 4" and 3" 1911s in my collection and my favorite is the 4" Kimber Compact. It gives up nothing in accuracy or reliability and feels a bit better balanced to me. I find that the 4" carries better than the 5" due to that missing inch of barrel length. The full size 1911s have a tendency to dig into my hip a bit more than the compacts do.

 

[latigo]

I have a 5,4,3". The FPS with the same ammo losses about 50 FPS per inch of barrel. By going from 230gr bullet in the 5" to a 200gr bullet in the 4" and 185gr in the 3" I can come close to the FPS of the 5". IMO if I am carry OWB the barrel length doesn't matter (for me)for concealment 4" or 5" so I go with the 5" to get the best FPS with the heavier bullet and longer sight radius for accuracy. My 2 cents, try both see what YOU like.

 

[Colt556]

I have a number of 1911 models ranging from a Colt Officers Model to a custom Clark Longslide 6". I prefer to carry the Commander sized guns just b/c they seem to work the best for me. I shoot the Officers, Kimber CDP Pro II and Commanders all equally well. My 1911s are in 22, 38 Super, .45ACP and 10MM by the way. My favorite carry gun is the light weight Commander in .38 Super.

 

[AverageMidwest]

Seems like if Colt had any major concerns with a barrel shorter than five inches, they wouldn't manufacture any pieces that had the shorter barrels, but they sell a bunch. If there's anybody who knows more about the functioning of a 1911 than Colt, I don't know who it might be...