What size 1911 do you prefer for carry?

The Commander size. I havent found a 'short' 1911 yet that was truly reliable. The commander offers full-size reliability in a relatively compact size.

I have always found the Commander models to be the most comfortable to carry and the best fit for me in terms of overall ergonomics and performance.

I voted for Commander. I picked up a 4" w/full size grip and only got to put 20rds through her before I had to leave the country. So my opinion might change when I get home to really test her.

Double stack 10mm cannon, please. When you carry a heavy, full size, steel frame gun that can keep the recoil of full house defense loads manageable, you might as well pack a combination of serious firepower and stopping power in the same package. If you can't do it with 16 rounds of 10mm, the situation is beyond handgun capabilities anyway.

I own or have owned pistols with 3" barreld with Officer's frames, 4.25" with single stack regular and Bobtailed frames, and 5" barreled pistols with single and double stack frames. I have owned or do own a CCO-style pistol.

I carry a Bobtailed Commander-size pistol because of the balance/feel in my hand, ease of carry, and performance on target from the line or in IDPA competition because it's the best for me.

I don't have anything besides the full 5 inch barrel, and while that's fine for carry, I think the CCO would be very nice.

What companies are making a CCO version? I've been looking for something with a shorter hight for CC.

Just recently fell in love with the CCO when I bought my TALO Colt CCO. The shorter dimensions and lighter weight make it easier to carry than a Government model, yet it's easier to shoot than an Officers model and doesn't have the Officers reputation for being unreliable. In short... It's "just right" for a carry 1911.

Before that, I mainly carried Officers sized 1911s. Mainly because they're very easy to carry.

WoodchuckAssassin said:

What companies are making a CCO version? I've been looking for something with a shorter hight for CC.

Click to expand...

Off the top of my head, Sig does, the RCS I believe... Don't quote me on that. Dan Wesson does too.

Colt has in the past that you can still find, my TALO edition CCO for example I bought just last year at a gunshow.

When I have carried a 1911, it's always been a 5" model. Government sized are the only 1911s I've ever owned too. This was partly borne out of a want for the traditional pistol, and also partly because of my early days on THR where threads about problem 1911s tended to be about the shorter models.

Interesting results so far... 41 1911s so far and only ONE Officer/Defender model voted for as I type. I expected to see at least a few more of them and a few less 5 inchers.

And Commander length (I'm including CCOs) are well in the lead.

4" Officer frame. I like the officer frame for sitting , driving and less weight. I just don't like the barrels on a 1911 shorter than 4 inches, they just point better and feel more balanced to me and I don't trust them as much with less than a 4" barrel.

3" for me. Kimber UCDP for nearly 10 years now.

5" full sized for me....and my primary is a Wilson Combat, CQB model, in .45 acp....

I carry 2 1911's, both different. One is a 4'' with a bobtailed commander sized frame, and the other is a Colt odd ball, but I love it. The Colt is a M1991 Compact slide (same as officer) on a full size frame, it was odd at first but now I have grown to like it. Its very reliable and not as heavy as a government model while having the same ammo capacity.

4" CCO style. This one I carry just a bit more than my 5" Government with a Bobtail.

Commander.
I like the balance of the commander better. I also found that when carrying a government model IWB as I sat the muzzle contacted the chair first and drove the butt into my ribs.

Sig Sauer RCS 4.2" in .45 acp or Springfield EMP 3" in 9mm. Lightweight alloy frames. Both are reliable. Springfield had to go back for chamber ream before it would feed reliably.

3 inch Kimber Ultra.


Why?
It's small, light weight, very accurate and totally reliable.

I carry a Combat Commander when that urge hits me. I don't have a smaller 1911, no experience with a smaller one except a Colt Custom Shop gun I had with a full frame and Officer's upper. It shot good and was reliable, but is gone now. A buddy just bought a Citadel compact and I'm waiting to see how it does. I almost got a Detonics last year in a pawn shop, maybe should have.

SInce a Commander length is the only 1911 I have had to vote for that.

What day of the week is it?

My primary carry is 3.9" on an officer frame (STI Guardian), but sometimes rotate with a commander size (STI Ranger).

Had a number of 5"ers...good range or NS gun, never could make it work for carry.
I have owned more of the 3 inchers than anything else, but in the last 2-3 years I have come to appreciate the balance, weight and feel of an alloy framed Commander size. Bobtailed is nice, too.
Current favorite: S&W E-series Scandium, bobtailed and two-toned.