I am trying to decide between the Smith and Wesson SW1911 Sub Compact 45 ACP and a Kimber Ultra Carry II Blue 45 ACP. While price is and should always be a consideration, it is not the overriding consideration in comparing the two. I am concerned more about conceal ability, reliability, service from factory, accuracy, and recoil of such small .45 ACP pistols. I would appreciate any input from those who have handled and actually fired both pistols and also from anyone that actually uses one of them for concealed carry. Additionally, I don’t know how easy it would be to get parts for either of them.

Just looking at them they look similar except the butt plate on the Kimber appears to be flush and therefore shorter and possibly easier to conceal. I don’t know much about the 18 pound Kimber spring system which seems very light for such a small 1911 style pistol. Unfortunately I just can’t justify buying both of them. LOL

Some of the differences I have found online are:

Smith and Wesson SW1911 Sub Compact 45 ACP
Best actual price so far: $1,065.86 Which includes shipping
Specifications: Height (inches) 90° to barrel: UNKNOWN
Weight (empty): 24 oz.
Overall Length: 6 7/8"
Capacity: 7+1
Recoil spring (pounds): UNKNOWN
Type guide rod UNKNOWN
Frame:Steel Frame
Finish:Matte Black
Barrel Length:3"
Twist rate UNKNOWN
Sights:Fixed White 2 dot rear, dovetale
Radius (inches): UNKNOWN
Grip:Fully Stippled Synthetic
Trigger: UNKNOWN


Kimber Ultra Carry II .45 ACP
Best actual price so far: $758.00 Which includes shipping
Specifications: Height (inches) 90° to barrel: 4.75
Weight (ounces) with empty magazine: 25
Length (inches): 6.8
Magazine capacity: 7
Recoil spring (pounds): 18.0
Full length guide rod
Frame: Material: Aluminum
Finish: Matte black
Width (inches): 1.28
Slide: Material: Steel
Finish: Matte black
Barrel: Bull Barrel Length (inches): 3” Steel, match grade
Twist rate (left hand): 16 Ramped
Sights: Fixed low profile
Radius (inches): 4.8
Grips: Black synthetic Double diamond
Trigger: Aluminum Match Grade Factory setting (approx. pounds): 4.0 - 5.0