What makes the RO not a carry gun?

B

baddarryl

New member
I get that the sights are prohibitive, but they can be changed. Barring that what reason is there not to carry one? I bought one for IDPA, but have not moved away from SSP so I might as well carry it. To me is is very accurate and 100% reliable. I keep hearing this and don't understand it. What say you?
 
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Weight and width.

A small light polymer pistol under an inch in width is easier to tote all day and easier to conceal.

The ro isn't bad, it just has less attractiveness than a lighter smaller cousin ... especially after 14-16 hours in the holster.
 
Why? As in why add the bulk? Why add the weight?

I've toted a 4.5" xdm, full size eaa witness, etc and after 14-16 hours I couldn't wait to get rid of them. But the first day with a taurus 740, I forgot it was even on the hip after 14 hours. If it's a PITA it probably gets left home, so for me, comfort trumps.

Other folks may choose other strokes.
 
Without the potentially sharp target sights? Nothing. I've carried full size steel 1911's plenty. Good gun belt and holster and the wight doesn't bother me.

My only issue with Government size 1911's is when I carry at around 3 o'clock IWB the longer barrel pokes me in the butt, so I generally like the shorter barreled Commander or similar length.
 
No reason not to carry it, as far as I'm concerned. 1911s are great carry guns, they're thin and well balanced, and with a proper belt and holster are very comfortable to carry. I wouldn't worry about the adjustable rear sight, it's plenty rugged. The only thing I'd do is to take the sharp corners off the rear sight, just round them a little with a file and touch it up with some cold blue. That'll keep it from scraping your forearm and wearing on your cover garment.
 
No reason not to carry one.
It wouldn't be the first choice for a lot of folks.
But if it's too heavy feeling, there's always suspenders.
Really.
I have use suspenders quite a bit at the matches.
They do take a load off.
 
I have recommended the Springfield Range Officer several times. I really think it is a VERY nice gun but for concealed carry there are smaller lighter higher capacity guns that can be carried ready to pull and shoot---yep, I’m afraid I’m one of those that doesn’t want to have to mess with a safety lever on a carry gun.

For all those who carry 1911 style guns, more power to you. I would not try to convince somebody that’s comfortable with one to change but IMhO it is not an optimal solution.
 
Along time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...

No wait, that's something else...

I carried a Colt Gold cup (the old timer's equivalent to a R/O) as my duty sidearm when I had to. It was fine. That was a long time before plastic and we didn't think anything about it. A good belt and holster made it a fine service weapon. It was a little long for concealed carry - so I went to a commander size - WOW big difference - NOT - just a different holster rig.

It's a good weapon and you can do it. If the extra steel wears on you there is always tupperware. I wouldn't get rid of a good R/O to buy a Glock.

What changed my mind was how often I was reloading during a match or qualification compared to the plastic fantastics. Those guys were carrying the same number of magazines and had way more ammo. The extra weight didn't seem to bother them. :rolleyes:

P.S.

I never had a problem with the adjustable sights either.
 
My only concern with the Range Officer is the adjustable target sights.

I like fixed Novaks on Government Model style guns set up for carry.

Am I ever going to worry about my sights getting knocked off after a helicopter crash or something, hopefully not, but I still prefer fixed sights on carry guns.

One less failure point.
 
A 5" 1911 isn't ideal for carry. Mind you, I carried one for a while like that, but found better options.

1) Size. A 5" barreled gun is slower to clear leather and if carried IWB it protrudes pretty far down your pants. If carries OWB, you need an extremely long cover garment.

2) Weight. Mine was an aluminum framed gun- it wasn't too bad with a good belt and holster, but the steel ones are 10 oz. heavier. That's a lot of weight.

3) Sights. Those target sights will rip holes in your cover garment and adjustables can get knocked off alignment (although, IMO, that's the least of reasons to me). Better something that isn't likely to snag.

Could you carry one? Sure. In my opinion, there's better options that are also plenty accurate and reliable. Nothing against the RO, but it wasn't intended as a carry piece. It can do that job if needed, but I think there's options that may be more livable.
 
The primary drawback is the five inch barrel, though some folks carry it off. I most often carry a 1911 with a 4.25 inch barrel. Try it unloaded, "Mexican" carry style (inside the waistband with no holster) to get an idea if you'll be able to carry it concealed.

A good gun belt and holster will take care of the weight. I would prefer fixed sights but adjustable sights are not a big deal, IMO. Lots of folks over the decades have carried handguns with adjustable sights.

It really comes down to personal preference. Some people like lighter polymer guns with greater capacity. I understand that. Some people think lower capacity 1911s are fine for personal, defensive carry especially if they like the ergonomics of the pistol. I understand that as well.
 
I don't understand it either. Beginning a long time ago, I carried either a Colt Government or Gold Cup at times. Would have carried one of these full time if allowed. And, 40+ hours a week more recently. Heavier than a plastic pistol, 5" barrel, 7+1 capacity, etc. I don't care, that is my preference. Most of the younger guys, and gals, carry Glocks. That's their preference.......ymmv
 
I carry mine frequently :) The only downside in regard to the rear sight is that mine is sharp enough to draw blood if I get sloppy running failure drills.

Aside from that, the 1911 is a breeze to carry.

YMMV
 
The argument against adjustable sights just doesn't hold water. For generations cops carried revolvers with adjustable sights (myself included) and I don't recall there ever being any big issues with sights getting knocked out of alignment, etc.. Like I said earlier in this thread, the sharp corners on the sight can be rounded, and a good belt and holster make all the difference in the world when carrying a heavier gun.
 
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