options for ccw for me

[brandon_mcg]

I have been trying to get around to getting my CCW. I have a para ordnance 1911 with the full 5" barrel. I have read some posts stating that a gun this size is not a good option for concealed carry, but I have also seen others stating that a good holster makes these guns ok for concealed carry. I am 6'1" and weigh about 160 so Im not a big guy. Should i look into a smaller weapon for CCW or should I try the para ordnance with a good holster? It is getting colder and the use of jackets and coats will help with concealment. Just looking for some opinions.

 

[trlhrv]

The weight alone will drag you down. If you like 1911's, look into a compact or officer's model. I have a Kimber Carry Pro II that has an alloy frame and is great with its' 4" barrel and eight round mag.

 

[FatPants]

Its really up to you. Some people can conceal a G17 in a serpa holster, I, even as a rather large individual cannot. I even have trouble concealing a G19 IWB. Whatever you choose, expect to have a pile of holsters that you do not like.

 

[mljdeckard]

Here's the thing. Comfort is relative. If you take a person who hates guns, and have them try a sub-compact .380, they will hate it no matter where you put it, they will say it feels like a tumor. But if you take a kid who turned 21 61 days ago, and just got his permit in the mail, you can hang a Desert Eagle under his left arm and he will swear he doesn't even know it's there.

An advantage of 1911s is that the slide is slim, and makes carrying easier than other full-size guns. I carry one year-round, including 100+ degree summers. I use a Crossbreed Supertuck, and I can wear it with shorts and a tshirt.

Carry what you want, but most people shoot full-size guns better. Plan you life around the gun, not the other way around. There are compromises, but realize that the butt/grip is harder to mask than the long barrel, meaning, switching to a commander size gun isn't much easier to conceal.

 

[AKPastor]

A full size 1911 is my daily carry. I don't find it difficult at all and use an IWB holster. I have to plan my wardrobe around it - but I have yet to be made.

 

[easyg]

Yes, one can carry a 1911 concealed....folks have been doing so for many years.

But there's just no getting around the fact that the 1911 is a big and heavy pistol.
It was designed to be a service pistol for the military.
And it was intended to be carried in a holster attached to a wide and thick and stiff belt as typically worn by soldiers of the period.

It was not designed to be carried concealed.

Yes, you can carry one, but there are so many pistols available which are much better suited for concealed carry.

I concealed carried a 1911 for several years before I finally admitted that it was just the wrong weapon for that particular role.

 

[Deanimator]

I have a para ordnance 1911 with the full 5" barrel. I have read some posts stating that a gun this size is not a good option for concealed carry, but I have also seen others stating that a good holster makes these guns ok for concealed carry.

That's a perfectly fine gun for CCW.

I regularly carry a full sized Norinco M1911, either in a Don Hume 715M or one of my own tuckable IWBs.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I've carried a full-size M1911 for many years. I design and make my own holsters. This is one of my tuckable designs for M1911.

 

[ichiban]

I carry a steel framed commander without any problem. For me the government model is just a tad too long and it tends to hit the seat first when I sit down. A good holster and belt are requirements for CCW. Carry what you shoot well and are must familiar and comfortable with.

It is kind of like wearing a watch - when you first start you notice it all of the time, soon you don't notice you have it on, then you feel naked without it.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

brandon_mcg,
As said above, the 1911 is a very slim gun. Even though it can be a little heavy you can counter the weight by using a good holster and a GOOD GUN BELT. Many pay attention to buying a good holster but skimp on the belt. Your belt is also very important for supporting any handgun, especially one on the heavier side.

Again, a 1911 is a very slim gun that can be concealed easily.

 

[brandon_mcg]

thanks for the replies. i have looked at the super tuck and mtac holsters. any other good models out there? im sure there are hundreds of options but i dont really have the time to go through trial and error for each and every one.

 

[Lefty Wright]

The Tucker "Answer" is a great choice. Their Silent Thunder IWB is also worth a look.

 

[PabloJ]

I have been trying to get around to getting my CCW. I have a para ordnance 1911 with the full 5" barrel. I have read some posts stating that a gun this size is not a good option for concealed carry, but I have also seen others stating that a good holster makes these guns ok for concealed carry. I am 6'1" and weigh about 160 so Im not a big guy. Should i look into a smaller weapon for CCW or should I try the para ordnance with a good holster? It is getting colder and the use of jackets and coats will help with concealment. Just looking for some opinions.

In .45ACP you need seven shot S&W with Al receiver and Uncle Mikes Cordura paddle holster. Examples are 4513, 457, 4553, or fancy "Cop Ninja" version from PC called CQB.

 

[JohnD13]

A good belt and holster are the key to carrying a 1911. Did it for many years with a IWB holster.

 

[ForumSurfer]

Try it. I'm 5'10" 175 and I can carry a fulll size 1911 just fine IWB. A great holster (crossbreed and the like) and a great belt make all the difference.

My experience has been that it is no less concealable (possibly more concealable because the 1911 prints less on me in my attire) than my Glock 19 with the same holster/belt combo.