1911 Newby Needs CCW Advice

[Just One Shot]

Girodin I'm always game to buy a new gun, and I'm as good as anyone at coming up with reasons I "need" it. I have to ask what you are hoping to gain by getting the new smaller gun.

If it is size and ease of concealment then I would look at either a bobtail or a CCO size gun. If all you do is shorten the slide, then in my experience, you gain very little in terms of concealability, if carrying IWB. The bobtail grip tends to hide a little better and the CCO size gun gives you a shorter grip that hides away a little easier.

This is true. I have found that with a canted holster most people can conceal a full size 1911 with no issues. My main reason for trading the 5" for the 4" commander size was for comfort. My full size 1911 with the 5" barrel would pinch my upper leg or butt cheek when ever I would get into a car or sit in some chairs. The 4" commander doesn't cause this problem and holds the same amount of ammo as the full size. When I wear shirts that are a little tighter I turn to my XD-S. It has such a short grip I can even hide it with a T-shirt.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

I was out looking at smaller 1911s today - salesman handed me a Colt Defender that was locked open and the thing was so tight, or heavily sprung, or something, that I couldn't release the slide. I don't know if that's typical of 3-inch models or not.

 

[ichiban]

The alloy frame models will be more comfortable to carry but will not absorb the recoil like a steel frame so it will take more effort to get back on target quickly. Train with it and you should be good to go.

For concealment I highly recommend a bobtail - either factory (S&W E-series, Dan Wesson Guardian, Ed Brown Kobra Carry, etc) or aftermarket. I've found that I truly prefer the balance of the commander size even if it isn't for carry.

Here's my bobtailed S&W 1911PD.