Plus-Sized CC

[Decaius]

I am going to be buying my first handgun this weekend and I plan to use it on the range as well as a carry weapon. After my initial research I determined to purchase a Bulgarian Makarov because of its soviet-inspired ruggedness, accuracy, reliability, and affordability. If you have to give one thing to the Reds it's that they got their firearms right. I.E. the AK-47, SVD Dragunov, and the aforementioned Makarov, (not to mention the Tokarev, but that's a different era altogether)

Upon further consideration, however, I really can't shake how much I love the ruggedness, accuracy, reliability, styling, and caliber of a 1911 style weapon.

Being a distinguished gentleman of superior girth (read:fat) would it be feasible for me to comfortably carry a commander style 1911? Or should I stick with the more carry friendly, albeit relatively under-powered, Makarov?

P.S. I originally thought that I could bolster the 9x18 round by purchasing frangible rounds for home defense and practicing with surplus rounds but have been recently disillusioned of this notion by the lack of reliable data on the penetration of the Glaser(TM) frangible rounds as well as the inappropriateness of practicing with a different round than you plan to use for carry or HD.

 

[MachIVshooter]

What you can carry has nothing to do with your size and everything to do with your attire. at 5'10" 178 with a 33" waist, I can carry a Desert Eagle or Super Redhawk. But my normal attire is slim fit Wranglers and a medium tee or short sleeve button up, so my largest carry gun is a Tanfoglio Witness Compact 10mm, with normal carry being either my Kel-Tec P3AT, PF-9 or Charter Bulldog Pug .44. If the shirt is tucked in, pretty much limited to the P3AT.

So, yeah, you can easily carry a full size 1911-you just have to dress accordingly.

 

[mljdeckard]

What MachIV said.

This is about choosing the gun you shoot best. Choose your wardrobe to match the gun, not the other way around. I am 5'10", 180, and I carry a full-size 1911 year-round, mostly in a crossbreed supertuck.

Having said that, I wouldn't poo-poo a Makarov for carry. They are great guns, even if the cartridge is borderline.

 

[harmon rabb]

being a hefty dude is actually helpful in concealing a gun, because you're usually wearing baggy clothes to start with. also, a love handle can help break up the line of a gun. so have another sandwich and don't feel bad

can you carry a commander sized 1911? absolutely if you buy a decent belt and holster. i'd recommend a beltman belt, and a galco summer comfort holster.

will the mak be easier to carry though? yes. it's more compact and thinner. 9x18 will get the job done if you do your part, it's not like it's 25acp.

 

[mgmorden]

The 1911 is relatively thin, which is what usually makes the most different when carrying IWB. That said, I'm relatively large myself (5'10" 235lbs) and I can say that I have carried the Makarov, but even that is a bit uncomfortable. 90% of the time I'm still carrying my Ruger LCP which carries great either in the pocket or IWB. It's all about the thickness - the Ruger is around 0.8" thick - the Makarov is around 1.2" thick - about a 33% increase.

Having handled them, I can honestly say that my next CCW purchase will be a Kahr CW9. It's just a hair wider than the LCP and though I haven't actual strapped one on to see how it felt, I'm guessing it'll compare more to the LCP in that department.

It's also 9x19 which is has a little more oomph than the .380/Mak rounds (though I personally haven't really felt undergunned carrying a .380 - truth be told I mostly want to move up to a gun with a longer grip as it's just hard to shoot the LCP accurately with fingers hanging off).

 

[harmon rabb]

The 1911 is relatively thin, which is what usually makes the most different when carrying IWB. That said, I'm relatively large myself (5'10" 235lbs) and I can say that I have carried the Makarov, but even that is a bit uncomfortable. 90% of the time I'm still carrying my Ruger LCP which carries great either in the pocket or IWB. It's all about the thickness - the Ruger is around 0.8" thick - the Makarov is around 1.2" thick - about a 33% increase.

