Officer 1911 in 9mm

[chiliinabowl]

Forgive me if this has been discussed. I looked for it and I did not see it as a previous discussion. I'm interested in purchasing an officer sized 1911 in 9mm. I know there are strong opinions about the shorter 1911s as a whole. That aside, I'm looking for recommendations based on experience with various models. My research has led me to either seek out a Dan Wesson ECO (no longer in production) or a Colt Defender. Thoughts?

Full disclosure, I own a 3" SA EMP Ronin which has been great. But I'm looking for something without proprietary magazines and SOME compatibility with normal 1911 parts.

 

[Mike A1]

Back when Colt came out with the Officers model in 45ap I bought one.
Best day after that was when I traded it to the Smitty for a NIB Colt Commander in 45acp

Without saying, a long list of problems with the cut off pistol, suffice it to say I will never try to redefine JMBs perfect pistol.
My Officers model was the LW, & I have read the STD weight pistols performed better.

 

[Bob Lee]

Back when Colt came out with the Officers model in 45ap I bought one.
Best day after that was when I traded it to the Smitty for a NIB Colt Commander in 45acp

Without saying, a long list of problems with the cut off pistol, suffice it to say I will never try to redefine JMBs perfect pistol.
My commander was the LW, & I have read the STD weight pistols performed better.

So far the l/w Commanders have treated me very well. A touch snappier than a 5" steel Govt model I will say that. I have a 5" L/W full size Springfield that may be promising. I've had it out once since I bought it a few months ago, and it ran great. Older model w/o the ramped barrel. Myself I like that better. I have a steel Commander too, I like that also. Shoots well, and it is a touch easer to carry IWB since I'm short. I'm kicking around the idea of a Tisas Aviator. L/W commander size gun, and thinking of trying it in 9mm. Anyone have any thoughts? My main carry in 9mm is a Hi Power. I really love those! Just never had a 9mm 1911 style gun. So any input will be truly appreciated. Thank's in advance

 

[chiliinabowl]

I must have some serious weight/size issues. Can't even imagine trying to hump around a hi-power or Commander concealed. My EDC is a P365. Not my favorite piece but nothing else compares for concealment. I'm trying to sort out a smaller 1911 which is why I asked the original question.

I like the 1911 in a 9mm, especially as I have gotten older. As I stated, my SA EMP has been pretty much flawless. I'd like to try a Commander length 9mm for belt carry as well, perhaps a DW Guardian. I love my all steel .45 Commander, just not for long durations on the belt.

 

[Bob Lee]

I must have some serious weight/size issues. Can't even imagine trying to hump around a hi-power or Commander concealed. My EDC is a P365. Not my favorite piece but nothing else compares for concealment. I'm trying to sort out a smaller 1911 which is why I asked the original question.

I like the 1911 in a 9mm, especially as I have gotten older. As I stated, my SA EMP has been pretty much flawless. I'd like to try a Commander length 9mm for belt carry as well, perhaps a DW Guardian. I love my all steel .45 Commander, just not for long durations on the belt.

It's not too bad really. I have a great iwb for the hi power. It goes on my waist just in front of my hip at around 2:30ish I'd say. Most people are far too involved with themselves to give a crap about anyone else, so concealment is pretty easy under a shirt with the tails out. This time of year it's generally a sweatshirt or a flannel with tails out. Having a pattern, and a heavier rather than lighter fabric helps too. I don't always carry the hi power or commander, as I age a j frame or something like a 380 works well. A lot of times if I go to town I'll carry something bigger. I also have a Glock 19 which hides pretty well too.

 

[HooDoo Man]

I bought a Colt Officers Model when they first came out also. Had the hammer follow the slide racking a round and "Bang". By the grace of God, the round went into my safe. Sold it that week. A real POS.

 

[Mike A1]

As I am getting older I find a very lightweight 45 acp to be the ticket
for warm weather & close encounters.

I poked fun at the Plastic glocks because I'm an old fart, now that that is clear.
About a year ago I bought a Kahr CW .45 pistol & went on trying to prove how bad it was.
Shot the snot out of it with Silvertips, HSTs, every gun show box of wiz bang single stoppers I had.

NO WAY! Not cleaned or lubed this little pistol acted like a 1911 it ran & ran for over 500 rounds.
I'm like you Guns are my friends & you don't abuse your friends, so I took it apart, cleaned & lubed it.

