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rduchateau2954
Member
Nothing I've personally experienced, but the talk I've observed is that the quality is hit or miss. It's either great or garbage. Maybe it's just talk, maybe it's not. I haven't done any research for myself.
Fighting the Urge
- Thread starter rduchateau2954
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1911 guy
Member
I'll admit that carrying a 1911 isn't as "easy" as carrying a pocket gun. But it's slim enough that when you finally commit to carrying a real handgun* the 1911 is a natural contender in the top of the list.
Make sure the pistol actually fits your hands, then get one that has a good track record. This would include RIA, Springfield, Colt, Wesson or any number of the semi-custom makers like Brown and Wilson. I have zero personal axperience with the Taurus, but have heard mostly good about them. My personal favorites are the RIA due to reliability and cost and the Springfields due to being a well made pistol at a decent price. Colt makes a good 1911 but demand too much just because there's a pony on the rollmark. Stick with either a 5" or 4.25" barrel. A lot of the sawed off models have issues. Like being an expensive boat anchor issues.
Avoid Para Ordnance. Looks nice in the box, that's about where the niceness ends. Some have had luck with them, I have not. Also had zero assistance from their C.S. when I contacted them.
Just get a good gunbelt and holter. I like the Wilderness Instructor belt and prefer the five stitch model. There's too many good holster makers to even try to mention them by name. Just avoid the Uncle Mikes garbage and the like. Good for knocking around, stinks for carrying concealed.
*"Real handgun is defined as a handgun in a serviceable caliber, 9mm and up in autoloaders, .327 Federal and up in revolvers. Frame size not too small to be comfortable to shoot for extended periods of time. Controls are useable, not vestigial sheet metal tabs protruding from the side of the handgun. Sights are useable as well, not nubs on top of the slide.
Make sure the pistol actually fits your hands, then get one that has a good track record. This would include RIA, Springfield, Colt, Wesson or any number of the semi-custom makers like Brown and Wilson. I have zero personal axperience with the Taurus, but have heard mostly good about them. My personal favorites are the RIA due to reliability and cost and the Springfields due to being a well made pistol at a decent price. Colt makes a good 1911 but demand too much just because there's a pony on the rollmark. Stick with either a 5" or 4.25" barrel. A lot of the sawed off models have issues. Like being an expensive boat anchor issues.
Avoid Para Ordnance. Looks nice in the box, that's about where the niceness ends. Some have had luck with them, I have not. Also had zero assistance from their C.S. when I contacted them.
Just get a good gunbelt and holter. I like the Wilderness Instructor belt and prefer the five stitch model. There's too many good holster makers to even try to mention them by name. Just avoid the Uncle Mikes garbage and the like. Good for knocking around, stinks for carrying concealed.
*"Real handgun is defined as a handgun in a serviceable caliber, 9mm and up in autoloaders, .327 Federal and up in revolvers. Frame size not too small to be comfortable to shoot for extended periods of time. Controls are useable, not vestigial sheet metal tabs protruding from the side of the handgun. Sights are useable as well, not nubs on top of the slide.
TAKtical
Member
I carry a full size 1911 or glock every day IWB.
Elkins45
Member
Have you tried a Para Ordinance LDA? It's a fantastic choice for people who like the 1911 platform but are uncomfortable with Condition 1 carry.
DammitBoy
Member
bannockburn
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
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- 26,312
If you want to go with something a little more comfortable to carry in a full size M1911, try looking for a Colt Lightweight Government. Usually I prefer a Commander size pistol for CCW, but when I tried the Lightweight Government I really liked the balance of the gun and how well it felt in my hand.
I would have zero problem walking away from Springfield 1911. The ONLY 1911 I would buy is "standard length barrel" short grip Detonics 'Streetmaster'. It's entirely possible certain Performance Center S&W would also get across my doorstep.
I've carried an S&W 1006 on and off since circa 1990 and as far as I can tell nobody knows it's there unless I choose to show them. But I'm a big guy and I dress for the occasion.
As to holsters, we're all different, but I've got more holsters than guns with no less than three for each handgun I own; it's just the nature of the beast. As far as I'm concerned, if you plan to carry you're going to collect holsters a lot faster than you going to collect guns.
As to holsters, we're all different, but I've got more holsters than guns with no less than three for each handgun I own; it's just the nature of the beast. As far as I'm concerned, if you plan to carry you're going to collect holsters a lot faster than you going to collect guns.
Certaindeaf
member
People have been conceal carrying 1911's for a very long time. They are one of the best if not the best for conceal carry as they are about the slimmest of full-size guns. Same goes for the Hi-Power.
Certaindeaf
member
I always thought a 1911 was a full-size three pounder unless otherwise qualified.
el Godfather
Member
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- Feb 4, 2012
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- 1,847
1911 slim profile is ideal, full size or commander size.
I carry H&K USP 45 mostly when carrying a 45. I do it for shear capacity sake.
Like the OLD DOG said buy it before the world end. Heck buy one of each kind.
I carry H&K USP 45 mostly when carrying a 45. I do it for shear capacity sake.
Like the OLD DOG said buy it before the world end. Heck buy one of each kind.
