Posted: 12/14/2008 3:43:03 PM EDT
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I am a police officer and have gone through numerous off duty guns. I think its time for a custom one now that I will keep forever. I am thinking of buying a new defender and sending it off to Wilson combat for the following:
-Reliability package -Armor tuff finish -Trigger job -Tactical thumb safety -New sights -Combat slide stop -Contoured mag well -New grips -High ride beavertail grip safety Of course all Wilson combat parts. I figure in the long run the total package will run about $1,800 Any opinions? |
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What is your experience with the 4.25" and smaller 1911 platforms? I have spent a good amount of time around the 4.25" Commander, the 4" Compact (a Wilson CQB), and the 3.5" Officer that the 3" Defender replaced. IME, I found that the 3.5" Officer had a night and day difference with respect to concealment and performance compared to a 5" full size. It was much more comfortable to carry and printed considerably less, but the controllability was radically different. Mine also had a slew or reliabiliry issues, but I don't suspect reliability discussions are relevent when you buy a Colt and send it to Wilson.
The important issue IMO, is why you are going with the Defender? If your primary issue is for a deep cover .45, and you are willing to compromise all other parameters to accomodate this role, then the Defender is a good choice, since it can possibly double as a boot gun or a less-obtrusive BUG for your larger 1911 primary. If OTOH you are looking for a fine T-shirt carry 1911 for CCW, I would urge you to consider a few other platforms before commiting to the Defender. The Colt CCO (available used but no longer produced) and the 4" Compact all give you the exact same concealment and carry advantages as the Defender above the waistline, yet both of these sizes are small enough for most to carry comfortably below the waistline compared to the 5". The reason why I urge you to consider this is because the difference in concealment between the 3" micro and the 4+" compact is marginal, but the shootability between the two is major. Putting all that $ into a Defender is justified when no larger 1911 will do and you carry it always, but as a shooter, you may find the platform was a mistake. Basic recoil behavior is much wilder with a 3". Doubletaps are a real feat compared with those on a 4" bull or a 4.25" barrel. Also, you are going to have to change the recoil spring out every 750 rounds on the Defender (or more often). On a 4"-4.25 it's every 1,500-2,000. My advice would be to consider the following options: 1. Used CCO. With the demand for these pistols, you'll either have to cut back on the Wilson Bells & Whistles, or it may put you over $1,800 for your own custom, but it would be one hell of a CCW. 2. New/used Colt Commander of your choice and have Wilson make it your way, but add the Ed Brown bobtail option. It gives you all the control and capacity of the Commander, and it gives you 1/2 the concealment of the officer frame. 3. Used CQB Compact. The used market puts you in touch with one at @ $1,800, and their lifetime warranty extends to you. It isn't YOUR custom, but it is a Wilson and bar none, the best balanced 1911 CCW available, IMO. It's my daily carry and I cannot recommend the model or the platform (when made by Wilson) enough. 4. Buy a Fusion or Caspian Compact Frame and a 4.25" CCO/Commander slide, then have Wilson make it your way. |
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I have a kimber ultra covert now which is a POS!! What I really want is the new Bill Wilson Carry Pistol but after taxes it will set me over the $3,000 mark. I think I will look into a Colt CCO as a starting platform because you are right I am not that happy with my current 3''.
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Quoted: Go for it and ignore the usual naysayers. I am a police officer and have gone through numerous off duty guns. I think its time for a custom one now that I will keep forever. I am thinking of buying a new defender and sending it off to Wilson combat for the following: -Reliability package -Armor tuff finish -Trigger job -Tactical thumb safety -New sights -Combat slide stop -Contoured mag well -New grips -High ride beavertail grip safety Of course all Wilson combat parts. I figure in the long run the total package will run about $1,800 Any opinions?  |
| I love Mine. Its the same in my hand as my old 70s colt with aa added arched back strap and crimson trace grips. I smoothed off the edges myself with 2000 grit to finish. I carry under a tee shirt and shorts in the desert. It does kick like a little bitch compared to old grandma but you get used to it if you shoot. |
| Absolutely yes. I have a Defender that has been 100%. I carry it off duty. I just had Trijicon night sights, Wilson beavertail and Wilson extended thumb safety installed. It's very accurate for a 3" I can shoot pretty much a ragged hole at 15 yards. I don't find the recoil any worse than with my 4" Champion. The dual recoil springs make up a lot for recoil. From what I've read, recoil springs are advised to be replace at 1500-2000 rounds. |