is a commander size 1911 to big to cary?

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There are bunches of guys on this site that carry a full size 1911. Wait for them to chime in.
 
They are a very useful, all-around size for carry. I like their balance and handling better than the five-inch guns. An all steel one will weigh on you a little after a few hours, however.
 
I am one of they to whom JTQ referred.

I really think that the industry and the magazines work really hard to convince people that they have to buy two or three versions of everything. Adjust your wardrobe and your lifestyle to fit the gun, not the other way around.
 
I'm convinced that with the right leather pretty much any handgun can be carried concealed ... even Desert Eagles and HK MK23s

Of course a commander will be more comfortable and more hidden than a full size (and an officer more comfortable and hidden than a commander) but its still possible.

For most guns a dual loop/clip style holster like what Quack posted is ideal.
 
It's certainly not too big to TRY. If it's your first carry gun, I'd say it might be a bit big to START with. What the fellas have said above is true, and what works for some won't work for others, etcetera ad nauseum... But: it's also objectively true that a lot of people who own a lot of guns end up carrying smaller guns than a Commander because they feel it's just too restrictive--just a bigger set of sacrifices/compromises/whatever than they're willing to make in their wardrobe or whatnot.

If you're shopping for your first CCW gun I'd advise something smaller and probably lighter, to ease the transition to CCW. Not that a Commander can't be made to work--and be a great choice if you are one of those who will make it work for you. But there are reasons why the most carried Concealed weapon in America is an S&W j-frame (okay, I just made that stat up; but I bet it's true). And if you start with a smaller gun, then bump up to a bigger one, I'd bet even better money there would still be times you'd be glad you had the smaller piece.

Oh, and just for clarification, I conceal at various times a j-frame (of course); a Glock 19; a full size 1911; a 2.5" k-frame; and a couple of different 4" n-frames (but not all at the same time).
 
My 5" Gov. 1911 says your guns too small and needs to grow up an inch or so to be carried full time. :)
I carry a 5" 1911 as an edc with no issues, And thats by choice as i sold my smaller guns to fund other long gun projects.
I had 5 ccw guns to choose from but found my 1911 was carried 90% of the time as my main gun, I even stopped carrying a bug. But that was because i felt it was a tad too many things on my person.

Seroulsy a Commander is a perfect gun for everyday carry, You just need to find the right holster and spots to carry it.
 
My 5" Gov. 1911 says your guns too small and needs to grow up an inch or so to be carried full time
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shh...i've carried my Wilson Longslide a few times. it wasn't too bad to carry, but it will be slower to get it out of the holster :eek:
 
Ditto to what's already been said. With a quality holster AND belt, carrying a Commander sized 1911 is no issue whatsoever. You learn to dress around the pistol and I honestly don't mind, much less notice, the Springfield Champion on my hip.

When it comes down to it for comfort and ease of carry, spend the money and get quality carry gear because it makes all the difference.
 
I think it's one of the best carry guns in the world.
The only thing better is a CCO.
I have carried every variant of 1911 out there for many years. The full-sized and Commander sized guns are GREAT pistols, and no reason you can't conceal one. If I can conceal a 629, you can conceal a Commander.
 
I think it's one of the best carry guns in the world.
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I agree with that. The only widely made gun I think is better is a S&W 19/66 in 2.5". I've tried Glocks (23) and many guns over the years. The Commander is a great cc piece if you have to have an auto. If you aren't fixated on autos, there are other great options out there.

I chuckle at the guys who insist a Glock is so superior - with it's (generally) less effective rounds, bulkier width and "print-crazy" big-butt grip. I can only guess they haven't tried too many guns in their life. After even a mid-size Glock, a Commander is a dream to carry.
 
If I was going to conceal carry a 1911 it would definitely be a Commander sized one.

As it is I regularly conceal carry a different gun which has similar dimensions and weight as a Commander.

That is a Browning Hi Power. It has a loaded weight right about equal to a Gov't model.

The trick is GOOD leather. Not the best value in leather but good and OVERPRICED leather. Call me a snob but you have to spend some money. There is no such thing as good enough. You need the BEST. Do not convince yourself you can get away with the best value or that the best for you is some second teir junk.

I have a Milt Sparks Versa Max and a Belt Man belt. These are both big names in the industry and I would recommend them to anyone. You can get your holsters and belts from someone else though. I would recommend anyone who makes a double thickness horsehide or reinforced cowhide belt. Companies that have long wait times are a good place to start as well since the long wait time speaks for itself in quality. Believe me, the wait is worth it.

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LOL

I find the argument "a full size steel" frame is too heavy to carry all day pretty funny. The commander/4" is a great choice for carry. The reliability of a 1911, great SD accuracy, lighter than a full size and being able to lob a .45 at a bad guy is always a great choice.

As for the Gov model, its fine to carry all day as long as your pants and belt fit you properly. Big boys with no hips will have problems with pants drop, lol been there lost the weight THANK GOD! When I carried in WA state I had to go with a shoulder rig cuz the lack of hips embarrassed me a couple times!
 
Here's a picture of a guy carrying a G20 in Seattle's Pike Place Market. Since his pants are up, I'm going to say it's not too big. I often carry a full sized Sig 1911 in similar fashion.

56e17073-8db4-4c0e-8ede-442ccd938f62.jpg
 
cop, looks like a cop, how a cop carries isn't concealed, its advertised! hey look over here a cop! I think his badge is hanging of his left pants pocket.
 
An all steel one will weigh on you a little after a few hours, however.
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I'm too dumb to realize it's too heavy to carry.

I think Clint Smith is right.
 
cop, looks like a cop, how a cop carries isn't concealed, its advertised! hey look over here a cop! I think his badge is hanging of his left pants pocket.
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I've seen that pic before, he's not a cop, he's just open carrying. The point is that the size/weight doesn't matter that much, as far as comfort.
 
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