Gun Advice
 

Okay, so I'll take advantage of the brain trust here. I wonder what options I might have if I am looking for the following features:

.45 ACP, Model 1911
Double-stack magazine
Short barrel
Rail for lazer sight thingie

Why don't you wait a few years, guns will be cheaper then. I would hate to see you spend too much. ;)

Paraordnance ... not sure about the rail part though.

Good to see indications of your sense of humor, Tim.

What? Did you guys say something?

Springfield XD-45. It is not a "1911" but it does have a double stack, 14 round magazine.

Para makes double stack 1911's

http://www.para-usa.com/new/images/p...1445Sphoto.gif
14+1

Springfield also used to make an compact, double stack, 1911 type .45 though they never had a rail. You can still find em on a few gun auction sites like here and here.

Double stack .45's have very thick grips. It feels like holding the wrong end of a baseball bat. As far as I know, Para Ordinance is the only company currently making them. They have slimmed the grip down a bit, but it is still wider than a single stack.

You can get plenty of rounds into a modern single stack. Wilson and others make great 8 round magazines, so with one in the pipe, you really do have all the firepower you could ever need in a civilian encounter. The single stack field is full of quality guns with the features you want.

You might also consider a .45 that has an available quick conversion barrel and magazine in .22 so you can afford to shoot it, in case you like it.

yeah, and as mentioned, unless you got some big mitts, that is a pretty thick handle with a double stack. If you need that many rounds, get a second clip.

My buddy has Glock .45 that he really likes, but that is not a 1911 either

Do you really need a double stack? With my Colt, I've always kept a spare loaded magazine with the pistol...just a thought.

edited: ps: oops, didn't read Tobra's comment before I posted.

I like the taurus 24/7, holds 12, carry as many clips as you want.
Do not know if this is true but am told lots of inforcements use them and....price is right

Sig makes a nice 1911 clone... not cheap at $1000

You can buy extended magazines as well. They hang out the bottom, but give you more capacity. I have a 12 round (I think) that I bought for my Springfield Mil-Spec. It tends to lead to stovepipes so I don't use it much.

The Para Warthog is the only gun that fits your description. I personally I don't think the grip is too thick.

If you are looking for something small with a double stack, I would abandon the .45 and go with a .40 Glock or a Sig. Maybe a Springfield XD.

harddrive, after reading your other post, arent you a little gun shy?:D

STI makes a wide range of double-stack polymer frame 1911s - much used for competition. An STI Edge is on my wish list. The STI Tactical has the rail. The STI VIP is the short-barrel. Don't see a short-barrel double-stack w/ rail. http://www.stiguns.com/

Also, LaserMax makes a 1911 guide rod with an internal laser sight. But only for 5" barrels. No personal experience.

Why do you want a laser?

You'll shoot your eye out.