Which 1911 for CCW?

I personally prefer the 4" guns due to reliability in feeding over the shorter barrels. The 4" guns also will shoot with less velocity than a 5" but more than 3 1/2" or 3" barrel guns.
There are some here who will disagree with me but keep in mind, this is only my experience and opinion.

My three 4" guns are my:
Springfield WWII GI Champion (modified)


Springfield Stainless Champion


Wilson Combat CQB Compact

The Officers gave up a lot in handling and shooting characteristics.

Click to expand...

That's the biggest part of why I don't carry my officer size as much as the full size. Granted the gun has a niche, but to me the most important aspect of a good, timely draw is acquiring a sound grip. From there the rest of the draw falls into place.

With the officers size gun acquiring that grip is a bit more difficult. To me that isn't felt so much when standing at the firing line doing repeated draw and shoot drills because there is the repetition and expectation of the procedure. However when acquiring a grip from a less than ideal position or at more of an impromptu moment my percentage of less than ideal grip acquisition rises with the shorter frame as compared to the full.

Something I do when carrying my regular loaded gun, when I'm alone, is just to acquire a grip at odd times. I mean you can't really surprise yourself because you know and anticipate what you're doing, but I try to anticipate as little as possible. I'll do this when walking into the house or climbing the stairs. I find this to be worthwhile practice because it is more realistic than typical firing line training. I also feel that it's safe because I'm not even breaking leather and as I mentioned if I can achieve a good grip the rest of the draw and presentation fall smoothly into place.

One that works - every time.

I gotta agree with everyone who said 5". I carry a Kimber full size CDP in a Sparks VM-II. It completely dissappears under practically any cover garment, even t-shirts. After the first couple days of carrying it, I got to where I didn't even notice the weight of it. Plus, with the 5" gun, you don't have as many reliabilty issues as with the shorter ones.


hutch77

Colt Officer's model. No reliability problems with mine. I like the slightly shorter grip. I am a full size guy and prefer the shorter barrel and grip. To me, it carries easier. That is just me. I carried a full size for nearly a year and I dont think I will ever go back.

No problems grabbing it right everytime. It's got Hogue wraparounds on it and I love it.

Carry what you like, feel comfortable with and practice with.

I find that the Commander size frame does just fine.
My carry 1911 is an old IAI M5000, an Israeli made Commander clone. When outfitted with decent sights ( I went with McCormick) and decent grips, it became a good servicable CCW gun.



BTW, I have small hands!!!

The total cost of the above package was less than $300!!

$200 for the gun, $35 for the sights, $20 for instalation, and $25 for the zebrawood grips!!!

Even with my small hands, I don't care for the shortened frame. My two favorites are my Ed Brown Kobra Carry and my old, Kimber Pro Carry. The Brown hides better with the bobtail, but, the Kimber has the alloy frame making it lighter to carry.

I would go with my DW 10mm CBOB

S&W 1911 Scandium

been carrying it all day every day for a week now, and it's very comfortable. Very reliable and easy to shoot.

Springfield "Champion" rocks!!

I just got a Springfield Armory "Champion" 1911 - it has a 3 7/8" barrel and a full size frame; I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet (only had it 2 days), but the size makes it a great gun for CCW - just a tad smaller than a Clot Combat Commander.

The frames (and slides, as far as I know) are forged in Brazil which some people bitch about, but I have found the quality and workmanship of this pistol to be outstanding - no complaints there! I put a set of VZ grips black canvas micarta gatorback grips on it - this combination looks great - black micarta on two tone stainless steel (matte bead blasted rounds, gossy flats).

I would highly recommend that anyone interested in 1911s take a look at Springfield's 1911s, the Champion in particular for CCW.

Need I say more?