I am back and forth with this issue. On one hand, I love the 1911, but on the other, I don't think it's really practical to carry it. What I want is for someone to either talk me into using it as my CCW, or to talk me out of it. I'm equally proficient with it and the Glock. Thanks for your help.
How practical is it to carry the 1911 full-size?
- Thread starter CSAY
- Start date
Patrick Murphy
New member
If you own both, and going by your post you do, why are you soliciting the opinions of others? Carry each and decide.
Out of stubborness I carry the 1911. That's not the only reason, but I know that's part of it. I think it's more practical to carry something lighter and more compact. That's why I think I need to go the other direction. See, my head tells me one thing, but my heart tells me another.
I just got my CCW and I am also making the what-to-carry decision. I have pretty much ruled out my full-size 1911, mostly because its length makes it awkward. But I also have a Kimber Ultra Carry (officer-size .45 ACP). It looks large until it is actually placed next to some of my "smaller" handguns. Compared to my SIG P239 in 9mm, the Kimber is virtually the same width, about the same height, and the same length except for the beavertail. My Walther PPK/S is insignificantly smaller than the P239, and thus a little smaller than the Kimber, but certainly not as much as one would think. The fully loaded Kimber weighs about the same as the SIG and a little more than the Walter. What I've about decided is to carry the .45 when an IWB holster is appropriate and the .380 when I need to carry some other way, like in a pocket.
Last edited:
DAVID NANCARROW
New member
A government model IMO is the most concealable full sized autoloading pistol made today. I have been carrying one for 30 years, on duty and off, and it just doesn't present a huge concealment problem for me until its down to the t-shirt and shorts days in Texas. If the weight is an issue, and I hear a lot of crying about this issue, it can be solved by going to a lightweight commander, or other smaller clones. Springfield Armory used to make, and might still make a full sized government clone with an aluminum frame.
None of the above gets to the issue, however. If I or anyone else can talk you in or out of what you're going to carry, I would suggest you not carry a firearm until you know what individual weapon you would trust your life to. Not a model, not a style, company or the best reputation in the world is going to save your life. You are, and I hope you practice with whatever it is until you know it better than your wife. I have a good friend who carries a 45 Peacemaker, and before you laugh, take it from me-he has spent the time and the money and he is great with it!
None of the above gets to the issue, however. If I or anyone else can talk you in or out of what you're going to carry, I would suggest you not carry a firearm until you know what individual weapon you would trust your life to. Not a model, not a style, company or the best reputation in the world is going to save your life. You are, and I hope you practice with whatever it is until you know it better than your wife. I have a good friend who carries a 45 Peacemaker, and before you laugh, take it from me-he has spent the time and the money and he is great with it!
With the right holster you shouldn't have a problem carrying a full size 1911! Why would it not be practical? They are slim and if you have an alloy frame they are fairly light. I am personally waiting on my CCDW license to come in and my main carry gun is going to be my 4" Kimber Pro CDP with a Milt Sparks VM2!
If you are going to carry a full size 1911 get a Lou Alessi GWH from Dane Burns, they seem to be the perfect holster.
Lots of people carry them everyday and have no problems! When I receive my Grey Ghost (5") from Dane that will become my main carry gun!
Make of it what you will, but go with what is the most reliable and you shoot the best. This gun is going to protect your life!
If you are going to carry a full size 1911 get a Lou Alessi GWH from Dane Burns, they seem to be the perfect holster.
Lots of people carry them everyday and have no problems! When I receive my Grey Ghost (5") from Dane that will become my main carry gun!
Make of it what you will, but go with what is the most reliable and you shoot the best. This gun is going to protect your life!
DAVID NANCARROW
New member
5
DAVID NANCARROW
New member
Started at age 17, courtesy of Uncle Sam. It was a beginning of a love affair which will not die.
David, go to bed! It's the middle of the night there, you ijit!
You too, weshoot2!
<sigh> Just winding my evening down at the office before I go back to the hotel and work on some stupid presentation my boss sprung on me. Last minute, of course.
Thank you, TFL, for the brief moments of sanity I find by logging on!
You too, weshoot2!
<sigh> Just winding my evening down at the office before I go back to the hotel and work on some stupid presentation my boss sprung on me. Last minute, of course.
Thank you, TFL, for the brief moments of sanity I find by logging on!
DAVID NANCARROW
New member
I work in the middle of the night! Somebody has to fix the stuff management breaks every day. Yet another reason my faithful Colt stays with me! Go eat some rice and me and Weshoot2 will talk about you behind your back!
Outta here-sun's coming up and I left my cape in my coffin, er, crib!
Outta here-sun's coming up and I left my cape in my coffin, er, crib!
Only women and men with small genitals are incapable of carrying a 1911. Didn't you know that ? Now grow a sack and quit yer griping.
Sheesh, next you'll be telling us it's too heavy
!
Relax, yes I know, you were just exposed to some harsh sounding sarcasm. It's good for you. It'll grow hair on your chest, and if you're lucky, your head and balls as well. If you already own and carry a 1911 however, that's irrelevant.
Sheesh, next you'll be telling us it's too heavy
!Relax, yes I know, you were just exposed to some harsh sounding sarcasm. It's good for you. It'll grow hair on your chest, and if you're lucky, your head and balls as well. If you already own and carry a 1911 however, that's irrelevant.
