[sig1911]

hello,everyone,I know my question could be rehashed many times. I am thin build guy(5'9" tall,140 lbs weight) and looking for a CCW carrying pistol, I prefer 1911 series,but not sure if 5" full size 1911 could be too big for me to carry? thanks.

[RCR29]

I carry a full size 1911 w/ no probs. I am a little bigger than you at 6'0'' and 180lbs. but I had no trouble in concealing it. I thought it actually concealed better than my g19 due to its slimness. I carry SOB OTB and had no probs w/ concealment wearing just a tshirt.

[hmp32]

I like Col Coopers answer: A handgun is to be comforting not comfortable.

[Geno]

In fact, I sold my 3" and 4" 1911s and kept only my full-sized 1911s.

Doc2005

[jrfoxx]

I routinely carry a full size 1911 concealed with no problems or complaints, and I'm 5'5" 150lbs, so it can easily be done.It's just a matter of whether you feel it works for you or not after you try it for a bit.

[Soap]

None of the above. Carrying a full size 1911 IS comfortable with a proper belt and holster. If it is what you shoot well, is reliable, and since it comes in an adequate cartridge, carry it.

[Glockfan.45]

I voted for it depends. Being of effective power, and reliable is important. However if you are not comfortable carrying it you may not carry it often, and as the old saying goes a .22 in the hand beats a .45 on the dresser. I found when I lived in Minn and carried that most of the time its the holster, and not gun that makes the difference. I can tell you that I am 6'5"/220lbs so I am fairly thin and I carried a 92F which is similar in size to a 1911 with little trouble. My advice is to carry the gun your good with, and find the holster/carry style that works for you.

[1911 guy]

As others have already said, the grip and the thickness make a handgun easy or hard to conceal. Barrel length, unless taken to the absurd, makes little difference with a properly fitting setup. I carry a 2" fixed blade knife, kubotan, spare magazine, cell phone, Streamlight and a 5" 1911. Nobody but my wife and parents know. My wife sees me get dressed and my folks are the "huggy" type.

[Euclidean]

Get a good holster by a real holster maker and a good gun belt, you'd be surprised what you can carry.

[El Tejon]

http://www.miltsparks.com/

[tinygnat219]

I voted "It Depends" there are better carry options out there as the 1911 has some deficiencies for me to consider it as a Carry Pistol: Size, ammo capacity, and "Cocked and Locked" as the prime carrying safety just don't work for me. This combo might work for someone else, and I am simply listing what I find wrong with it.

I prefer something that is either DAO, or DA/SA, or even a Striker fired system. My current Carry Pistol is Taurus Millenium Pro 745C with a 7 shot capacity. It also has a manual safety that I REALLY like since it is easy to reach. It's compact so I can wear it with just about anything, and it's completely reliable.

On the plus side, some of the compact 1911s are REALLY tempting like the Para-Ord Hawg 9MM that has a 13 round capacity.
TJ

[trbon8r]

tiny,

I don't understand. You say in your opinion capacity is a problem with the 1911, but say your current pistol is a 7 shooter?

A 1911 pistol with an 8 round mag and one up the pipe gives you 9 rounds. That should be more than enough for anyone unless they plan on missing a lot.

[gunfighter45]

You carry a pistol for one reason. When that reason comes, even a 5" 1911 won't feel big enough...... you'll be wishing for an RPG!

[The Real Hawkeye]

One of your options in the poll should have been, "Nothing's more comfortable for all day carry than a nice flat 1911."

I carry a full length, all steel, 1911 all day long, and don't know it's there. Just get the right holster and belt.

[MCgunner]

For me, personally, the 1911 is too heavy. Add to that the fact that it has a lot of unfriendly things sticking out of it to poke you in the gut, okay you said thin guy, but I'm not a thin guy. If I carried a 1911, it'd be a lightweight officers or maybe a lightweight commander, not full size, and the holster would have to protect me from beaver tails, hammers, extended safeties and such. I've owned 2 1911s and, frankly, I like DA guns better for carry. But, if it's right for you, go for it. There are lightweight gun options that cut down on the 40+ ounces of the issue gun and shorten 'em up a tad, too. The dimensions of the lightweight commander are very carry friendly IWB. Me, I carry my 4.5" Ruger P90 sometimes, though recently I've been infatuated with a 3" K frame .357 magnum. But, these two guns are only sometimes guns. My J frame or my Kel Tec P11 are my always guns. The P90 and the revolver are 10 ounces lighter than a full size 1911, too! They work, but they do get heavy toward the end of the day. With an alloy J frame or my Kel Tec in my pocket, I hardly notice it's there, but it's "comforting" if I need it!

