New 1911 fan needs help for ccw.

[jwalker497]

I am slowly coming over to the darkside and starting to realize what they are so popular and how unique they are.

Now for a CCW piece, where do I start to decide what I want. What size would you reccomend? How do I begin to narrow the field of choices??

Can you reccomend some inexpesive carry options.

WHat factors should I consider when buying a 1911. A few months ago I was at One of the local shops and the guys was showing me a S&W 1911 and he said that the grip was more important when concealing as opposed to length and then showed me this model i think it was the Compact ES, not sure, anyway he said that the ES was made for ES because it had an officer grip with a commander size - or the other way around - not sure. But the jist of what he was saying was that the Grip was reduced for concealment and the frame was large or medium size but not very small like the 4inch barrels. Anyone know what he was talking about??

Is carrying a 4in 1911 realistic??

Are there any inexpensive options? I was also looking at the Milspec becuase they seem to be inexpensive. I would like to stay under $700 if possible. Any ideas???

Lots of questions and always appreciate the insight!

 

[LancerMW]

the Springer Micro GI? lol i dont know to many 1911's that arent full sized for under 7. you can find some used stuff, colt defenders are normally around that price, but its used

 

[bdb benzino]

My officer model RIA Compact Tactical has been a dream to shoot and has yet to malfunction in close to 700 rounds. Its heavy cause of it being all steel, but with a gunbelt it conceals nicely IWB and handles 200gr Gold Dot +p's well for CCW duty. I really like the extra power of the +p, you can feel it but its not too much.

 

[novalty]

The 1911 Forum http://forums.1911forum.com/has a lot of great people and wealth of knowledge in relation to carry these full size autos. Think the most common suggestions are to:

1: Get a good gun belt.
2: Find a quality holster, such as: Milt Sparks VM II.

Hope this is somewhat helpful.

 

[EddieNFL]

I agree with Novalty's recommendations. AFA recommending a carry piece, all anyone can tell you is what works for them. Many will tell you it's almost impossible to carry a full-size. I carry a five-inch with a magwell. May not work for you though. I will say comfort should be about the last thing considered. As Clint Smith says, "A gun should be comforting, not comfortable." Good luck.

 

[xXxplosive]

Carry both the 5" Gov't Model sometimes and the 4.25" Series 70 Combat Commander most of the time. I like the 4.25" frame better for a CCW as it is a bit shorter and lighter. carry both though in a IWB Burton, by John Ralston of 5 Shot Leather.....IMO, the best IWB holster out there...bar none.

If you can find a clean Series 70 1911 within your budget by checking the various on-line auctions, go for it, you won't be sorry and it will last you a life time.

"It's not a .45 unless it has a horse on it"..............................

 

[.45&TKD]

How tall are you? I carry a full size 1911 and it is easy to conceal.

the grip was more important when concealing as opposed to length

Then there is no advantage in a 4 inch barrel.

Find a quality holster, such as: Milt Sparks VM II.

+1, The VMII was the 4th 1911 holster I bought. The first 3 were a waste.

Stay away from the Aluminum alloy framed 1911's.

A used Colt, Springfield, or Kimber Series I are probably a good idea, on your budget. Just check the insides for Bubba'ing when buying a used 1911.

 

[the hudge]

Alloy works for me. I live in a hot area and dress light 8 to 9 months of the year.
My carry 1911 is an STI Escort in .45. No problems so far. I have steel ones too but not for carry; Unless the Rafe attack but then Ill carry open.

 

[9mmepiphany]

a couple of general points points and a link to something i consider "must reading" for someone thinking about carrying a 1911.

1. reliability starts with a 5" barrel continues to the 4.25". it starts falling off below that...interesting point: Wilson will not guarantee reliability with a barrel shorter than 3.75"

2. the 1911 will not be as reliable as a comparably priced pistol of modern manufacture

here is an article by Hilton Yam who is an excellent 1911 pistolsmith and FBI SWAT member
http://www.10-8consulting.com/article_page.php?articleID=13

 

[Rimcrew]

You have no idea how complex your question really is... I started my 1911 journey almost one year ago. I now have about 15 of them in various configurations, and from various manufacturers.

My favorite carry pieces are:

1) Kimber Ultra CDP
2) Dan Wesson CCO
3) Dan Wesson CBOB

If you are only looking for one really good gun to carry - I think I would recommend the CBOB. It is very concealable, quite accureate, and will last you a lifetime.

Have fun on the journey!

 

[Baldy]

I carry a S&W 1911 Commander sc-pd. I been carrying for about 5yrs now and never leave home without it.

 

[LancerMW]

The Escort aint under 7 bills

 

[TXHORNS]

First off the 1911 topics can get pretty heated. Here are my experiences:

3" 1911's can be 100% reliable. Years ago they were few and far between, now they are very common. STI Escort, CDP, and Colt Defender are the only versions I would buy. I went STI cause Im a Texan. Aluminum frame is easy to carry, and just as accurate as my big boys. If you can wear out any 1911 then you shoot alot more than 99% of shooters.

