First CC gun (1911?)

[Yukon622]

Looking to buy my first 1911 and plan to use it for CC. I have only shot a full size 1911's but I think I'm hooked. I know I would rather not carry a full size and definitely stick with the .45 round. Was first looking for a 3 inch barrel but came across the STI Guardian which is just under 4 inches and have seen lots of good thing written about STI. Does anyone have experience with this particular gun?

As of right now I have been leaning to STI (guardian/Escort), but also have considered Kimbers and Colt (defender). I have had my hands on the defender and some of the kimbers but haven't got the chance to handle the smaller STI pistols.

Any feedback on the companies or using a 1911 as a carry weapon would be great.

 

[iChokePeople]

Carry 1911: YES.

The rest is just trivial details.

 

[churchmouse]

I carry a full size 1911 and also carry (on occasion) an officers model. Except for the weight
they are fine for CC. I have not owned an STI but friends have them and never heard any disparaging comments. The Kimber is a different story as I have seen first hand a few issues with some of their pieces and that has been documented throughout these threads. I lean towards the Springfield offerings. They have been rock steady reliable and priced affordable. As with anything you need to shoot more than just one before making your choice. Para-Ordinance, Springfield, Colt and so many others offer good pieces at fair prices. JMHO

 

[45fan]

I am in the same boat as churchmouse, I own, and carry both a Government size and officer sized 1911, and they are almost a wash between them as far as carry goes. The government is a bit heavier, but it also is capable of holding one more round in a flush magazine. Carried in a shoulder rig, you probably wouldnt notice a difference, carried IWB, you may find the government slide a touch too long, but not impossible to carry and conceal well.

 

[Yukon622]

I did see a used para warthog and the 10 rounds seemed like it would make a perfect carry weapon. But I did some reading and it seemed they were either hit or miss. So it being used really makes me nervous about it being reliable.

This will be IWB carry and will most likely be ordering a crossbreed holster.

 

[mshogren]

For concealed carry of a 1911, grip length plays more of a role than barrel length.

There a few different grip configurations to choose from.
- standard gov. length
- officer length
- Bob-tail (a few different versions of this out there)

I have 2 1911s that are my carry pieces:
- Sig C3 (officer grip, 4" commander type slide)
- Nighthawk Predator II with Bob-tail (full length bob-tail grip, 4" commander length slide)

I have carried 3" ones as well, but decided that I got very little concealability benefit from them. The shorter barrel guns can be less reliable (personally never had this issue) and are not as confortable to shoot for me.

Pick a gun you like and practice!

Mark

 

[dyerwatcher]

1911 is a great option. Many good points have been made. You are looking at quality that will serve a lifetime.

 

[Tombs]

The right holster is what makes it or breaks it... As usual with anything besides a pocket gun.

Good example of my very practical, summer or winter EDC with a full sized 1911.

If it was bob'd it would be a little nicer admittedly.

 

[Double T]

Have you considered a commander length? It's a good balance between the two. I carry the government for OC and a commander for times when discretion is needed :-)

As hinted at, a proper holster is a good idea, but of far greater importance is a great gun belt. I prefer leather, but a lot of people recommend the wilderness instructor belts.

 

[bullitstang1313]

I have a Kimber Pro Carry that is my primary carry weapon. Its a little conspicuous in warmer weather when I'm just wearing a T-shirt but conceals fine when its a thicker shirt or I have a jacket/coat.

 

[super duty1]

Not a problem for cc in colder weather, but not in warm weather is my opinion. I like something smaller in hot weather.

 

[1911]

I haven't carried for too long, little bit more than a year now. I started off carrying a Regent R100 government size that was very reliable, until I started messing with it. Bought a Ruger Service Six 4 inch and carried owb for a while, then traded a rifle for an ATI commander and started carrying that while gathering the funds to get my Regent working right again. Got the Regent working, sold the commander so I could put more money towards my next, a Sig Nightmare fullsize. I chose the 1911 because its accurate, the trigger is awesome, its pretty slim for a fullsize gun, and its a .45 I mostly carry iwb in a Kingtuck, sometimes owb. When I started carrying, I didn't have a proper belt or holster, and I could definitely feel the weight. Now with a good belt and a nice(er) holster, I have no issues carrying a fullsize and two backup magazines all day. It's still pretty big, but I wear untucked shirts and jeans or cargos, and only certain body positions can give me away. If that's the gun you feel comfortable with(and that's how I feel about the 1911), then go for it.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

I carried a full sized 1911 CC for years, and year round, until becoming an LEO and single actions not being approved. I found it easier to conceal than many smaller guns because its thinner. Length isn't as much of an issue as width when it comes to CC.

 

[bfaves]

for a cc i prefer a point and shoot with no safeties but just a personal preferance