DHart
Member
Personally... for all day/everyday carry I find the 1911 just more gun than I want to carry. Even in the more compact versions. Don't get me wrong, I am a 1911 freak... with nearly 20 of them and they are my top choice for home/RV/auto defense. But for packing around on my body all the time, I decided to go with a Kahr PM-9, S&W 642, and S&W 640... depending on my mood. These three guns, especially the PM-9 and the 642 can be packed 24/7 and much of the time you don't even notice they are there. The PM-9 is about the size of a typical 380, yet it packs seven rounds of hot +P 9mm. I feel very well armed with that.
Keep in mind that I don't really expect trouble with my lifestyle, which is pretty low risk. If I worked the inner city slums all day every day, I might put up with the size and weight of a 1911, but as it is, I use the 1911 for almost all of my defense duty except everyday carry.
If I were you, I would buy a full size Colt 1911 XSE, Series 70, or 1991A1 for your basic defense needs and something like the PM-9 or a 642 for your all day/everyday carry.
Keep in mind that I don't really expect trouble with my lifestyle, which is pretty low risk. If I worked the inner city slums all day every day, I might put up with the size and weight of a 1911, but as it is, I use the 1911 for almost all of my defense duty except everyday carry.
If I were you, I would buy a full size Colt 1911 XSE, Series 70, or 1991A1 for your basic defense needs and something like the PM-9 or a 642 for your all day/everyday carry.