4" or 4.25" are my favorite all around 1911s. Conceal carry is still a chore imo. Heavy and still too large. Great for a ranch gun though.

5" - Only have 1, and just to have 1. Great but you have to be really motivated to carry one, or live in cold climates. I am 5"10 and 185 and cannot carry one comfortabley even in a milt sparks.

Maybe I am lucky but my 3", 3.5", 4", 4.25" and 5" are all 100% reliable. More reliable than a couple other "newer designs."

Conceal carry is very much a personal thing, all this talk about comforting and not comfortable is great, but if it aint comfortable it will stay at home, for me at least, and then not comforting at all.

A 3" 1911 that runs 100% works best for me (STI Escort). Pricey but worth it, a used defender or officer may get under $700. That would be my choice for under $700.

 

[G27RR]

I sometimes carry the Colt Defender. It's nice and compact for a 1911, and with the rubber grips the perceived recoil isn't much different to me than a full size. Mine has been 100% reliable with several hundred rounds through it in the month or so I've had it. There are a number of good choices out there. I went with Colt because I didn't have a Colt yet and because it was easily available locally. The price was a little higher than I wanted, but still better than the Kimbers I'd been thinking about - mine was just a touch over your $700 limit.

 

[EddieNFL]

Conceal carry is very much a personal thing, all this talk about comforting and not comfortable is great, but if it aint comfortable it will stay at home, for me at least, and then not comforting at all.

Uncomfortable or unarmed? Easy decision.

 

[Guns and more]

Save a little more and get the Springfield micro.

or downsize to the Sig P-238.

 

[TXHORNS]

Uncomfortable or unarmed? Easy decision.

Or just get a gun thats comfortable to carry and you don't have to make that decision. Thus the point of my response, 5" is too big for ME.

If you have a 3" thats 100% reliable, I dont think you give up anything but 1 round to the full size. One of the most accurate 1911's I have ever shot was my buddy's 3" CDP. That thing blew my mind it was so accurate. With good mags it ran 100% too, not so much with the kimber mags. Not a cheap gun by any means but it outshot guns twice its price that day.

I should also mention that I wear shorts and t-shirts 250 days out of the year, which is my real deciding factor.

 

[Kleanbore]

You'll hear several sides on the 3"--completely reliable; OK but you'll have to keep changing the recoil spring; don't trust them, go for a Commander; OK in 9MM or .40, but problematic with the longer .45 due to geometry.

After some consideration I chose a 3.9 inch barreled gun on an Officer's frame in .45 from STI. Functions well and is accurate. Haven't carried yet--six month lead time on the Milt Sparks VM II holster.

Most people say the grip size is key to concealment. Obviously, shorter barrels are easier to sit down with and for some, easier and quicker to draw, and they of course are lighter. As someone asked, "how tall are you"?

One member here has at least one custom Colt with a Commander slide and an Offficer's frame. I would love to have one. Something about the word COLT on the slide.

A police officer friend uses a 3" Kimber .45 for backup.

One might think that a 3" .45 would be a real handful to shoot, but I'm told it is not.

If I later feel the need for a shorter gun I'll have to decide between the .45 and the 9MM--for me it's the reliability concern.

Good luck.

Try before you buy.

 

[kanook]

You'll hear several sides on the 3"--completely reliable; OK but you'll have to keep changing the recoil spring

Which 3" barrel are you carrying that needs the springs changed all the time?

My Kimber still has the factory spring and is fine.

 

[xXxplosive]

9mmephinmy ....."A 1911 will not be as reliable as a comperably priced pistol of modern manufacturer"

I can't even believe I read this on here.

To be polite, You don't know what your talkin' about.

 

[Kleanbore]

Which 3" barrel are you carrying that needs the springs changed all the time?

I said "you'll hear [it]". I have 3.9 inch.

Search around on here and on TFL. It's mentioned fairly commonly. alleged round count requirement varies--starting in the several hundreds.

 

[TXHORNS]

Most manufacturers recommend changing the springs on the 3 inchers quite frequently. Some people do and some don't. I fall into the middle of the pack.

 

[kanook]

sorry Kleanbore, I didn't know the -- meant "here are some examples". I read it as your experience with them.

 

[EddieNFL]

should also mention that I wear shorts and t-shirts 250 days out of the year, which is my real deciding factor.

Similar attire here in the sunshine state.

9mmephinmy ....."A 1911 will not be as reliable as a comperably priced pistol of modern manufacturer"

I can't even believe I read this on here.

I can. Thanks to low end manufacturers mass producing cheap (not to be confused with inexpensive) 1911s. The most common comparison is Glock versus 1911. Try Glock versus (pick a reputable manufacturer).

Which 3" barrel are you carrying that needs the springs changed all the time?

Kimber recommends frequent replacement; 800 rounds, I believe.

 

[9mmepiphany]

9mmephinmy ....."A 1911 will not be as reliable as a comperably priced pistol of modern manufacturer"

I can't even believe I read this on here.

...but you would believe that a $500 1911 would be as reliable as a Glock, Spiringfield XD or S&W M&P with the same amount of maintenance?

... or that a $1000 1911 is as reliable as a H&K HK45?