[Green Lantern]

For me, this really is a no-brainer in terms of what I should get. But I'd like some input anyway! :)

Just assume that your choice WON'T be your only carry gun. Since IMO, that would mean the revolver by default for it's smaller size (easier to conceal in more situations).

The CIA would be the .357. Maybe fodder for a different topic, but if a gun comes in a .38 OR a .357, why would anyone get the .38? If I decide shooting Magnums out of a snubbie is the worst experience ever, I can just download to .38's. On the other hand, if I one day decide I want more Magnum power in my .38, I'm SOL! ;)

[10-Ring]

:o Can I answer "none of the above?" Although I own a Taurus wheelgun & have done so for more than a decade, Taurus is not my first choice in manufacturers :o

[Manedwolf]

Wow, not even one post before the blind brand-bashing post that's not what the author asked for. :rolleyes: They even dated themselves by proving that they're not familiar with ANY of Taurus' products for the past decade, just the old stuff. Two for two!

As to the original post, depends what you want out of it. The CIA will be much easier to carry and hide, I'd think, but the 1911 includes a lot of "race gun" tricked-out features that usually come on +$1000 guns. It's pretty nice. Kinda apples and oranges, there.

[Green Lantern]

Yeah...I guess since I've got some results I'll risk "tainting the evidence" by explaining MY situation and why my mind is pretty well made up:

-The CIA just barely lost out to the Glock 19 when I chose the gun I would CCW earlier this year

-I have a pocket gun in a Kel-Tec P3AT, but winter is a-coming, and I like the idea of a hammerless snubbie you can actually shoot (repeatedly if needed) from a coat pocket!

-I don't have any training or experience with "cocked and locked" carry...frankly if I had to either go disarmed or carry a 1911 today, I'd go disarmed. Well...I'd probably carry the 1911 on an empty chamber, but you get the idea. I don't "trust" cocked and locked yet.

I figure time or training or both will cure this. Time I can manage while I carry other guns, but training - my funds are limited and I think I could find something more "all-around useful" than just handling one specific kind of pistol.

Heck, ALL my funds are limited, which is why this is more of a "down the road" exercise! ;) But if I had the cash, I'd be on the way to pick up the snubby, concealed hammer Magnum right now.

But I've had a passing interest in learning the 1911 for a while now, and it looks like I could do worse than an "entry level priced" one with some very nice features to it!

[MillCreek]

I voted for the CIA, bearing in mind that I have both a couple models of the CIA and several 1911 models. In my particular carry situation, the CIA lends itself to a wider variety of carry modes (especially pocket) while dressed in business attire. And I don't feel undergunned with five rounds of .357 125 grain JHP or .38 Speer Gold Dots.

[valor1]

get the revolver. it's good to go and no need for magazines. just buy and buy boxes of ammo and you're good to go.

[Just_a_dude_with_a_gun]

I'll play odd man out.

Get the PT1911. It's getting insanely favorable reviews, at the $500 price point. Say what you will about Taurus, this one is a market leader.

[Geronimo45]

Go with the CIA - probably cheaper than the 1911, and it ought to fire every time you pull the trigger, and with cheaper ammo cost. Revolvers give you a wider choice of SD ammo, while some autoloaders won't take certain SD loads.

A for cocked and locked - when you get a 1911 (because you probably won't be able to resist the temptation forever), have it empty. Cock and lock it. Now carry it around any way you like. Stick it in your waistband, pocket, anything. There's not much that you'll come across that can knock off that safety in a normal day.

[v8stang289]

I bought a taurus pt 1911 a couple of weeks ago and i absolutely love it. I Found it new for $449.95 and for the price you cant go wrong. Taurus has had quality control issues in the past, but there are no quality problems on this gun.

[Panthera Tigris]

Can I answer "none of the above?

Why do people always insist on answering these polls with answers the poll maker does not include, nor probably cares about?

That being said, I'll take a .357 over a .45 any day. More versatile, imo.

[TimboKhan]

well, as it happens I have both. More correctly, I have a Taurus 605 which is very, very similar to the CIA and a PT 1911. My 605 is an excellent carry gun, and thats exactly what I use it for. In fact, I actually had a CIA and sold it to my roommate. No problems with the gun, I just prefer an exposed hammer. My PT 1911 is brand new. Won't have a single round through it until tomorrow, as a matter of fact. Thus, I can't comment on how much I like, love or hate it. In the end, get what you dig. I don't think your going to be disappointed with either.

[razorburn]

Timbo, please write up a report for us when you do! I'm very interested in that gun. It'll probably be my 1st 1911 platform handgun. All reviews seem to be raving about it, and with all the niceties at that pricepoint, I am very tempted.

[Zeke Menuar]

No brainer, the PT1911

In my world the 1911 would get shot a whole lot more than any snubbie.

ZM

[BryanP]

I vote for the PT1911. But then I already own two snubbies - a Taurus .357 and a S&W .38.

If your CCW needs are already met then I wouldn't bother with another snubbie. Get something you'll shoot for fun.

[kirkcdl]

Given a choice of Taurus products,I'd also go with ones not listed,the 24/7 or the Millenium Pro.Taurus makes fine guns now...

[TimboKhan]

razorburn, don't know if you noticed that I put up a range report. If not, then in short my advice to you is to run right out and buy a PT 1911. The gun shot like a champ.