1911 As a First Carry Gun

[Deanimator]

The 1911 is a big gun for cc. It's heavy too. I would probably opt for a j frame airweight. Most folks have little trouble carrying them. I always found the 1911 govt. model too darn heavy.

I routinely carry a full size Norinco M1911 in a Don Hume 715M IWB. No problems and it's comfortable all day long.

I don't get all of the complaining about M1911s, at least when you're wearing normal street clothes. The only times I don't carry a full size auto or a 3" revolver is when I have to disarm a lot or when I'm walking for exercise in hot weather, and even my Chief's Special is iffy for that.

 

[Deanimator]

As a generalization, 1911s are finnicky. Period. If I could only have one gun to carry, it'd be something ugly, cheap, and known for being monotonously reliable.

My first handgun was a .45acp Series 70 Colt. When I first bought it, it wouldn't reliably feed ball. It fed 200gr. JHP "flying ashtrays" with 100% reliability. Guess which one I'd prefer to carry? Of course after a couple of boxes of ammunition, it was 100% with ball too.

 

[PcolaDawg]

Good question. I was rather clueless myself when I decided to conceal/carry and it was a bit hit and miss (it still is as I am still just a little less than clueless).

I bought two guns that I expected to be my conceal carry choices.

The first one was a Smith & Wesson 642 J Frame.

The second was a Kimber 1911 Ultra Crimson Carry II.

Just from the feel of the gun, I liked the Kimber the best. And it's the smallest 1911 they make, so I figured I would carry it a lot.

Now that I've been carrying a gun around for awhile, though, I've found that the 1911, even the smallest one, is difficult for me to properly conceal. I mainly need a gun that will fit in my front pocket, and the 1911 just doesn't do that very well. Plus, the weight of the gun makes it much more difficult to pocket carry. So, as I type this, I have my J Frame in my pocket and can hardly tell it's there. When I have to wear a suit, I pocket carry a Kel-Tec P32, which is a little gun I can take EVERYWHERE as it's extremely small and light.

Whenever I can conceal a holster (like if I'm wearing a jacket or sweater) I will always try to carry the Kimber. I also have a couple of conceal/carry jackets with holsters in the jacket itself, and I will care the Kimber when I'm wearing those.

So I'm glad I have the Kimber, and I do carry it. But if you can only afford ONE gun, and it is a gun you want to carry every day, I'd get something a bit smaller and lighter. But that's me. I have a nephew who carries a full size Taurus 1911 every day, and he has no problem doing it.

Whatever you do, good luck with it and have fun choosing your gun!

 

[tomaz45]

The 1911 is as good as it gets. Noting your age and location, contact Gunsite and check into their training options. If you can't swing the #250 class, go to the 3 day #150. They will get you going "Right!". The 1911 requires muscle memory due to grip safety and slide safety, but once mastered, there is nothing better for carry and power in my most humble opinion. I don't leave home without it. The selection and quality that is out there today is fantastic from the Taurus to a custom Heirloom Percision.

 

[The Wiry Irishman]

A full size 1911 was my first carry gun, and I still carry it everywhere I go when I'm not on campus, and I've never had any issues with the weight. I use a Galco Summer Comfort on a $20 leather belt I bought from a typical big box clothing store.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the 1911s slimness as an advantage for concealment. I don't have to buy bigger pants to fit the gun in, and it disappears under any shirt that isn't totally form-fitting. But just like everyone's hands are different and different guns fit better for them, everyone's body is different and some designs will conceal better than others. So as much as I'd like to say "a full-size 1911 is THE best carry gun," that only applies to me. I think it would be a better bet to try out a few different things and see what works for you. If you've got two years until you get your permit, you'll have plenty of time to make friends with guns and holsters you're interested in.

 

[EHL]

If you've been into guns for any considerable length of time, you should know that "cheap" does not invariably mean "unreliable", "ineffective", or anything of that sort.

That's the exception, NOT THE RULE. Other wise we'd all be running out and buying Brycos and Special Weapons systems.

