wheel gunners thoughts on 1911 EDC

[BigBill]

I might sell a few guns to fund one. I have had 1911s in the past before I had my ccw. They were great shooters and I was lucky enough to never have feeding or extracting issues even with wwb ammo. They were sold to fund carry guns. But since I have went through a few Cary guns and have landed on j frames it will be hard to switch.

There are some awesome low budget priced new no frills, no bells and no whistle USGI 1911a1's being offered. The auto ordnance US ARMY ww2 copy is one of them. It's the closest clone of the original ww2 1911 as we can get at a affordable price. She's manufactured in Wooster,mass. If your looking for a all forged steel 1911 the Springfield armory 1911's are all forged steel.
My new AO has been flawless for over 500rds. I wanted a cheap ccw, shooter, truck 1911 and the AO is better than what I wanted.

What's the problem with how many rounds a gun carries?
My 1911 has a 8rd mag plus one in the chamber that's 9rds.
My S&W revolver has 6rds. What's the diff one well placed round is all that's required right?

I carry both wheel guns and pistols. Some days the revolvers go for a walk and some days a pistol gets some fresh air. There happy to get out.lol

 

[Kframerbluvr]

I hear from a lot of guys that they train constantly and can clear a jammed semi auto without even thinking about it since all their training caused "muscle memory". I usually ask them to hold up their weak arm as though fending off a hammer or a tire iron and then show me exactly how they clear their pistol.

This question deserves a separate thread, eh? Excellent and thought provoking..

 

[WC145]

Ok so I've carried J frames and love them. I shoot them well and don't feel under gunned. Something about the thought of carrying a 1911 intrigues me and I want to try it. The problem is if I spend money one one and end up not liking it then it will be sold for a loss. I do not collect nor do i have safe queens all my guns get carried or sold(except for the night stand or truck guns).

Im looking at a classic blued Comander 1911 thats the only style id want. No light weight models.
My question is if i should even attempt this or spend money on ammo and blasting away my j frame. All input would be greatly appreciated.

I only carry 1911s or J frames, depending on what I'm wearing and what I'm doing. I've got full size, Commander, and Officers size guns, Colts and Springfields. My suggestion, if you want a classic blued Commander is to buy a Colt, Bud's has them for under $800 and if you shop around you might be able to do better than that. I ordered one from Palemetto State Armory last month for $599, although I think the big end of the year sales are over. No 1911 holds it's value like a Colt and these days they're building some of the best guns they ever have.

If you choose to carry it buy a quality gun belt and holster and you'll be surprised at how comfortable and it is to carry and how well it conceals. I only carry OWB and have no trouble concealing a Commander under an untucked/unbuttoned shirt.

The use, care, and feeding of the 1911 isn't rocket surgery, regardless of what some folks will tell you. Get one, spend some time with it, shoot it, carry it, you'll love it.

 

[kaaskop49]

For every Jack, there's a Jill. The 1911 is not my Jill. The Model 10/64 4" HB is.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[bigfreakinrevolver]

Edmo hit it on the head! (L frame guy) lol

 

[rsrha454lv]

Commander length 1911s are my favorite. Concealing is iffy. Kimber makes some nice ones suitable'ish for carry. Hard to beat 1911 triggers. Muscle memory to flip to thumb safety down was easy for me

 

[gedwards]

Long Time 1911 Shooter

Carried a 1911 in the Army as an NCO and Officer from 1956 to 1968 as my primary weapon or a side piece. Have had them in many forms from carry to Bullseye to doubletap, etc. I have had several Clarks and other master gunsmiths versions. I even got into peening rails and squeezing slides myself. I consider them right up there with the M1 Garand as classic weapons to have. I used to compete and practice every week. I love the 1911 and it feels like it was made for my hands.

However.....policing brass has become an issue for me....and I like to shoot my guns (different ones every week)....so I have converted all of my semi-auto guns (except for my two carry guns) over to revolvers. It got to the point that I was spending more time policing brass than I was shooting. If you are going to shoot a lot with semi-autos, remember you will spend a lot of time finding and bending and stooping to pick up your brass.

