1911 for concealed carry?

[Eagl1]

Is a full size 1911 practical for concealed carry? I have never owned a 1911 but have considered buying one many times. It would be intended for range use but I'd like to carry it as well. Currently I CC a Glock 19(mid-size) or a snub J-frame or K-frame. I'm over 6' with average build. How much of an adjustment will it be to switch to a 1911 from what I have now?

 

[Kanewpadle]

All depends on your dress and method of carry. I carry a full size 1911 whenever I can but mainly during cooler weather.

The 1911 will be heavier and longer on both ends than the G19, but if you dress for it, wear a good belt and holster, it's easy.

 

[werecat_25]

45 for ccdw

I carry a 45 combat commander quite often in cooler weather, you might take a look at a photographers vest, or safari vest...Most will cover a belt carried full size handgun. I like to carry on my stong side behind my hip...Usually comfortable carrying the flat commander even driving long distance..Other option might be butt forward or crossdraw, if you are right handed, it keeps from interfering with seat belt buckle.

 

[Eagl1]

Here in Western Washington, cover apparel is not a problem most of the year. I lost 30 pounds a year ago and I have several pair of jeans that are 2 to 3 inches too big in the waist so I've been IWB carrying a lot with my G19.

I've been looking at the RIA 1911. It's in my price range and I hear good things about it from a lot of people. My first choice would be a springfield but money is tihgt right now so the bargin price gun is tempting.

 

[Marshal Tom]

this is the first time in probably 35 years that I don't own at least one 1911. I have carried one on and off duty for all those years and it is still hands down my favorite all around gun. I mostly carried in an IWB milt Sparks Summer Special. It conceals very well under most conditions. I have owned full size, commanders and officers models as well as 4" Kimbers. Get a good heavy belt and fit the holster to the belt.

Tom

 

[venomballistics]

I carry a full size 1911 including the summer months.
I wont say that the gov't mod is the answer for all people, but I will say its absolutely the best place to start the search for what works for you.
thin profile and ample cartridge standard ... just make concessions where you see fit .. or like me .. stay there

 

[Kanewpadle]

Here in Western Washington, cover apparel is not a problem most of the year. I lost 30 pounds a year ago and I have several pair of jeans that are 2 to 3 inches too big in the waist so I've been IWB carrying a lot with my G19.

I've been looking at the RIA 1911. It's in my price range and I hear good things about it from a lot of people. My first choice would be a springfield but money is tihgt right now so the bargin price gun is tempting.

I've owned a few "bargain brand" 1911's. One in 38 Super and the others 45ACP. Never had a problem.
The fit and finish isn't like a Springfield or the like but they work well.

First thing you do is stash the original magazines in a drawer. Don't use them. They are not reliable. Invest in 2 or 3 Wilson magazines. But keep the original mags in case you sell the gun.

 

[Kanewpadle]

See if you can find an American Classic. Same as the Rock Island but seem to cost less.

 

[NE450No2]

A 1911 is a great carry handgun. It is slim, quick to get a grip on, with a properly designed holster, and packs a punch.

I have carried a Govt Model many many years.

My favorite way is to use a Milt Sparks summer Special IWB holster.

I buy all my pants 2" bigger in the waist, belts too.

For you first 1911 I would recommed the Govt. Model...

However for your second I would recommend a Light Weight Commander [alluminium frame].

A LWC is the best combination of power, controlability, and carryability, IMHO.

But still for your first 1911 get a Govt. Model or a Combat Commander [steel frame].

 

[Rule 303]

A 1911 Commander is my fall and winter carry gun. I carry a Glock 19 in the late Spring and Summer. And its all because of the way I dress. I can't conceal a 1911 in the summer in a pair of shorts and a T-Shirt. But I can conceal a Glock 19.

Rule 303

 

[chief38]

I love my Colt 1911's and I have them in a bunch of configurations. I have tried carrying them, but I have never found that I could carry one all day in relative comfort. After trying many different holsters and carry methods, I gave up and went to revolvers. My daily carry gun is a M60 2" and when I venture into the woods, or feel the need, I go to my M65 3". I know guys say they have carried the 1911 for years and in relative comfort, but it has just not worked for me. I guess a lot has to do with the type of clothing you wear and your activity level.

Chief38

 

[Bombsaway]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned what is probably the most important consideration in carrying a 1911, namely the external safety.

I have a commander sized 1911 that I do not carry, simply because I have not developed the muscle memory that is a prerequisite to carrying a 1911 as a defensive weapon.

In another thread about the M&Ps, I recounted what happened to me in a defensive pistol class when I failed to disengage the external safety on my M&P9c - every time - before simply leaving it disengaged. However, we don't have the luxury of carrying a 1911 condition one with the safety disengaged.

It's a fact that our bodies naturally resort to gross motor skills under stress, so when I had to draw and fire in the least amount of time possible, I instinctively tried to pull the trigger first without disengaging the safety. Now, compound that element by putting yourself in a real combat situation when your adrenaline glands are pumping at full capacity, and you can see the potential for disaster.

I had the safety removed on the 9c not long after that experience.

My take on it is that unless I am committed to conditioning myself to instinctively click that safety off, I am inviting trouble and am better off carrying a DOA weapon. It's when I think I can do this without commitment to regular, consistent practice, that I am fooling myself and inviting disaster.