If they charged you more money for the same thing would you feel better about trusting your life to it?

Is that a serious question?? Who would willingly pay more for the same exact thing (given that there are no shortages)?? I would however, willingly pay more for a quality firearm that I could trust my life to. A quality 1911 definitly fits the bill as a firearm generally worthy enough to entrust your life with. Navy Seals, numerous SWAT agencies, several Sheriffs depts (to name a few)all trust their lives with a 1911 strapped to their side. These agencies generally have larger budgets and more direct controll over what they use in the field. The fact that they opted with the "antiquated" design of the 1911 speaks volumes for it's durability and reliability in true combat scenarios.

 

[dmazur]

I like the Commander length 1911's better because I believe they have a better "balance". The difference between a Commander and full-size is very little, weight-wise.

I found that a decent holster makes carrying a steel Commander relatively comfortable. I definitely know it's there, but it isn't painful at the end of the day.

While I received minimal training in the Navy, I didn't really get comfortable with the 1911 until I started with IDPA. I recommend IDPA as something to get into to improve your skills and have some fun at the same time. It is a little different than other pistol competition, encouraging "box stock" pistols and a level playing field. Holsters are supposed to be something actually used for CCW, not something that screams "race gun" or "competition". Sights are plain notch type. No opticals or red-dots allowed.

You should be aware that the springs get stronger with the shorter length 1911's. You might find a full-size with a 18# spring, Commander with a 21# spring, and Officer's Model with a 24# spring. All using the same ammo. This will make the slide slightly more difficult to operate in the shorter versions.

I may be biased, but with proper instruction and practice, I believe the 1911 is an excellent CCW pistol. Good luck!

 

[Eightball]

First gun I CCWed was my 5" Kimber, but it was also the winter before I got my permit. YMMV, especially where you live.

And no, I haven't found a good way to CCW a 5" 1911 now that it's getting warmer. Not yet, anyway.

 

[Sapper771]

You are not alone, everytime I tuck my 1911s into my safe and I carry something else, I always get drawn back to them by some unknown "force".

The 1911 GM was my first carry gun. I was 5'8 and 160 pounds. I had no problems concealing it, but I usually wore an over shirt to assist in concealing it. My holster of choice is a Galco Royal Guard IWB or a Blade-Tech Mcgee NANO IWB.

I am different from others. I do not carry small pistols, unless I have to for some reason. I prefer full sized pistols for thier accuracy, handling, and ballistics.
Everyone is different in their interest and reasons for carry.
The 1911 is not for everyone, but I have yet to meet someone that can not shoot it effectively.

If you just want a dedicated carry weapon, there are several choices.
If you want one pistol that can carry on multiple roles (target,carry, range, truck, etc) ,you need to assess the market and see what will fit your needs.

If you have a friend or family member that carries, maybe see if you can try their carry gun and holster on.

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

The 1911 is a big gun for cc. It's heavy too. I would probably opt for a j frame airweight. Most folks have little trouble carrying them. I always found the 1911 govt. model too darn heavy.

Pfffffft



I carry a full size 1911 everywhere, all the time. I have carried my brother's snub nose, and my mom's tiny taurus .45, but I just don't feel as comfortable without the 1911.

Sure, it's a pain after wearing literally, all day, but if I only wear it about 6 or 8 hours at a time, it does't bother me at all.

Just get a good holster for it, and it's fine.


I carry, most of the time, with jeans and a T-shirt.

 

[BlindJustice]

I carry a full size 1911, S&W 5" Bbl. Stainless in
a Milt Sparks #Axiom - OWB w/FBI cant.
The forward tilt of the FBI cant helps to keep the
end of the grip/frame from printing somewhat.

I think the best format for a smaller 1911 ccw variant
is the Colt CCO format with the Commander 4.25" Bbl./Slide
on the Officers frame which is .75" Less in overall height.

