I make most of my gun purchases through our club (they have an FFl and can get wholesale prices on most firearms and accessories), so I was talking to the person who handles sales, and he gave me a ton of options.
I definitely want something compact, doesn't have to be ultra compact/tiny, but also not full sized.
My first choice was the Glock 26 (a sub-compact 9mm that they make), since it is extremely reliable, accurate, and also very compact. But then I have always wanted a 1911 style pistol, and yes, at some point I will get one which will be full sized and chambered in .45 ACP. But I figured, why not look into the compact 9mm 1911s that are available these days.
I looked at the Hawgs that Para-Ordinance makes, and some of the Springfields and Kimbers, and I think I have narrowed it down to these two.
The Kimber Ultra Aegis II and the Springfield Enhanced Micro Pistol (EMP).
I have read about both on numerous forums and they both have great reviews. Some EMPs have had problems but in every case, SA fixed the problems very quickly and effectively. Of course, ideally, I wouldn't want to even have to try their remarkable customer service...
I am leaning a little towards the Kimber, but I would like to know what you guys think, if you have heard anything about these two or have had any experience owning/shooting them.
Oh yeah, the Kimber has a bobbed hammer, people say its not a big deal, but I don't have any experience handling 1911s with bobbed hammers, and would appreciate your thoughts on that as well.
Stock pictures and some specs included.
Kimber Ultra Aegis II
Calibers: 9mm
Features: Wide slide serrations.
Flat top slide.
Tactical Wedge Tritium night sights.
Bobbed hammer, thumb safety and magazine release.
High relief cut under trigger guard.
Slim rosewood ball-milled grips.
Specifications: Height (inches) 90° to barrel: 4.75
Weight (ounces) with empty magazine: 25
Length (inches): 6.8
Magazine capacity: 8
Carry melt (frame & slide)
Recoil spring (pounds): 16
Frame: Material: Aluminum
Width (inches): 1.15
Frontstrap checkering (30 LPI)
Slide: Material: Steel
Finish: KimPro II™
Barrel: Steel match grade
Length (inches): 3
Twist rate (left hand): 16
Ramped
Sights: Radius (inches): 4.8
Trigger: Aluminum match grade
Factory setting (approx. pounds): 4-5
Springfield EMP
Caliber: 9 mm
Capacity: 9 + 1
Barrel: 3"
Sights: 3 dot tritium
Size: 23 ozs., 6.6" overall length
Trigger Pull: 5 to 6 lbs.
