Concealed Carry 1911
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mljdeckard
Member
(Holds up sheet of plexiglass to protect from all the opinions that are about to fly this way.)
I use a Kimber Custom II for everything including carry.
I THINK, there is a movement, started by the industry, encouraged by the gun publications, to convince people they can't carry full-size guns. I have carried nothing but full-size guns for 14 years, including 100+ degree summers just fine. Remember, a bigger gun has bigger sight radius for better aiming, and more weight to soak up recoil. If you have never carried before, it's not like you are going to know if a compact is more comfortable than a full-size anyway, because you have never tried it before.
There are Colt Disciples in here who won't touch any other 1911. I have never had a problem with my Kimber. There is nothing wrong with the more economic options like the Springfield Armory G.I. and Mil-Spec. Honestly, if I were looking to replace it right now, I would look hard at a STI Spartan.
I use a Kimber Custom II for everything including carry.
I THINK, there is a movement, started by the industry, encouraged by the gun publications, to convince people they can't carry full-size guns. I have carried nothing but full-size guns for 14 years, including 100+ degree summers just fine. Remember, a bigger gun has bigger sight radius for better aiming, and more weight to soak up recoil. If you have never carried before, it's not like you are going to know if a compact is more comfortable than a full-size anyway, because you have never tried it before.
There are Colt Disciples in here who won't touch any other 1911. I have never had a problem with my Kimber. There is nothing wrong with the more economic options like the Springfield Armory G.I. and Mil-Spec. Honestly, if I were looking to replace it right now, I would look hard at a STI Spartan.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
My concealed carry needs are satisfied by a 3" Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry;
that protects my boss'es property and asset's~!
that protects my boss'es property and asset's~!
I prefer the aluminum framed commander sized guns for IWB carry. The Kimber CDP Pro is a good example. I am currently in between guns now and am without a commander sized 1911 my Tactical Custom II (aluminum frame) carries nicely though just a little long for IWB.
jad0110
Member
If you don't mind us asking, what is your budget? Do you have a preference as far as barrel length (5", 4.25", 3.5" and 3" being the most common)? Frame material (steel or aluminum)? Ambi controls? Arched mainspring housing or flat? Double stack or single stack? Caliber preferences?
Just trying to narrow it down a little bit for you, I understand how you feel. I was there 2 years ago, and there is an overwhelming number of 1911 variants to choose from.
This. High quality gun belts and holsters make a ginormous difference. I find that carrying a 4" S&W K Frame revolver IWB (probably just shy of 40 oz loaded) is easier and more comfortable with quality gear than carrying a 17.1 oz (loaded) S&W 642 IWB with cheap crap.
Granted, there are days when I'm feeling under the weather and don't want to mess with strapping on a K Frame or 1911 to get a gallon of milk. For those times, I've got a J Frame S&W that I can drop into a pocket holster and go.
But usually I carry a larger gun, because they are still comfortable to carry (with good gear) and I can shoot them better.
Just trying to narrow it down a little bit for you, I understand how you feel. I was there 2 years ago, and there is an overwhelming number of 1911 variants to choose from.
This. High quality gun belts and holsters make a ginormous difference. I find that carrying a 4" S&W K Frame revolver IWB (probably just shy of 40 oz loaded) is easier and more comfortable with quality gear than carrying a 17.1 oz (loaded) S&W 642 IWB with cheap crap.
Granted, there are days when I'm feeling under the weather and don't want to mess with strapping on a K Frame or 1911 to get a gallon of milk. For those times, I've got a J Frame S&W that I can drop into a pocket holster and go.
But usually I carry a larger gun, because they are still comfortable to carry (with good gear) and I can shoot them better.
dogngun
Member
I have 2, both are the older Charles Daly 1911's
made by Armscor. both mine were made in '04, and i carry one or the other most of the time I leave the house.
I really like the Armscor made 1911's, have never had any functional problems with any of the 3 I have owned.
I am thinking of getting another, but I can't really decide how I can justify the purchase - I'd get one of the Rock Island GI models, as Daly no longer imports the Armscor pistols - they are now selling Israeli 1911's made by BUL.
mark
made by Armscor. both mine were made in '04, and i carry one or the other most of the time I leave the house.
I really like the Armscor made 1911's, have never had any functional problems with any of the 3 I have owned.
I am thinking of getting another, but I can't really decide how I can justify the purchase - I'd get one of the Rock Island GI models, as Daly no longer imports the Armscor pistols - they are now selling Israeli 1911's made by BUL.
mark
Thank you for the opions. I have carried a Glock 27, or 23 almost every day for over a year now. I depend on the performance and reliability of the Glock. I have only had my 23 jam once at the range, and that was with some strange Cabela's target ammo so I am really torn having to decide in a 1911. I just woke up one day thinking about a 1911 and have not been able to take my eye off them since. Thanks again, and yes my budget is under 1k.