Unlike my now running SIG P250 full size POS! It took a year & a complete parts change to get this pistol
running. I do not trust it & will never carry it. The little KAHR I trust with my life, yet if I need a real fighting pistol
I need not search farther than my Colt 1911s from 1917 to 2011, I trust them all.

KAHR CW45, she has a plastic bottom but she's still cute. LOL



Betsey was born in 1917. I found her in 69 & we have been together ever since.
Yes I like older women. OK?



I just have a thing for big Bullets.

 

[chiliinabowl]

You guys are definitely not giving me the warm fuzzies about the Colt. Perhaps I should just stick with the SA EMP. Only problems I've ever had with it were from cheap reloads. It's been 100% with factory fresh ammo. I just don't like the proprietary magazines and the fact that I can't get a flush base plate. First world problems I guess.


I do like that Kahr however. I had one many years ago in 380 that I sold when the micro nines started to hit the market. It was pretty and a good shooter.

 

[CECannonJr]

It's not too bad really. I have a great iwb for the hi power. It goes on my waist just in front of my hip at around 2:30ish I'd say. Most people are far too involved with themselves to give a crap about anyone else, so concealment is pretty easy under a shirt with the tails out. This time of year it's generally a sweatshirt or a flannel with tails out. Having a pattern, and a heavier rather than lighter fabric helps too. I don't always carry the hi power or commander, as I age a j frame or something like a 380 works well. A lot of times if I go to town I'll carry something bigger. I also have a Glock 19 which hides pretty well too.

A GLOCK!!?? Tell me it ain't so!

Just kidding. I have yet to find a pistol that conceals easier than a Glock 19, while packing what I personally consider (barely) adequate firepower. With that said, I have trouble being entirely comfortable with the punch of a 9mm bullet. I prefer the 45 acp over any other caliber by a long shot....so, to compliment your stable of 1911's, I can begrudgingly recommend the Glock 21.

Disclaimer - While I prefer the 45 acp, I definitely wouldn't want to be shot with a 9mm....or a 22 for that matter.

 

[Mike A1]

I have trouble being entirely comfortable with the punch of a 9mm bullet.

It is smaller & faster than a 45.
Although not very scientific, I did a test between a High Power 9mm & that Officers 45acp

My friend had the 9mm a beautiful High Power.
8 stacked building blocks.
The 45 punched a hole in the block & tossed it 5' backwards.
The 9mm turned the blocks into sand, without moving the blocks.
I interpret that to mean the 45acp imparts more energy into the target.

So it's not all about bullet diameter. I just don't think it puts energy into the target like the slow 45 does.

 

[CECannonJr]

It is smaller & faster than a 45.
Although not very scientific, I did a test between a High Power 9mm & that Officers 45acp

My friend had the 9mm a beautiful High Power.
8 stacked building blocks.
The 45 punched a hole in the block & tossed it 5' backwards.
The 9mm turned the blocks into sand, without moving the blocks.
I interpret that to mean the 45acp imparts more energy into the target.

So it's not all about bullet diameter. I just don't think it puts energy into the target like the slow 45 does.

"So it's not all about bullet diameter. I just don't think it puts energy into the target like the slow 45 does."

Precisely.

 

[Bob Lee]

A GLOCK!!?? Tell me it ain't so!

Just kidding. I have yet to find a pistol that conceals easier than a Glock 19, while packing what I personally consider (barely) adequate firepower. With that said, I have trouble being entirely comfortable with the punch of a 9mm bullet. I prefer the 45 acp over any other caliber by a long shot....so, to compliment your stable of 1911's, I can begrudgingly recommend the Glock 21.

Disclaimer - While I prefer the 45 acp, I definitely wouldn't want to be shot with a 9mm....or a 22 for that matter.

No glock 45's they are way to big for my hand. My 19 has had a grip reduction too

 

[Bob Lee]

It is smaller & faster than a 45.
Although not very scientific, I did a test between a High Power 9mm & that Officers 45acp

My friend had the 9mm a beautiful High Power.
8 stacked building blocks.
The 45 punched a hole in the block & tossed it 5' backwards.
The 9mm turned the blocks into sand, without moving the blocks.
I interpret that to mean the 45acp imparts more energy into the target.

So it's not all about bullet diameter. I just don't think it puts energy into the target like the slow 45 does.

Years ago my son and I were shooting. His Beretta 92, me some kind of 1911 45acp. I teased him about his 9mm making cute little holes in the wood while my 45 blew huge strips of wood off. We were using a wooden pallet to hold out targets. 230 ball against 9mm ball no contest. Yes when I carry the Commander It's loaded with ball. Absolutely reliable. Besides a 9 may expand, but a 45 never shrinks lol. I think for the time being I'll stick to what I have now, and hold off buying else for the time being.