Whatever works for you, but I've grown out of my cannon phase. I still like to carry an adequate caliber, but for some folks there is no adequate caliber other than what their god dictates (that'd be Jeff Cooper). I consider .38 special plenty adequate, personally. I don't worship at the altar of the .45.

[tinygnat219]

I don't understand. You say in your opinion capacity is a problem with the 1911, but say your current pistol is a 7 shooter?

A 1911 pistol with an 8 round mag and one up the pipe gives you 9 rounds. That should be more than enough for anyone unless they plan on missing a lot.

Yeah, it's something I am working on. My current pistol is a compromise. I thought I was buying the 10 round version, but I didn't check it until after I bought it. My mistake.
TJ

[Hank Hunter]

Sounds like you need both to me. I carry a Para Carry c-645 LDA to the grocery store, and a Colt Government to the shopping malls where the gangbangers play. Comfortable for me, uncomfortable for them.

[rbernie]

A 5" 1911 in a Milt Sparks or HBE is more comfortable for me than a Sig 245 in a CompTac CTAC.

It isn't the length; it's the fit of the holster.

[Technosavant]

I am 5'11" and about 235lbs. I have an aluminum framed 5" 1911 on my belt right now. It is a nice gunbelt- 1 1/4" wide. The holster is a Milt Sparks VM2.

Quite honestly, I almost end up forgetting it's there. On Friday, I was wearing this rig, and at one point in the car I had to make sure it was still there! It takes some getting used to at first, but after that, it is like walking around without keys and a wallet (or even pants)- you just feel like something is missing. It feels just fine. A 4" model might be a little better for IWB carry, but it isn't going to change your life.

[crucible]

A 5" 1911 simply isn't an issue with a good belt and holster; it simply isn't. A good holster and belt can successfully, or almost so, make one forget it's even on one's body-really, it's that secure and comfortable.

I have a several of 1911's from officer to government in size, and they all carry equally well, with only a small nod given to the officer's in concealment, but not comfort.

All of the above is why the poll questions are not complete: with a 1911, one doesn't have to give up comfortable, secure carrying abilty to have a full size weapon; it's not a mutually exclusive combination. The 1911 platform is no doubt less forgiving to moderate/poor choices here, but good choices do fantastic.

C-

[The Real Hawkeye]

For those who are saying they want something lighter than an all steel 1911, I say you haven't purchased the right holster and belt, because I'm not giant (5'10" 210 lbs) and I carry an all steel full sized 1911 all day and hardly notice it, but I will add also that you will appreciate that extra weight when it comes time to draw and fire in self defense. You will land more shots where you want them, and faster, with the all steel gun.

[MCgunner]

When they make a 14 ounce DAO 1911 that will fit in a pocket, maybe we'll talk. Until then, I'll stick with my 11 rounds of +P 9mm, thanks. I ain't goin' to war, not draft eligible if it ever came to that, anyway. I'm just lookin' to defend myself. I can shoot what I carry very well. I can hit what I aim at and do it rather quickly. That's really what matters. If it makes you happy luggin' that hunk around all day, fine, but it ain't for me. I much prefer pocket carry, especially when I'm workin' and sweatin' in the shop, layin' on the ground pulling off a blade to sharpen or pullin' motor mount bolts or something, or any of my other activities that don't involve a suit coat and tie. I'm no banker, can't wear on a belt most of the time, IWB or OWB. Laying on a gun IWB while I work under a lawn tractor is a pain.

I also have to deal with customers. If I have to bend over to do something, I don't want the gun printing through the shirt in front of a customer. I can get around all this on my leisure time and often carry IWB then, but not every day, only on occasion. Today, I'm pocketing my 9. I have to go check on a bike a friend might buy and I might have to bend over it lookin' at it. IWB won't do today.

