for everyday carry

[Faulkner]

For me, a 1911 would be way down the list for every day carry. But if, by some twist of fate, that was all I could carry I have plenty of trouble free range time with my commander sized Tisas Tanker that I'm comfortable with it's reliability and accuracy. Might take me a minute to get used to that funky 1911 grip angle, though.

 

[Autonomous]

As much as I like shooting 1911s, a steel Government model is a heavy chunk for EDC.
For that duty an aluminum frame Commander model in 9mm would be my choice.

 

[Autonomous]

Might take me a minute to get used to that funky 1911 grip angle, though.

Say you're a Glock guy without saying you are a Glock guy...

 

[zeke]

I too carry the new E-Series CSX 3.6 inch appendix but thinking I want a regular size 1911 for winter time and would probably carry it outside waistband right hip

For heavier clothing have a lightweight Ruger commander (4 in slide) with 5 in barrel. Gives the velocity, but limits the weight a little

 

[chief38]

While there is no denying the 45acp is one of the best SD rounds, I could not personally recommend any 1911 for all day carry, every day. When I first started out carrying 50 years ago I bought a Colt 1911 Series 80 steel frame 1911 and carried it for all of two weeks. I found it was just too heavy, too bulky and to large and all I could think about between hiking my pants back up every 10 steps was getting home to take it off. OK maybe I am a Wus, but I could not do it. Even though some of the shorter barreled and aluminum alloy frames are a little lighter, they are still too bulky for me except maybe in the dead of winter while wearing lots of clothing to hide a proper carry rig.

My carry piece up until 6 years ago was a 2" M60-7 after carrying a 2" M10 for 2 years or so. Six years ago I purchased a Sig P365 9mm and that was that - love the damned thing!

 

[CALREB]

Well if I had to carry a 1911. Good enough for Dad, good enough for me...

 

[CALREB]

I guess if I really had to carry a 1911. I only have 1 that isnt some sort of custom competition gun. Needed a stock/duty type 1911 auto for the service gun match, when I switched from 3rd gen P/C S&Ws. Had a stock Brazilian frame Springfield loaded model. Sent it to Springfield Custom Shop and told them I need 1" or less at 25yds with 147 gr. and a 3.5 lb trigger. Added a Nowlin barrel and a new sear, that's it. Shot it about 20, 000 + rounds in competition and teaching 1911 transition schools. It loosened up a bit, so I had it hard chromed and bing, back to sub 1" at 25. Still one of my favorite guns to shoot, though I wouldn't carry it unless forced to.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

if you could only have one 1911 for everyday carry which one would you choose....

think everyday carry for personal protection...

For 1911 it depends on your budget.

For EDC get Professional Training. Because unless you carry a 1911 as a LEO and some of us have for 50 years. The 1911 is not the best choice for everyone.

 

[Darkenfast]

I only have one 1911, so it's an easy choice. Springfield Armory Ronin 10mm. Just for fun I've tried wearing it around the house. In spite of being almost eight ounces heavier than my other single-action auto (older Browning High Power), I found it was comfortable IWB cross-draw. I'm ambiclumsy, so I practice dry-fire drawing and firing drills with snap-caps and using either hands. While I'll never be a quick draw with my left hand, due to the one-sided safety, it was surprisingly smooth, once I worked out a technique. Right hand is fast, of course. With the exposed hammer, thumb safety, and grip safety, I feel very secure about IWB, especially when reholstering. With two Wilson Combat nine-round mags, plus one in the chamber, that gives me 19 rounds of 10mm. I was seriously considering a four-inch 686+ when I bought this instead. I think it's a better choice for a really versatile handgun. It's certainly a lot flatter! It's been fun renewing my acquaintance with the 1911 after a few decades since I was trained on one in the Navy. My poor Glock 17L is feeling neglected!

 

[Redsoxfan]

Colt Defender

 

[Muley Gil]

I want to try a Tisas 1911 Carry B45B in .45 ACP. Aluminum Commander length with a bobtail frame.

 

[Imissedagain]

Sadly, Colt did not offer an all steel Officer,
when I needed one. Bought the Ruger in 45ACP.
Blue grips before they became a Scottish flag.

 

[Echo40]

If I were going to EDC a 1911, then I would want it to be something compact and relatively lightweight like a Kimber Pro Carry II or Ruger Lightweight Commander.

Currently, the only 1911 I have is this...

Obviously, this is a bit too flashy for carry.

 

[squidsix]

I carry the best gun I can lay my hands on.
Today that is an Ed Brown custom build with elephant ivory grips.
Some days it is a smaller gun.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

None, not when I have double-action pistols available. Zero. Zip. Nada.

 

[Faulkner]

Say you're a Glock guy without saying you are a Glock guy...

Ha, I see that you caught on that I was satirically poking fun at the true 1911 connoisseurs.

 

[dben002]

Well thanks everyone for the various inputs...my original post was really in thinking about ease of carry (loaded weight) and accuracy...I don't need a .45 for PD...9mm if fine....I talking carry 7 days a week, 10 to 12 hours a day most of time....

 

[zeke]

Well thanks everyone for the various inputs...my original post was really in thinking about ease of carry (loaded weight) and accuracy...I don't need a .45 for PD...9mm if fine....I talking carry 7 days a week, 10 to 12 hours a day most of time....

The longer the time, the more the differences in weight and size can become apparent. For 1911's, have heavy belt with hd suspenders. During warmer periods, the 3 in ultra carry at 3 o'clock in a FBI cant hybrid iwb holster that really spreads the weight out, and counter balanced by one mag weak side. This keeps it tight to side, and more easily concealed. A standard 1/2 loop belt holster just didn't cut it for my my needs.

For cooler temps, same set up but with 5 in barrel in lightweight commander frame offset by 2 mags off side. Tried a full size steel frame once, and that was enough.

Don't think the above would work out for me in Florida