V-10 Ultra Compact 45 ACP?

[blackeagle603]

I have no personal experience with compact 1911's. Anyone here have experience with the SA V-10 Ultra Compact? Came across a used one today just like this.

This is a really nice package. Even with the small frame it feels right in my hand with that wraparound rubber grip. I've read so many mixed reviews of short barrel 1911's that I'm hesitant -- but the appeal of the concept is very strong. Wish I could run a couple hundred rounds through it first.

[Whirlibird]

Stick with solid (metal or plastic) wraparound follower type magazines, you lose a round from the flat models but you don't have follower issues (applies to all subcompact 1911's). This can be as simple as the follower riding over the slide stop and failing to lock open and keeping the mag in the weapon or it can ding the ramp up badly (aluminum frame).

Replace the recoil spring often, sometimes as often as every 500 rounds. The ultra-shorties tend to eat them, in single spring form. The old Detonics triple spring was the most reliable in this category but is hard to come by.

+P loads are nothing but trouble even in a compensated model, the muzzle flip and recoil impulse is heightened as well as slide speed with the shorties and if you limp wrist at all, you've gonna have problems.

Watch your front sight, I've seen a couple come off, I'd probably dovetail in a Tritium front and be done with it from the start.

Other than that I like them, the size and quality are right. I'd likely replace the disconnector and sear from the factory ones (MIM parts) but the rest should be good to go.

[Mud_Dog]

The only caveats I know of are of the usual associated with compensators, don't fire close to the body and clean the bore often.

[Combat Controller]

I have had several short 1911's. The only reliable one I have ever had is my Colt Officers, the two Springfield's I had were never 100% so never got carried. I fiddled with them for a long time and finally gave up and went with CCO's or Commanders as my shortest 1911.

I am not a fan of porting on a defensive carry gun, I just think it increases the odds of spitting junk in your eye and taking you out of the fight for valuable seconds.

Third, you have porting after what? Half an inch of barrel? What kinds of velocity will that give you on a slow heavy round?

[blackeagle603]

I'll pass on this one then. Maybe be best to go with a design that started as a small/short pistol. Not sure what that leaves in 45 that I'd be happy with. I've chosen not to wander too far from 1911/BHP manual of arms and controls.

The compact CZ RAMI 2075 I handled recently almost swayed me though -- too bad only available in 9mm and 40S&W though. Maybe have to settle at some pt... Or just stick with snub wheelguns.

[Combat Controller]

Why not keep an eye out for a CCO or Commander?

[blackeagle603]

Oh, I will. Just being in CA I don't seem to run across them very often and then they're pricey. Maybe that'll change if the economy tanks. What's the saying? Buy when there's blood in the streets?

Not in any rush. This one just caught my fancy. Price looked good and feel/fit of it was excellent.