[doubleg]

I'm 6'2 220 so carrying the 5" 1911 is no problem. I just can't demote myself to carry a smaller weapon. With those 4" and 3" models the recoil is not as smooth and follow up shots are difficult. Nothing beats a good old 1911.:D

[gc70]

Whatever gun you carry has to be comfortable for you or you will not carry it consistently. And isn't that the whole point?

[Chuck R.]

I’ll echo what the other’s say, I’ve carried a 5” steel 1911 and with the right holster and belt, it’s not bad. I didn’t mind the weight, don’t mind the slide, but I do mind the grip length. IMHO, it’s a PITA when sitting.

So I compromised and bought a Baer Stinger, officers grip, commander slide, all steel and it works better for me. It shoots about as well as my 5” 1911s, the weight keeps the recoil down, and that ½” makes sitting a little better.

Chuck

[sig1911]

thanks to all posters! your options and suggestions are very valuable to me! now I save my money on next 4.25" 1911(my wife is gonna love it) and pick a miltsparks versa max2 holster for carrying,but I wonder if it 's not convenient to concealed carry when sitting in the car? BTW,miltsparks has large volume of demanding, I was told I have to wait for 20 weeks or longer.:banghead:

[Technosavant]

Just about any good holster maker has a nice backlog. Milt Sparks is one of the best, and as such, it is a "get in line" sort of thing. You could also look into Brommeland Gunleather (http://www.brommelandgunleather.com/); they also make some good holsters. Lightning Arms (http://www.lightningarms.com/products.htm) also carries Milt Sparks, often ready to ship, but with higher prices. For those who don't want to wait (or just can't wait), they are also a good place.

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

All the more reason for more than one 1911. I carry my full size 1911's sometimes, but there are other times, as a guy that's also only 5'8" 160lbs, when I'll prefer to carry my Officer's ACP IWB, or SP101 practically tucked up in my armpit. For our small build, a full sized 1911 on the hip or IWB is difficult to hide except for on the backside with a bit longer shirt or coat untucked.
I have a horizontal shoulder holster that conceals a 1911 quite nicely under a loose jacket.

-Steve

[Mulliga]

I'd hate for a fullsize gun like a 1911/BHP/92 etc. to be my only carry gun. Sometimes you just don't feel like strapping on the BatBelt, holster, and 2-1/2 pounds of steel. Once in a while, or perhaps when you're sitting a lot, it's fine, but with certain clothes or doing certain activities it can be a bit of a drag.

[Ala Dan]

"It depends, as long as you feel comfortable"

[MCgunner]

Whatever gun you carry has to be comfortable for you or you will not carry it consistently. And isn't that the whole point?

Yep.;)

Anyway, I don't think a 1911 carried IWB is NEAR as fast as a compact 9 or DA revolver carried in a front pocket. When I feel at risk, I walk with my hand in my pocket grasping the gun and no one notices. Even when I carry IWB, I often carry my 9 or .38 in a pocket as back up and will go to it FIRST in such a situation where I'm in a mall parking lot or something with my hand in my pocket. The .45 or .357 IWB then becomes backup. I can draw and fire an accurate shot from the pocket much quicker than reaching for the gun IWB high ride, lifting my shirt with the off hand, and drawing. I'm MUCH quicker from a pocket, tried it. If I could walk through a parking lot with my hand on the grip of my gun IWB, maybe that would be quicker, but I don't do that. The DA trigger is natural for me because I practice DA all the time, every range session.

[1911 guy]

*****A 1911 does NOT HAVE to be carried IWB.***** My favorite holster, the one I use 90 percent of the time, is an OWB model. Buy a few polo shirts or sport coats, where appropriate, and you'll be fine. OWB is uaually more comfortable for folks. Try it, you might like it.

When you lay down cash for a holster, buy a good belt. Buy a gunbelt. There are several makers who are willing to supply you with their fine products. Beltman, Galco, Ross, etcettera. A fine holster will feel like a dead fish hanging from your pants when held by a lousy belt. Buy one that fits your holster, too. None of this 2" beltslot and 1 1/4" belt stuff. Research and plan your equipment purchase. You didn't buy your pistol because it was the cheapest, did you?

