1911 Officer or Ruger 3" SP101

O

Old Arn

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I'm considering one of these two for concealed carry, but I'm a bit smaller than the average American male. I'm 5'5" at 140 lbs., size 30 waist with a fairly athletic build. I'd really like some input regarding concealability and comfort from guys with a similar build.
 
I'm not a similar build, but I've always thought that the hardest thing to conceal is width in a weapon. IMHO, a slim 1911 is much easier to comfortably conceal than a revolver with a 3 inch barrel. I own both 1911s and a sp101 with a 2 inch barrel. My Colt Defender is lighter and much easier to conceal than the Ruger.
 
that isn't even close choose the 1911 officers model. especially being smaller a flat gun is easier to conceal. and it's a 45. the ruger wouldn't even be a consideration to me.
 
I'm with lambertsteeth. Thinner is better (for me) for cc. I like the 1911. When you're deciding, look out for things like ambidextrous safety or laser grips; these will add some width to a 1911.
 
Arn, 3/23/10

I own both and if given the choice I would choose the revolver. The Officers size 1911 would be easier to conceal but mine has had reliability problems. If you were absolutely sure your Officer's 1911 was reliable I would go the 1911 route.

So what do I carry? A Sig 245 or SW 4516, both go "bang" every time.



best wishes- oldandslow
 
Perhaps I'm odd, but I've always found a revolver easier to conceal. The more rounded contours of a revolver don't seem to print as noticeably as the more squarish auto does. Also, some round-butt grips on the Ruger will make it much easier to conceal.
 
I have an SP101 .357 and that thing is a tank. I bought it for CC but it’s just too heavy. I love it though. Kicks like a mule from both ends.

I found a Ruger LCR .38 Special is a good pocket carry. It doesn’t print with “mature cut” pants. However, it’s light and it, too, kicks like a mule from both ends.

For SD I’m not concerned about recoil.
 
With a belly band-style carry, you might be able to carry either one.

The .45 is flatter, but I am among those convinced there is a reliability issue with short-barrel .45s, those smaller than the Commander size. Unless you have a very reliable specimen, and are able to hold the pistol very firmly, malfunctions occur too often for my taste. No such problem with the revolver.
 
Either one is really okay, but I agree that a 1911 is actually very easy to conceal since it's very slim. Either route you go however, note that you will have to dress around whatever gun you chose.

All things considered for CCW, which gun are you more comfortable with? That would be my first consideration above all else.
 
I lean toward a revolver for SD for many reasons of which you are probably well aware.
You may want to consider the DAO (spurless) 2 1/4" SP101 because of less possibility of the spur snagging on something. I see little or no advantage to a 13/16" longer barrel and in a real-life SD scenario you will be firing in DA mode and it is thus better to practice in DA mode.
I find the weight of the SP101 to be an advantage when firing full-house 357 Magnum loads. I carry the DAO in a Mika pocket holster all day and do not find it to be a burden.
 
One of the gun shows the other day featured the 1911. It was pointed out that the three inch versions are often not reliable.

The guy said, "if you want a short-barreled semiautomatic, choose something other than a 1911."
 
I like my SP101

I have 2-1/4" SP101 and a 1911 Commander. I find the SP101 easier to conceal due to it's smaller size and as others have said, the 1911 kind of square. The corners kind of stick out. I carry magnum loads in my Ruger so the extra weight helps tame recoil. It's still a fair amount lighter than my 1911.
 
For concealability, the 1911 is probably going to be easier. However, I'm 5'7" and carry a S&W Model 60 with a 3" barrel, which is a close cousin to your SP101. After I figured out how, I found that I can conceal it on-body without much trouble except in the middle of summer when I'm wearing only a t-shirt and shorts. (Then, I just open carry.)

So you might want to try both, and if you find that you can conceal the SP101 easily, you have options about which to carry. Having choices is IMHO a good thing. ;-)
 
Webleymkv said:
Perhaps I'm odd, but I've always found a revolver easier to conceal. The more rounded contours of a revolver don't seem to print as noticeably as the more squarish auto does. Also, some round-butt grips on the Ruger will make it much easier to conceal.
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I'm with you, Webley. Perhaps its because I am a bit younger, 25, but I find auto's much more recognizable to spot. Whenever I get a new gun or new holster or belt for carry, I try all kinds of options, and none seem to disappear as easily as a revolver, despite its thickness.

On top of that, I just prefer a revolver. I like that I don't have to worry about chambering a round when loading, don't worry about mis-feeds, its easy to clear and secure... the usual revolver-guy rant.

My 3" Sp101 in .327 is my prefered carry gun these days.
 
Personally, I find it a tough choice.

I find that I conceal-carry my 3" 1911 .45 (Para Slim Hawg) slightly more often than my 3" SP101 (.357).

But only slightly more often.

I like them both and can think of no rational reason that affects my choice at the time.

There are rational reasons, e.g.;
1. I am measurably more accurate with the Ruger
2. The Para has 7+1 .45s

And so on. But I don't seem to think it out each time I pick one up to carry (either will fit handily in the same IWB holster that is usually attached to my pants).

Once in a while, I will carry both (one to leave in the car, maybe);).

Best,

Will
 
I own a commander 1911 and a 3" Ruger SP101.

I find the Ruger easier to conceal when summer rolls around, IWB. The grip prints less under even just a T-shirt.

No matter the barrel length, the 1911 grip has to stick up from your belt higher than the small grip of a SP101.
 
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