Just some thoughts from an old active shooter.

George

 

[Old cop]

While I've been carrying a J frame for well over 40 yrs., and will continue to do so, I was bitten by the 1911 bug a while back. I bought a Springfield MilSpec and had fun w/it, but eventually sold it when the novelty wore off. They are fun on the range, but only a very dedicated person should have one as an EDC. The whole cocked & locked thing makes me very nervous, but that's just me.

 

[Adk.IBO]

I've had my 640 38spl for 21-22 years, my NAA 22mag Wasp since 4/14 and now my Colt Defender 45 for about a month. The main reasons I purchased it were 1) I wanted good sights 2) I wanted a single action trigger that didn't snag 3) I wanted faster reloads 4) I wanted to use the same method of CC, which is my Kangaroo Carry. The Defender met all of this quite well and fits my hand better. Different grips on my J-frame might help with the grip. I have about 90 rounds of 230 hardball through it. In the first outing, 65 rounds, I had one premature lock back. In the second outing, 26 rounds, I had one failure to feed. That kinda bugs me. 21-22 years with the J and I think I recall 1 failure to fire, brought it around again and bang. I know, keep shooting it. I'm liking it and if my confidence in it gets where it should be I'll start carrying it. Fits the same holster very well with minor adjustments. I am much the same as the OP, not a collector, shoot my J OK and certainly comfortable with it, and intrigued with the 1911. I bought new to have a baseline to go from. If I don't like the platform the loss of a couple hundred dollars in the resale is acceptable to me for a hobby/ self defense journey. I figure since I consume no alcohol it's pretty easy to justify.

Stay safe, John

PS: Carrying cocked and locked doesn't phase me in the least.

 

[petepeterson]

While I've been carrying a J frame for well over 40 yrs., and will continue to do so, I was bitten by the 1911 bug a while back. I bought a Springfield MilSpec and had fun w/it, but eventually sold it when the novelty wore off. They are fun on the range, but only a very dedicated person should have one as an EDC. The whole cocked & locked thing makes me very nervous, but that's just me.

I carried a few different 1911s (and Colt .380 Gov't) for a few years. The "cocked and locked" doesn't make me anywhere near as nervous as the week I tried CCing a Shield. Striker-fired pistol triggers are what makes me uncomfortable. I know I'm in the minority.

 

[Big Arm]

You asked for information from revolver people. How about the other view. I love 1911's and have used them for well over 30 years. I have 2 j frame revolvers. One that I just recently bought, a 3" j frame which I am really liking and carry it around my place every day since I got it. The other is a 649 that was customized by a gunsmith in Portland, OR. It is a wonderful pistol and I doubt that I will ever let it go. I carry it at times, but the bottom line is I carry a 1911 if at all possible. While others are correct, you do have to learn a new system, but that comes pretty easy. A little while and it all comes natural. I don't even think about the safety and haven't for almost as long as I have owned 1911's. It just seems natural.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Without reading the other posts my two cents is that 1911s are fine to carry if you do it OWB and can conceal them and not very fine to carry IWB, concealed or not.

As for carrying in Condition 3, cocked and locked, unless you train and train I don't recommend it. YMMV. Big Arm has obviously accomplished that. If you want to EDC a 1911 for 30 years then train.....and train.....because they are different in so many ways from wheelguns or even TDA pistols that you need to get a boatload of muscle memory going. Good luck if you decide to do it.

I sold mine, but since I did buy a Hi-Power I can't say I don't like single action pistols. But, as a rule, I'm using a wheelgun for EDC or a TDA pistol.


***GRJ***

 

[tacreload]

Try as I might I can't do this with a revolver.That's at 10 yards,pretty rapid fire with several mags.I'm a revolver guy but this is what I shoot best.

 

[eveled]

I have been watching this thread with interest, because it mirrors my own experiences. I like double action revolvers, a lot. I also like 1911's a lot, they are just awesome and iconic.