It may be interesting to search posts by those who "can't deal with" a fullsize gun and see how many have posted a "looking for cheap holster" thread. I understand many will simply be matters of personal choice. Some, however, will be equipment deficient and blame the gun.

[The Real Hawkeye]

Some, however, will be equipment deficient and blame the gun.I have to believe this is true. I use a Galco 1.25" gun belt. Bought my first back in the early 1980s, and only last year had to buy a new one. That's how long they last, so they are worth the extra money to buy one. And I am not an occasional wearer of gun belts. That gun belt was worn every day since the early 1980s until last year, when I replaced it. I expect the new one to last just as long. Wearing this belt in combo with a good IWB holster is extremely comfortable AND extremely comforting. My holster, by the way, is a Milt Sparks Versa Max II. Been using Milt Sparks holsters for quite a few years now, and I love them for comfort and concealment of even all steel, full sized, 1911s, which is what I carry on a daily basis from rising till bed time. I sometimes have to check to see if my gun is still in my holster at the end of the day, because I just don't feel it, but some credit for that goes to the gun being a 1911, which just tend to carry so well IWB.

[boomstik45]

Naw, it can be done. And don't let people who can't do it and must carry their pocket nines tell you it can't. Like anybody else here has said, get the right holster/gun/belt combo and you're good to go. However, if you're not comfortable with it, then it just doesnt work for you and you need to try something different with either the gun, holster, or belt.

BTW, liking big .45s is not a sin. So I wouldn't go so far as to saying that it's "worshiping at the altar." If you can't handle/don't like it, just go with what works for you and stop bashing others that do well with big bores.

[mljdeckard]

Remember that comfort is relative.

A guy who is a slobbering mall-ninja who just turned 21 and got his permit will love to have a full-size Desert Eagle under his coat, just because he thinks it's cool. A non-gun person who was made to carry a sub-compact Glock will say there is no comfortable place or way to carry it.

No matter what size of gun you carry, you will go through a period where you have to adjust to having it, to where you don't even notice it.

I was trained in an ethic where the mission is first, all else is secondary. A full-size handgun gives you a better sight radius for better accuracy, and a longer barrel for more muzzle velocity. I tried a Para-Ordnance P-12 for a while, but the comfort difference was so negligible I switched back to full-size.

[45crittergitter]

I'm about 5'8" and about 130#. I'd say that's thin. I commonly carry a 5" 1911 all day every day IWB. It's definitely not too big, and it's comfortable when sitting. I do use a lightweight version of around 32 oz.

[ra407]

I am having a problem finding a good carry holster for my smith 1911 with a rail. Have any idea's?

[The Real Hawkeye]

Have you asked Milt Sparks?

[sig1911]

I'm about 5'8" and about 130#. I'd say that's thin. I commonly carry a 5" 1911 all day every day IWB. It's definitely not too big, and it's comfortable when sitting. I do use a lightweight version of around 32 oz.


r u serious? today I tried to put my 5" WC CQB inside my pants(without IWB holster,because I haven't yet gotten one). I found it's inconvenient...specially,when I tried to sit or bend over,there was a big blocky shape poking out from under my shirt.....maybe good IWB holster could offer me better? BTW, now I know why we need bobtailed frame...

[sig1911]

I have to believe this is true. I use a Galco 1.25" gun belt. Bought my first back in the early 1980s, and only last year had to buy a new one. That's how long they last, so they are worth the extra money to buy one. And I am not an occasional wearer of gun belts. That gun belt was worn every day since the early 1980s until last year, when I replaced it. I expect the new one to last just as long. Wearing this belt in combo with a good IWB holster is extremely comfortable AND extremely comforting. My holster, by the way, is a Milt Sparks Versa Max II. Been using Milt Sparks holsters for quite a few years now, and I love them for comfort and concealment of even all steel, full sized, 1911s, which is what I carry on a daily basis from rising till bed time. I sometimes have to check to see if my gun is still in my holster at the end of the day, because I just don't feel it, but some credit for that goes to the gun being a 1911, which just tend to carry so well IWB.

thanks for your typing. I was gonna get miltsparks Versa Max 2,but a friend of mine,who is 6' and 200 lbs,recommend me not to buy IWB for full-size 1911 becuase of my smaller frame....he suggested me to go for 4.25" barrel 1911 with bobtailed frame,because even in his own case,he couldn't feel comfortable when he did concealed carrying his 5" 1911 in his miltsparks VM2 IWB holster.don't mention me.

[Still 2 Many Choices!?]

I am currently going to purchase a new Colt Commander 1911 to compliment my other carry pistols(G23 and PT145), and am also of the small frame type(5'6" 145#s). Is the Commander barrel length 4.25" or shorter? I like how the Commander felt, but if I can get away with more barrel and longer sight radius, that works even better. I prefer IWB carry to anything else since it seldom gets cool enough for over coats or even wind breakers here, will that 3/4 of an inch make a difference in carrying IWB if I get a 5" model? I am sure someone has both and can give some insight.


PS- This darn gun costs as much as my Bushmaster did :eek: :what: :banghead: !!!

[azredhawk44]

are, in order of comfort to capability/capacity:

1. Ruger sp101 3" .357. If I carry, this guy gets the nod most often.
2. Springfield XD9 4" 9mm. Something bad in the neighborhood reported but not caught yet. I carry this for the extra rounds, the larger and more secure grip, and the faster reload. It is lighter than my 1911 by a good margin.
3. Charles Daly 5" 1911 45acp. Huge beavertail, blocky sights, SA only. Only gets carried if I am going somewhere that the following conditions exist:
a) Gun might get beat up, abused, dirty or something
b) I am probably standing all day, or somewhere that printing ain't an issue
c) 9mm is insufficient power (i.e. outdoors, mountain lions, black bears, javelina) but I still want to carry an auto due to 2-legged concerns (illegal aliens, coyotes, drug growers/meth cooks/drug smugglers). I also (as my name implies) have a 5.5" 44mag Redhawk that I carry if the weight of that beast is allowed. Typically not, though.
d) XD9 is out of commission for whatever reason and I still want to carry an auto.

I would consider a Para-Ordnance LDA 4" single stack for a routine CCW weapon, but not a standard 5" 1911. Hammer, beavertail and SA-only trigger bug me a bit.

[MCgunner]

*****A 1911 does NOT HAVE to be carried IWB.***** My favorite holster, the one I use 90 percent of the time, is an OWB model. Buy a few polo shirts or sport coats, where appropriate, and you'll be fine. OWB is uaually more comfortable for folks. Try it, you might like it.

Don't wear coats, not a big fan of heat stroke. And, I wear jeans and T 90 percent of the time considering my work environment. Have to wash 'em with Oxyclean to get the oil and grease out after a busy day in the shop. I don't need a .45 or a 1911 'cause I know how to shoot DA and have a 9mm that fits a pocket and is accurate and powerful. I trust it and my skills if the SHTF.

There is no universal right gun for everyone. If the 1911 were it, that's all they'd sell. I've owned and competed with 1911s, but there wasn't a right to carry back then. I know, however, I don't want one for carry. It's not practical and mine weren't very reliable with anything, but ball, but that's another story. Did I tell that story? Jeez, this thread is long and I'm getting confused.

[1911austin]

I like Col Coopers answer: A handgun is to be comforting not comfortable.


I think it was Clint Smith that said that.

[The Real Hawkeye]

It was Clint Smith. I noticed that too. The confusion probably comes from the fact that Cooper quoted Smith on this point from time to time, but he always gave credit.

[noops]

I found that the 1911 wasn't the problem. I carry a full size ed brown, and I'm thin. At first it drove me crazy. Then I spent the dough and got a Milt Sparks VMII holster for the pistol, and now I can carry comfortable all day long. It's even more comfortable to me than my H&K compact in a comp-tac. So really it was the holster that made the difference for me.

Noops

[Maximum1]

I continue to hear owners of 1911 claim "It's no problem I carry it all the time". That's what my five buddies told me too when I told them I carry a Kel-Tec P-11...In fact they snickered. However, thoughout 2006 when we got together for one reason or another I asked them "What are you carry"... Funny thing 9 out of 10 times they weren't!!! I on the other hand armed each time... So sure I believe folks that say ""It's no problem I carry my 1911 all the time".

