1911 guys

[solitaryshell]

1911 guys I’m in the market for a .45 carry gun and need some help. I currently carry an XD40sc and love it but the wife is wanting to start carrying it herself, so since I’ve got to replace it I figure I’ll move up the scale to a .45. I have narrowed my choices to an XD45c or XDM45 due to the familiarity with XDs and really liking mine, or going a bit more expensive and getting an H&K USP 45, or getting a Kimber Pro Carry II Stainless.

Biggest problem I have with the 1911 is capacity. 7+1 compared to the USP’s 12+1 and XD’s 13+1. I just have gotten used to my current XD40sc’s 12+1 with the extended mag in and aren’t too wild about cutting back to 7 round magazines. I’m thinking about a situation I had a while back where 5 or 6 gangsta-wanna-be’s were following myself and my family around and harassing us while shopping. It was comforting to know I had plenty of ammo already in the gun for all of them if they’d continued following us outside, and the USP & XD & XDM all have 12 or 13. If I carried a 1911 I’d feel I had to carry at least 2 mags whereas I usually just carry my XD with one reload and have 22 rounds that way, more than enough for the majority of the situations I could find myself. What say you guys about the capacity of the 1911?

Also if I get the Kimber I’m looking at (Pro Carry II Stainless) it has an aluminum frame and a 4” barrel. One of the main advantages I hear to carrying a 1911 is shootability, accuracy, and controllable quick follow up shots. Would I lose too much of this by going with the aluminum frame vs a steel frame, plus the shorter barrel? I figured since it would be primarily a carry gun that the slightly shorter barrel along with the lighter frame would make it a little more comfortable to carry, but several of you guys carry the full size. If it’s not going to be enough of a difference to matter then great, but I don’t want to get a 4” aluminum frame, then shoot someone else’s full size steel frame and realize I bought the wrong thing. Dang, guess I’d then have to go get another one then, huh….

 

[Olympus]

Practice and train with your 1911 and you won't be so worried about magazine capacity. 8 rounds in a 1911 is easily enough to deal with your 5 or 6 guy scenario if you train properly and hit what you're aiming at.

Aluminum or alloy frames are better for the weight aspect of carrying. But you'll probably see a little difference compared to steel frames in recoil and muzzle flip. But if you're used to shooting sub-compact sized polymer-framed .40 calibers, the I would say you won't see a lot of difference in muzzle flip when moving to a 1911. To me, there's nothing more snappier than a polymer-framed .40. The recoil with the 1911 will be completely different. You might want to go to a range that rents guns and try out a midsize (4" or 4.25") 1911 and see what you think. What works for me may not work for you.

 

[tmoore912]

I completely agree with what Olympus said above. The .40 is a snap and the .45 is a push. Very different recoil. Generally, the 1911 will be easier to conceal if that is one of your concerns. I started off with a Springfield LW Champion (4" bushingless barrel). The lighter weight was very nice for all day carry, but as I progressed into the 1911 culture and learned how to CC better I figured out that I liked true Commander (4.25" barrel) or Government models with bushings better than all the other models out there. Its just what I prefer, but you might think differently. Oh, BTW.........you just can't buy one 1911.

 

[LCPor9mm]

1911 round capacity

What to carry is a personal choice. As Olympus said what works for me may not work for you. I think for me personally a 1911 would be easier to carry than an XD40sc. As for the need to carry twenty or thirty rounds of ammo, I doubt there are many senarios in a defensive situation where you are likely to have the time to use them. Ultimately it is up to you what to carry and train with, and how much ammo to carry, but if you have been shooting a .40 poly gun you will probably be very pleasantly surprised with the 1911 platform.

Oh, BTW.........you just can't buy one 1911.

I agree!!!

 

[Skylerbone]

The thing about cc with a 1911 is that moving your finger to the trigger in a nervous situation can have unintended consequences for someone unfamiliar/ untrained. What is wretched about polymer pistols (heavy, long trigger pull) can be a blessing in those instances when you receive compliance and are not forced to shoot.