I'd recommend a Springfield Armory Mil-Spec and shoot the
thing a lot. Learn Cocked and Locked manual of arms.

.22 Conversion units include, .22 Barrel, a lightweight slide,
appropriate recoil spring and magazine. Several available for
full size 1911s.

R-

 

[Eschaton]

Sorry again for another bump, but I have I think I have narrowed it down to a Springfield Mil-Spec 1911. I've read a bunch of professional and amateur reviews and they all point very positively towards this gun.

So, now I ask you fine people to share your opinions on this gun and also if you have any pointers/suggestions once I get the gun besides using it for what it was made for, shooting it a whole lot.

 

[Olympus]

You'll get both sides of the coin on this subject. Some people say the standard 1911 is too big to carry and some say it's not. Some say it's uncomfortable and some say that you're not using the right belt, holster, position, etc combination. This is really a choice that will boil to your own personal choice. Is the .45 an acceptable concealed caliber? Absolutely! But is the 1911 going to be a gun that you can comfortably carry concealed? That's going to be something that nobody here can answer for you. Everybody has a different body shape and what may be comfortable to one person may not be to the next.

If you can, try carrying concealed in different positions like strong side, small of the back, apendix, cross-draw, and even shoulder carry. Ask friends if they have different holsters you can try. Go to a shop that sells holsters and ask if you can bring the holster back if you find it uncomfortable. If they allow that, take advantage and try every different of holster they have. But if you ever find yourself leaving your gun behind because it's not comfortable then you need to rethink your gun choice, holster choice, or both.

I carried a full sized 1911 for a while and never found any setup that was comfortable to me. The 1911 with a full mag would always weigh my pants down and at the end of the day, would stretch them out. Personally, I don't enjoy wearing a belt so tight it feels like you'll be cut in half if you bend over. I don't like elastic waistband imprints in my skin from wearing a belt tight enough to support a holster and 1911 with a full mag. I switched guns to a PPK size and an IWB holster and I can carry all day, in and out of cars, comfortably. For me it was worth it to reconsider carrying my 1911.

You'll get so many different opinions on this it will make your head spend. But in the end, none of us are you. And you're the one that matters. Wear what's comfortable to you and say thanks for opinions.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

What is your experience with handguns? I find single-action semiautos to be a bit of a challenge to carry for people new to concealed carry firearms. They have a lot more controls to manipulate, particularly under stress. Therefore they require proportionately more experience and practice to carry and operate reliably with them.

As a first CC gun I would recommend a DA gun.

 

[Eschaton]

What is your experience with handguns? I find single-action semiautos to be a bit of a challenge to carry for people new to concealed carry firearms. They have a lot more controls to manipulate, particularly under stress. Therefore they require proportionately more experience and practice to carry and operate reliably with them.

As a first CC gun I would recommend a DA gun.

I started on a Smith and Wesson Model 14-4 in a .22 and .38.

I have fired my dad's 586 in .357 Magnum.

I fire them both quite frequently in both single action and double action, preferring the single action for a bit more accuracy and the double action for speed. I've not shot a .45 but my friend has a Ruger P-90 to let me get used to a .45 recoil. He says it's more up compared to a .357 which goes back a bit.

Again, for the record, IT WILL NOT BE FOR CONCEALED CARRY . I can't do that for 2 more years but I can open carry all I want in Arizona(within reason, of course).

 

[GoodKat]

Honestly for a first carry gun I would almost certainly get a pocket .380 that I could carry every day with any outfit, then get larger guns later on.

 

[Eschaton]

But, again, it's NOT FOR CONCEALED CARRY. I don't want a .380 for pocket carry since I can't pocket carry. I have no desire to pocket carry since I can't.

 

[GoodKat]

Whoops, I kept seeing people talk about the 1911's slimness and tuckability. For a first full size gun, a 1911 may be a little complex and finnicky(depending on the manufacturer). Without knowing anything about you personally, I would say what I say to basically every first-timer: Glock 17/19. But if you have experience with handguns and such that may not be the optimum choice.