X-Rap
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- 6,657
After reading your post #7 I must tell you that the G23 has become my favorite carry gun and a 380 KelTec just because it is always there.
At home I have a G22 with guide rod laser and light on the rail to match the KelTec carbine.
I still have many other choices and won't say I will not change but it would take quite a shift to do it.
1911's are nice guns but as I read earlier today about a guy who showed up to security duty during the King Riots in LA with some other 1911 guys. They left the 1911's at home and brought the ugly Glocks.
At home I have a G22 with guide rod laser and light on the rail to match the KelTec carbine.
I still have many other choices and won't say I will not change but it would take quite a shift to do it.
1911's are nice guns but as I read earlier today about a guy who showed up to security duty during the King Riots in LA with some other 1911 guys. They left the 1911's at home and brought the ugly Glocks.
scoutsabout
Member
Yeah... I got the 1911 bug and never turned back.
I carry a Kimber Compact Stainless II (with the steel frame they apparently don't make anymore). This one weighs 36 ounces with the steel mainspring housing I slapped in, plus the ammo.
I like the compact frame for the slight concealment advantage, but I won't go shorter than the 4" barrel. Maybe it would help in an OWB holster.
With a quality leather belt and a Crossbreed hoster, I couldn't be more comfortable.
I used to carry a full size, all-steel Springfield in the same rig. At 40 ounces, plus ammo, it was still no problem.
I might carry something other than a 1911, but I will never, in any handgun, go back to a DAO trigger or a decocker.
I carry a Kimber Compact Stainless II (with the steel frame they apparently don't make anymore). This one weighs 36 ounces with the steel mainspring housing I slapped in, plus the ammo.
I like the compact frame for the slight concealment advantage, but I won't go shorter than the 4" barrel. Maybe it would help in an OWB holster.
With a quality leather belt and a Crossbreed hoster, I couldn't be more comfortable.
I used to carry a full size, all-steel Springfield in the same rig. At 40 ounces, plus ammo, it was still no problem.
I might carry something other than a 1911, but I will never, in any handgun, go back to a DAO trigger or a decocker.
I prefer a full sized auto like the 1911, but IMO your body type has a lot to do with whether you carry one on your hip. Since I've acquired love handles in my decling years, I find that my Browning Hi-power, which weighs about the same as a .45, keeps sliding down to the point where I'm periodically adjusting. (And mind you I'm not fat). If that doesn't bother you, go for it.
I've wondered though if it would be better not to have a waist at all so I could wear my belt below a big belly. Maybe that should be another thread.
I have a Colt .45 also, but have a high opinion of the Kimber too.
I've wondered though if it would be better not to have a waist at all so I could wear my belt below a big belly. Maybe that should be another thread.
I have a Colt .45 also, but have a high opinion of the Kimber too.
xXxplosive
Member
All my 1911's are Pre 80's pistols. Don't think I'd own a new one cause I dislike anything that blocks a fireing pin. Not found of the Kimbers either. Don't much like the craftsmanship or finish on these knockoff type pistols.
The only other type 1911 I would consider purchasing other that a Series 70 Colt would be the one the Army Sniper Competion awards to it's top 2 man team members.......the Night Hawk.....you can have the rest of'em.
The only other type 1911 I would consider purchasing other that a Series 70 Colt would be the one the Army Sniper Competion awards to it's top 2 man team members.......the Night Hawk.....you can have the rest of'em.
Bulldozer
Member
I use a Series 70 Colt Commander almost daily for CCW. Tried a few pal's Dan Wesson's, Kimbers, Norinco, SW clones. I actually found the Taurus 1911 clone fairly decent, as well as the Springfield Armory ones...
Luuuvvvv my Kimbers! Have an Ultra CDP, although I'll admit most times I just end up sliding the P3AT with Black hawk #1 pocket holster in front pocket. Alot of people say a 4" is as easy to conceal/wear as a 3", but not for me. The Ultra is 100% reliable and mind-boggling accurate for such a short barrel.
When I decided to add a full-size 1911 I bought a Les Baer and immediately sold it (Spongy trigger, poor feel/balance) and replaced with a full-size Kimber (Eclipse II)
When I decided to add a full-size 1911 I bought a Les Baer and immediately sold it (Spongy trigger, poor feel/balance) and replaced with a full-size Kimber (Eclipse II)
Deanimator
Member
I routinely carry a Norinco M1911. Other than a 4lb. ball gun type trigger job and a set of fake ivory grips, it's pretty much stock.
