Recommendations for CCW 1911 .45 Please

[dmallind]

I bought the Glock 19 as a carry pistol and it seems to do OK there but I have a hankering to break into the 1911 ranks so I can see what all the fuss is about. I don't want a huge gun but something that can be carried well enough without being too compromised at the range (I'm a heavy set fattish guy so IWB is unlikely to be an option). Started liking the looks of the SW 1911PD with the laser grips. Too big? Anything smaller and still reasonably light without being ridiculously uncontrollable? Would prefer at least 8 round mags too. Ruger P97/P345 maybe? Won't say money is not an issue but could go spendy on this one for the right weapon - say $1000 or so cap.

Any other thoughts?

Thx

 

[Mulliga]

Too big? Anything smaller and still reasonably light without being ridiculously uncontrollable?

The main problem isn't controllability, it's reliability. Most can learn to shoot a small .45 decently with practice, but a micro-sized 3" barrel 1911 has a higher chance of having "issues" than say a 5" Gov't model. If I were to get a 1911 for CCW (and believe me, I'm considering it), I would want a Commander-size gun.

The Smith & Wesson lightweight Commander types are excellent if you want a new gun. I believe they were discussed in a recent thread.

 

[Aleko]

I would recommend getting either a Commander or a Compact 1911. If you have bid paws, Commander will feel more comfortable in your hand. However, it will be a little harder (not impossible) to conceal. My personal choice for CC is a lightweight Compact or CCO 1911 of some sort - Officer's frame with either Commander (4.25" bbl) or Compact (4" bbl) slide. Getting a shorter 1911 will not help much with concealment, but may be less reliable. Shooting either size gun is not a problem, but may take some getting used to depending on what you're used to shooting.

 

[Nick96]

Agree with Mulliga. The Colt Lightweight Commander is going to be the closest to the Glock 19 in terms of size & weight (though a bit thinner).

When you talk small, light .45 autos it's similar to talking small, light .357's. They are avaible - but can you shoot them accurately - with speed - under stress?

If you are wanting a 1911 .45, I think you will be happier in the long run with a full size model - or at least an all steel, full grip, bobbed nose model.

Consider too that .45's can cost twice as much as 9MM's in similar factory loadings. Whereas accurately placed hits are generally more important than "anywhere" placed hits - practice is necessary. And less expensive practice generally means more practice. Is it more important to launch a bigger, heavier, slower bullet - or a smaller, lighter, faster bullet? In the real world - the difference between .45 & 9MM isn't all that great if you pick the proper loadings.

Bottom line is - that Glock 19 is more than a match for any .45ACP in similar sized packages and similarly trained hands.

 

[DMF]

Well I currently only have full size 1911s, and since agency policy won't let me carry anything other than issue gun I haven't bothered to get a carry 1911. However, when I have the time and money, I plan on building one with a Commander slide, and officer frame, which is the carry configuration I would love to have. Colt is making some Gunsite CCOs which are in that configuration, but quite pricey. Kimber also has some that are comparable with a 4" rather than 4.25" barrel.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Sergeant Sabre]

I usually carry a Kimber Pro Carry II and like it (even if is is a "II"). It's a 4" barrel with a coke-can (aluminum) frame. It weighs 28 ounces empty, compared to a government-size steel-framed pistol's 36-38 ounces. Having also carried a steel government-sized pistol, I tell tell you that the difference is appreciable.

I do the majority of my carrying in a Threat Solutions UCR holster (www.threatsolutions.com).

Based on experience, I recommend Kimber. However, I've heard that the SW1911 pistols are no slouches, either, and would take a hard look at them if I were you.

 

[deputy tom]

I've carried every size and configuration 1911 available (except long slide versions) for lengthy periods of time and found the best for me is a Commander size w/alloy frame.Brand choice is up to you.YMMV.tom.

 

[sabre2]

Sometimes you can find a Wilson kz-45 in the $1000 range. (used) It makes a fine carry gun. Polymer frame, night sights, accurate, reliable, 10 round mags, normal sized grip, about 7 ounces lighter than steel frame. They make a full size and a compact.

 

[jaysouth]

My best carry 1911s are full size with alloy frames. After 10 minutes in the holster I cannot tell the difference between a goverment size and a commander size.

The only difference is the length of the slide/barrel and I find that the longer slide stabalizes the gun better in an IWB holster.

I have a SA government model with the alloy frame that has had some minor work and a Kimber classic CDP with airweight frame. Both are easy to carry and are at least as comfortable as carrying a Glock.

 

[Airboss]

Colt XSE

This may be the answer for you lots of goodies standard ambi safety front slide serations adjustable trigger coco bola grips carrries well shoots good and if you look around they can be had in the $700 to $800 range.
They also come in a light weight version and in 38 Super

 

[MICHAEL T]

Get one Commander size and a Colt first choice or Springer 2nd.

 

[bubbygator]

My current 1911 CCW is a Colt Compact - I have never had a failure with it, but I only have about 500 rounds through it. I just sold a Kimber Ultra-Carry 2 because of reliability problems. The most reliable one I ever had was a Colt Lightweight Commander. I would agree with everyone else here that as the barrel gets shorter, the reliability becomes more suspect.

Yes, get the Crimson Trace lasergrips; you will love them.

 

[kikilee]

I would agree. Get the Commander size. That being said Kimber makes several great guns with that configuration for the price you are wanting.