 

[barnetmill]

This is a 1911 forum, but I confess to being invested in the glock system for fighting and the 1911 for bullseye target shooting. What is wrong with the glock is the trigger and no external safety. I am looking for a DA/SA pistol that will properly mount something like an EPS holosun optic.
What I like about the colt and glock gun systems is the availability of parts. I have inventories of both.
If A g17 is too big for you, you go to a G19, or even a smaller subcompact G26. And if you want more power all three sizes convert to .357 sig and .40 cal S&W. Right now I am building an anti-black bear pistol to carry about my place.
With Hodgdon longshot powder with a 4 inch barrel driving a 180 grain bullet
8.0 1,159 fps 32,300 PSI
I am setting the gun up with a 5 5/8'' barrel and 22 lb spring. One can so set up a 1911, but I am not sure how it is done with such a high pressure round in the 1911 and I would need the services of a gunsmith likely to install a ramped barrel. Even the subcompact gun will takes all of these parts except the slides and barrels for G17 will not interchange, but those of the G19 will. To convert it back to 9mm I only need the original slide and the trigger x ejector housing. The only tools required are a punch.
Below is my future black bear gun that is now a G22 with elongated barrel. The used G22 OEM slide milled for an EPS hollosun was two hundred $dollars out the door from Suarez international and included the OEM barrel and recoil assembly that I replaced. A bandoleer holster set up to take the elongated threaded barrel on order is ~$100. To put similar on a compact or full size1911 is difficult, but doable.

Below advert your eyes for those that are still true to the faith of the systema JMB colt. Behold my new black bear gun. BUT THE TRIGGER STILL SUCKS LOL and I have cowitness with the OEM sights to due the very low EPS mounting on the slide. The longer lone wolf barrel handles cast and should add at least 100 fps to the velocity due to an additional 1 5/8" It will get me close to some 10mm velocities. Glock is the easy button, but the TRIGGER SUCKS

 

[chiliinabowl]

This is a 1911 forum, but I confess to being invested in the glock system for fighting and the 1911 for bullseye target shooting. What is wrong with the glock is the trigger and no external safety. I am looking for a DA/SA pistol that will properly mount something like an EPS holosun optic.
What I like about the colt and glock gun systems is the availability of parts. I have inventories of both.
If A g17 is too big for you, you go to a G19, or even a smaller subcompact G26. And if you want more power all three sizes convert to .357 sig and .40 cal S&W. Right now I am building an anti-black bear pistol to carry about my place.
With Hodgdon longshot powder with a 4 inch barrel driving a 180 grain bullet
8.0 1,159 fps 32,300 PSI
I am setting the gun up with a 5 5/8'' barrel and 22 lb spring. One can so set up a 1911, but I am not sure how it is done with such a high pressure round in the 1911 and I would need the services of a gunsmith likely to install a ramped barrel. Even the subcompact gun will takes all of these parts except the slides and barrels for G17 will not interchange, but those of the G19 will. To convert it back to 9mm I only need the original slide and the trigger x ejector housing. The only tools required are a punch.
Below is my future black bear gun that is now a G22 with elongated barrel. The used G22 OEM slide milled for an EPS hollosun was two hundred $dollars out the door from Suarez international and included the OEM barrel and recoil assembly that I replaced. A bandoleer holster set up to take the elongated threaded barrel on order is ~$100. To put similar on a compact or full size1911 is difficult, but doable.

Below advert your eyes for those that are still true to the faith of the systema JMB colt. Behold my new black bear gun. BUT THE TRIGGER STILL SUCKS LOL and I have cowitness with the OEM sights to due the very low EPS mounting on the slide. The longer lone wolf barrel handles cast and should add at least 100 fps to the velocity due to an additional 1 5/8" It will get me close to some 10mm velocities. Glock is the easy button, but the TRIGGER SUCKS

View attachment 33900

You won't get any criticism from me regarding Glocks. Right now I'm thinning my safe out, and when I'm done the only thing left will be 1911s and Glocks. Just tired of fooling around with other systems. Those are the two I'm comfortable with and shall remain so. I don't have a 40 caliber currently, although the first pistol I ever bought as a young Marine, was a Gen1 (or perhaps Gen2) Glock 22. My warrant officer was a 1911 guy and gave me quite a bit of crap for the "plastic" gun. Of course, I eventually came to appreciate the beauty of the 1911, but you still never forget your first!

