I know, probably not the right place to ask if I, "Need" something. Lately I've been seeing Kimber 5" lightweight 1911's showing up for very cheap prices. I've always liked the idea of a lightweight 5" 1911 and I don't know why. Practically it doesn't fill any needs. I've got a few 5" 1911 steel frames, a 4-1/4" S&W Scandium, a Sig C3 and a Colt Defender. Still a new 1911 for $599 is kind of hard to ignore.

https://www.cabelas.com/catalo....z_pg_ref=prd1851327

Sounds like you've got the platform pretty well covered already. But, if you want and can afford a Kimber, a Kimber was not among your stable list.

I have one Kimber; a TLE/RL II. It is a very very accurate pistol.

My answer may not matter to you much since I have been on a 1911 buying streak during the Pandemic. All Dan Wesson 1911's. After the first one, I really didn't "need" the next 3. Bought them anyway, to go with all the other pistols in my safe that I love, shoot but really don't need.
I say get it. We need to enjoy things in life , you will enjoy it, so therefore you "need" it.
Get it

How heavy is " light weight" ? The Springfield Ronin that I want weighs the same as my Ruger GP 100.

Need should not be in this conversation.
It's all about WANT.

Bob

Doesn't your 4.25" S&W Scandium already fit that lightweight category?

I would just say if you want the Kimber and have the cash, go buy it.

45 ACP or 9mm? The 9 in a full size lightweight is really fun! I have a Dan Wesson Vigil 5" that is great!

I'm a real big fan of LW 1911's in 9mm (any 1911 in 9mm actually).
One of my favorites was a Wilson Combat CQB that I let a friend talk me out of when I was weak.
Current favorite is an Ed Brown Kobra Carry LW in 9mm.
Total count of 1911 9's in my safe is at 9 with 3 being LW's. No .45's.

quote:

Originally posted by bendable:
How heavy is " light weight" ?

Alloy-framed "lightweight" 1911s tend to come in around 32ish ounces, compared to 40ish ounces for a steel-framed 1911s like the SA Ronin you're looking at, bendable.

So about half a pound lighter than a traditional 1911, but still heavier than something comparable with a polymer frame, which will be closer to 25ish ounces.

Agree with Nframe, a lightweight 5" 9mm is just about right. Mine weighs 35 oz with FLGR and Pachmayr grip.
A lightweight .45 should be a Commander.

I agree that is a great price. If I were getting a lightweight, I would prefer Commander sized. However, that price?

Need, absolutely not. I am of the opinion that any single NORMAL (Not a Desert Eagle or Mark 23 or Smith 460 Magnum etc.) handgun can fill any role quite easily and be carried fairly easily with the right belt/holster/dress. So I would argue you only NEED a single handgun and call it a day.

All that being said I passed the NEED off ramp MANY MANY MANY MANY MILES BACK.

So like has been said do you want it? Go for it. I, personally, don't care for alloy 1911's but then again 1911s are really more toys only for me.

I too find ways to justify my new toys and can masterfully fit any of them into some perceived practical use......but if I am honest with myself its really more about....OOOO SHINY!!!

So based on what you said.....Hell yeah you need a lightweight 1911.

quote:

Originally posted by rangemaster:
Sounds like you've got the platform pretty well covered already. But, if you want and can afford a Kimber, a Kimber was not among your stable list.

Oh it's included in the "Few" 5" steel framed 1911's. I bought one of the very first Series I stainless 1911's that they made and it has been totally reliable. It's a gun that I'll probably never get rid of. My first 1911, even has the, "Idiot mark" on it.

So I just came up with the lamest excuse for justifying a gun purchase ever. It's an alloy framed 5" which means it will recoil more than a steel frame. .45ACP costs less than a 10mm. Therefore, it's an inexpensive trainer for my Dan Wesson Razorback in 10mm.

FANTASTIC!!!!

That’s exactly the kind of practical use I’m talking about.

(Shaking his head) Based on my experience with 5" alloy-framed .45ACP P220 Match pistols, I don't see long range sessions being unduly tiring and I certainly wouldn't expect to somehow wear out the frame. I've been tempted by their 9mms before; let us know how you like it.

Yes, do it. Have many steel in govt and commander size. Have a DW Vbob steel 45 and alloy 9, definitely feel weight difference after a few hours.

Gents,

Look no farther than the Colt Lightweight Government Model in .45 ACP. Mine handles like a full size Government Model, but is fast like the Commander, and is an ABSOLUTE joy to carry. My one wish is that it was available in .38 Super +.

Wes

^^^^
The original release is discontinued but recently I have seen a few new examples on the big auction site. They have tan, OD, or bluish cerakoted frames. You can tell they are new because they have the newer style Colt slide serrations (wider and slanted). The slides are blued steel and they have a beavertail and oval hammer. Price was between $900-1K though.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Weshowe:
Gents,

Look no farther than the Colt Lightweight Government Model in .45 ACP. Mine handles like a full size Government Model, but is fast like the Commander, and is an ABSOLUTE joy to carry. My one wish is that it was available in .38 Super +.

https://www.cdnnsports.com/col...el.html#.XrYguy9q2hB


https://www.cdnnsports.com/col...el.html#.XrYhLy9q2hA