1911. Practical for CCW?

I like the Glock 23, more rounds and pretty similar stopping power in a smaller package.

I carry one everyday. It rides in a Milt Sparks Summer Special II located at 4 o'clock.

I'm 6 foot and 160lbs soaking wet. There is no way that I could conceal a 1911 on my frame. A Kel Tec pf9 is the size limit for me. I wish I could carry a larger handgun but have never been able to avoid having them print badly. Even my Glock 23.

I carried a Colt 1991 Series 80 Government Model for two and a half years in a Milt Sparks Summer Special II holster at 4:00. Actually very comfortable, even wore it on my honeymoon. Only stopped because the pistol started developing several issues I could not figure out after working flawlessly for 1500 rounds. Turned out to be the last straw with me and 1911s.

Well coondogger, given your assessment, then the 1911 isn't viable, for you.

I'd take my 1911 with me in a fanny bag when hiking. Has anyone done that?

I carry a Kimber Ultra II in a Crossbreed Supertuck at "small of back" position. I'll concede that a cute little pocket pistol might be less obtrusive and lighter, but here in my state we are fortunate enough to have universal open carry as well as permitted CCW, so I do not worry about whether it might occasionally "shadow", "imprint" or even be openly observable.

I find that the 1911 carries very well, but you have to have a good belt and quality holster. At least one lady friend carries a 1911 IWB each and every day.

akv3g4n said:

I'm 6 foot and 160lbs soaking wet. There is no way that I could conceal a 1911 on my frame. A Kel Tec pf9 is the size limit for me. I wish I could carry a larger handgun but have never been able to avoid having them print badly. Even my Glock 23.

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Have you tried IWB at 2 o'clock? Quit wearing tight clothes!

If you don't mind me asking coon what do you carry now?

coondogger said:

But it's also heavy enough to nearly require wheels. It's sheer bulk makes it uncomfortable and as far as concealment, it blends like a bad wig.

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Seems to me your mind is made up and you need a smaller gun; there are plenty available. Many in 45ACP if that's your cartridge of choice.

My current most oft picked carry piece is a Glock 23; wife's is a Glock 19 but her's will soon be either a Ruger SR9c or and SR40c. Different strokes for different folks.

Have you tried IWB at 2 o'clock? Quit wearing tight clothes!

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Ha ha. I'm not wearing skinny jeans or anything. I carry in a belly band currently and it works for the smaller frame pistols just fine. IDK, it just doesn't work for me. More power to the people that can carry it. I'll stick to something smaller and more comfortable (for me).

Seanxlu said:

I'd take my 1911 with me in a fanny bag when hiking. Has anyone done that?

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My fanny pack gun is either a Glock 20 or Smith 1006.

I carry a Kimber Ultra in a DeSantis OWB at 4 o'clock. It holds it tight to my body and is very concealable. I'm 5'10" and 170lbs and no one knows I'm carrying.

The Milt Sparks holsters seem extremely popular among those who carry a 1911 of some sort. I have no experience with MS holsters, but if I wanted to change my EDC from a G19 to a 1911, Milt Sparks would be my first stop.

OP, it sounds like your statements concerning concealing a 1911 may be based more on assumptions than experience. I'm not trying to attack you by saying that, but if you actually have tried carrying a 1911 and had results you were unhappy with, there are a number of things you could look at to find the problem/s.

The holster itself - goes without saying that some are much better for their intended purpose than others. Holsters are an area where one really does get what he pays for, for the most part.

Your attire - there are clothes designed specifically for concealed-carry, and while not exactly critical for most people, they will often help or improve the comfort and concealment experienced while packing.

Your physique - often overlooked. The number one concern as far as toolset goes (plenty of info available here on mindset, skillset, toolset, if you're not familiar with those concepts). Aside from that, it's also commonly stated that proper concealment of a firearm is much easier if an individual is physically fit. Something about a muffin top interfering with a handgun's protruding grip from one's waistline.

The belt - obviously a part of attire, but it needs special mention because this baby makes or breaks the whole package. A proper gun belt can support a full-size, steel 1911 better than a bowl holds soup. The shape of one's body will play into this (remember that muffin top), but the ability of a well-made belt really shouldn't be overlooked, even if a person is just one jelly donut short of a dozen.

I'm a small man at 5'6" and carry a CCO size 1911. I use a Crossbreed Supertuck IWB holster on a strong gunbelt. With any shirt tail out, it conceals quite well and doesn't print at all. In the summer I'll wear loose Hawaiian style shirts and in the winter any sweater or flannel shirt works.

Bobson nailed it pretty good.

People carry 1911's for the same reason we enjoy shooting them - the ergonomics and the trigger. You should be carrying the gun you shoot best with. For a lot of people that's a 1911.

It's not the easiest gun to carry, but with a little bit of effort it's not very difficult.

I don't like 1911s. I like plastic. I like double-stack. I like 9mm. I like having no manual safety. For me, a striker-fired pistol works best.

A lot of people argue that 1911s are easier to carry because they are slimmer than your average duty pistol. It's probably true. You can carry one IWB easier than you can carry a Glock. It's heavier, but thinner. It's doable, but if you don't like 1911s there's no need to get one over another weapon you like better.

If you want a lighter single-stack .45, look at the G36 or XDs. If you want a .45 that is lighter than a 1911, there are dozens of options available in double-stack duty pistols.

Compared to my full size XDM 4.5 I've concealed for over a year, a 1911 is a smaller gun!

You can hide almost anything with a Crossbreed!

I haven't gotten a 1911 yet because I prefer striker fire guns. However it's definitely on the list! Probably won't be a carry gun for me because I prefer higher capacity. Though 1911's are a classy looking open carry piece in a leather holster!

In God and Glock we Trust

Tarosean, I mostly carry a Walther PPK/S; IWB at 4 o'clock. But I often carry a SW model 49, cross draw at 10 o'clock.

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Hey the same guns my 100# wife carries... Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Least with a 1911 your not going to accidently loose it on the movie theater floor.

Seriously though, use whatever is comfortable for you... Period..

I like full size guns. 1911's, BHP's and Beretta's... I don't notice the weight nor size. Plus there is the advantage that they are formidable weapons without bullets...

To be clear, I'm not calling out the OP as a troll.

But his contention is so absurd, I have to wonder why he felt compelled to start on thread on the topic.

Many of us here have been carrying full-size 1911s concealed for probably more years than the OP has been alive.

IWB? Easy -- Milt Sparks Summer Special leaps to mind as the first really good IWB for a 1911; the Versa Max II made IWB even more comfortable. Now come the hybrids, such as Crossbreed's and others ...

OWB? Most of us have known for years that a good pancake does the trick under almost any cover garment. Kramer's Belt Scabbard in horsehide is my standard; even the Galco Concealable ain't too bad for off-the-rack (not as long-lasting, but conceals great).

As Al Thompson and others note, a good belt and quality holster is all you need.

I'm almost insulted anyone could question the concept of carrying a 1911 concealed. It's skinny, and knowledgeable guncarriers know that it's not necessarily the barrel length, it's the width of the slide, frame and grip that affect concealment. Weight is not a factor when one commits to quality belt and holster.

Steelin' Ducks said:

I carry one everyday. It rides in a Milt Sparks Summer Special II located at 4 o'clock.

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Same here. Milt Sparks Summer and it carries real nice. I find it very confortable.

Hmmm...have to say this must come from someone not very used to carrying a concealed weapon. The 1911 is one of the easiest-carrying guns I've used. Slim and pulls in tight. Rides in an IWB holster like a dream.

Absolutely my preferred carry gun.