Full size 1911, practical CCW?

[Motorsporting]

If the multiple positive threads on carrying a 5" 1911 haven't been enough, I will add my .02! I carried one for almost 15 years. For the first few years, I didn't buy-into the "gun belt" advice. That was a big mistake! Get a good, true, GUN-BELT. It's even more important than a good holster. In a pinch, the mass-produced stuff from 5.11, Galco, Blackhawk, etc. can work, but they do not last as well as the belts listed below. Not sure what your options are in your country, but I recommend:
AG Custom Leather Gun Belts . CCW Belts Made to Order in the USA
Milt Sparks Holsters
Tactical Belts, Duty Belt, Military Belt, Instructor Belt
#1 in Horsehide Leather Gun Holsters - KRAMER(R)

It's also nice to have a holster and belt made for each other (Sparks, or Kramer).

 

[kimbergal]

I really love the pictures. I will say that I am short and I am what people refer as "a big boned woman." I have carried full size my SS 45 in milt sparks summer special. In winter it's doable. I carry my small kimber ultras cross draw. I like the steel eclipse and how solid it feels. I carry the crimson trace alloy frame mostly but I prefer the eclipse. Never worry that someone will know it's there. I really like shooting 1911's. I shoot them pretty good.
I also carry a SIG 938 sometimes when I am dressing light for the heat. When I just don't want to mess with holsters and belts I just put my S&W Lady Smith in my front short pocket.
Mary

 

[Echo40]

Not to belabor the point but in my time here, I have seen some world-class trolls attempt to breech the gap and the forum sentries have thwarted them all in short order.

The best defense is the red triangle.

Which also just so happens to be the Colt Delta Elite 1911's emblem, coincidence?

DISCLAIMER: I am in no way making a threatening comment alluding towards an act of violence, merely pointing out the irony that he constantly hated on the 1911 platform, was undone by the red triangle, (Report Button) which also just so happens to be the Delta Elite emblem.

 

[Lightfoot4]

I don't have a 1911, but I carry a S&W 5906 which is kind of comparable and has some heft. I carry inside the waist band using a High Noon Mister Softy holster. I carry all the time if I can legally do so, and only remove it as I crawl into bed. I don't even notice it's there.

 

[keith44spl]

Carry one regularly, Mexican style for short runs .

Russell,
I've jest made a 'short' run of 3000 miles, Mexican carried every minute of everyday.

They just seem to ride right for me.


Colt Lightweight Commander,

.

 

[JagmanFL]

I carried a Springfield Armory Range Officer for a long time. But, I found the 5" barrel to be cumbersome and uncomfortable. So, I switched to a Springfield Armory Range Officer Champion. Their identical guns except the champion has a 4" barrel. Huge difference in comfort. I'm very happy with the change.

 

[Bakebfr480]

I just hit 60 years old and I carry one daily!

 

[Tom_R]

As mentioned in the thread, if a good belt, holster and untucked shirt are used, a 5" Government model is very practical for Concealed Carry.

I like the 1911 in .45 acp as I am limited to 10+1, so 8+1 and either a spare 8 or 10 round mag works for me.

The 1911 is slim, f so great in the hand, and has a great trigger.

There are also so many aftermarket parts and options you can hav it exactly the way you want it.

Some people go for bone stock, other people have tons of options.

I like the look of the Stock Colt, and I like upgraded sights and triggers and I am good to go.

YMMV.

 

[Tam 3]

Kimber Custom CDP IWB for 18 years in mid Florida.

Perfection.

Regards,

Tam 3

 

[shooter1911]

I am 74 and have carried every day of my life since retirement. My number one go to in my rotation is a full size Colt Series 70 that has been customized to my liking. It's carried in a good IWB holster with a custom gun belt. I carry this rig when I'm not going to be out all day or when I face the possibility of a high threat like an active shooter at the mall or a movie. I've always said "if trouble breaks out I pray to God I have my full size 1911 on my hip".

Now for the reality, at my age with, my aging back, I can not carry my full size 1911 each and every day. My more often carry is my 4" 45 Range Officer Compact 1911. This one can be carried IWB or OWB every day and all day without any strain on my back, and I can shoot it almost as well as my full size. Thank goodness I can still carry the old classic once in a while anyway, and more importantly thank God I still have the ability to shoot.

 

[GCF]

For many years, I have owned both a 5" Colt S.80 Enhanced Govt. Model, & 4.25" Colt LWT Commander XSE. Both are fine, reliable pistols, & chambered in .45acp.

I personally prefer the Commander's balance for handling, & for all day EDC - it's shorter slide, & lighter weight.

 

[Hank Dodge]

Full size Les Baer in a VMII carried daily. It's comfortable enough for me, just get a solid belt. Under a tee shirt or loose button down, it works just fine.

 

[GoodSam]

My problem with the full sized 1911 platform is the ammo capacity vs. the size/reliability issues. These guns hold 8, maybe 9 rounds with extended magazines and there are revolvers today that hold 7 to 8 rounds of .357 Mag which are close to the same size and more reliable.

I like both semis and revolvers but if I was going to carry a semi that size it had better offer some major advantage over a revolver and having 8 to 9 rounds doesn't quite cut it. I want double stack mags with 15+1 or greater if I am going to bother carrying a full sized semi-auto.

 

[Protected One]

My problem with the full sized 1911 platform is the ammo capacity vs. the size/reliability issues. These guns hold 8, maybe 9 rounds with extended magazines and there are revolvers today that hold 7 to 8 rounds of .357 Mag which are close to the same size and more reliable.

I like both semis and revolvers but if I was going to carry a semi that size it had better offer some major advantage over a revolver and having 8 to 9 rounds doesn't quite cut it.

Like a Browning High Power, perhaps?

 

[Smokey613]

Not to belabor the point but in my time here, I have seen some world-class trolls attempt to breech the gap and the forum sentries have thwarted them all in short order.

The best defense is the red triangle.

I agree, especially about the "red triangle"

 

[one eye joe]

Retired cop has received his reward.

Nice 67 roadster Joe

THANKS FOR THE KIND WORDS, ladder13....

 

[one eye joe]

Russell,
I've jest made a 'short' run of 3000 miles, Mexican carried every minute of everyday.

They just seem to ride right for me.


Colt Lightweight Commander,

.

THAT'S A BEAUTIFULL 1911, keith......

I MEXICAN CARRIED A WW II, GI ISSUE 1911, AS A BUG THROUGHOUT MY TOUR IN VIETNAM. .....

I NEVER DROPPED IT, TIGHTLY CINCHED UP BY MY WEB BELT, UNDER MY JUNGLE FATIGUE JACKET.....

 

[jim lock]

IMHO- The only way you will find answers to your questions is to:
"Strap one on and try it"

 

[one eye joe]

IMHO- The only way you will find answers to your questions is to:
"Strap one on and try it"

ULTIMATELY, THAT WOULD BE THE ACID TEST.....

 

[TACC1]

LOBO Gunleather

I was going to suggest a LOBO IWB
worn just behind the hip-bone. Works
for me, and I'm pretty small,(& crippled up).
Your .45 will not make its presence known
to you or others.
I didn't think iit would work, until I actually
tried it.
Loose or untucked shirt, a nice leather vest,
a stiff leather belt. I use a fairly low priced
Tractor Supply belt. It's over 5 years old, and hasn't
shown wear or stress yet.
Just sayin'...
TACC1