[TXnMA]

That derringer sounds like the Star PD that I shot. Cute little thing, but remove too much mass, and any .45 reaches recoil levels that even those like me, who actually "enjoy" recoil, find unpleasant. And too short a .45 barrel produces muzzle blast that literally slaps you in the face, and muzzle flash that would singe the hair off a hog...

I prefer something shorter than the stock 1911 for carry -- but you can easily go too far. Anyone considering a "concealable" .45 better try it before they buy it.

[yarddog]

I don’t particularly like recoil but the Star PD never bothered me.

I have owned two of them and thought they were about the right size for a lightweight .45. I also like the Combat Commander and regular Commander, but I guess the full size standard model is my favorite.

I agree with Jeff Cooper on one thing. The closer a 1911 is to stock, the better. About the only thing they need is some could use a better trigger. Some are fine as is.

The regular sights are OK to me but a lot of people prefer a higher, easier to see one.