My current woods gun is a GEN4 Glock 21 (10mm). You're correct, the trigger does not come close to that of a 1911, but it always goes bang!

 

[Bentwing]

If the OP wants an officer size 1911 in 9mm, check out the STI Escort. Uses the Wilson Nolin ramped bull barrel and an aluminum frame but all else is 1911. I carry one as it has been extremely reliable and feeds everything. Out of production but available on GB if you keep your eyes open. Also available in 45. The aluminum frame and 3 or so inch barrel makes the 45 a gun you will only run a few mags through at the range to keep competent. Not necessarily fun, but easy to carry. The 9 is a blast to shoot.

 

[Tommy Two Guns]

Forgive me if this has been discussed. I looked for it and I did not see it as a previous discussion. I'm interested in purchasing an officer sized 1911 in 9mm. I know there are strong opinions about the shorter 1911s as a whole. That aside, I'm looking for recommendations based on experience with various models. My research has led me to either seek out a Dan Wesson ECO (no longer in production) or a Colt Defender. Thoughts?

Full disclosure, I own a 3" SA EMP Ronin which has been great. But I'm looking for something without proprietary magazines and SOME compatibility with normal 1911 parts.

I've got a Tisas Bantam, commander length in .45. Very nice gun, soft shooter and conceals well. Little pricier than the entry level Tisas. But fit & finish are impressive and it's accurate as all hell. I know they've gained some popularity recently, but a 1911 in 9 mm is borderline blasphemous.

 

[Bill O’Rights]

FWIW, I have 2 EMP4's in 9mm and one 3" EMP also in 9 mm.

One 4" is the "carry contour" and it's my favorite bc of the ergonomics. I just like the feel of round butts and bobtails.

The other 4" and the 3" have flat MSH's.

I like them all. A LOT. Utterly reliable and very accurate. My carry load is 147gr HST's.

I would definitely buy another 4" Carry Contour and/or another 3" if I happened on a good one at a good price.

The "Carry Contour" and the 3" are my most frequent carry pieces, and always in Warbird snap-on OWB holsters… w matching mag carriers. The 3" in Crossdraw. The 4" usually strong side 4 o'clock.

Btw, a shout out to Paul Tripodi, sole proprietor of Warbird. I've bought 3 or 4 holsters and matching mag carriers from him. Paul is absolutely great to work with. Can't say enough good things about his professionalism, demeanor and customer service orientation. And the product quality is unsurpassed. Paul under promises and over delivers in my experience.

 

[chiliinabowl]

If the OP wants an officer size 1911 in 9mm, check out the STI Escort. Uses the Wilson Nolin ramped bull barrel and an aluminum frame but all else is 1911. I carry one as it has been extremely reliable and feeds everything. Out of production but available on GB if you keep your eyes open. Also available in 45. The aluminum frame and 3 or so inch barrel makes the 45 a gun you will only run a few mags through at the range to keep competent. Not necessarily fun, but easy to carry. The 9 is a blast to shoot.

I will keep my out for one of those, thanks. Sounds like what I am looking for. I know the DW ECO is another out of production example, but I have read mixed reviews on it.

 

[chiliinabowl]

FWIW, I have 2 EMP4's in 9mm and one 3" EMP also in 9 mm.

One 4" is the "carry contour" and it's my favorite bc of the ergonomics. I just like the feel of round butts and bobtails.

The other 4" and the 3" have flat MSH's.

I like them all. A LOT. Utterly reliable and very accurate. My carry load is 147gr HST's.

I would definitely buy another 4" Carry Contour and/or another 3" if I happened on a good one at a good price.

The "Carry Contour" and the 3" are my most frequent carry pieces, and always in Warbird snap-on OWB holsters… w matching mag carriers. The 3" in Crossdraw. The 4" usually strong side 4 o'clock.

Btw, a shout out to Paul Tripodi, sole proprietor of Warbird. I've bought 3 or 4 holsters and matching mag carriers from him. Paul is absolutely great to work with. Can't say enough good things about his professionalism, demeanor and customer service orientation. And the product quality is unsurpassed. Paul under promises and over delivers in my experience.

I do have a 3" EMP and it has been pretty great. My intent is to find a 3" 1911 that uses standard officer size mags. My only real complaints about the EMP are that they use proprietary mags, and that they don't offer a flush version (at least for the 3"). It kinda defeats the purpose of the smaller grip when the mag has a big bump plate on it.