They're not imported (directly, anyway) anymore, but they're out there.
I also have (but haven't carried yet) an early Springfield M1911 set up as a ball gun with a Bomar rear.
When I get back to work, one of my first purchases is probably going to be a Rock Island M1911 in .38 Super.
They're not imported (directly, anyway) anymore, but they're out there.
I also have (but haven't carried yet) an early Springfield M1911 set up as a ball gun with a Bomar rear.
When I get back to work, one of my first purchases is probably going to be a Rock Island M1911 in .38 Super.
harrygunner
Member
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2006
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- 1,045
After fifteen years of concealed carry, I decided to only use 1911's for normal, daily carry. One is a full sized in .45 ACP, the other, a commander length in 10mm.
A Dan Wesson or a Springfield Loaded are good choices.
As far as buying a 1911, don't let the choices overwhelm you. You're not stick with your decision. A 1911 is one of the most configurable handguns out there.
My choice was to buy a Springfield Mil-Spec, then customize it to my needs after gathering some experience. That worked for me, so I had the second 1911 customized from the beginning on another Springfield base frame. Photos at http://www.louderthanwords.us/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2529 and http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=492903 if you're interested.
A Dan Wesson or a Springfield Loaded are good choices.
As far as buying a 1911, don't let the choices overwhelm you. You're not stick with your decision. A 1911 is one of the most configurable handguns out there.
My choice was to buy a Springfield Mil-Spec, then customize it to my needs after gathering some experience. That worked for me, so I had the second 1911 customized from the beginning on another Springfield base frame. Photos at http://www.louderthanwords.us/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2529 and http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=492903 if you're interested.
It depends on where you are. I go from a G30, to a keltek and back to a titanium taurus revolver. If I am sitting watching tv or on the computer, I either have my seacamp, like now, or my 9mm walking the dog, or my 45 in the nightstand. I can't see lugging around a 45 in my house, from room to room, but there is one available if I need to shoot I have something around. Same with outside, weddings, nice restaurant, or gasing up the car and going to the mall. We have spoken about this many times, and as far as telling anyone, I don't bother. Two parties I went to, all with mostly folks I didn't know, carried my 9 and no one knew a thing. I don't believe in stiring things up for no reason. I am 6 ft and 210, bad back, I can't carry a 1911 all day anymore, or I probablly would.
Les Baer for me, my Thunder Ranch Special, if I want to carry a 1911. I usually tote the same SIG P229 pistols, however, on my time, that I carry on duty. (I own my duty pistols, and am reqired to use certain .40 DA autos.) I have no problems concealing a full-sized, 5", all-steel 1911. From the mid-1980's to 1997, I periodically carried 1911s, and from 1997 to 2002, carried 5" 1911s daily.
Les Baer spoiled me for 1911s with what I had heard called a high-cut front strap, or an undercut trigger guard. Other makers and 'smiths can make them this way, but all single-stack Baers have this feature.
Les Baer spoiled me for 1911s with what I had heard called a high-cut front strap, or an undercut trigger guard. Other makers and 'smiths can make them this way, but all single-stack Baers have this feature.
Babalouie
Member
Here's my rig: a S&W 1911PD, I had her bob-tailed and I made a set of thin grips. This is a very nice wearing rig. The PD is the Scandium frame commander size and has the best factory trigger I've ever experienced. I tried carrying a full size, all steel Springer 1911A1...once. It was sooo heavy, the grip stuck out and the barrel length was difficult to deal with especially while sitting. This S&W on the other hand is, for me, the perfect carry weapon.
Carried in a McDaniels.
Carried in a McDaniels.
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Quack
Member
here's my CCW 1911's
and used to carry this.
and used to carry this.
Origjcc,
About a year ago I had a G23 for carry. Liked the gun, didn't like the bulk. I sold it and for the sale price and $150, I bought a near-new Colt Commander, the 04691 model - basic 1991/80 series. Much easier to carry in my opinion (slim is good)! I have been very pleased with it, and for $600 it was an excellent gun - a price hard t beat in the 1911 world.
About a year ago I had a G23 for carry. Liked the gun, didn't like the bulk. I sold it and for the sale price and $150, I bought a near-new Colt Commander, the 04691 model - basic 1991/80 series. Much easier to carry in my opinion (slim is good)! I have been very pleased with it, and for $600 it was an excellent gun - a price hard t beat in the 1911 world.
Beautiful Ed Brown.here's my CCW 1911's
and used to carry this.
Quack
Member
Thanks!
weisse52
Member
Full size or Commander length, your choice.
Lots of great 1911's out there, I just like Colts. But many other fine choices as well.
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