Having handled them, I can honestly say that my next CCW purchase will be a Kahr CW9. It's just a hair wider than the LCP and though I haven't actual strapped one on to see how it felt, I'm guessing it'll compare more to the LCP in that department.

It's also 9x19 which is has a little more oomph than the .380/Mak rounds (though I personally haven't really felt undergunned carrying a .380 - truth be told I mostly want to move up to a gun with a longer grip as it's just hard to shoot the LCP accurately with fingers hanging off).

A 1911 is thin with some slim grips. Factory grips are usually fat.

If a mak is uncomfortable, you're doing it wrong. Either your belt is not up to par, or your holster stinks, or you're not buying your pants one size larger. With the right gear, a mak is all day comfortable. (so is a 1911 with the right gear).

 

[Delford]

I carry a Ruger P345 in a High Noon Split Decision IWB. It does require loose fitting shirts but they can be tucked in. There are times something smaller would be more convenient and for that I'm looking at the Diamondback DB9.
Nothing beats practice with withever you carry.

 

[harmon rabb]

I carry a Ruger P345 in a High Noon Split Decision IWB. It does require loose fitting shirts but they can be tucked in. There are times something smaller would be more convenient and for that I'm looking at the Diamondback DB9.
Nothing beats practice with withever you carry.

You may want to do a little googling before you buy that diamondback...

 

[Sheepdog1968]

I'm a big guy too and in a similar situation (if I can ever get a CCW in the liberal CA county where I live; 10 CCWs issued for 1 million people). I worry about things digging into my love handles. I'd be inclined to go with a shoulder holster. The weather where I live would allow it to be used about 330 days a year. SWAT Magazine did a nice article on holsters in the issue I recieved in the mail. It's worth reading.

 

[Decaius]

Wow, I wasn't expecting such a quick response from so many people, this forum is more active than I thought. I have been reading posts all over it for about a month now and I have to say that I am impressed with the general helpfulness evident here.

Unfortunately I still don't think I know what I am getting. I guess I'll just have to see what fits in my hand.

I have also been thinking about a Bersa Thunder .40 S&W, anyone have one that likes it? Oh and should I bring cash to the gun show or would checks be sufficient?

All my research, extensive though it may be, has been of a purely academic nature. I hope the dearth of real world experience I am exhibiting doesn't offend.

 

[JustinJ]

Upon further consideration, however, I really can't shake how much I love the ruggedness, accuracy, reliability, styling, and caliber of a 1911 style weapon.

When i think 1911 in comparison to other handguns the terms "ruggedness" and "reliability" don't come to mind. Are you limiting your options to makarov and 1911?

I generally alternate between a HK P2000sk in .357 sig/.40 and a ruger LC9 depending on attire. I carry the HK IWB and OWB and the LC9 in my front pocket.

 

[mgmorden]

Oh and should I bring cash to the gun show or would checks be sufficient?

Cash. I doubt anyone would take a check. Most of the dealers are setup to take credit/debit cards too if you'd prefer, but private sales won't have that luxury.

 

[trekgod3]

For a range gun and a CC gun, you can't beat a Glock 19

 

[Strykervet]

I carry a G29 or a G27, depending. The G29 is more comfortable and I think it hides better. It is bigger, and they both have the same holster. A Milt Sparks VMII. Just the difference in the holster, the G29 rides lower, changes the profile.

A good holster and belt, combined with say, a Hawaiian shirt (I like the Tommy Bahama, heavy silk, it breaks up the pattern with the floral prints and doesn't drape as much). I also carry wearing an under armor shirt, but it does print a little. Considering I can open or conceal carry, I don't really care much if someone spots me when I bend over in a store. That is a concern for some folks though.

The attire, the holster, and a good gun belt are the most important things. Look at Milt Sparks for holsters --they do a lot of 1911 stuff. Some of the holsters they sell only come in 1911. It hides well because it is thin. The length doesn't matter too much, especially for large guys. Width does, and on the love handle, it sticks out quite prominently, so I'd have to disagree with being heavy helps. I have lost weight recently and I need a new belt, but even with a loose belt, I still hide both those Glocks better than before.

