Does anyone carry a full size 1911?

M

Mike11b

New member
TFL has been very helpful to this new member in deciding on what new handgun to purchase since I made an uninformed mistake with the Taurus PT-145. I've decided on a 1911 style handgun (either Springfeild or Kimber) for dual purpose use (CCW and Home Defense). I like the Springfeild Champion and Kimber Pro Carry series - both have full size grips and 4 inch barrels. Is there any down side to a 4 inch vs. a full size 5 inch? The weight is not an issue at this point. I'm concerned more with any issues with accuracy, performance, concealability, etc.

Any replies and input are welcome. Thanks.
 
Since getting my CCW about two years ago, I've been carrying either a full size Springfield 1911, or an East German Makarov.

I prefer the 1911 however, the full size grip tends to print more often than the smaller Mak. I am currently saving my pennies towards an officers size, or smaller, 1911. Recently I compared my Mak to the new Springfield Micro Compact, and with the exception of the beavertail grip safety, they are almost exactly the same size.

I suggest that if you have a local dealer that would allow you to "try on" a holster and a full-size pistol, then take someone with you and compare the full-size to the smaller frame 1911's. Be sure to take whatever concealment garment that you intend to wear once you make your purchase. Have your friend watch as you move around, squat down to pick something up, reach over your head to pick something up off of a shelf, sit in a chair, or do anything that you might do while carrying.

You might be suprised how much less the smaller frame guns print through your clothing.

My disclaimer is that I've not yet fired one of the smaller framed pistols, so I cannot say how much different their recoil is. I've also heard that they can have difficulties in the reliability department.

If you are built in such a way that you can conceal a full size 1911, then by all means go for it! It's mighty nice knowing that you've got that much persuasion riding on your belt in case someone tries to do you harm. ;)

Hope this helps. :)
 
I dont carry a 1911 (nor any other gun due to local laws), but you might want to look into the Commanding Officer configuration. Its an Officer frame with a Commander slide and barrel, so you get 6 shots in the magazine, 1 in the chamber and a ~4" barrel. The hardest thing to conceal is the grip, hiding the barrel is easy, so the Officer's frame really helps. I think Kimber makes one in this config, but I forget the model name.

Kharn
 
A good holster will hold a big handgun. Since I became an ex-LEO I have carried a 1911 gummit in a Milt Sparks Executvie Companion while wearing a suit.

The Ex Com carries it well and keeps it tight against the body. Wonderful rig.

I have never been a big fan of the smaller 1911s. Each to his own but if I am stupid enough to get in a fight then I want to fight with a big gun. I'm still looking for that Ber M21 that converts into a G3 when drawn.
 
I can conceal a full-sized 1911 pretty easily with a Galco Summer Comfort holster and an untucked shirt. Of course, I'm 6'2" tall and on the thin side, so I don't know how practical that is for someone of different height and/or build.
 
I prefer the 5" over the 4"/4.25". More sight radius makes it easier to shoot (for me) and it is no more difficult to conceal if you are using a OWB or IWB carry mode. With these modes it is the butt that is likely to print not the slide. The only advantage I see is weight which you have said is not an issue or if you were going to be carrying in a horizontal shoulder holster.
 
I second the Sparks, though I do use a different holster. The VersaMaxII. Makes a full-size 1911 disappear yet ready to draw in an instant, all while providing excellent retention. Pulls the grip right into your body for ultimate concealability.

Plenty comfortable.
 
Carried full size gvt 1911 for bout 20 years, mostly concealed. Leather that works with YOUR shape and clothes picked or tailored to be part of the package.

Sam
 
I do.

1911s are relatively easy to conceal, regardless of size.

That said, I recommend concealing the Gov't model.
 
I'm the ballcap and t-shirt type when I'm not on the job, and I'm not allowed to carry when I am. So no, I don't---and wouldn't, unless it was one of those compact ones (I'm a "short" 5' 9" and 200 lbs). I usually carry my CZ or my Bersa; my 1911 only at the IPSC.

My CHL instructor, however, wears a vest 24X7 (well, not really that often) and he carries a full-size Kimber with all the custom bells and whistles. I don't see any other way he could. Incidentally, he told me that he once tried carrying it Mexican style under a windbreaker, and that one time he was in this buffet line when it slipped down his pants, making such a loud clatter when it hit the floor that he almost took a dump right on the spot. Not a good way to carry. That's what holsters are for.
 
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That would be me...

I carry a full-size 1911 every damn day. I own two full-size and a Pro Carry...all Kimbers. I can't say enough good about them. The Pro stays home and the full-size go with me. I have no trouble concealing them. All are equally accurate. The longer sight radius of the full-size makes it easier to shoot accurately. My full-size have been ever so slightly more reliable than my Pro but not by much. A 1911 is a cinch to conceal and carry all day long as long as you spend some time and money on the proper wardrobe and a decent holster. You can't hide a 1911 and carry it comfortably in an Uncle Mike's sidekick nylon POS holster on a braided leather yuppy belt under an untucked t-shirt.
 
Full-size 1911s are very easy to conceal and carry. They're very flat, which makes them comfortable for IWB. A shorter barrel does not really make a difference in concealability, which is determined by the height of the grip. The long and skinny 1911 is ideal for IWB carry since the extra length in the slide helps to anchor the gun inside the waistline.
 
Sure, either right hip under my jacket, or left front in a fanny pack. Comes out, safety off and sights lined up in less than a second, with practice.

4 spare mags fit in the fanny pack, along with a Mini Maglight, a SwissTool and a GI field dressing.

If 40 rounds won't do it, I'll throw the damned thing at the perp.;)
 
Thanks for all the replies. I'm 6'2" and 225 lbs. , so I think I have the frame to make it work from a concealment standpoint. All the negatives I've heard have dealt mostly with weight (and that's discounting the anti-1911 crowd). My holster choice is down to either Wild Bill's or Kramer, and I'll order once I've made the decision. I also am going to look at Wilson, since I think they make holsters exclusively for the 1911. Full size is going to be my choice....thanks again.
 
I carry one occasionally in a pancake holster. No worse than carrying any other full-size gun, I've always made it a point to wear a good, stiff belt, so bulk is more of a concern than weight.
 
Biggest factor, next to a good holster, is a strong gunbelt. With a strong belt, you won't feel the weight of the gun as much and your pants won't sag to one side. :D
 
I carry a full size 1911 daily. No problem.

The only time I carry something smaller is when I go to the gym or go jogging. Then I use a Bulgie Mak in a fanny pack. I don't worry about sweating all over it as much.
 
I carry a full-size 1911 fairly frequently.

Springfield Professional carried OWB in a Galco Concealable, under a light jacket or fleece vest.
 
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