I want to be the 1911 guy, but it just doesn't fit quiet right for EDC.

What I have found for me, is that two j-frames are easier to carry concealed than one 1911. Ten shots plus a speed loader is pretty significant.

If I want to carry more firepower, I my go to is my SIG P-250. Before you laugh listen to the facts. It is a true double action hammer fired semi auto, it has the nicest long double action trigger of any of my revolvers. The Compact version in .45acp holds 9+1 plus a ten round reload by way of a full size magazine. The sub compact holds 6+1 and can use the full size mag for a reload as well.

The P250 is a modular design, the serial number is on the trigger group, so you can mix and match sizes and calibers at will. I almost bought a 40 cal conversion when I could not find .45acp during the ammo scare.

The P250 comes with night sights, no safety levers, is absolutely reliable, easy and safe to carry, and cheap, around $400 new.

If you want more firepower, night sights, easy concealable, and still have a gun that shoots like a revolver, The sig is a real winner. It literally shoots like a big flat revolver.

Of course my 1911's aren't going any were either!

 

[DR505]

Very good thread that shows no two people are alike!

I've carried a 1911 on and off over the years. I really like them and shoot them fairly well. Right now I am issued a Glock, so that is what I am required to carry. I've carried N-Frames as well. What is my preference? I like a full-size handgun, and the 1911 fits me well. Here are a couple I've carried:

 

[F75gunslinger]

I go back and forth between a S&W 642 and a Sig 1911 for EDC.Both have their strengths and weaknesses. The J frame is easier to carry and conceal, but the 1911 is more accurate ( for me ). If you know anyone who has one that you can try...by all means do that first.Also keep in mind that it is worth it to look at options and get one with the options you want ( extended slide release, beavertail safety ) as opposed to having them put in later.

 

[da gimp]

back in the day I carried either a Browning High Power in 9mmp or a C series Colt 1911A1 in .45ACP as a duty gun, reverting to carrying a Colt Python when ever a new sheriff or commander demanded we use a wheel gun. Both of the semi's saw extensive off duty carry too, I'm a fairly large individual & a loose shirt or light jacket covers either easily.

Since I've developed some serious health problems....the need for having strong arms, grips & wrists for the proper functioning of a semi-auto pistol has led me to use 2 old snubs, one a Colt agent in .38spec & a backup S&W Chief's as my primary carry/CCW pieces with a S&W mod 29, .44mag ,4" using moderate .44spec loads being used if the need for serious social work is foretold..

My old revolvers will function correctly with my now weakened grip, wrists & arms........

On the primary failure of revolvers not functioning correctly being protruding primers, I've been in the habit for years of checking every round of ammo intended for use in any revolver & semi for just that occurrence, whether they are factory loads or our hand loads. I have found upside down primers in one batch of factory hollow points.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I carried a few different 1911s (and Colt .380 Gov't) for a few years. The "cocked and locked" doesn't make me anywhere near as nervous as the week I tried CCing a Shield. Striker-fired pistol triggers are what makes me uncomfortable. I know I'm in the minority.

I hope not. Striker-fired pistols SHOULD make you uncomfortable. Even the Glock, which has a pretty good safety in the trigger, occasionally runs into inept handling. With a hammer showing, you can hold it back while holstering. Not so easy to hold back a hammer that isn't there.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Without reading the other posts my two cents is that 1911s are fine to carry if you do it OWB and can conceal them and not very fine to carry IWB, concealed or not.

Just goes to show you that different body shapes or experiences will give you different answers. While I am sure that there are plenty of good OWB carry rigs out there for the 1911, I have had VERY good experience with IWB carry with a Series 80 Gov't Model and a single-loop Milt Sparks Summer Special. I carried the gun (IWB, of course) at about 3:00 o'clock inside blue jeans, or occasionally inside dress pants. A good belt was preferable but not critical. That Summer Special rig was the one that I always knew I could depend on to remain wearable even if it turned out to be a 16-hour or longer day.

BTW, I have an equally accurate LW Commander which carries very comfortably in a Mitch Rosen OWB holster with a good belt, but, much to my initial surprise, the shorter barrel is NOT comfortable IWB. The muzzle digs into my right buttock, whereas with the GM, it is only the flat slide which presses on my buttock.

I consider the 1911 an excellent and practical carry gun. I got away from it because I was carrying a revolver under slightly unusual conditions for about seven years, and was more in practice with same. When the conditions changed, I didn't want to go back to the 1911 until I was using it regularly. Meanwhile, I got used to carrying a revolver OWB, and occasionally in a shoulder holster, and kind of got spoiled by what I consider a much safer system for loading or unloading (or neither) inside my house. So I carry a revolver at present, but I would have no problem getting back to carrying a bottomfeeder. And I'd have a J as a backup, anyway.

 

[desmodue]

EDC go-to's are Colt Detective Special, S&W K-Comp, and Dan Wesson ECO officer size 1911. The ECO is extremely easy to carry, thin and light at 25 oz. (empty) Cocked and locked looks scary to those unfamiliar with JMB's masterpiece. I am far more concerned with striker fired pistols and their "safe systems" There was recently a TV news report of an off-duty cop gut shooting himself while trying to stuff a striker fired pistol into a jacket pocket.

 

[Kframerbluvr]

Just goes to show you that different body shapes or experiences will give you different answers. While I am sure that there are plenty of good OWB carry rigs out there for the 1911, I have had VERY good experience with IWB carry with a Series 80 Gov't Model and a single-loop Milt Sparks Summer Special. I carried the gun (IWB, of course) at about 3:00 o'clock inside blue jeans, or occasionally inside dress pants. A good belt was preferable but not critical. That Summer Special rig was the one that I always knew I could depend on to remain wearable even if it turned out to be a 16-hour or longer day.

BTW, I have an equally accurate LW Commander which carries very comfortably in a Mitch Rosen OWB holster with a good belt, but, much to my initial surprise, the shorter barrel is NOT comfortable IWB. The muzzle digs into my right buttock, whereas with the GM, it is only the flat slide which presses on my buttock.

I consider the 1911 an excellent and practical carry gun. I got away from it because I was carrying a revolver under slightly unusual conditions for about seven years, and was more in practice with same. When the conditions changed, I didn't want to go back to the 1911 until I was using it regularly. Meanwhile, I got used to carrying a revolver OWB, and occasionally in a shoulder holster, and kind of got spoiled by what I consider a much safer system for loading or unloading (or neither) inside my house. So I carry a revolver at present, but I would have no problem getting back to carrying a bottomfeeder. And I'd have a J as a backup, anyway.

This is interesting. My Glock 22 carried in a Galco Summer Comfort IWB holster lays flat on my hip, but my issued Glock 23 jabs my buttocks.. Guess what I carry off duty now..the company gun stays at home unless I am working.

 

[Poohgyrr]

FWIW, I'm not sure any one type of action owns the unintended gunshot issue. Back in the day, plenty of folks managed to shoot themselves in the leg while holstering a revolver. If the gun goes bang when we pull the trigger, I guess it worked.

 

[WC145]

The 1911 is more of a commitment when carrying, due to it's shape and size.

Also, the whole "cocked & locked" thing means that you need to train train train your brain to ride the thumb safety (so it is not still engaged when you need to fire the weapon under stress).

I was just reading back through this thread and wanted to comment about the riding the thumb safety thing. Like many things - IWB, OWB, black sights, nights sight, etc - to ride the safety when shooting a 1911 is a matter of preference, not a requirement. I've been shooting them for 40+ years and carrying them for over 30 and I do not ride the safety and have never had an issue with it engaging under recoil on any 1911 I've ever shot.

Also, a 1911 can be one of the easiest handguns to conceal and most comfortable to carry because of it's shape, they are very slim, and they are available in a variety of sizes/barrel lengths/weights/calibers to meet most folks concealment needs.

 

[BuckeyeS&W]

Everybody should own at least one 1911, make mine a Colt.

 

[xuouy1]

with modern plastic pistols available 1911 are really not the best choice. 1911 are the king of the shooting range. My Metro Arms MAC double. stacker 45 is the most accurate pistol I have ever owned ore even seen in person and I do a lot of shooting. The picture is a 5 shoot group at 25 yards off a table.. I can't do this every time but under 1 1/4 groups are normal with my 200 gr swc loads.

 

[JDBoardman]

Having significant combat experience while engaging the enemy with lethal intent, the 1911 was ALWAYS on my hip, cocked, locked and fully loaded. My long gun was, at the time, not well regarded for its reliability (that may have changed, but until I carry one in combat, I won't be convinced). My 1911 went "Bang!" every time I needed it, and it allowed me to get out of a couple of tight situations without me carrying any extra metal bits under my skin - but I can't say the same for the other guy(s).

As a result of my experiences, I carry a 1911, and will put up with the minor inconveniences of concealing it. My rationale is that if it is needed, I am back in a combat zone, and I want what I know works under combat conditions. I have, enjoy and admire my revolvers, but when in extremis, I want a 1911.

As far as the comment about clearing a malfunction while fending off a knife, hammer or tire iron with my weak hand - it really doesn't matter. If my first shot doesn't stop the attack, then I am up the proverbial sewerage estuary anyway, and getting hit upside the head with a 1911 will probably inflict more damage than the same stroke with an airweight J-frame.

 

[M1A]

I carry a Colt Series 70 Government IWB. I carry it because I am most familiar and confident with a pistol that I have fired many 10's of thousands of times. It is carried in condition one as it is meant to be. Your choice should be made on proficiency and confidence levels.
If you can rent or borrow a 1911, do so. Spend a lot of range time. If you choose one you must do as suggested here, and practice, practice, and practice.
Be skeptical of changing the way you are going to protect yourself and family. That way you'll know if it's the right decision.

 

[Frank237]

Ed Brown in .45 acp. The picture doesn't do it Justice. A superb weapon. Reliable and crazy accurate for a 4" 1911.

I carry IWB/OWB with Milt Sparks rigs.

 

[WC145]

with modern plastic pistols available 1911 are really not the best choice. 1911 are the king of the shooting range. My Metro Arms MAC double. stacker 45 is the most accurate pistol I have ever owned ore even seen in person and I do a lot of shooting. The picture is a 5 shoot group at 25 yards off a table.. I can't do this every time but under 1 1/4 groups are normal with my 200 gr swc loads.

Please, enlighten us, what do "modern plastic pistols" offer that make them a better choice for self defense or carry than a 1911? Aside from a few rounds of capacity, I don't see where my 1911s are giving anything up to their polymer counterparts. If anything, they are better suited to the task - safer, more accurate, better triggers, slimmer and easier to conceal.

 

[DR505]

Please, enlighten us, what do "modern plastic pistols" offer that make them a better choice for self defense or carry than a 1911? Aside from a few rounds of capacity, I don't see where my 1911s are giving anything up to their polymer counterparts. If anything, they are better suited to the task - safer, more accurate, better triggers, slimmer and easier to conceal.

I'm a died-in-the-wool 1911 fan, but am required to carry a Glock as a duty weapon, and a Glock as a BUG or off-duty. No system is 100% perfect. For me the ergonomics of the 1911 are perfect, and the Glock feels like a 2x4. But I have never had a stovepipe or other jam in a Glock. Ever. That speaks well to their function. But I have had them break...locking blocks shear off, guide rods snap, pins fall out, sights drift in their channel, etc.

My 1911's are a bit more finicky. Once they are set up right and you find ammo that works in them, they too are like a metronome, but you have to do the initial work (or pay top dollar for a semi-custom). And 1911's break too...I've broken slide stop levers, thumb safeties, etc.

I would rather carry the 1911, but Glocks are a tremendous value that just plain work.