 

[Eschaton]

Not a huge fan of Glocks. They just seem goofy to me. Plus, and I know these claims may be a little off, but I don't want it blowing up in my face (I know a lot of guns can do this, but... I dunno.)

 

[GoodKat]

Not a huge fan of Glocks. They just seem goofy to me. Plus, and I know these claims may be a little off, but I don't want it blowing up in my face (I know a lot of guns can do this, but... I dunno.)

You could check out the new Sig 250, it's almost like Sig's version of the glock function-wise, and has superior ergos and workmanship.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

I started on a Smith and Wesson Model 14-4 in a .22 and .38.

I have fired my dad's 586 in .357 Magnum.

I fire them both quite frequently in both single action and double action, preferring the single action for a bit more accuracy and the double action for speed. I've not shot a .45 but my friend has a Ruger P-90 to let me get used to a .45 recoil. He says it's more up compared to a .357 which goes back a bit.

Again, for the record, IT WILL NOT BE FOR CONCEALED CARRY . I can't do that for 2 more years but I can open carry all I want in Arizona(within reason, of course).

Regardless of open vs. concealed carry, the question is still how well you can manipulate a single-action pistol's safety under stress. I don't even consider recoil a factor in a steel service-size 1911, and it's not even really much of a factor in an aluminum-framed officer's model.

Firing a single-action revolver is not much similar to a single-action semiauto.

My recommendation is still that the only people who should carry 1911 model pistols are those who have shot them extensively.

Although if you do choose that route, I encourage you to put an extended safety on it and practice a lot.

 

[Olympus]

So basically you're talking about open carrying?

If you're looking for information on the merits of the 1911, just use the search function. There are probably 100 or more threads about the 1911.

 

[Eschaton]

Regardless of open vs. concealed carry, the question is still how well you can manipulate a single-action pistol's safety under stress. I don't even consider recoil a factor in a steel service-size 1911, and it's not even really much of a factor in an aluminum-framed officer's model.

Firing a single-action revolver is not much similar to a single-action semiauto.

My recommendation is still that the only people who should carry 1911 model pistols are those who have shot them extensively.

Although if you do choose that route, I encourage you to put an extended safety on it and practice a lot.

I forgot to mention that I have shot my friends Sig P229 quite a lot. Is there anything I can do to practice for a 1911 by using his pistol?

I have to admit, I'm a little disheartened by how complicated people are making a 1911 to be. I mean, for a design that's 100 years old I'd hopefully assume people have simplified even more than the design seems to be.

Way too many options out there.

 

[Olympus]

Go to a gun shop and handle a good used 1911. The only thing that might take some time to learn is disassembly. 1911s take apart a lot different than most polymer frames I've seen. But it's nothing you can't learn in about 2 attempts.

As for as operation, 1911 is pretty straightforward. I carry mine "cocked and locked" all the time. I'm experimented with mine with snap caps and trying to get it "accidentally" fire and it just won't happen. With the grip safety and the thumb safety, I've found that I've never been able to make it accidentally go off. Some 1911s have larger thumb safeties or ambidextorous safeties. If you are in a situation where you need to use your gun, pull it, flick the safety down with your thumb, and you're ready to roll. I don't see how that's very complicated. I've shot 1911s extensively, but I don't feel like you need any more practice learning and using a 1911 than you would with any other gun.

But don't just take somebody's word on a forum. Go to a range where you can rent guns. Try some different options and see what works best for YOU. What's comfortable and easy for you might not be for someone else. I see too many people swayed by other people's opinions. In the real world, this is all just letters on a screen. They don't help much if you've been talked into a gun that you're not comfortable with. Who cares if you've got the latest "tacticool" polymer or high end 1911? If you're not comfortable with what you carry, you might as well be carrying a sharp stick. Find what works best for you and become efficient with it.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

I do think you should get one... I just think maybe you should carry something else first, and when you've shot a 1911 for a while, then decide about carrying one.