Why did you stop carrying a 1911?

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Curare

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I occasionally read "back when I used to carry a 1911," and I'm curious as to the reason why some have stopped.
 
Because they are so thin, and comfortable, that I would forget I had it on and walk into schools,& hospitals.:p

Current carry gun on the bottom, not a true 1911, but good enough!
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I always carried different gun during different times of the year. Depending on how I was dressed. I normally only carried my 1911 in the colder winter months when I had sweaters, jackets, coats, etc... on. In the warmer months, I carried my Walter or FEG 32acp or my CZ-82 9mm makarov. Again; depending on the weather, what I was wearing, normal clothes or formal suits/tux, etc... But I traded out carrying my 1911 for a SigSauer P220. The P220 is a much more reliable and safer weapon. Because I don't open carry, (I only carry concealed), the 1911 always seemed to be less conducive to carrying than the P220. Both are full size, but being double action, I could carry the P220 in many more ways than I could the 1911. But I do still love the 1911. It just wasn't made to carry concealed. And while it's possible to adapt any weapon to any style of carry or shooting; it's just not naturally designed for concealed carry. While still large, the P220 is simply better mechanically as a gun and for carrying.
 
With a good belt and a good holster, it was still a pain to carry. Front pocket 38spl or IWB Springfield XD for me.
 
Wouldn't fit in my pocket.:D

That said I OC one around the house and sometimes when riding my bike. Apart from the fact that I prefer pocket carry, I can't think of a reason not to carry one.
 
The way I dress...

...I carry IWB in front and prefer the Ruger P90 and P97, both decockers, to endangering what little I have left of my pride:evil:...buying a Springfield MilSpec Stainless next month for my 16-year-old next month, though...does that count???
 
I quit because I got tired of fiddling with them, even the Colts. This wasnt a decision made lightly either, I carried a Colt 1911 (the only ones I trusted to carry), and mostly Commanders, on a daily basis, most of my life.

Of the last five 1911 clones I bought (Springfield and Kimbers), all had some sort of issue, right out of the box, and required work. Even the Colts needed "something" done to make them usable to me, so I just went on to something else, and never looked back.

I kept three Commanders, and sold off all the others.

Box stock SIG's replaced them, and even Glocks are starting to drift back into a holster now and then. They work out of the box, and need nothing more than ammo in the mags. None of the "break in" BS either.
 
I really enjoy owning and shooting 1911s, and I tried to carry one, but they're just too heavy. I'm not a big guy, and even with a gun belt and quality holster, it just didn't work for me. I even tried micro 3" versions, but reliability problems and capacity disadvantages led me to switch to other guns. For some reason, I find it easier to carry a USP .45c, than a 3" micro 1911. But I love my 70 series Colt!
 
Well, I know it isn't technically what you asked, but I thought I would share why I skipped the 1911 when I looked for a carry gun. The 1911 is a beautiful gun, but there are a lot of very good reasons to skip it when selecting a carry piece. The 1911 is thin, but also very long. On a small frame person, length can be just as much an issue as width of a gun. Reliability is suspect with even custom guns, and the more you deviate from the traditional full length .45 caliber design, the more issues are likely to present themselves. If you carry a 1911, be prepared for break in periods and parts swapping or tweaking to ensure 100% reliability. Weight...they are heavy guns! Limited round count and caliber options, especially if you want it reliable. Lastly, price. You can get a LOT of very reliable guns for less than half the price of a good 1911.

I still want a 1911, but not for carry.
 
Weight, capacity, and recoil sensitive due to arthritis. I dropped down to a 9mm and went with Glock.
 
i replaced my Colt Combat Commander as a duty gun with a Sig 226 for capacity it gave me in an area where the number of rounds made a difference.

when i changed assignments, where capacity was as crucial, i went with the Sig 220 as i felt the Sig was a better platform as a duty gun than the 1911...plus it made teaching easier.

i still have a love affair with the 1911, but i also understand it's limitations
 
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