steel vs. aluminum for carry

M

malomead

Inactive
I am planning on purchasing a Kimber compact for concealed carry in an IWB holster. I have a quality holster and belt (Milt Sparks VM2 and 1 1/2" belt). I would like an aluminum version for the extra comfort while carrying but am considering buying one with a steel frame for the extra comfort of carrying hollow points without the worry of one getting caught on a chewed up feed ramp. I'm not worried about the frame cracking, as this won't be my primary shooting gun.

For those of you with a lot of experience carrying IWB, is the extra weight of a steel frame much of an issue for you after a long day of carry? There is a 6 oz. difference (34 oz. vs. 40 oz. loaded) between the two pistols. Of course I would like the tactical advantage of carrying hollow points reliably and quicker follow up shots but this will do me little good if it stays in the safe. Any advice you could give me based on your experience would be apreciated.
 
Good question and I think you covered all the potential ancillary comments very well before they were made.

I haven't had any problems carrying full-sized 1911 in steel that I didn't have with an officer's sized aluminum framed gun that weighed a full pound less. I think it is more psychological than real, or maybe I just don't have as many nerves around my waist as some people. There was a fellow in a gun shop going over the same issue with the clerk behind the counter. The customer wanted a light gun because he had heard that the heavy guns were problematic toward the end of the day, being uncomfortable due to their weight. You have to understand, the customer was wearing denim jeans, a leather vest, boots, and had a great big truckers wallet attached to his belt loop via a 2 foot chain!

If you feel that the gun might be too heavy on the belt, then carry your spare mags in the pockets of a vest or shirt. Don't carry as many keys or as much change.

The 1 1/2" belt should be fine for carrying a full-sized 1911 and the VM2 is a sweet setup. I used the same sized belt and holster for my full-sized 1911. The next question is whether you have some sort of physical traits that might make the heavier gun a real problem such as if you weight less than 100 lbs., plan on carrying the gun over a hip where you have had hip replacement surgery or maybe you are a pregnant female. Do you have a lot of other gear already hanging from your belt such as a buck knife, cell phone, PDA, key ring, and flashlight? If so, either get the lighter gun or maybe give carrying one of those items. While you may not carry them on your belt, don't give up spare magazines.
 
The only problem I have with the IWB holsters is that I must get bigger pants. Otherwise I feel the gun like a brick and gets me tired and hurt (plastic, alum or steel)

Be sure to get a nice thick leather belt that can support your auto.

It´s all about holsters...:D NOT METALS
 
I have several aluminum frames including 2 in .45ACP and haven't had any problems in chambering 230gr. hollowpoints. I've never chewed up my feed ramps either. If you are as careful in your selection of HPs as you appear to be with pistol, holster & belt, I don't think that you will have any problems with what load to use.

I do feel the difference in weight between steel & aluminum frames for carry, but agree that a good belt plus larger pants will matter more for comfort. Whether you weigh 300lbs or 145lbs will make a difference as well.

Ultimately, you must carry what you feel comfortable with, since this is your life that you protecting.
 
My preferred carry gun is a steel-framed 1911. I don't find the weight bothersome. Said it before and I'll say it again. Frankly, I kind of find the weight reassuring--like a gentle reminder that help is real close by.

RJ
 
Many miles with full size steel 1911

in my belt.

But I confess I prefer the Colt Commander for constant carry. The half pound or so make it easier to carry without drooping the trousers.
 
I prefer to shoot steel frame guns and carry aluminum frame guns. :D

FWIW, I've put lots of JHP and FMJ rounds through an aluminum framed 1911, and the feed ramp looks just fine.

Sure, lighter guns have more flip, especially with hotter loads. However, fast follow-up shots are more a function of stance, grip, and technique than gun weight. And you can take that from someone who carries 200 grain +P Gold Dot JHPs. ;)
 
Thanks to everyone for sharing your experience. I was leaning towards steel when the decision became really easy on Tuesday. I was planning on eventually sending whatever pistol I got to Dane Burns. When I got home after a long day, I learned that Mr. Burns had two steel Kimber Compacts for sale. So I'll be getting a BCP without the anticipated one year wait. This may end up being my primary shooting gun after all!
 
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