Skylerbone
Member
I like 1911s. Carry one on occasion. What speaks to me in a holstered firearm is reliability, concealabity, carry ability, shootability and accuracy.
Here's the $319 solution I dug up to meet those criteria:
It's nearly a pound lighter, trigger is great, accurate as I am and thus far completely reliable. Contemplate what you want in a 1911 then make your list and budget. At that point you can determine which specific models should meet your needs. Then we can haggle over which has the best warranty, is flawless, tighter, more accurate and dispenses M&Ms magically. Until then stock up on essentials including family time.
Here's the $319 solution I dug up to meet those criteria:
It's nearly a pound lighter, trigger is great, accurate as I am and thus far completely reliable. Contemplate what you want in a 1911 then make your list and budget. At that point you can determine which specific models should meet your needs. Then we can haggle over which has the best warranty, is flawless, tighter, more accurate and dispenses M&Ms magically. Until then stock up on essentials including family time.
For years I carried a full size Kimber Custon Defender II in an IWB Gould and Goodrich holster with an Aker belt. In the last year, I've started carrying my CZ PCR 9mm in an Aker IWB holster.I love the look, feel, and function of Ol' Slab Side but it just got too heavy.
Urban_Redneck
Member
- Joined
- May 10, 2012
- Messages
- 156
The Springfield Range Officer can be had for $800
I carry a full size 1911 cocked and locked in this holster:
Bianchi Black Widow
http://www.bianchi-intl.com/product/Prod.php?TxtModelID=5
It rides high and very tight to the body. As been said, a good thick heavy gun belt is a must.
I was at my sons house the other day with only a slightly loose t-shirt and he didn't even know I was carrying. Of course I was just standing and walking around, he would have probably seen it if I sat down, but he would have to be looking for it.
If I am in a gun unfriendly area I will wear a button up shirt over the t-shirt so I can bend and move freely without worry.
Bianchi Black Widow
http://www.bianchi-intl.com/product/Prod.php?TxtModelID=5
It rides high and very tight to the body. As been said, a good thick heavy gun belt is a must.
I was at my sons house the other day with only a slightly loose t-shirt and he didn't even know I was carrying. Of course I was just standing and walking around, he would have probably seen it if I sat down, but he would have to be looking for it.
If I am in a gun unfriendly area I will wear a button up shirt over the t-shirt so I can bend and move freely without worry.
OP
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rduchateau2954
Member
Looking at 1911s and every one I clicked on was sold out.
Stupid panic, I'm gonna have to make the rounds at the gun stores.
Stupid panic, I'm gonna have to make the rounds at the gun stores.
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rduchateau2954
Member
Wow the selection is insane!
With a limit of $800 the possibilities are endless. What features are better than others, what should I look for? What finish holds up better against holster wear?
I'm like a kid in a candy store, but I only have enough for one piece!!
As far as candy goes, this one gives my eyes high blood sugar.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...11538986/Rock+Island+Armory+1911+45ACP+2+Tone
With a limit of $800 the possibilities are endless. What features are better than others, what should I look for? What finish holds up better against holster wear?
I'm like a kid in a candy store, but I only have enough for one piece!!
As far as candy goes, this one gives my eyes high blood sugar.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...11538986/Rock+Island+Armory+1911+45ACP+2+Tone
DammitBoy
Member
Stainless will hold up best, and for $800 I'd go with the Ruger SR1911 for the win. It is built better than the money you spend on it. I've seen 1911's with a msrp of over $1000 that were not this nice.
The only problems you'll have finding one and stopping people from drooling on it...
The only problems you'll have finding one and stopping people from drooling on it...
Skylerbone
Member
Reliability.
That comes from things fitting correctly. Not a standard feature on every 1911 these days. I still say consider saving a bit more before rushing in.
MachIVshooter
Member
I hate to discourage anyone from buying a frearm, and I don't know what your living situation and expenses are, but if $1,500 is all the liquid funds you have available, I'd strongly recommend waiting. Please don't take this the wrong way, I'm just trying to impart a little hard-earned wisdom. In my younger years, I spent every dime I had and then some. I'm 31 now, and after having to sell many things at a loss, going through a bankruptcy and nearly losing my home, I know better than to leave myself with a pittance of a reserve.
It would sure suck to buy that new $800 1911, only to have your transmssion go out a week later or some other unforseen hardship befall you and have to sell it quickly for $200-$300 less than you paid.
777TRUTH
Member
I've carried large frame guns in the passed and it can work.
Unfortunately the older I get the more I want a lighter gun.
Unfortunately the older I get the more I want a lighter gun.
orionengnr
Member
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- Jan 3, 2005
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- 5,716
My experience, and the majority of the posts I read, seem to indicate the opposite...at least in the long term.
Some people (myself included) start out with what they have (in my case, a G23). Many trend smaller initially, as I did (a string of j-frames and Kel-Tecs) before experimenting with larger pistols.
--I no longer own a j-frame. The only revolvers I own are K-and N-frames, which I carry from time to time.
--I still love my Kahr PM9, but my Kahr P45 gets more carry time by far.
--I am down from four 3" alloy 1911s to one, and have a couple of Commander-sized 1911s, which I carry more than everything else put together.
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