I'm searching for 1911 for concealed carry. I'm very new to the platform and I want some ideas. I used to have a xd45 from springfield, but fell on hard times do to a move. My issue is I want some help with ideas for my size and weight and since I wear a suit most days others I'm in shorts. I'm about 5' 10 210. I really like the springfield loaded ultra in .45 with the 3.5 inch barrel. I hear great things about there customer service. I looked at some kimbers also. Any other ideas or help would be really helpful. My price limit is 1000.
1911 platform. I need help
- Thread starter yittidee
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critter
Member
Can't go wrong with any 1911. I have a Kimber compact, a Springfield ultra compact and a Colt officer's model. All are all steel and all work 100% and are quite accurate. Then, I have a Colt New Agent-an ultra snubby 1911 and quite a lightweight. It, too, is completely reliable and more accurate than you would imagine with 'almost' no sights, just a trench.
I personally do not find the weight of the all steel guns to be objectionable in carry, BUT the lightweight Colt is a true joy to carry.
I'm afraid you're going to have to try carrying some to find one that works for you.
Rent or borrow some to shoot to find one that is to your liking for shooting, THEN try to narrow it down to one that is suitable TO YOU for carrying. Best wishes on your quest. (But, heck, that's half the fun!)
I personally do not find the weight of the all steel guns to be objectionable in carry, BUT the lightweight Colt is a true joy to carry.
I'm afraid you're going to have to try carrying some to find one that works for you.
Rent or borrow some to shoot to find one that is to your liking for shooting, THEN try to narrow it down to one that is suitable TO YOU for carrying. Best wishes on your quest. (But, heck, that's half the fun!)
blackspyder
Member
I just started carrying a RIA 4" and my friend carries an ATI 3.5". Both are reasonably priced around $500 (after taxes and all). For about $1000 a Colt New Agent would be my choice.
Sauer Grapes
Member
Plan on IWB carry. Your not hanging anything on a standard dress belt.
When you say you are new to the platform, my first suggestion is always a 5" barrel/slide model for the most functionality and reliability margin. I would not recommend a .45ACP sized 1911 with a slide/barrel shorter than 4.25". This isn't saying that they can't be made to function, just that their tendency toward function failure is higher as they operate within a smaller window of reliability. If you later decide that you understand the function of the shorter barrel/slide, and it's higher demands, you'll be able to make an informed choice.
If you like the 1911 platform and are not wedded to the .45ACP chambering, the Springfield EMP is sized to properly function with the 9mm cartridge and is quite handy. As a size comparison, here is a picture of it next to a Kahr CW9
If you like the 1911 platform and are not wedded to the .45ACP chambering, the Springfield EMP is sized to properly function with the 9mm cartridge and is quite handy. As a size comparison, here is a picture of it next to a Kahr CW9
TrickyDick
Member
Sounds like we're the sae height & weight, But I carry a full size 1911, concealed (isn't easy) but aside from that, just drop down to a 3.5" or 4" Commander. That should be suitable, but just depends on your preference. Kimbers are nice, but expensive. I have a Mil-spec Springfield, Taurus also makes nice 1911's for the price. It's all about your personal preference. Shop around, try them out...
Jed Carter
Member
I carry a SIG RCS 1911 4.2" slide and an officer / compact frame, Tritium Novak night sights very accurate and totally reliable. Check it out http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/1911-rcs-nitron.aspx
Skylerbone
Member
Perhaps an evaluation of what you want, what you need and when you need it is in order. If you're "very new" to the 1911 is it really the best option for your proposed purpose? If you are familiar with the XD line and liked it, is there a model and caliber that would suit you now?
There are a lot of excellent firearms that can be carried and you'll know best when you try a few which ones you can or can't conceal. Familiarity should however always come first.
One last thing; discreetly look into whether or not your employer allows firearms on their property or the next hardship may include a new job.
Best of luck in your search and congratulations on getting back to better times.
There are a lot of excellent firearms that can be carried and you'll know best when you try a few which ones you can or can't conceal. Familiarity should however always come first.
One last thing; discreetly look into whether or not your employer allows firearms on their property or the next hardship may include a new job.
Best of luck in your search and congratulations on getting back to better times.
You have all hidden me a lot to think about. I had the xd45. I loved it and it didn't print when I wore it iwb. I have checked out the emp and I really like the feel if it. I may save up a bit motte for the 40 caliber. I want to try it out at a range because I shoot even handed but primarily with my right so i love the dual sided safeties. Thanks for your input.
Zerodefect
member
I'd also check out the Dan Wesson CCO and VBOB. The Kimber Pro II is fine as well. Don't forget Colt.
Try to stay over 4" if you can.
Try to stay over 4" if you can.
I currently have 2 springfields that I carry, one is an Ultra Compact, the other is a full size Mli-Spec, converted by the previous owner to near loaded specs. Both are reliable, and I shoot them both well, but I find myself carying the full size more and more recently.
I started out thinking that the full size would be too much for regular CC, but as I get used to it, I preffer the longer barrel as it seems to stay put better when carried IWB.
I started out thinking that the full size would be too much for regular CC, but as I get used to it, I preffer the longer barrel as it seems to stay put better when carried IWB.
JTQ
Member
You will get very few recommendations for small-of-the-back (SOB) carry. It is uncomfortable when seated (and hard to access) and can lead to back injury if you fall or are struck on the back.
Look around the forum for threads such as "favorite concealed carry holster" or "what's your every day carry (EDC)". Those threads will show you some good holster recommendations and some may even show them worn. The 3:30 - 4:00 area is a pretty comfortable place to put your pistol.
Look around the forum for threads such as "favorite concealed carry holster" or "what's your every day carry (EDC)". Those threads will show you some good holster recommendations and some may even show them worn. The 3:30 - 4:00 area is a pretty comfortable place to put your pistol.
Definitely a pain to reach in the SOB position, and not comfortable at all when seated, at least for me, others mileage may vary. I carry mine between 3 & 4 o'clock position, at a forward cant. the only issue I run into with a full size is that in certain pants the back pockets are shorter, and push my wallet over the muzzle. It takes a little fidgeting to get things settled in, but after its there, it rides pretty comfortably all day.
After much deliberation I've decided to go with the sig sauer rcs. I have a gun show coming up in a couple weeks so hopefully i'll pick it up there if someone had it. I went to a dealer here and the guy kept trying to make me get a kimber and basically told me I was a idiot for wanting anything else. What I found strange was that he carried a colt. Lol. But again you have all been very helpful, awesome, informative and I will definitely carry at 330-4 with a forward cant. Now I am on the look out for a good belt and holster that works with dress pants for iwb.
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