I'm torn between the Colt Defender (in .45ACP of course) with the 3" barrel and the Sig Sauer Ultra Two Tone with 3.3" barrel to be "big brother" to my P938. My standard 1911 R1 has proven so reliable so far that I'd be tempted to purchase one if Remington would build it. Since my stature requires "appendix carry", I need the short barrel. Commander size is just a little too long still at 4-1/4". I might just go ahead with the Sig and not wait-n-see. Remington may never build one in that size.

I recommend the Colt, Rick. True, Remington may never build an "officer size" model like the Defender. The Colt will hold its value better than a Sig and would bring you a higher resale price, that is unless you're one like me who almost never lets go of your guns. I own/have owned Colt Officer's Models for concealed carry and would love to see a similar sized pistol by Remington. My recently purchased R1 Commander is so pleasing to the eye and touch that I'd snap up a short-barreled Remington R1 in a heartbeat. But...... You have to be pleased with whichever you go for. Just my 2 cents worth.

Thanks for that Major! I am partial to both Colt and Sig. My stainless Colt Govenment 80 is absolutely a sweet shooter and so is my Sig P938. I want to carry .45 ACP instead of 9mm because those 9s tend to go through their intended mass (the perpetrator) and it could be a little too busy to figure in "what or who is behind him" at that moment when the adrenalin is running 110%. With the .45, at least the "go-through" is minimized by comparison. 9mm is just too fast for its size for my comfort. I carry my P938 in Condition 1, as it has the same character as the 1911s, only lacking the passive (grip) safety. I used to carry my Remington model 51 in Condition "0" because of the passive safety like the 1911, but the single action trigger is about 12 lbs and requires affirmative thought to discharge it. The old 51 was marketed as the safest semi-automatic pistol ever made back in the day. But, .380 ACP doesn't quite produce the "One Stop Shot" character that 9mm and .45 provide. Sig... Colt... I'm still stuck. Maybe I'll buy both since I believe a man can't own TOO MANY 1911s once they're in your blood. And... I've never sold any of my firearms. I'll pass one down from time-to-time to my kids & grand-kids as long as they're stable and responsible.

Rick 51/ R51 wrote:.....Sig... Colt... I'm still stuck. Maybe I'll buy both since I believe a man can't own TOO MANY 1911s once they're in your blood. And... I've never sold any of my firearms. I'll pass one down from time-to-time to my kids & grand-kids as long as they're stable and responsible.

I like that, Rick! It's a win-win formula for you and your young-uns. Everyone stays happy and the treasures stay in the family.

I'd like to feel the profile of the Sig though, before I make the choice. The Defender feels perfect with the Hogue grip it comes with, but the Sig still has its squared stature of a grip, like my P938. It's not the most comfortable grip at the end of the 300-400 rounds in one sitting at the range. Maybe I can talk the guys at my regular range to add the Sig Ultra II to their rental gun program, then I can try before I buy.

Well, I spent almost a year trying to decide between the Defender or the Ultra. Just before Christmas, I walked into Gander to buy a Kimber Ultra II when I spotted this beautiful Sig Sauer 1911 Ultra Two-Tone 3.3" .45 ACP. After comparing it to the Kimber, there was no comparison to the feel of quality and precision between the two. I bought the Sig! Still though, I liked the Colt. So, after I finished the transaction on the Sig, I ordered and paid for the Colt Talo Night Defender, a sweet 3" 1911. It came in while I was in Vegas, so I had to wait until I got back to Houston before I could pick it up and take them to the range. The Sig ran 100% flawlessly, but the Colt spit the brass right at my forehead about every 4th or 5th round. Rather than sending it back to Colt for warranty work, and a chance at correction not being attained the "first time", I took it to Briley Mfg 10 miles from my Houston home. It'll be middle to end of next month before I get it back and only $75 for them to cut a new angle on the ejector. Definitely worth the wait & money for a world-class gunsmith & manufacturer to work on my 1911s. The Colt shoots the same sized group that my 5" Colt does, all the way out to 20 yards. I am really pleased with that!