 

[dmallind]

Many thanks all. Just can't quite shake off the appeal of the SW1911PD Commander size with the CT grips, but will try out your suggestions whenever possible or at least investigate all of them first.

 

[Bronco45]

Don't forget to check out the Kimber Compact it is a great 4" 45 1911 model.

Mine outshoots my Gold Cup and conceals easily.

 

[farscott]

Since you have an upper price range of $1000 and no 1911 experience, I advise trying as many 1911 variants as you can. There are a multitude of 1911-family pistols on the marketplace, and the feature sets are all over the map.

No one can tell you what will work for you; you need to shoot as many as you can. Since there are a lot of shooters with 1911's and shooters are a friendly lot, you should be able to try lots of different pistols at your local range. In that way, you can begin to narrow the field. Some pistols that may look good to you may end up being eliminated once you shoot them. On the flip side, a pistol you may have dismissed out of hand may be the one you shoot the best. Try as many as you can before you buy.

As far as carry goes, it is not any harder to carry a Government Model (five-inch barrel) than a Commander (4.25-inch barrel) as long as you have a good holster and belt. Do not skimp here. I carry five-inch steel-framed 1911's every day for up to fourteen hours at a time with no issues. It became much more pleasant once I bought good leather. Be sure to choose a double-thickness leather belt at least 1.25" wide or a heavy-duty synthetic belt. A floppy dress belt will allow the gun to move and will cause pain.

I do have a lightweight Commander for carry use for when a dress belt is mandatory, but it rarely sees holster time.

 

[Missouri Mule]

You could be surprised by the ability to carry IWB. A little change in wardrobe may be all it takes. I don't know what fattish means .
I am personally about 30-40 pounds over weight so I am sporting a bulge around the middle.

I carry a SS Kimber Compact( 4" barrel/ Officer's grip frame) in a Milt Sparks Summer Special II. This is the perfect 1911 / .45 acp/ concealable rig for me.

I don't have much experience CCW'ing a full sized 1911. Just enough to know the Compact is for me. It equips me with 7 in the mag +one in the chamber+ another 7 rounder on the off side belt or pocket.

I am also wanting to try out a Glock 36.

 

[roo_ster]

IMO, 1911 pistols are easier to pack IWB than Glocks, as they are thinner where it counts.

I pack a gov't model sized SW1911, all-steel in a quality IWB holster (HBE COM) and use a quality gun belt (several). The 5" bbl length is not a problem for me, but might for someone less tall (than 6').

I started IWB carry when I was a bit more "rotund" than I am now. It wasn't bad, given that you must not wear skin-tight Wrangler jeans, but must have a bit more room in your waistband.

 

[Obiwan]

Take a look at the Scandium commanders

I have one and it is barely larger than my CCO

And about the same weight

 

[rock jock]

I would recommend getting either a Commander or a Compact 1911. If you have bid paws, Commander will feel more comfortable in your hand. However, it will be a little harder (not impossible) to conceal. My personal choice for CC is a lightweight Compact or CCO 1911 of some sort - Officer's frame with either Commander (4.25" bbl) or Compact (4" bbl) slide. Getting a shorter 1911 will not help much with concealment, but may be less reliable. Shooting either size gun is not a problem, but may take some getting used to depending on what you're used to shooting.

+1

 

[bubbygator]

Concerning carrying, while I would certainly recommend a nice holster, the 1911 can be carried "Mexican-style" if needed... just stuck into your pants under your belt. Since my Colt Compact is not a gun I carry for long periods of time, I've added a ClipDraw to it & carry it Mexican every time I carry it.

 

[carebear]

The Colt Lightweight Commander is going to be the closest to the Glock 19 in terms of size & weight (though a bit thinner).

Yeah, if "a bit" means almost 3/16" through the slide and frame.

I like the slightly shorter barrel of my LW Cmdr. for IWB for sitting down purposes and less rubbing on my hip bone. OWB the 5" isn't a problem.

YMMV

(If 3/16" +/- can be "a bit" then 3/4" can be "slightly" )

 

[TheEgg]

Might also look at the Para Ord "LTC" with the alloy frame (they also come in a steel frame.)

They have 1911 standard features except for the PXT extractor -- still internal but their own design. Mine has been flawless.

The LTC is commander size. Full length grip, 4.25" bbl.

You would get a good carry piece and still have a lot of that $1,000 left over for ammo.

 

[TamThompson]

I'd take a serious look at the STI guns, particularly the Trojan. They are very, very sweet, and made here in Texas! I own a 5" Trojan, and it's just great stock--no gunsmithing needed. Also, even though STI is a little company, they were smart enough to design their guns to accept Colt Government mags, at least in the Trojan. Thus, mags are easy to find.

 

[critter]

I have 2 that I carry, both bought used. One is a Kimber compact stainless and the other is a Colt officers model (essentially twins) using the same mags, operating system, etc. Both are all steel frames and shoot very well and are 100% reliable. I carry them IWB or OWB as either uses a cover garment. The weight is not a problem at all.

I have rather large hands but the abbreviated grip is not a problem either. I had my 'smith put a small undercut at the bottom of the rear of the trigger guard. That feels like it gives you just a little more grip and puts the gun a little lower in your hand. Seems to help comfort, control and shootability (to me at least).

I do not like barrels shorter than this as it seems to me to make them more difficult to shoot accurately and seems to make it harder to 'tweak' to keep them 100% reliable.

Good luck finding what will work for you.