I need a small 1911 type sidearm for CCW

[bernie]

Here is the deal. I am a rifle guy, but I carry a pistol a lot, and shoot well, but do not exactly keep up with the latest and greatest. I have carried a 3913 TSW (7 round model, no rail) for several years. I like the gun and have no beef with it, but I am primaily a .45 guy and I love the 1911. I have a fullsize and it is great to shoot. I have thought about going to a 1911 but smaller sized (it is hard to argue against a 230 grain bullet in my book) 1911 type sidearm but have no familiarity with anything other than the full sized government model.

I was wondering what might conceal well and carry well in a tuckable holster like the versamax 2. My usual mode of dress is slacks and a polo shirt. I am also 6'2", 200 lbs, and relatively thin. My full size 1911 is just a shade long to wear like I prefer as I do not have quite enough rear end to keep it from riding up when I sit down. My wife says however, that I do not need more rear end!

I am wondering if I might want to look at trading my 3913 towards a commander sized gun.

Any input is appreciated.

 

[Grayrider]

I picked up a Pro Carry HD II for that purpose. My CCW permit is still in the pipe here in Missouri, although I have a Pennsylvania permit I may start carrying on. Experimenting around the house suggests the HD will carry fine. I am not as tall as you, but am also on the thin side. The drop to a 4" barrel does seem to help with sitting down. If one slumps a bit it can also help by putting the gun at more of an angle. I have a Rosen WKM tuckable holster and that conceals the HD well. Another option would be to go smaller and pick up an officers sized pistol. Years ago I had a reserve deputy sheriff's commission and used to carry a Colt Officers quite a bit. Never had a problem with that, although I also carried a full-sized Colt quite a bit without trouble. I just had to adjust how I sat down.

GR

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

I have had no problems with the Para Carry C6.45 model. The Carry signifies the bobbed hammer and beavertail. It still weighs about 30 ounces, so recoil isn't too bad, and it is quite accurate for me. (Though for a 200 round range trip, a full size is easier) Only a 3" barrel, so it might be a bit smaller than you are looking for.

(not a pic of mine, but the same thing)

 

[jc2]

Evan over at OnPoint Firearms is selling the stainless Colt Lightweight Commander for $696--that's hard to beat!

I would stay away from the sub-four inch 1911s. They seem to be getting better, but you're still taking a chance with reliability issues with them.

 

[Slowhand]

Second vote for the LW Commander. I had to spend a little money on mine- EGW sear, carry bevel job on the slide and hammer, and Novak night sights. Nobody makes a gun like it, except for the soon to come out S&W Scandium Commander. I wanted an alloy framed, bushing gun, and Colt was the only one out there. It's going to be my summer carry when it starts getting hotter.