 

[Strykervet]

For a range gun and a CC gun, you can't beat a Glock 19

This is a better choice, I think, than a Makarov. The Glock is a great no nonsense carry piece. You can get used ones for pretty cheap, and the compacts and subcompacts carry well. Stay away from the new stuff though, Glock is currently going from R&D straight to manufacturing without bothering to test it seems. Lots of problems with the gen. 4 and the ambi mag releases. All the better to get used I guess...

 

[KnightHawk67]

Have a look at a CZ RAMI 2075 (mine is 9mm, but you can get a .40). I am a large guy also, and I wear it IWB around 4:00 behind my hip. I have it in a High Noon holster with a sweat shield that keeps the sharp parts away. Including the beavertail, because it rides right under the love handles.
The RAMI is a bit more expensive than the Mak. but it is similar in size, maybe a touch bigger. And I have put a ton of ammo thru mine without a single problem using factory 10 round mags (the 14 round ones need a better spring to run reliably).

 

[Stope Rat]

I am, ahem - "a gentleman of girth" or as my wife says "an extra tall portly." Think 6'5" and 260.

With attention to wardrobe, belt and holster it's possible to carry a full-size .45 concealed. I've been wearing a Glock 21 for about 15 years now. Plus two spare mags, cuffs, a knife, a leatherman, and a cell phone.

Back in my paranoid years I also carried a G30 as a backup . . . . . .

 

[harmon rabb]

I am, ahem - "a gentleman of girth" or as my wife says "an extra tall portly." Think 6'5" and 260.

With attention to wardrobe, belt and holster it's possible to carry a full-size .45 concealed. I've been wearing a Glock 21 for about 15 years now. Plus two spare mags, cuffs, a knife, a leatherman, and a cell phone.

Back in my paranoid years I also carried a G30 as a backup . . . . . .

Damn. You're a big boy. A G21 on your frame is like a G26 on an average dude's frame

 

[MachIVshooter]

When i think 1911 in comparison to other handguns the terms "ruggedness" and "reliability" don't come to mind

Stop thinking of modern target-type guns with tight tolerances and match barrels. Think instead of the pistol that saw us through 5 Major conflicts and countless other skirmishes over a 70 year period. You know, the one that was combat accurate and could be thrown in the muddy foxhole after being run over by a Bradly, then be picked up and lob seven 230 gr. pills toward the enemy.

The "1911" of today bears little in common with the real M1911 or M1911A1.

 

[Archaic]

Man I hate to be 'that guy' but really it should be more about what you prefer to shoot more than what you can carry. There are SOOOO many great leather options these days that you should be able to carry anything comfortably and conveniently.

 

[Decaius]

Not limiting, per se. They are at the top of my list, if they don't feel right in my hand this weekend, I won't be buying them. Other guns on the list are the Bersa Thunder 40, kahr cw40, xd compact, fnx 40, cz po7 duty, ruger p345, sig (p250 compact, p220 carry) and glock 23. I would prefer something used, maybe even dinged up on the outside, but in working-order on the inside. My weltanschauung characterizes scratches and dings as extra character on a weapon (comes from knife and sword collecting, I suppose), and it should drive the price down, correct me if i'm wrong.

The 1911 is at the top because I would like to customize it with some specialty grips (purpleheart wood matches the purple in my clan tartan and it would be a simple matter to get the other colors scrimshawed onto it) and I just like the look of it in general.

The Mak is at the top because it is basically the AK-47 of handguns (obviously not in terms of proliferation, rather, in terms of dependability). That and my upbringing with cheap Scots heritage appeals to the relative cost-effectiveness.

I have about a grand to spend on this but that has to cover the weapon, the gun safe, the holster, the ammo, and any accessories. (I would buy the grips later btw)



P.S.
please notice above I said clan, not klan. Highland Scots ≠ white supremacists. One of my African American clients misunderstood once and I feel the need to add the disclaimer to avoid confusion (or abject rage, as the case may be).

 

[harmon rabb]

Not limiting, per se. They are at the top of my list, if they don't feel right in my hand this weekend, I won't be buying them. Other guns on the list are the Bersa Thunder 40, kahr cw40, xd compact, fnx 40, cz po7 duty, ruger p345, sig (p250 compact, p220 carry) and glock 23. I would prefer something used, maybe even dinged up on the outside, but in working-order on the inside. My weltanschauung characterizes scratches and dings as extra character on a weapon (comes from knife and sword collecting, I suppose), and it should drive the price down, correct me if i'm wrong.

The 1911 is at the top because I would like to customize it with some specialty grips (purpleheart wood matches the purple in my clan tartan and it would be a simple matter to get the other colors scrimshawed onto it) and I just like the look of it in general.

The Mak is at the top because it is basically the AK-47 of handguns (obviously not in terms of proliferation, rather, in terms of dependability). That and my upbringing with cheap Scots heritage appeals to the relative cost-effectiveness.

I have about a grand to spend on this but that has to cover the weapon, the gun safe, the holster, the ammo, and any accessories. (I would buy the grips later btw)



P.S.
please notice above I said clan, not klan. Highland Scots ≠ white supremacists. One of my African American clients misunderstood once and I feel the need to add the disclaimer to avoid confusion (or abject rage, as the case may be).

Don't think you're going to be getting a 1911 and all that stuff for $1k unless you go with a RIA, and those suckers are heavy. Mak seems a very good choice within your budget.

 

[Decaius]

Stop thinking of modern target-type guns with tight tolerances and match barrels. Think instead of the pistol that saw us through 5 Major conflicts and countless other skirmishes over a 70 year period. You know, the one that was combat accurate and could be thrown in the muddy foxhole after being run over by a Bradly, then be picked up and lob seven 230 gr. pills toward the enemy.

The "1911" of today bears little in common with the real M1911 or M1911A1.

I was planning on looking for a 1911 that was built more loose than tight (I have heard that this trait is indicative of increased durability but decreased accuracy) like the original. I don't really need target shooting precision. Statistically speaking (although I wish someone would post the numbers AND cite their source [damnable lack of scientific rigor, arrg!]) most gunfights occur within 21 feet. I won't trust myself to try to use trick shots in an adrenaline infused situation so it's center mass for me, and it's likely that any 1911 is going to be more accurate than I am at that point so the marginal benefit that I would receive by having a match grade barrel and all the bells and whistles which trade ruggedness for accuracy would be negligible at best and detrimental at worst (Vis-à-vis, jamming when it counts).

 

[Stringfellow]

Decaius, you may may want to consider a CZ82. They shoot the same round as the Makarov, but hold an additional 4-5 of them (depending on who is loading the mag). They are currently a smidgen cheaper than the Makarov, just as solid/reliable, and are one of the overall best bargains available right now.

They are a bit heavy, and the grip is a bit wide. But they are otherwise very slender and compact. Their big grip makes them very comfortable for big hands though.

I hate to get you off topic, but it might be worth considering. You should easily be able to find lots of threads dedicated to the '82. And Mr. Rabb should have some good input about it too, IIRC.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Don't think you're going to be getting a 1911 and all that stuff for $1k unless you go with a RIA, and those suckers are heavy.

The RIAs are good guns, and weigh no more than any other 5" steel 1911.

That said, he's certainly not limited to them:

Small Pistol safe: $50-$300

Holster: $40-$100

Ammo: $35/100

So if he buys one of the electronic safes with finger guides ($120) and a decent holster from Bianchi, De Santis, or another mid range brand ($70-ish), that leaves him $800 or so for gun and ammo. Remington R1, Kimber Custom II, Springfield Milspec and a number of other good basic 1911's come in under $700, still leaving money for ammo.