I think I'll stick with my P-11 and P32 you can keep you 1911.


By the way, I own a wonderful 1911...Love shooting it...but not for carry.

[10-Ring]

I now have a commander sized 1911 for carry duty but I have carried my gov't model...really depends on how well you can conceal your pistol and how comfortable you are doing it!

[Sean85746]

I didn't vote, but a good holster is always the key for carrying anything.

Try an AKER flatsider....damned comfy, and secure.

My buddy, who is similarly built to you carries his Kimber in one, and has zero problems.

[6_gunner]

I'm a fan of the vertical shoulder holster. I routinely carry a 6" model 10 in one under a jacket or unbuttoned shirt. I've never had any problems with comfort or concealment.

[The Real Hawkeye]

I continue to hear owners of 1911 claim "It's no problem I carry it all the time". That's what my five buddies told me too when I told them I carry a Kel-Tec P-11...In fact they snickered. However, thoughout 2006 when we got together for one reason or another I asked them "What are you carry"... Funny thing 9 out of 10 times they weren't!!! I on the other hand armed each time... So sure I believe folks that say ""It's no problem I carry my 1911 all the time".]The only time mine is not in my holster IWB is when I'm going into a government building, or some place where it's not allowed, but that would be the case even if it was a NAA mini revolver. Other than that, when I put my pants on in the morning, my full sized, all steel, 1911 goes on too, and stays there till I take my pants off to go to bed at night. Just because you find it difficult to carry a real gun don't assume everyone else does.

[jjboogie]

It is not easy to carry a full size 1911 but I live with it for now. What I suggest to people who are not used to carrying guns yet is to wear it around the house all day or as much as possible like on Saturdays or something when you are not going anywhere that way you get used to it being on you standing up and sitting down. Then when you go in to public you don't feel as weird with it.

I would like to get something lighter though!!! ;)

[The Real Hawkeye]

The lighter ones are easier to carry, I guess (though I hardly notice mine), but they are certainly harder to shoot well.

[Still 2 Many Choices!?]

I guess the 3/4 of an inch really doesn't matter as much with muzzle velocity and sight radius, but I think it will help with drawing the weapon if ever needed. I compared the two, and really based my purchase on the idea above, and the aesthetics of the commander it simply looked like it balanced better and had better symmetry:) . I haven't even gotten to fire it yet, but I like this gun.

[45crittergitter]

ra407 - Try Andrews Leather.

sig1911 - Yes, it works well for me. It has to ride behind the hipbone, and have the right tilt (a bit forward at the butt, a bit rearward at the muzzle). Apparently if you aren't pretty thin, this carry will cause the butt to dig into your "spare tire."

[MCgunner]

I guess the 3/4 of an inch really doesn't matter as much with muzzle velocity and sight radius, but I think it will help with drawing the weapon if ever needed. I compared the two, and really based my purchase on the idea above, and the aesthetics of the commander it simply looked like it balanced better and had better symmetry . I haven't even gotten to fire it yet, but I like this gun.

That's why I got a 3" medium frame .357 magnum revolver, because the 4" was just a bit too long when sitting and the 3" comes out of the IWB much smoother for me, requires less yank from a high ride.

But, I think I'll let my CCW go now that I've found out my .357 isn't a "real gun". No need for a license to carry a fake gun, eh? :rolleyes: I don't have a problem with full house .357 magnum 125 grain JHPs. I can fire it pretty rapidly from the draw and hit with it, and it only weighs a tick over 30 ounces. But, since it's not a real gun, now I know why.

[The Real Hawkeye]

But, I think I'll let my CCW go now that I've found out my .357 isn't a "real gun". No need for a license to carry a fake gun, eh? I don't have a problem with full house .357 magnum 125 grain JHPs. I can fire it pretty rapidly from the draw and hit with it, and it only weighs a tick over 30 ounces. But, since it's not a real gun, now I know why.How is it not a real gun? Now, the Keltec P11, that's a toy. :neener: