1911: What size do you carry?

[Marko Kloos]

This one's for all the 1911 toters. What size frame do you usually carry as your everyday CCW?

My 1911s are all full-sized service models, so that's what I carry. I just want to gauge the popularity of the different sizes for CCW among those who choose to carry Old Slabsides.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

I am weak and lazy. So I carry a Springfield Micro Compact, aluminum frame, 3" barrel, officer sized grip.

I am apparently lucky, as mine has never had a jam of any kind, despite all you hear on the internet about how unreliable small 1911s are.

 

[El Tejon]

Wise man in Tejas saith, "big guns stop fights and save lives." I'll take a government size please.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

Weak and Lazy Lone_Gunman saith he hope Tejas wiseman on his side in fight.

 

[Majic]

I prefer the balance of a full gripped Commander myself.

 

[Spieler]

I usually have the Colt 1991A1 Compact (OACP - size) on but occasionally tote a Commander size Norinco as well.

 

[BluesBear]

Both carry guns are Colt Series 80 Enhanced, blued.
Alternate between a full size Government and a Commander Lightweight.

 

[happyguy]

I carry a full sized Colt, but if S&W ever comes out with a Commander with a Scandium frame it will receive serious consideration.

Regards,
Happyguy

 

[Grayrider]

Still waiting for CCW to be sorted out here in Missouri, but when I was deputized I carried a full-sized GM most of the time. I would at times switch to an Officers or a Commander depending on attire. In hindsight I have decided that the Commander was optimal for me, and have acquired a .38 Super Pro Carry HD II for that purpose.

GR

 

[wally]

Kimber Ultra Carry. Everything is is just too big for our climate and my lifestyle.

Even this is too big much of the time, Kahr PM40 or S&W SC360 .357 is what I have in my pocket most of the time, too often nothing more than a Kel-Tec P3AT .380 mouse gun.


The only guy I know (without a badge) that could carry and actually conceal a full sized 1911 was 300+ lbs and always wore a jacket and tie.

--wally.

 

[10-Ring]

I prefer the Commander for such duties.

 

[Zeke Menuar]

LW Commander.

ZM

 

[Fed168]

Full size SA. Feels better than a commander to me.

 

[cratz2]

Started off with a 5" all steel big boy.

Carried a Combat Commander in 38 Super for a short time.

Graduated to a Kahr P9 Covert.

I would love to get an aluminum-framed CCO style gun and the first custom 1911 I ever have built will very likely be such a beast in 38 Super or 9x23.

 

[N3rday]

Don't yet, but I plan to buy a full sizer.

 

[DMK]

Colt CCO

I was regularly carrying a full size Govt. model for a while when I first got my Concealed Permit and still carry it occasionally, but this fall I picked up a used Colt CCO and fell in love with it. IMO, this is the perfect CCW for IWB carry. It has a decent sight radius, yet light and very concealable with its' alloy frame and "Officer's" grip.

I replaced those thick walnut grips with a set of slim Alumagrips and carry it in a Kydex Comp Tac holster. I think there's a set of Tritium night sights in it's future.

 

[John Forsyth]

90% of the time it is a LW Colt Commander or as of late it has been a SS Colt Delta Elite. If outside mostly, the Delta, inside the Commander.

 

[NJ3]

I'll carry my full size SA LW when I get my Max Con V holster.

 

[SodaPop]

Full size

 

[Ford]

I am really surprised that the officer grip commander slide is not more popular.
Smaller grip for easier concealment and still a 4" bbl. I love it

 

[Gewehr98]

I've CCW'ed both large and small versions.

My 5" gun just doesn't pack as well as my 3.5" Caspian Officer's ACP. So maybe I am weak and lazy, too.

 

[OF]

Full size Springy.

- Gabe

 

[Hawk]

I'm guessing the STI Ranger would come under "custom chop job" (?)

 

[gunfan]

Colt 1991A1 or DWF Razorback

Either one, (RZ#84, or Sam Colt) are "full sized" indeed!

Scott

 

[denfoote]

Springfield 1911A! Loaded.