carry weapon

I would recommend that you get to a range and shoot both extensively.

I have been ranting in here for years that you can carry and conceal full-size handguns, year-round, any wardrobe, quite effectively. Comfort and convenience is relative, especially if you have never carried before. Remember that bigger guns are easier to aim, and have less felt recoil. I think that more compact options are for more experienced shooters, something that you can move to later when you are comfortable with them. (I've been carrying full-size autos for 13 years, I haven't felt the need to shrink yet.)

I'm in the same lane as mljdeckard, but I'm going a different speed.

I like autos, but I've started out compact and would like to move into something bigger, but haven't done that yet.

get both. one for you and one for the wife. with the 357 you can shoot 38 special. as the wife gets more cofident with the gun and herself move to 357. the revolver will never jam if you limp rist while shooting although the 1911 should be easier to reload. the comparisons are endless, both have pros and cons but as stated above SHOOT

I agree (sort of)with Kanook. My wife loves my Smith 65, hates any of my autos.
Find the handgun that works for each of you and go with it.

Buy and carry whatever style of pistol that you are most experienced in or have the most training with.

If you don't have much experience, then I'd suggest that you "test drive" a few at a rental range, or sign up for an introductory firearm training that includes multiple firearms.

My bride carries a S&W 686P 7 shot and I carry a Colt Gov Model XSE, biggest thing is what ever you are comfortable with and shoot well with

I could never CC either of those, I'm way too small. But if I had to make a choice it would be the ruger. I'm too big a revolver fan not to carry one.

Well, the GP is a bit of a pig, but you could conceal it depending on what you wear. A good gunbelt and nice holster are a must.

If you don't like snubs, but feel that the GP is too big, you might consider the Ruger SP101 with a 3 1/16" barrel. Either that, or a S&W K Frame with a 3-4" barrel. If 357 Magnum is not a must, a 3" Model 10 would make a fantastic carry gun, IMO.

As for 1911s, I carry a 5" pretty regularly in a Gary Brommeland Max Con V IWB holster. Hardly no it's there, with my 1 3/4" bullhide belt from TheBeltman. In the end though, I prefer carrying my 2" S&W Model 15, as I shoot it better and I trust it's reliability a tad more.

I've also experimented carrying my 6" S&W Model 14, and surprisingly it isn't that difficult to pull off. Maybe it's because I'm 6'7", I dunno. You'd be surprised what you can hide given good gear and the right attire.

I carried a Colt M357 my first tour in Viet Nam, and used it twice. On my second tour, I carried an issue M1911 (which I did not have occasion to use.)

However, I have seen the results of the M1911 on men, and know many fellow soldiers who did use it.

My carry gun is an M1911 because:

1. It's capable of doing whatever it has to do.

2. It's highly reliable (cruise this site often enough, and you will be disabused of the myth that "revolvers are more reliable.")

3. It's highly shootable in my hands.

4. It's as effective as any other handgun.

5. It's flat and easy to carry concealed.

What ever you decide take the class with a semi-auto. Here in Texas if you use a revolver to take the class then a revolver is all you can carry. If you use a semi-auto you can carry either.

I carry different guns on different occasions depending on dress and weather. I carry a 3" or 5" 1911 most of the time but also like my little Kahr MK9.

I prefer autoloaders so I'd choose the 1911 over the Ruger. That doesn't mean it's a better choice for you.

In fact, I like to pocket carry, so my preference wouldn't be either of those.

My primary carry is a 4" Kimber 45, officer size grip. It's all stainless so a bit heavy but it conceals well. A good belt and holster handles the weight just fine.

There is always a place for a snub nose. When I buy mines, I'm going to have it as a back up. But for your question, I would go with the 1911.

Ruger SP101 and an M&P 9mmc carry them both just about everyday in winter I carry my 1911 Kimber with the SP101.

Choose the gun that you shoot best, then figure out how to carry it.
I am fairly skinny and I carry a 1911 concealed everyday easily.

I carry the gun that I am most familiar with, the most comfortable with, the gun that best fits my hand and eye, the gun that I am most accurate with, the gun that I can operate every time out be it broad daylight or blackest night, the gun that works reliably every time I squeeze the trigger.

My advice is to find that gun, whatever make or model or style it happens to be. For me, it's a Walther PPK/S, based on years and years of range work.

I like the Colt 1911 CCO variant, the Commander 4.25" Bbl./Slide for ballistics and ease of dis-assembly/assembly, on the Officers frame.
Although the CCO isn't in current production, several makers of 1911
clones make a model like the CCO.

Also some of the Single stack 9mm Luger pistols, like the Sig P239 and
S&W 908 offer more rounds than a 5 shot J-frame snubbie .

Randall

Brutz,
You said you don't like snub nose revolvers. A 4" revolver is fairly hard to carry around all day. Why not buy a 3" K frame revolver for carry. IMO it's the perfect compromise between the two. You get a comfortable to carry revolver that carries 6 rounds but with a better sight radius than a J frame.

Since a 1911 will cost you a bunch why not buy a used K frame and customize it to your liking instead...

I love my Kimber Custome II, except it's a little big for summer carry (which I'm sure would be a concern of yours in Texas.) So when I gather the money I'm probably going to go with a Springfield XD9 subcompact with a 5.11holster shirt.

So which would you all recommend? A revolver 4' or a 1911 preferably full-size?

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Neither.

It may sound good on paper, but you will quickly find that carrying those big clunkers concealed will get old really fast in real life.

If you want a revolver for carry, I would get a snubby in .38 spc +P or .357 maggie. If you want an auto, I would get a sub-compact, they make some nice 1911's in 3". Remember, you have to live with this gun in your pants every day of your life. Concealing full-sized duty guns might work for a day or two... but...

... this is just one mans opinion.


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Whichever you can shoot the fastest and most accurately with.

It may sound good on paper, but you will quickly find that carrying those big clunkers concealed will get old really fast in real life.

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I've been carrying a full size M1911 for over 40 years now.

I chose other because although I do like both of the choices you listed I think they are to heavy, at least for me to carry on a daily basis. my vote goes to the 2.5'' 686. 19. 66 or the like.