Polymer .45ACP vs. alloy framed 1911?

[txgolfer45]

Weight wise, are polymer framed .45ACP's going to be lighter than alloy framed 1911's in Commander or full size. I realize the polymer .45ACP pistols will likely have higher capacity so, the bullets will likely add to the weight.

I love my 1911's. But, they do get heavy to carry around. Wondering if a polymer framed gun like a G30, G21SF, XD45, M&P45 would be an option vs. an alloy framed 1911 for carry when I don't feel like carrying my Govt model or Commander model 1911.

 

[jim147]

I don't know what the weights are.

You might try finding a different holster/belt combo.

It took me a few tries but both my XD45 and my Combat Commander fell like nothing when I wear them. I do carry the XD the most these days.

I have went oops a couple of time because I have pulled it out, at the courthouse ect..., and forgot to put it back in the holster.

jim

 

[JTQ]

From the Smith & Wesson website
Alloy Frame
- 1911PD's (Commander size versions) and Gunsite Edition - 28 oz

Polymer Frame
- S&W M&P 45 - 29.6 oz


From Ruger's wesite
Alloy Frame
- P90 - 34 oz

Polymer Frame
- P345 - 29 oz.

All are empty weights. They all have 8 round magazines, except the M&P 45 that has a 10 round magazine.

I didn't look it up, but I would guess the Glock 21 family would be 3-4 oz (empty weight) lighter than than their M&P counterpart.

 

[rocinante]

my taurus pt145 is 23 oz and has 10 + 1 capacity. very compact too.

 

[G27RR]

Not sure the weight feels all that different to me between the Glock 21SF and the Colt Defender, but the Defender is much easier to carry concealed. The Glock does have almost twice the capacity though, which sort of evens out the weight difference (along with the Defender using an alloy frame). I use the Glock for HD and the Defender for CCW when I'm not using the Kahr. To feel a weight difference enough to matter to me, I think I'd have to step down to a Glock 26/27 instead of the larger 21 etc.

Do you have a good gun belt and holster? For me, I notice the Defender but it's not uncomfortable. The Kahr is light enough that I don't notice it most of the time. I use Crossbreed belts and holsters.

 

[DeepSouth]

If you don't mind giving up a few rounds you might look at a KAHR. Their 45's are 17-20 oz depending on the model.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

It is difficult to make a blanket statement because of other variables, e.g., caliber, capacity, slide mass, etc. It is fair to say that between a polymer- and an alloy-framed gun of equal size, the poly will be a little lighter.

 

[Paints]

With a good holster and support system (belt, pants), the weight seems to disappear. My Kimber Compact 1911 (alloy frame) is very light and concealable and it's easy to forget I have it on. But I don't really notice the weight carrying a full sized steel 1911 either unless it's in summertime when I'm wearing shorts and a canvas belt.

 

[S&Wfan]

Hi,

A high quality aluminum framed Officers or Commander-sized 1911 variant would be really refreshing for you!

You are already familiar with their manual of arms, and it will have that wonderfully flat 1911 width . . . including in the grip area. This is the route I went and I'm very satisfied.

That's the way I went years ago and, ten years later, my first generation Kimber Ultra CDP has been super reliable, accurate, utterly concealable and VERY comfortable to wear. You'll almost forget you are wearing it with a good holster and gun belt!

OTOH, I don't like the grip size of most of the Tupperware high cap models . . . as hard as I've tried to buy 'em and use 'em . . . and they don't point like the 1911, nor are their triggers as crisp and refined. Also, the high cap ammo weight adds up really fast. Of course, the single stack polypistols don't have this problem.

If you have the "coin" I think you'll be happiest with a Compact aluminum single stack 1911.

 

[CWL]

I have a Wilson Combat KZ-45 which is a M1911 slide with polymer frame. It is a bit lighter unloaded but with the steel magazine and 10+1 capacity, it is a wash v. standard all steel M1911s.

If weight is your concern, then a single-sack M1911 in alloy would seem to be the right choice. This way, you don't need to change manual of arms with carry guns.

 

[BossHogg]

Yeah I'm it the same boat here. I've looking at the Glock 30 and G36. The 36 just don't fill good in my hand,the 30 fits better. On the other side I'm looking at Sig 1911 C-3 a commander lenght slide on an officers frame, sweet.

Having used a Star PD, The first alloy framed 45 cco for 30 years, I think 6+1 and an extra 6 mag is fine. The polymer weight goes up with the round count.

I think I will stay with the alloy framed cco size 45. Something about 1911 over the polymer, I guess my age is coming though. I own a few polymer guns and they are nice weight wise. So I guess it comes down to what the buyer wants.

 

[eldon519]

There are already polymer 1911s.

 

[Paints]

yeah, but Glock would do a 1911 without a safety ;-)
<g,d&r>