If you're ready to put the effort into training with a 1911, you'll have a great pistol that will handle any situation you may find yourself in, unless you're site seeing in Compton?

 

[Olympus]

And there are thousands of people who carry revolvers and are confident with only 6 rounds. Magazine capacity is always far down the list of importance when I am considering different guns, assuming one isn't a single shot!

 

[Sauer Grapes]

I think people get waaaay to hung up on round capacity. If you feel you need 12+ rounds, then don't carry a 1911.
I carry 7+1 in my carry gun. {and that's 9mm} If I'm headed to the "big city" I might switch to another pistol.

 

[Skylerbone]

And we've had a recent reminder of what the lowly 9mm can do to multiple targets in under a minute. Choose according to what is both practical and comfortable to you. The great thing is that options are plentiful and prices are reasonable.

Best of luck and stay safe.

PS, 3 more shot in South Central high school minutes ago. Hard to fathom its gotten so bad out there.

 

[TXHORNS]

Another supporter for an aluminum frame 4" or 4.25" 1911 over a polymer 40cal for shooting comfort. Here is what you do, buy the aluminum frame 1911 to carry now as it should carry better than any polymer service size pistol out there while also being somewhat similar in weight. Then after you have had the 1911 for 3-4 days and by now have sold your polymer pistol get a steel frame 5" for range fun and possible cooler weather carry.

With regards to the comment about the light 1911 triggers, everyone has their own thoughts about that but when comparing a 1911 trigger to an XD, Glock, M&P, etc, I'd say they aren't super far apart in pull weight, especially if you get a less refined 1911. Now if you step up to that USP (or Sig, FNH, etc) then you really have a stiff DA trigger for that first pull, more like a DA revolver. Whether or not that makes you feel safer is up to you. I had a stock Glock that was just as easy to pull the trigger on as my Colt 80 Series.

One more thing, those polymer 45's are big guns, especially that USP with 12+1 rounds. I own the USP and USPc both in 45 and I only ranch carry the USPc which is 8+1 like a 1911, I tried carrying the full size once on the ranch and hated it. Which brings me to my other point that reliable 8+1 mags are very common now. All my 1911s can shoot them just fine, so thats 9 rounds if that makes you feel better but you will probably have to buy them separately....wait you want a Kimber.....well you'll have to buy new mags anyway. Some guys refuse to use anything more than 7 rounders but I find no difference in reliability in my guns with 7 or 8's and use both.

 

[LCPor9mm]

Apples and Oranges

And we've had a recent reminder of what the lowly 9mm can do to multiple targets in under a minute.

That was the work of a madman and not a deffensive response. Anyone spraying bullets into a crowd will cause a lot of damage. What the OP wants is an opinion on what to carry for a DEFENSIVE weapon. If one of the people in the crowd had been armed I doubt it would have taken more than two or three hits to the assailent to stop the fight. Supporting my earlier point regarding how much ammo is nessasary to have on you.

 

[Viper]

I agree about the light weight 1911. I have a bunch of 45's, mostly compact models, and my SIG 1911 C3 is one of my favorite carry guns. 7+1, accurate, and reliable, with a 4.25 inch barrel and "officers length grip", it's easy to carry. It's not a bad looking pistol either.

 

[BullfrogKen]

Just carry a reload. There's plenty of capacity in the 1911 to deal with the common, opportunistic domestic crime.

A .45 in a lightweight frame will recoil more than one in a steel frame. But I think you'll find it more manageable than the .40 S&W in an XD. 40 S&W always felt more snappy to me. You could always go the 38 Super route if you're worried about felt recoil.

 

[Skylerbone]

LCP, I was merely demonstrating that one does NOT need a 2 or 3 digit round count to defend against multiple targets and that 9mm at close range is far more effective than it is given credit for.

For the record, I picked up a Kahr CW9 for my father to cc just yesterday. 7 rounds of 9mm in a sensibly compact carrying case.

