1911. Practical for CCW?

I carry a CCO-sized all-steel 1911 pretty much every day

Good IWB leather&kydex holster
Real gunbelt
Reasonable clothing

It isn't even difficult, if you are willing to invest in quality carry gear. It won't work in a generic floppy nylon holster and the belt that was on sale at the department store.

I carried 1911s for three decades. Changed over last year to a G30 to reduce weight and increase capacity. Now rotate a G30, 36 and 26, but will always have a couple 1911s.

If you don't mind a manual thumb safety, it's one of the more practical choices out there IMHO. I personally won't carry one because I don't like safeties on my defensive weapons, but other than that they are super thin, powerful, and light enough if you go with an aluminum-framed model.

Beltman bullhide is what I use. Horsehide is nice, too.

If it will support that weight on a 48" waistline, it will be even better on your (assumed) smaller circumference.

http://www.ferraraleather.com/

I got two of their belts, and they are truly the best belts I've ever owned. He's a member here. He's active at http://www.bayoushooter.com/ and gives a discount to members (join for free).

I've carried an M1911 for more than 50 years -- mostly in an IWB holster of my own design. The M1911 is flat and thinner than most other .45s and is easy to conceal. You just need a good belt and holster.

I've heard nothing but the best about The Belt Man. There's the link.

Can anyone recommend a top notch belt?

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www.ttgunleather.com and http://www.andrewsleather.com/traditional.htm

I carry my full size RIA 1911 A1 in a desantis Intruder IWB works fine hardly notice its there. I am kind of a stocky fellow though. 5'10" and bounce between 195 and 215 LBS depending on how active I am at the time.

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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I can't help but shake my head when people state their opinion as if it is a fact.

There are quite a few people on this forum that carry and prefer a 1911 and would laugh at each of your statements.

You may include me in that category.

Let's take it easy here. The OP sounds receptive and probably doesn't need to be berated into a more informed opinion.

coondogger said:

But what I'm getting here is a strong testimonial for the crossbreed style holsters that seem to spread the weight of the gun out more. Can anyone recommend a top notch belt? The one I've been using is a Filson single layer which seems to work well for my smaller guns.

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Can anyone recommend a top notch belt?

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I use a Textan, nothing fancy just a solid chunk of leather.

http://www.textan.com/catalog/products.html

he M1911 is flat and thinner than most other .45s

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shoot its still thinner than most modern day 9mm's

Can anyone recommend a top notch belt?

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If you are not after a leather belt, I think VERY highly of the Ares Gear Ranger. http://www.aresgear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6

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Like others have posted, nothing like a good holster and a sturdy belt to make a big difference in carrying an M1911. If you're looking for a less weight in the gun maybe consider an alluminum alloy frame model like the Lightweight Goverment or Commander.

The Beltman is the best belt I have ever had.
For a full size gun, a 1911 is second only to the Browning High Power in ease of carry, IMHO. I regularly have one or the other on my hip, and often a 4" N frame revolver. (not at the same time) Now there is a beast to carry, but can still be done with the right holster and belt.

I love 1911s. They're fun to shoot, accurate, timeless.

In a ccw, I want a weapon that will go bang, cycle, and go bang again quickly, accurately, and reliably.

For this purpose, I will not carry a 1911. I will target shoot, but not carry. I'll stash one in the drawer, but my last line of defense will be a sloppy, lightweight, reliable weapon.

There are better choices.

meanmrumustard I agree with you the ccw should always go bang and one should carry what works for them. When I go to town I always carry a 1911 [over 45 years] and when around the farm or in the woods a 44. The 1911 always goes bang for me but I know some have doubts so they should carry what works for them.

There are better choices.

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That is your opinion, and your entitled to it. Some share your view and others do not..

There's been reasonable commentary here on the qualities of the 1911 as a CCW option. I think the thought on slimness, IWB, and a good belt bear re-reading.

One quality unaddressed is the size. I find that the controls are far apart on a 1911 which contribute to confidence of operation in times of crisis.

Of course you can. I carry an all-steel, full-size 1911 year-round, including 100+ degree summers.

To everyone saying; 'can't', I hear; "I am unwilling to make the wardrobe and habit adjustments to accomodate carrying one." Now, you are under no obligation to. Carry what you want. I tell my students to carry what they shoot best. But don't try to say you CAN'T carry one when you are really just unwilling to make the equipment and wardrobe adjustments to do so. MANY people of all shapes and sizes carry them.

I use a few different options. In winter I use a Galco Miami Classic shoulder holster, a Blackhawk Serpa, and a Crossbreed Supertuck with a Bianchi 1-1/2" gun belt. In summer, I often use a fanny pack, especially when on long road trips.

I THINK, that the gun industry has a lot of people conditioned into thinking they can't be carried, because they want people to buy more guns. "Of course, everyone should own a classic 1911, but you can't CARRY one. For that you need a commander, or a different model gun."

My 1911 is one of the easiest guns to carry. A good belt makes the weight negligible.

It is slim and that is what makes it so easy for me to carry. Currently, I prefer to keep a FS gun on me so my rotation is between an M&P9, Glock 19, and Colt Commander in .38 Auto... The Colt is my favorite to carry because it is just much more comfortable.


And I will add - This 1911 has gone at least 3,000 rounds (that I know of) without a malfunction... so I trust it.

I carry a Delta Elite many times.
Adams Holsters Texas rig IWB and gun belt.
Is it EASIER to carry a smaller and lighter gun? Of course it is.
Finding on what I am doing and where I am going I carry anything from a G20 to a P3AT.
If I didn't work in non permissive environments, I would live with a bug hunk of iron on my hip.


Jim

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