Inspector Callahan
New member
I carry a full-size 1911 in a Milt Sparks VersaMax II holster. Quite concealable that way. Of course, that's damn good gunleather. A lesser holster would present a concealment problem.
Carry what makes you comfortable. Packing an all-steel 5-inch Government Model is not for everyone.
Carry what makes you comfortable. Packing an all-steel 5-inch Government Model is not for everyone.
I guess it all depends of how much you are willing to dress around the gun.
I used to carry a S&W 4516-1. I did that for years, but found myself leaving that gun at home & tucking my .380 Mustang into a pocket many times. The 4516-1 isn't a huge pistol, but because of its size & weight I was inclined to leave it rather than take it.
Now I have a Kimber Ultra CDP, & it goes with me a lot more than the Smith ever did. Inside a Sparks VM II it almost disappears; it is light enough that it isn't constantly tugging on my belt (also a Sparks). Kimber also sells a full sized CDP that weighs (I believe) only 1oz more.
To me, the extra 2" of barrel length on a full sized gun is that much more you have to conceal when wearing an OWB holster, which for me is the most comfortable & will be my next holster purchase.
I also have a full sized Kimber in all SS that I use for range work. I don't usually carry it, but I bought a Galco Jackass rig that will carry either the 3" or 5" gun. In this shoulder rig the 5" gun will conceal just about as easily as the 3", although after carrying the lighter CDP the added weight of the full steel gun is noticable. Not necessarily uncomfortable - but noticeable.
Here is what you need to do: but a short barreled 1911 to go with your 5". Use the 5" for range & practice, the short gun for carry. Afterall, everyone knows you can't own too many 1911 pattern guns....
I used to carry a S&W 4516-1. I did that for years, but found myself leaving that gun at home & tucking my .380 Mustang into a pocket many times. The 4516-1 isn't a huge pistol, but because of its size & weight I was inclined to leave it rather than take it.
Now I have a Kimber Ultra CDP, & it goes with me a lot more than the Smith ever did. Inside a Sparks VM II it almost disappears; it is light enough that it isn't constantly tugging on my belt (also a Sparks). Kimber also sells a full sized CDP that weighs (I believe) only 1oz more.
To me, the extra 2" of barrel length on a full sized gun is that much more you have to conceal when wearing an OWB holster, which for me is the most comfortable & will be my next holster purchase.
I also have a full sized Kimber in all SS that I use for range work. I don't usually carry it, but I bought a Galco Jackass rig that will carry either the 3" or 5" gun. In this shoulder rig the 5" gun will conceal just about as easily as the 3", although after carrying the lighter CDP the added weight of the full steel gun is noticable. Not necessarily uncomfortable - but noticeable.
Here is what you need to do: but a short barreled 1911 to go with your 5". Use the 5" for range & practice, the short gun for carry. Afterall, everyone knows you can't own too many 1911 pattern guns....
Double Naught Spy
New member
CSAY, you are still vague on this issue. How about telling us why YOU don't think the full-size 1911 is not practical carry, and then we can go from there. Is it just the lightness and size issue?
If lightness, why is that a bother to you? I have read all the stories about how 6 oz more here or there completely cause pain and suffering to the carrier. Assuming you don't have any medical conditions such as a bad back or hip, the difference in weight between the two guns may only come down to the combined weight of your wallet and keys.
I suspect that people who do not have medical problems but can't seem to carry a 1911 are people who likely don't have their clothing properly balanced. For concealed carry (or open for that matter), there is a balance. You belt loops and gun's belt loops must both match the belt properly. Things get squirrel when some has on a .75" wide belt, going through 1.5" belt loops and 1.5" holster loops. With that much slack, the gun moves round quite a bit and can be a problem.
Not that the size is a matter in this next statement, there is one really good reason you should carry a 1911. That is, 1911 triggers have very short travel distances and are usually fairly light. It is much easier to make a clean shot with no jerk which such a trigger pull as compared to Glock's trigger or true DA guns. Quite likely, the first shot you make will be the most important in a defense scenario, so the trigger issue can be very impotant. You can make up for the Glock's shortcoming by practicing extensively with it, however.
If lightness, why is that a bother to you? I have read all the stories about how 6 oz more here or there completely cause pain and suffering to the carrier. Assuming you don't have any medical conditions such as a bad back or hip, the difference in weight between the two guns may only come down to the combined weight of your wallet and keys.
I suspect that people who do not have medical problems but can't seem to carry a 1911 are people who likely don't have their clothing properly balanced. For concealed carry (or open for that matter), there is a balance. You belt loops and gun's belt loops must both match the belt properly. Things get squirrel when some has on a .75" wide belt, going through 1.5" belt loops and 1.5" holster loops. With that much slack, the gun moves round quite a bit and can be a problem.
Not that the size is a matter in this next statement, there is one really good reason you should carry a 1911. That is, 1911 triggers have very short travel distances and are usually fairly light. It is much easier to make a clean shot with no jerk which such a trigger pull as compared to Glock's trigger or true DA guns. Quite likely, the first shot you make will be the most important in a defense scenario, so the trigger issue can be very impotant. You can make up for the Glock's shortcoming by practicing extensively with it, however.
I've been carrying for about 4 years. Moved from CZ 9mm to a Springfield 1911 and never looked back. It's a full size steel gun and I carry in an IWB holster all day without problem or discomfort. I'm not a huge guy, either. 
"Life is tough. Life is tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne
"Life is tough. Life is tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne