Is anyone buying/using full size full weight semi-auto handguns
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I have the RO Elite in 10mm and really enjoy the gun but agree it would be a bit much for EDC
theothermikeg
Member
I carried a Colt 1991 Commander every day for close to 10 years, but the weight started to become an issue about a year ago. In my dotage I've discovered that I like a little polymer in my life. Nowadays I switch between a Shield 45 and a 6906 depending on clothes, mood, or capacity needs.
Aside from the G-26 as a BUG, my issued G-19M is the smallest thing I carry. Generally I carry a 5" 1911, CZ-75 or a K, L or N frame in .357, .44 Spl or .45 Colt. Proper belt and holster selection is the key to not shortchanging yourself on ballistic performance or concealability.
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I carry my 645 daily. It is heavy but it is one of the few that actually fit my extra large hands.
REM 3200
US Veteran
Though I bought it back in the mid 70's, I still have and use as a house gun a 1943 Remington- Rand 1911A1,
that was part of the National Match program at Springfield Arsenal in the 1960's. The Army sold it at Camp Peary thru CMP.
I do limit the old warhorse to standard pressure loads these days, but with a 5 inch bbl. that is enough.
that was part of the National Match program at Springfield Arsenal in the 1960's. The Army sold it at Camp Peary thru CMP.
I do limit the old warhorse to standard pressure loads these days, but with a 5 inch bbl. that is enough.
To my dismay, I've reached the age where toting around a BHP or other big-*** metal frame pistol is not an option, and in fact, many options have been receding as I get older. It isn't from lack of proper leather gear, either.
I was very happy to carry a Beretta or SiG .380 and still do, but the SiG P365 has been a game changer for me. I mean, look at this list of guns (allmost all of which are long gone) at the comparative weights here.
NOTE: these are loaded weights, usually with the the heaviest bullet I can find in that caliber. The list is a powerful argument that the P365 is an ideal combination of weight, caliber, capacity and reliability. And I'm not really a SiG guy - I far prefer Walthers. I find the P365 a rather soulless although perfectly reliable little product.
Colt Officer's Model - 38 oz.
Walther PPQ .45 acp - 38 oz.
Cylinder and Slide Adventurer - 37 oz.
S&W 910 - 37 oz
S&W 457 - 33 oz.
Dan Wesson ECO - 33 oz.
S&W 6946 - 33 oz.
Walther P99 - 32 oz.
Walther PPQ 9mm - 32 oz.
S&W 1911 Compact - 32 oz.
S&W CS45 - 30 oz
S&W 3953 29.8 oz.
S&W 3913 - 29 oz.
Beretta 84 - 28.6 oz.
S&W M&P Shield .45 - 27 oz.
Beretta 85 - 26 oz.
Walther PPS - 25 oz.
SIG P365 - 23.75
Stainless S&W PPK - 23 oz.
Blued Interarms PPK - 23 oz.
Colt DS 3" - 23 oz.
SIG P232 - 21.6 oz.
S&W 442 - 18 oz.
S&W 340 PD - 14 oz.
Ruger LCP - 12 oz.
Seecamp .380 - 8.4 oz.
I was very happy to carry a Beretta or SiG .380 and still do, but the SiG P365 has been a game changer for me. I mean, look at this list of guns (allmost all of which are long gone) at the comparative weights here.
NOTE: these are loaded weights, usually with the the heaviest bullet I can find in that caliber. The list is a powerful argument that the P365 is an ideal combination of weight, caliber, capacity and reliability. And I'm not really a SiG guy - I far prefer Walthers. I find the P365 a rather soulless although perfectly reliable little product.
Colt Officer's Model - 38 oz.
Walther PPQ .45 acp - 38 oz.
Cylinder and Slide Adventurer - 37 oz.
S&W 910 - 37 oz
S&W 457 - 33 oz.
Dan Wesson ECO - 33 oz.
S&W 6946 - 33 oz.
Walther P99 - 32 oz.
Walther PPQ 9mm - 32 oz.
S&W 1911 Compact - 32 oz.
S&W CS45 - 30 oz
S&W 3953 29.8 oz.
S&W 3913 - 29 oz.
Beretta 84 - 28.6 oz.
S&W M&P Shield .45 - 27 oz.
Beretta 85 - 26 oz.
Walther PPS - 25 oz.
SIG P365 - 23.75
Stainless S&W PPK - 23 oz.
Blued Interarms PPK - 23 oz.
Colt DS 3" - 23 oz.
SIG P232 - 21.6 oz.
S&W 442 - 18 oz.
S&W 340 PD - 14 oz.
Ruger LCP - 12 oz.
Seecamp .380 - 8.4 oz.
My newest is a Rock Island FS 1911. Put a few hundred hardballs, and one clip of hollowpoints through it, and it shoots where I point. Its all steel, and well fitted, almost custom. Otherwise the rest of my all steels are wheelguns only.
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I recently purchased a SIG P226 .40 S&W with DAK trigger, which really amounts to a 12 shot revolver 
It was in excellent condition and I paid only $309 shipped to me.
I only own big steel guns for .40 S&W, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum.
I might buy an M&P 2.0 in .40 but it's not a big priority for me right now.
It was in excellent condition and I paid only $309 shipped to me.I only own big steel guns for .40 S&W, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum.
I might buy an M&P 2.0 in .40 but it's not a big priority for me right now.
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You been peep'n in my safe?
I don't mind carrying my 4516, and do a lot. Currently been carrying a Sig P229 40 cal, which weights about the same. Weird as it sounds, I truthfully can't tell a huge difference between it and my Shield 45. A little for sure, but I'm also pack'n twice the number of rounds.
I carried a Para- Ord P-14 for a bit, and another 15 rd .45 (SARK2, which is a dandy for the price!), and they do let you know you've got some weight on you. The extra mags seem to bother me the most in the double stack big bores though, so I don't pack them much. (who needs 30 rounds of .45's anyway
)Although not an all metal gun I carry a full size. Springfield XD 45acp 5" 13+1 of Remington HTP and a spare mag. My only plastic gun.
I have carried for a bit my 92FS but need a better holster for it. And when I get a holster for my 5906 (with new night sights) it will join the rotation.
I have carried for a bit my 92FS but need a better holster for it. And when I get a holster for my 5906 (with new night sights) it will join the rotation.
In full size (or slightly larger) I have the S&W M&P Pro (5" barrel) and a Glock 34 with a 5" barrel. But the heaviest of all is my Sig P226 Elite which is all stainless steel which weighs in at a whopping 42.2 ounces. So yes, some of us still buy full size pistols.
Echo40
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I found a like new S&W Sigma SW40VE at my LGS for $199 not long ago, put it on layaway, picked it up in October, and have been carrying it ever since.
Being a polymer-framed pistol, it's light compared to full-size steel-framed pistols at 24oz, but when fully loaded with 15 rounds of 180gr .40 S&W it weighs in at over 30oz. It's easily light enough to carry, especially on a cold day, but it's a full-size, double-stack .40cal pistol with a 4" barrel.
It feels good in my hand, packs plenty of firepower, and didn't cost me a lot of money.
Being a polymer-framed pistol, it's light compared to full-size steel-framed pistols at 24oz, but when fully loaded with 15 rounds of 180gr .40 S&W it weighs in at over 30oz. It's easily light enough to carry, especially on a cold day, but it's a full-size, double-stack .40cal pistol with a 4" barrel.
It feels good in my hand, packs plenty of firepower, and didn't cost me a lot of money.
Ranger514
Member
I own four hammer-fired, metal Sigs, including a full-size 1911 TacOps .45 auto that gets carried in a shoulder holster in the backcountry. My M11-A1, P239, and P225 A-1 are carried in OWB rigs, and conceal well under a jacket or loose cut shirt. A heavier handgun requires a high quality, sturdy belt/holster combination for comfort, security, and concealability.
smoothshooter
Member
Never.
Would like to sometimes, but anything over about 28 ounces loaded pulls my pants down unless I wear suspenders. And I am too hot-natured to wear a covering garment inside a building all the time, and outside most of the time, even in winter.
So if it won't fit in my right front pocket, ( in a pocket holster ) I ain't carryin' it.
Would like to sometimes, but anything over about 28 ounces loaded pulls my pants down unless I wear suspenders. And I am too hot-natured to wear a covering garment inside a building all the time, and outside most of the time, even in winter.
So if it won't fit in my right front pocket, ( in a pocket holster ) I ain't carryin' it.
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SixGunSancho
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My Springfield Armory TRP 1911-A1 .45 ACP might be my favorite handgun. It's SA's factory production version of its famed Custom Shop FBI gun. That gun is as close to 100% reliable as a handgun can get. However, fully loaded with 8 230 grain rounds, it's one heavy handgun. I do carry it in wilderness areas where it's possible to run across a real mean critter.
Yes, if you consider Commander-length 1911s full size. Have two, beside gun (all steel) and CC (alloy frame), both in .45 ACP.
Okie21
Member
TriStar P120, all steel, right around 40oz
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Sent from my Moto G (5S) Plus using Tapatalk
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Paul Bernard
Member
My two carry guns.........
I have a S&W 38 special that I load with Hornady self defense HP, carried in a pocket holster. After a few minutes it's like I have nothing in my pocket. I also carry a CZ-75 Compact all steel and quite heavy, but when I want more rounds (16) that's my go to. A good leather holster and belt help with the weight.
I have a S&W 38 special that I load with Hornady self defense HP, carried in a pocket holster. After a few minutes it's like I have nothing in my pocket. I also carry a CZ-75 Compact all steel and quite heavy, but when I want more rounds (16) that's my go to. A good leather holster and belt help with the weight.
I wear cowboy cut blue jeans 99% of the time and nothing larger than an LCPII .380 will fit in my front pocket so that's what I have most of the time and its my only small centerfire handgun. In the mountains of Eastern, OK where we have a hunting lease I mostly wear a Browning HP 9m/m or Ruger stainless Security Six .357 and we have seen some huge black bears on our game cameras. My other centerfire handguns are a Springfield Mil Spec .45, Tri-star CZ-75, and a S&W M-28 4" .357 and they are all big, heavy guns and I wear them in the woods but I wouldn't want to pack one for 10 hours straight.
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SixGunSancho
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I'm still waiting for someone to come up with a better design than the 1911-A1 and a better self-defense cartridge than the .45 ACP.
I have a copy of the Springfield Armory TRP .45 ACP that is my dedicated wilderness handgun for use where mean critters roam. I've yet to hold a handgun that has the divine, natural point of a 1911-A1. I've yet to carry a big handgun that is as easy and comfortable to carry as a 1911-A1. The deal sealer, considering its other enviable attributes is the ease and speed a 1911-A1 can be brought to battery.
I know the argument. There are better cartridges for griz defense. The way I see it, I'd rather hit a charging mean critter 9 times with 230 grain bullets that can be fired within seconds with another 8 ready to go within another couple seconds. My take might not work for others, bit it does work for me.
I'd pay to watch anyone rapid fire with accuracy a 4 or 6 inch Model 29 with magnum rounds. I've tried it. I couldn't come close to rapid fire, and I'm not recoil averse. I can put 9 230 grain rounds out of a 1911-A1 on target as fast as I can yank a trigger.
I have a copy of the Springfield Armory TRP .45 ACP that is my dedicated wilderness handgun for use where mean critters roam. I've yet to hold a handgun that has the divine, natural point of a 1911-A1. I've yet to carry a big handgun that is as easy and comfortable to carry as a 1911-A1. The deal sealer, considering its other enviable attributes is the ease and speed a 1911-A1 can be brought to battery.
I know the argument. There are better cartridges for griz defense. The way I see it, I'd rather hit a charging mean critter 9 times with 230 grain bullets that can be fired within seconds with another 8 ready to go within another couple seconds. My take might not work for others, bit it does work for me.
I'd pay to watch anyone rapid fire with accuracy a 4 or 6 inch Model 29 with magnum rounds. I've tried it. I couldn't come close to rapid fire, and I'm not recoil averse. I can put 9 230 grain rounds out of a 1911-A1 on target as fast as I can yank a trigger.
Echo40
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@SixGunSancho
Colt Delta Elite - 10mm Auto (Or whatever flavor of 10mm 1911 you fancy.)
Still a 1911, but chambered in a more powerful cartridge, and holds at least 1 more round in the magazine. 10mm Auto can be loaded to duplicate the performance of .45 ACP or surpass it for use against four-legged predators.
<inb4Glock>
Colt Delta Elite - 10mm Auto (Or whatever flavor of 10mm 1911 you fancy.)
Still a 1911, but chambered in a more powerful cartridge, and holds at least 1 more round in the magazine. 10mm Auto can be loaded to duplicate the performance of .45 ACP or surpass it for use against four-legged predators.
<inb4Glock>
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I keep a full sized Beretta M 92 as a home self defense gun. Way too big to carry but that much firepower might be very discouraging during any kind of confrontation. But I would never consider carrying that tank! 
They're called double action pistols, actually.............
Now this I agree with you on:
My favorite story on that subject is when I took my first Texas CHL Instructor's course and we had to shoot pistols and revolvers (and I admit I used a .45 ACP 1911 model and a M 586 with a 6" barrel.). The young buck shooting next to me brought out a wood stocked .44 Magnum revolver and a 50 round box of full house .44 Magnum ammunition for the 50-round test. Which is timed and shot relatively quickly. This gent was a studly police officer from Central Texas. I was astounded and inquired if he was really planning to shoot all fifty rounds for the test. His affirmative response was firm and included how great a shot he was as a Texas LEO, etc. Sigh......okay.......
50 rounds later his hands were blistered and bleeding and he allowed that my skepticism was correct and that he would "never do that again".
Thanks for the memories! It always makes me laugh.
They're called double action pistols, actually.............
Now this I agree with you on:
My favorite story on that subject is when I took my first Texas CHL Instructor's course and we had to shoot pistols and revolvers (and I admit I used a .45 ACP 1911 model and a M 586 with a 6" barrel.). The young buck shooting next to me brought out a wood stocked .44 Magnum revolver and a 50 round box of full house .44 Magnum ammunition for the 50-round test. Which is timed and shot relatively quickly. This gent was a studly police officer from Central Texas. I was astounded and inquired if he was really planning to shoot all fifty rounds for the test. His affirmative response was firm and included how great a shot he was as a Texas LEO, etc. Sigh......okay.......
50 rounds later his hands were blistered and bleeding and he allowed that my skepticism was correct and that he would "never do that again".
Thanks for the memories! It always makes me laugh.
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I keep a full sized Beretta M 92 as a home self defense gun. Way too big to carry but that much firepower might be very discouraging during any kind of confrontation. But I would never consider carrying that tank!
Check out the 92 Compact ........been carrying one concealed (Sparks Summer Special) since 1988..... Mec-gar now offers a flush fit 15rd mag for the Compact.... and VZ makes ultra slim grips....................
If you got to shoot 50 rds of any ammo ...... you brought the wrong gun to the fight!!!
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LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
Nah! All those clunky old full-size handguns are anachronisms at best, probably only good for paperweights in museums.
I will offer to pay up to half the current market value, just to relieve you nice folks of the need to take those old timers to the recycling center. Only because I really care.
I will offer to pay up to half the current market value, just to relieve you nice folks of the need to take those old timers to the recycling center. Only because I really care.
As a frequent J frame carrier I usually feel pretty comfortable with just 5 rounds but my preference of late has been to switch to a compact 9mm with 8 rounds plus an extra magazine. Which brings me to same level as the 15 round Model 92 Beretta. If I need 50, yeah, I am in deep "malarkey".....
. The young buck shooting next to me brought out a wood stocked .44 Magnum revolver and a 50 round box of full house .44 Magnum ammunition for the 50-round test. Which is timed and shot relatively quickly. This gent was a studly police officer from Central Texas. I was astounded and inquired if he was really planning to shoot all fifty rounds for the test. His affirmative response was firm and included how great a shot he was as a Texas LEO, etc. Sigh......okay.......
50 rounds later his hands were blistered and bleeding and he allowed that my skepticism was correct and that he would "never do that again".
Did Dirty Harry ever carry more than 2 speedloaders???????
Just 18rounds
Echo40
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Did Dirty Harry ever carry more than 2 speedloaders???????
Just 18rounds
To be fair, there isn't much on Earth that couldn't be handled with 18 rounds of .44 Magnum.
Heck, even if that line in Magnum Force about Dirty Harry carrying; "A .44 Special load." wasn't poorly worded and he was indeed carrying .44 Special, there still isn't much in North America that couldn't be handled with 18 rounds of .44 Special.
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