Local LGS has a Springfield V10 Ultra Compact for $465. It's seen a bunch of use outside but seems in good, but not pristine shape. Which is no problem, except I'm not sure about the price. Seems a bit high for the gun's condition, but it is an all-steel 1911. Any opinions?

Also wondering if anyone has had any experience with these. Potential carry piece, although I don't like cocked and locked IWB.

I have no problem shooting .45, I shoot my S&W 4513TS better than just about any gun I own, but I kinda like the idea that it's all steel and ported as it's not a "big" gun. (And I've read the arguments about shooting it at night with the flash up front.)

I guess I'm also wondering who else has an all-steel 1911-style compact or smaller. I've got a S&W 1911SCe which is commander sized, but the Springfield is smaller still, the porting makes recoil usually found in these small guns a bit easier to handle.

Opinions and suggestions are encouraged.

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If you like it, grab it. These are hard to come by and usually very expensive. Cosmetics can always be touched up. But, I would haggle the price.
I'm not a big fan of the 3" 1911s. Its hard to get them to run right. I do have an older 1996 Springfield Ultra Compact .45 that I bought used some years ago. But it took a good bit of tweaking to get it reliable. However, I hear that the V-10 is an excellent gun.
Also consider that Springfield no longer makes an Ultra Compact .45.
There was a LNIB stainless V-10 listed on another forum I visit for $1500. It did sell.

Caution, opinion follows: Rust on the grip screws and, I would guess on the frame under those rubber grips is a sign of neglect. May not be a big deal, but this would be a red flag to me. Based on what is on the outside, I'm guessing there will also be oxidation inside, which may necessitate the replacement of parts/springs, etc.

I would also agree with the others concerning reliability of the shorter barrel, "ultra compact" guns, especially in the 1911 configuration. Sometimes a problem getting them to be reliable to the point where they can be counted on for carry.

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

I could not get mine to be reliable, & shot it once with out hearing protection,was so loud i sold it. just my experience.

I have had a S.A. 3 1/2 in. unported Ultra Compact 45acp for many years. I also have 2 - S.A. 3 in. Micro Compacts, one of which I have carried daily for over 15 years. I read all the reports of how unreliable these little 45acp guns are supposed to be and I have never found that to be the case. All of these little 45's just keep perking along with my handloads (200gr SWC/ W231) and ball. They do require a bit of testing to find which hollow points they will run 100% with but all of my Micro's gobble up Remington 185gr Golden Sabres. The Ultra Compact will eat anything. Several years ago, I had accumulated a gallon ziplock bag of mixed grundgy 45acp ammo & I didn't feel like pulling the bullets, so I headed to the range with the steel framed Ultra Compact and the bag-o-ammo. After it was all over I had about half a dozen rounds that didn't go off at all, 1-squib load that required a couple taps with a range rod to remove, a filthy gun and pile of brass. I don't recall there being a single failure to feed or extract.
All these little 45's do required more frequent recoil spring replacement but that's not a big deal.
I would suggest an offer somewhat below what they have it marked at due to the apparent lack of maintenance of the pistol and it surely needs a good cleaning and replacement of springs.

Seeing how they priced the other used handguns I'd probably make a cash offer below asking price. It looks like they mark them at almost new prices.

I've never been a fan of a 3" 1911 but the few that I'd had the chance to shoot went bang every time and were surprisingly accurate.

Great price, don't pass go, buy it. Also, if you're thinking of carrying it, get a set of Crimson Trace grips, then you shouldn't have to worry if you have to use it in the dark.

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Ed

My son has/had a used one of these with issues feeding and extracting. I took it a part and found a cut full size recoil spring. Of course there were no local replacements. I called Springfield for a replacement and they sent one right away. Turned out it was a nested arrangement and completely different from what we found. The gun worked ok after that but I don't know if he kept it. For me the ports were a distraction when firing.

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Made it, Ma! Top of the world!

bbgun It was loud with no hearing protection so you sold it !! What did you expect . The sound of a fart ? HA . Better stay with BB Guns

I am not a fan of porting on a handgun that is intended as a personal defense firearm. If you ever have to fire with pistol positioned low, below your face, you may get a face full of burning powder.

I had one of the non-ported versions. It was more accurate than I expected and it never had any failures. I wish that I had kept it. I got 100% of the original new sales price back when I sold it.

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On the Oak Savannah

I had one exactly like that one, wish I still had it but long ago traded it off for a West German P226. Created one hell of a fire show at night! At that price, I'd likely buy it.

BTW: if that gun has the captured dual recoil spring set-up. Springfield makes a small plastic tool to hold it back to make field striping and reassembly easier. Give 'em a call and they'll send you one for free.

They are great pistols. Can you show the porting slots?