What changes, if any, would you make to a Series I Gold Match for CCW?

[SnubbyMan]

Although I can't CCW in my current state, I'll be moving relatively soon and have always thought about choosing either a Government or Commander-sized 1911-patterned pistol for CCW.

I recently almost bought a Combat Commander for this purpose. However, seeing how the grip between the Govt and Cmdr models are the same dimensions, I don't feel an inch of barrel length is going to make much difference in concealability. FWIW, I would prefer my carry gun to be either carbon or stainless steel since I would like to practice a lot with what I may carry.

All that said, the only 1911-styled gun I own right now is a Kimber SS Gold Match (Series I). I know this gun was probably designed for target shooting, but what would make it a suitable or ideal carry gun?

To be quite honest, I haven't shot the gun in years. I remember having malfunctions somewhat frequently, but it was always very accurate. I've installed a pair of Mccormick "Thin" Grips on them, which seem to work okay for me. Does make the whole grip slimmer. I guess addressing these reliability issues will be of utmost priority. I plan on getting some Wilson mags for it (Are these still considered best of breed?).

I also want to change out the adjustable sight. Anybody know what fixed sights would work in the Kimber? Is the Heinie Straight Eight SlantPro Sight the only night sight option I have available without any machining?

Basically, I'm a new guy to 1911s, new to CCW, have a Gold Match, want to CCW in the future, and don't know where to start (or end). I'm interested in opinions from simple little things to do, all the way to custom jobs where I send the gun away for extended work.

Thanks in advance for helping me out!

 

[Krag]

Get something smaller than a full sized 1911. Carrying two pounds of steel around all day - especially in hot weather - is something that should be studiously avoided.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I've carried a full-size M1911 for more years than I care to remember.

First, you say this Kimber is not reliable -- don't carry an unreliable gun. Find out what the problem is and fix it. If you can't fix it, get another gun.

Next, given you've improved its reliability, try a couple of low-light level drills. You can dramatically improve a pistol's utility in low light by painting the front sight white (I use typewriter correction fluid.)

Last, get a good holster. I've designed and made my own IWBs, evolving an effective design over time. Check http://paul.desertskyone.com/gunstuff.html Scroll down to Vern's instructions for making an IWB Holster and take a look at it.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I remember having malfunctions somewhat frequently, but it was always very accurate.

Definitely not a carry gun!

I'd have it gone over from stem to stern by a competent gunsmith, then put a few hundred rounds through it. In my experience, it's a rare model 1911 that doesn't need a trigger job and some reliability tweaking.

 

[Sean Smith]

First, have it made reliable by someone reputable... not the local moron "gunsmith" at the nearest strip mall.

To replace your adjustable with a fixed sight, I think the Heinie is the only option (and is an excellent sight anyway).

http://www.heinie.com/357big.htm

Beyond that, it depends. You shouldn't "need" to do anything else if it is already accurate and the trigger is good.

 

[Krag]

Vern - I did for almost 3 years and would never want to do it again! I replaced my 1911 with an Officers Model which I replaced with a 2" S&W M65 which I replaced with a Glock 22. I finally replaced them all with a Kahr PM9 and now carry a gun all the time while before I used to look for excuses to leave them home or in the car.

Just my 2/100s of a $ worth.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Vern - I did for almost 3 years and would never want to do it again!

I've been carrying a full-size M1911 for more than 40 years now. As I said, I designed and made my own holster, and I often forget the gun is there.

 

[richyoung]

Mr. Humphrey, I could sure use some advice and info from you - my only choices to carry right now are an heirloom .32 Colt Police Positive with a 6" barrel, (I choose not to carry this one, due to sentimental value, marginal cartridge,long tube...) or a full-size Dan Wesson 1911 clone. Did you patent your holster? Does anyone make anything similar? I haven't found a good way to carry the thing yet - I have a fanny pack, but that just screams "gun bag", plus it's no fun to wear with a fully charges roscoe and 2 spare mags. I have a sholder holster, but that requires a coat or jacket, and I live in Oklahoma.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

The holster is not patented -- anyone can make one. You can get leather, stitching material and so on from Tandy (there's a Tandy supplier in Tulsa that I patronize.) I know of people who have had professional holster-makers make this holster, but they charge an arm and a leg -- you can make the whole holster for less than $30, and have material left over.

I wear this holster under a T-shirt here in Arkansas.