How many conceal carry full size auto pistols?

A 1911 is certainly do-able if you've a compatible body type.

I carry a full size auto on occasion. Either a P220 or Sig 1911. The 1911 being easier to conceal because it's not as tall as the P220.

You can conceal any handgun, if you're willing to dress around the gun. It's that simple.

I carry a g20 75% of the time, no one would call that compact unless they were comparing it to a desert eagle. #1 have a good belt (im sure you know that) #2 have a proper holster (duh) #3 dress accordingly.
#3 sounds like a no brainer but with a full sized handgun it can get tricky - im 6'1" and 190# so not a very large guy. What i do in warm weather is wear a light button down shirt (unbuttoned) over a t-shirt and make sure it has enough length, its never been a problem. If i will be walking a lot i will carry appendix which conceals great, just doesnt feel good to sit for long. What ive found is weight and barrel length arent factors for me, grip length is the only thing that needs to be considered, position is important. I just feel well armed when i have a full sized gun, i do carry a 380 when the temperature is above 85° or so or if im going swimming or some place where it would be frowned upon to have a gun (legally of course). But as im sure youre aware if you are operating within the laws printing generally goes unnoticed and if you are noticed you are within your rights so anyones opinion is their problem not yours.
I say get a full size and carry on. Good luck.

The PX4 Storm would likely carry easier, a bit thinner in the grip and lighter (from my observations) but both are doable if you have the will and body type, mostly the will to change your dress as necessary.

Myself, I prefer 1911s or the Sig 226 for carry, but mostly a Commander 1911.

I carry a 1911 govt somewhat regularly. I shoot it well and I'm confident in it so I like to carry it. I have to admit, though, that it is often a bit much to keep concealed as I go through life which is why I carry my smaller weapon much more often. So if you are looking for an option to carry sometimes, you'll be fine with the full size. But if you are looking for a primary concealed weapon I would suggest considering your lifestyle around carrying something that large.

I too carry a full size 1911 (RIA 10mm) on occasion, especially if expecting to be among more rural areas with recent bear sightings. This is with a tuckable IWB kydex on leather holster.
I also sometimes will carry my M&Pc 2.0 in an all kydex IWB without issues (especially after toning down the super aggressive stippling on the left side that contacts skin. Same with my fullsize Beretta APX in .40S&W.

That said, I carry a P365 easily 90% of the time. I can conceal full size, I simply prefer not to.

Because the Ruger P95's barrel ticks in at just under four inches in length (3.9), it's technically not considered a "full-size" pistol, but I have carried mine concealed on many occasions (and recently bought a new holster with the intent to increase the frequency of this.) I carry ITB (inside-the-belt), using an IWB holster.

I have also carried a four-inch Police Service Six in this manner, and a 5-inch GI-type 1911 in an OWB belt-slide holster at times.

Incidentally, for those days in which the Ruger would be too much, a new Taurus G2C is being groomed for the role, likely to all-but replace a Kel-Tec PF9 as my primary EDC.

Honestly with what you have been used to carrying for years, I don't think you will be happy with a full size pistol. Sure it can be done but there are far more comfortable options especially for all day carry.

Define full size.

When I was growing up and in my younger years a full sized semi-auto pistol had a 5" barrel. Now it seems that 4" is the new full size.

I carry a LW Commander 4.25" barrel 96% of the time.

I’m carrying this:



HK VP9 long slide, with a Surefire X300U. Holster is a PHLster Floodlight. Carries all inside the waist at the appendix. Holster is ambidextrous, comes with excellent hardware, and is comfortable once belt tightness is figured out. Conceals the pistol just fine as long as I don’t wear a tight T-shirt.

It is not difficult to conceal a full size pistol. You can conceal anything you want if you're willing to dress around it. There is a 4-9, 85 lb agent I know who concealed a Glock 17 quite well.

Too many are concerned with carrying the smallest gun possible but should pay more attention to concealing something they shoot well.

JMO

Coal Dragger said:

I’m carrying this:

View attachment 844682

HK VP9 long slide, with a Surefire X300U. Holster is a PHLster Floodlight. Carries all inside the waist at the appendix. Holster is ambidextrous, comes with excellent hardware, and is comfortable once belt tightness is figured out. Conceals the pistol just fine as long as I don’t wear a tight T-shirt.

Click to expand...

Bet the girls are all over you with that in appendix carry

Moderately often, a 4" M&P with X300U-A. I know people who have similar, plus add an RDS. It's all about holster, more about belt, some clothing, and a fair bit of knowing how to fit to your body.

And, having faith. Do not keep checking your gun. That is the big giveaway.

I wouldn't carry a Taurus anything for self defense unless it was the only gun on the planet and both the Berrettas look clunky to me.

That said, define full size.

If a four inch barrel is the standard my Glock 19 is a full sized gun.

I've predominantly carried full sized guns since I've started carrying. CZ75B, S&W4006, M&P9 and if a four inch barrel is the standard my Glock 19. It's definitely doable but after carrying polymer guns for 4 or 5 years I think a steel gun would drive me nuts.

CZ makes DA/SA guns in .40 S&W

Not sure it’s considered full size but I carry a CZ P07 about half the time, untucked shirt and it’s unoticable.

m11a1 IWB (same as my p229 which was a .40 at one time):

flashhole said:

... SA/DA ...

Click to expand...

DA/SA

My favorite full size carry gun is the Hi Power, which is surprisingly easy to conceal considering the 5" barrel.



I have also carried a Sig 226 and a GLOCK 21. Much bulkier, but not impossible.

1911 in a belt or shoulder holster is no big deal with a vest or jacket. I've occasionally done a 1911 IWB under a Hawaiian shirt, but I have to be careful about bending over.

1911 for me. Most common is IWB, followed by OWB and rare use of a shoulder holster.

I carried a 10mm Govt sized 1911 OWB while on the ranch for 20 years.. When I moved to town I backed off a notch or two to a Colt Defender .45 . I don't need the 10mm's horsepower or bark in town. A crotchety old cowboy in a leather vest
doesn't draw much attention in Wyoming.

Fullsize in this day and age is anything more than a single stack to a lot of folks.

I have carried my G17 in the same EDC holster as my EDC G26. But my 26 has extended 12rd mags and from the front strap is about the same length as my 17. Almost like a bobbed 17 or 19.

Point being, I think the grip size plays a more important role in concealment than barrel size, and in that respect many would consider my EDC 26 a "fullsize", even though I do not and it is not.

Like you, I carried a Taurus PT (PT-145). I really liked it-never gave me any problems and shot pretty much where I wanted it. Carried it in a don hume JIT slide. Worked great. I traded it because I thought it would be hard to get out from under given the recall. Traded into a PT-1911 and never looked back.

By full size I assume you mean service-size, with a 4 or 5 inch barrel.

My preferred carry is that 1911, with 5” barrel. I carry OWB at 3:30 or 4 o’clock. I’ve tried to conceal carry a 4” K-frame in the same type of holster and position but for some odd reason the 1911 hugs closer to me (easier to conceal). Sounds counter-intuitive but there we are.

I’d also carry my Hi Power without hesitation, but need a suitable holster before i do.