The 1911 in 9mm is a smooth-shooting match for anybody who likes the old design but not the.45's recoil. The Fusion Firearms Riptide 1911 is a 9mm with a 4.3-inch barrel and a 7-round magazine, in black, priced a little over a thousand dollars.

The 9mm in a 1911 frame is soft to shoot and cheap to feed. The single-action trigger is crisp, so you can place shots with care. A 4.3-inch barrel makes the pistol a bit shorter than a full government model, giving a better balance for carry in a proper holster.

Seven rounds is the usual count for a short-magazine 1911 setup, so plan on carrying a spare. Fusion is a small maker, so check the finish and function when you receive the pistol. Run a few hundred rounds of ammunition before you trust it, and learn the thumb safety and grip safety.

If you like 1911s and want something that is different from the big names, the Riptide is worth a look. This pistol is new. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer for the background check and transfer.