 

[LCPor9mm]

Round count

LCP, I was merely demonstrating that one does NOT need a 2 or 3 digit round count to defend against multiple targets

Then I misinterpreted you. I thought you were pointing out the need for capacity. My bad.

 

[trbon8r]

The 1911 holds plenty of ammo. In your scenario if you take on 5 or 6 guys, and they are all armed and choose to fight, you are screwed no matter how many rounds you have in the gun. That is movie stuff. Most likely what will happen is that when you drill the first thug through the chest the rest will run. There is nothing in it for them to stand there and fight you knowing the cops will probably be on the way not long after the first shots are fired.

 

[brandon_mcg]

i went with a springfield loaded ultra compact. has a 3.5" barrel but it is reliable and accurate. comes with night sights and all that good stuff.

6+1 capacity and is light enough that it doesnt way me down.

i dont think that the mag capacity will worry you. i went from a 15 round 9mm to the 6 round .45 without any hesitation.

the biggest benefit to me is the single stack magazine making the gun nice and slim.

 

[NMGonzo]

6 guy scenario?

You don't need more capacity; you need more friends!

 

[Jed Carter]

I recently went from a CZ PCR 14+1 to a SIG RCS1911 7+1, I'm sold on the SIG. Hides better, shoots better, and has tritium night sight to boot. The RCS is a commander size slide on an officer frame, just the right size to get the job done. Easy enough to carry a spare magazine JIC, but I rarely do. They got it done for years with only 5 or 6.

 

[CZ57]

Take a look at S&W. You can get a Commander size pistol with a Scandium frame. Nearly as light as aluminum and nearly as strong as steel. It's a great compromise in metal. Novak sights and good triggers and reliable functioning.

 

[jbh13]

Some may disagree with me but my 4" kimber has excellent control and you'll be able to make those rounds count. I carry my 1911 90% of the time, the other 10% is either my sw mp 9 or Fnp 9. It always good to have the option.

 

[kyletx1911]

i carry only 1911s a colt 80 and 2 rocks plus 2 spare mags

 

[Colt Smith]

I like the SA Champion Loaded 4" 45ACP. Magazine capacity is not such a concern. If you put your first few shots in the right places the rest of the thugs will quickly find other places to be. But if you have the time to think about it you probably have the time to get yourself out of that situation or call the police. If you are comfortable and accurate with the XD40sc get another one for yourself. Why switch to something unfamiliar? On the other hand, if you are just jonesing for a new pistol just get what you like. We've all been there.

 

[BlindJustice]

For the O.P.

STandard grip frame found on a
Colt Goverment Model or the Commander Model
the old dlush fitting magazine capacity was 7 rds
Some newer designs with a extended base plate
bummper hold 8 rds

Officers Frame - was 6 rds, now 7 rd available

and the 8 round mags will fit in the Officers frame
so you can carry that as a spare.

Capacity is a crutch - practice practice practice and the
1911 .45 8+1 is plenty.

Randall
.

 

[ArthurDent]

solitaryshell (the original post guy),

I'm going to play the heretic role today.

I'd love to "up-gun," and get new and different toys. I really, really, REALLY want a 1911, and I may get one some time this year. I've enjoyed reading about all of the details above! However...

I'd suggest that you should seriously consider keeping a common platform, the same as your wife.

That's right. I'm suggesting you buy another XD40sc for yourself, or even better, buy a new one for your wife and keep your old one. ("How romantic! He bought me a new one!")

You already have the gun. You are already familiar with it. Should a "situation" arise when the two of you are together, you would both be familiar with each others' weapons, and could exchange magazines, ammo, and even the whole gun if needed. After all, a carry gun is a tool, not a toy. I think this way you would get maximum utility out of what you have.

Now... as to buying a 1911 also... if you can afford both, I'd definitely do that too!

 

[winchester1886]

The 45APC is a proven man stopper. 8rds and 8 subjects down,it takes only seconds to change Mags.