Carrying Fullsize Vs Compact 1911

[schapman43]

I carry a Springfield Loaded Operator on a regular basis. This is the 5" barrel model with a light rail. I decided to pick up a Ultra Compact which has a officers frame and 3.5" barrel to carry in the summer months when things are a bit warmer. I've carried the compact for a couple weeks now and decided to carry the Operator again today because it was a little cooler. I've found that the 5" barrel is a bit easier to conceal because the longer barrel actually pushes the gun back into the body. I carry in a belt holster so I'm sure that has a bit to do with it. But has anyone else found this to be true for them?

 

[cratz2]

Never carried a 3.5" 1911 but the difference between a Springfield 5" and a Colt 4.25" was minimal... Of course, both were being carried in the same IWB holster...

 

[WingZero]

I carry a full frame 1911. 5" barrel in a IWB holster. I haven't had any problems (or discomfort), even in "shorts and t-shirt" weather.

 

[sm]

I carry full size 5" 1911 IWB. I have carried a Commander size, only difference is weight. (it ain't much in all steel)Grip is the same, I can't tell the bbl length makes any difference.

IME a bit leary of any bbl length less than Commander , reliability due to design...too much deviation, IMO. Don't think the smaller grip is that big a help if a proper holster and belt used.

Due to ladies anatomy some prefer the Pro Carry idea, Al and steel for weight, they all seem to like full size grips.

Plus I don't want to worry about mags, all mine fit the same gun--I like simple. I'll never wory about an officers mag going into a full size gun.

 

[Erich]

This is sort of heretical for me . . .

I've always thought that a longer bbl made no real difference in carry difficulty, at least IWB. I've recently gotten a pistol that has the shortest bbl in a regular framed semiauto I've ever owned, and it's changed my mind. My SA Micro-Compact (3" bbl) is phenomenally easy to carry, light and small in all dimensions. I can truthfully report that it's easier for me to carry than a full-sized 1911.

(Also, it's been wonderfully reliable - albeit only with hardball - for over 300 rounds over the last 3 weeks. I'm quite pleased with this one.)

 

[Boats]

I own one GM, two Combat Commanders, a Springer Champ, and one Officer's Model. The ones I have the most of, the full sized grip, minimally chopped slide are the ones that get carried.

I have found the 5" 1911 sometimes interferes with sitting down comfortably and the OM doesn't have enough barrel to keep the grip into my hip hollow. So the 4.0-4.25" is just right for me with a full size grip.

I do like the OM in a horizontal shoulder rig I had made for it for when I have nice suits on though.

 

[Tamara]

Since I really got serious about IWB carry, I wound up ditching my Springfield Ultra Compact V10. A full-size 5" 1911 totes just fine for me.

 

[sm]

Tamara, what IWB did you choose?
---------
Oh, when I'm lazy and running to the corner for smokes and a coke--the 5" without a holster,stays put under my shirtail. yea I know better, but a 5" is so comfy and carries better

 

[Tamara]

A DeSantis Inner Piece.

(Not only a pretty good holster, but it goes with the gun. )

 

[sm]

Thank you ma'am.
I noticed it in a pic earlier you posted--nice gun/yes it does go well with your gun. Oh, matching single stack IWb mag carrier??

lazy& brain dead from doing searches, research and papers...forgive me

 

[Tamara]

What I meant by match...

It matches my Pro because DeSantis designed it for the EffaBeeEye.

Nah, my single single stack mag carrier is a kydex OWB number, while my double single stack mag carrier is, um, hang on... hmm... not here. I wonder who I let borrow it?

 

[sm]

LOL, Tamara, well glad I asked, you checked "the purse" yet. rumor is you have stuff in case you happen on a need in that thing and no I'm not being stereotypical

I just admired your set up, and am looking for another IWB single stack leather mag carrier...maybe a clip on like the old Beretta reverseable jobbies of old. One of mine died a horrible death.

 

[RCS]

When I started carrying 1911's WAYYYYYYYY back in 1969 I thought light weight was the way to go. So in 1972 I bought a LW Colt Commander for carry. Served me well for a lot of years. In the mid-80's it was a LW Officers Model and up till one year ago it was a custom LW SA Compact.

But today numerous past impact injuries to my hands plus carpal tunnel made shooting LW .45's with service ammo painful past 30 rounds or so.

Went back to a full size/all steel 1911. A Milt Sparks Watch Six IWB carries the weight very easily and it conceals well. For OWB wear a Alessi CQC fits the bill.

regards

 

[B Coyote]

I have a Kimber Classic Stainless and a Stainless Ultra Carry.

I've found I carry the full-sized pistol more. There's something about the way it rides and feels on the hip....I can't explain it other than to say I love it.

However....the smaller light-weight Ultra Carry is nice for "dress up" occasions.

bc