SP101 or Officer Model 1911

Which one for CCW?

  • Ruger SP101

    Votes: 86 57.7%

  • Any Officer Model 1911

    Votes: 63 42.3%
  • Total voters
    149
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B

BlayGlock

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If you had to choose one to carry, which one? If you have both what do you carry more often? Just for funsies.
 
A 3" SP101 is very shootable, yet flat enough for concealed carry. It also has curves, unlike the 1911 which sticks out like a 2x4 under a shirt.
 
I have both. I'm still tweaking my 1911 to get it reliable enough to trust for carry. I'll still carry my sp101 more though because I can conceal it more easily in a wider range of clothing.

My 1911 is a full size, not sure how much of a difference it makes compared to a commander.
 
I love the 1911 platform. I do not like the "mini" .45's.
When you are talking that size I will always go with the revolver
 
I voted SP101, I had a stainless OM in the early 90's and it was a great shooter but I just never took a liking to it I guess I'm just a firm believer that a 1911 .45 sports a 5" bbl.
 
I tend to agree with jfdavis58, I carry my 1911 more and more for daily carry, but If I dress in slacks and tucked in shirt I carry the 2" SP101.
 
I have both, my Springfield Ultra Compact is the everyday carry. With a CrossBreed holster it is super comfortable and conceals very well, tucked or untucked. I also like the extra capacity (+3 rounds) with the 1911 and, for me anyway, it just shoots better.

I carry the 3" SP101 for my "fishing buddy" simply because I think you should only walk through the woods with a revolver! For me, the SP is too bulky for IWB carry every day, maybe I haven't found the right holster.
 
I don't have an SP101, but I do have a Smith model 36 2".
I also have a Springfield Micro .45acp. I carry the Springfield
just about every day.
I have carried the Smith maybe 3 times in the 14 years or so I have
had a CCL. I just like the "flatness" of the 1911 style handgun.

Walter
 
I am sure that your officer 1911 has been shot enough to be considered reliable, so that's what I would carry.
 
After a problematic Officer's ACP, and varying amounts of drama from Commanders, I stick to 5" 1911s now. As for the SP101, I believe it to be in the running for the best compact carry gun in the world.
 
I dont have either..But where I go,my 4"Lt Wt Commander follows....and my G27 is on my ankle.....Although i would trade it for a G21 anyday because of my big hands..but its a great gun....
 
Being a 1911 guy, I think that the SP101 would be more reliable than many 3"-3.5" M1911s out of the box.

My opinion would be different if we are talking about 4.25"-5" models.
 
Contrary to what you read on the internet it is possible and now common to have a 3-3.5" 1911 that is reliable. I have 2 that go bang just as often as my 4", 4.25" and 5" 1911s or my revolvers for that matter.

I will take my officer for round count and because I shoot it well. SP101 conceals easier for me though.
 
I voted for the Officer 1911, but only because I've already owned the SP101 and would like to try a small-frame 1911 now.
 
I voted for the SP101; I don't have one, but I do have a S&W Model 60 with a 3-inch barrel and a 637 with the 1 7/8-inch barrel and one or the other seems to be my constant companion. If I was to carry a 1911, it would be a Colt Government Model. I used to carry a GM Series 70 back in the day and I figure if you can pack the OM, you can pack the whole gun.
 
Voted SP101 because I chose the 4.25"-barrel Commander, not an option in the poll as I read the question, over the 3"-barrel Officer when choosing which 1911 to own.

The Commander conceals, on me, about as easily as the SP101.

Another controlling factor, perhaps playing a bigger role than ease of concealment: Convenience (aka Laziness): The SP101 is always loaded and good to go. I don't keep an auto loaded 24/7 in (perhaps misinformed) deference to magazine life. So, when I decide to get up and go, it's just easier to grab the already loaded snub nose off the shelf than to get into the safe, load, and holster one of the autos.

I like the Commander better, though.
 
Last edited:
SP101. Probably a more practical choice for most situations.

I would reiterate that the flatness of the 1911 can be good for concealment, either 3.5" or 5", but is much more holster-dependent and somewhat clothing dependent. So, the SP101 will probably offer itself to be carried more. ;)
 
I didn't vote due to the lack of barrel length spec. for
the SP101.

I have a S&W Model 60 3" Bbl. .357 Mag Model - The SP101 with a
similar Bbl len approx. 3" is a couple ounces heavier,
however I've shot .357 Mag through my 60 and no thanks I use
Double Tap .38 SPecial +P 125 gr. Speer Gold Dot which
is rated at 1,135 FPS and recovery from recoil is a lot more
mannageable for repeat shots.

As far as an Officers Model 1911 variation goes, I think the
optimum carry format for the 1911 is the Colt CCO format of
the Comander Length Slide/Barrel -4 1/4" on the Officers
frame - and in comparison it is more easily concealed due to
no cyolinder bulge as well as 7 + 1 rounds.

With less than a 5" BBL .357 Mag loses velocity dramatically
with shortter barrel lengths, especially the 2" snubbbies it just
produces a big muzzle flash from unburned powder.

Randall
 
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