Posted: 1/30/2010 6:26:51 PM EDT
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This is probably beat to death but here it goes...
I was considering M&P or .38 snub for carry, but after finding out that VZ slim grips really bring out the slimness of 1911, I''ve decided to get a micro 1911 for CCW weapon. I did some reading and the consensus seems to be that out of all 3" 1911's, Colt's have the best reputation for reliability. Since this is strictly a defensive tool, reliability is the most important factor above accuracy and fit / finish. I had a chance to fondle an Agent at local gunshop and I wasn't impressed with how loosely trigger was fitted but then again this isn't a range gun either. So basically looking at either Defender or Agent - from the looks I prefer Defender but I don't have experience CCW'ing these pistols. What do you say? Does the trench sight really aid you in streamlining the draw? Basically that seems to be the only difference, since I can swap out the grips to my liking. Another 3" newb question - how does the recoil on the Defender / Agent compare to a full size all steel 1911? |
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I have the Defender. I fitted it with Navidex thin grips, and had the front strap checkered. As far as recoil, it can be called a bit snappier, but it's nothing that can't be handled. The sights are you're own preference, I like having traditional sights on a semi automatic.  |
| I have a Defender. I too was worried about how bad the recoil would be before getting it, but was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to handle while shooting it. I was (still am) a fan of the Hogue grip it came with, but have been trying out some cheap slimmer grips. I like them too, but wouldn't mind having the front grip area checkered to maintain a better grip. The New Agent's are basically the same gun so it's mostly a matter of whether you like the channel/trench sight or prefer a regular sight that you can upgrade to night sights if you want. Which ever one you buy, it will be a good purchase. I know everyone who has tried out my Defender has liked it. |
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Quoted:
I have a Defender, but prefer the smoothness of the agent, however I cant get past carrying a 1100 dollar gun. I agree though, Colt is the way to go $1100 for an agent? Ouch! I haven't paid attention to their pricing lately, but I don't remember them costing that much. In the gun buying panic, prices went up, but I've seen prices on Defenders come back down to around $735 - 750 at the last few gun shows. |
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Quoted: I have a Defender, but prefer the smoothness of the agent, however I cant get past carrying a 1100 dollar gun. I agree though, Colt is the way to go When I bought my NA in '08, it was $859 new at Cabela's, and then I got a Cabela's gift card for $150 back. The $1100 3" 1911 that was there that day, was made by Kimber.  I like the NA. The sights aren't NM grade, but they won't ever snag when drawing from concealment, or get knocked out of alignment. The grip safety is pretty spartan, in comparison to the various beavertails out there, but I haven't felt that it was necessary to change it out. I also won't put any more than 100 rds of 230 gr ball in a single session anymore either. It did wear away a bit of the web of my hand the last time I did that. 
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I bought a New Agent yesterday, $813.75 plus tax. Only fired it once so far, but I do believe that I will like it.
It took me a couple of years to actually get one, as I couldn't get around the trench sight. One day at the range, the front sight flew off of another pistol, and I removed the rear sight. I was amazed at how well it would shoot with no sights. So I thought I would try the New Agent. Now, if I had the eye sight I had 20 years ago, I probably wouldn't have bought it. They say the eyes are the first to go, and in my case, that has certainly been true. Its a pretty little thing. I think I am going to like it. I have no plans to change anything about it. The only other pistol I could ever say that about was a Ruger LCR. |
| The New Agent has been my everyday carry since about Feb. '08, and I've got about 3,000 rounds thru it at this point ; I moved up to a bigger bore from a 9mm Kahr P9. The trench sights take a little practice to get accurate with, but its easy to do. Like all 3" .45s, ya gotta maintain a firm grip when firing this gun to achieve defensive accuracy and reliability. Matter of fact, its a lot of fun shooting it at 21 feet on the range. I have four other handguns of different styles, but the Agent is my favorite for concealed carry. Smooth lines, light, compact and powerful. |