That is why I don't carry my 1911.

 

[oldman45]

I carry a full size 1911 all the time. Before that, I carried a full size Glock 22 and before that, I carried a Model 66 with a four inch barrel.

A person can carry what they will take time to become accustomed to carrying.

I get sick of hearing that it cannot be done when it can. The issue is the same as people saying the 1911 has too much recoil. Recoil and size is only perceptions.

Change a few dress habits and you can conceal it very well. My BIL wore clothes so tight you could tell how many coins was in his pockets. Any gun would print with him carrying and he complained about he was unable to carry concealed. The problem is he was able to carry concealed but did not want to change his way of dress.

It can be done and it is done often.

 

[Murdock]

Oh yeah.

First thing you do is stash the original magazines in a drawer. Don't use them. They are not reliable. Invest in 2 or 3 Wilson magazines. But keep the original mags in case you sell the gun.

+1

Your Glock is fine, but there is a 1911 for nearly every purpose. A 1911 is my everyday carry. I am fortunate enough to have several size and weight configurations, so I can dress accordingly. Biggest advantages of the 1911 over the Glock (for me, at least) are flatter girth, good trigger and more ergonomic grip. And looks.

The best all-around size is the 4-inch Commander. Even easier to carry than the G-19.

 

[Moonman]

3"-4"-4 1/4"- 5" I've carried them all. It's just a matter of dress and good holster choices.
Practice-Practice-Practice is the safety off issue answer.

 

[Eagl1]

+1

Your Glock is fine, but there is a 1911 for nearly every purpose. A 1911 is my everyday carry. I am fortunate enough to have several size and weight configurations, so I can dress accordingly. Biggest advantages of the 1911 over the Glock (for me, at least) are flatter girth, good trigger and more ergonomic grip. And looks.

The best all-around size is the 4-inch Commander. Even easier to carry than the G-19.

Murdock, you bring up a good point. I've looked at both sizes and the 4" model is appealing but right now I am leaning towards a 5" for my first 1911 purchase but that could change.

Are the 4" guns from the Philippines as reliable as the full size model they make? I feel I really need to stay in that lower price range or it won't happen.

Thanks for all the great suggestions so far.

 

[papajohn428]

I'm five-foot-six and carry a 1911 any time the temperature is below 80 degrees. I don't shoot the Commander-sized guns as well so I stick with the 5-inch fun, a Rock Island Tactical. Everything you need, nothing you don't, and sights big enough to see. Simple is good.

 

[Tracer_Bullet]

I have carried a full sized 1911 in the past, but after injuring my back I went to the scandium framed 1911PD with the 4.25" barrel for a carry 1911. No problem concealing them, I just wear a loose, dark-colored t-shirt with some eye-catching graphics on it in the summer and in cooler weather a sweatshirt hides a 1911 just fine.
A good holster and belt are a must with the steel framed guns, and are advisable in any case.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned what is probably the most important consideration in carrying a 1911, namely the external safety.

I have a commander sized 1911 that I do not carry, simply because I have not developed the muscle memory that is a prerequisite to carrying a 1911 as a defensive weapon.

In another thread about the M&Ps, I recounted what happened to me in a defensive pistol class when I failed to disengage the external safety on my M&P9c - every time - before simply leaving it disengaged. However, we don't have the luxury of carrying a 1911 condition one with the safety disengaged.

It's a fact that our bodies naturally resort to gross motor skills under stress, so when I had to draw and fire in the least amount of time possible, I instinctively tried to pull the trigger first without disengaging the safety. Now, compound that element by putting yourself in a real combat situation when your adrenaline glands are pumping at full capacity, and you can see the potential for disaster.

I had the safety removed on the 9c not long after that experience.

My take on it is that unless I am committed to conditioning myself to instinctively click that safety off, I am inviting trouble and am better off carrying a DOA weapon. It's when I think I can do this without commitment to regular, consistent practice, that I am fooling myself and inviting disaster.

That is why I don't carry my 1911.

Your comment about the safety is exactly why I prefer a 1911. With a thumbs forward grip, my thumb naturally rests on the safety. Doesn't matter what type of gun I carry that does or does not have a thumb safety. If I feel it under my thumb, it gets pushed down.

However, many people fail to munipulate the safety on the 1911 (and other guns with manual safety) properly in a self defense situation such as searching or clearing a room.

It takes practice. This one reason why people choose simpler designs such as a Glock.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Murdock, you bring up a good point. I've looked at both sizes and the 4" model is appealing but right now I am leaning towards a 5" for my first 1911 purchase but that could change.

Are the 4" guns from the Philippines as reliable as the full size model they make? I feel I really need to stay in that lower price range or it won't happen.

Thanks for all the great suggestions so far.

I had one four inch and know others that do also. They work as they should.

But I never cared for less than Commander length 1911's.

And an inch more on the slide isn't going to make that much of a difference in weight or concealability.

I know a local gunsmith that has "tuned" several of these budget 1911's with great success. So that tells me that while they don't have the same fit and finish, they're still well made.

Send me a PM with a price on what your looking at. I might find something worth making the drive across the bridge here on the east side of the county.