1911 for ccw; Suggestions?

[Rusty Shackleford]

I'm seriously thinking about a 1911 for summer carry instead of my glock, but I have no idea which, if any, compact 1911's are particularly reliable. Are there any that I should avoid at all costs, and are there any in partiular that you guys think are worth recommending?

[jem375]

Springfield Ultra Compact or a Kimber would work great..

[calveryc]

I just got a kimber UC and put about 300 rounds through it without a hiccup. You just have to know how to handle them.

[aglocker1911]

Compact 1911s are more likely to have reliability problems than their full size versions. I would reccomend a lightweight full size like a S&W pd/sc or a Springer lightweight Bi Tone. With a good holster, the full size hides as easy as a compact, and the lightweights carry as easy as a Glock.

[Short Cut]

For me, when I pick a 1911 for carry, I place more emphasis on weight than on size. Currently my most carried gun is full size Kimber Custom CDP which utilizes an aluminum frame and weighs about 7 ounces less than the same size gun with a steel frame.

The slim slide of a 1911 works really well in an IWB holster. Although using this method one might want to check if a 5" gun will carry comfortably for them particularly when sitting down. The 5" just works for me, any longer and it would be cumbersome. I think that is one of the reasons why Commander size 1911s with a 4.25" barrel are also popular for carry.

[freepatriot]

I'm with aglocker1911 on this one. Why do you think you need a compact 1911? The full-size version has been fine for what, 94 years???



http://freepatriot.com/imagewarehouse/miltsparks/DSCF2058.jpg

Springfield Mil-Spec stainless in a Milt Sparks CC-AT I got from Short Cut.

[freepatriot]

hiya Short Cut #wav

[Short Cut]

Howdy Scott. #wav

You've prompted me to go take some more gun porn photos. I had some good ones on Hunt101 which went bye bye and unfortunately I didn't save the originals when I switched computers.

[freepatriot]

Always good to be able to get new pics taken ;f

[Short Cut]

http://home.comcast.net/~1911brass/Cust_CDP_VM2.jpg

[Short Cut]

http://home.comcast.net/~1911brass/Cus_CDP_out_VM2.jpg

[Rusty Shackleford]

Thanks, as always, for the input.

Regardless of the history, I doubt there is any gun that works for everyone when it comes to concealed carry.

A light frame full size sounds like it would be what I'm after if I don't want to compromise reliability. The only issue I'd have with carrying my TRP would be the weight and the grip length due to the mag well. Even without the magwell it's probably a bit long in the grip for me to conceal, but it's hardly impossible.

[Short Cut]

Rusty what I found with a full size grip, when switching from a Glock 30, is that it concealed better by scooting it forward to the 3 o'clock position and using a muzzle to the rear, canted holster.