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Posted: 1/23/2011 3:20:45 PM EDT
Which size 1911 do you CCW? I'm curious to hear from people who ACTUALLY daily carry their 1911, not people who own a 1911 & holster but seldom carry it. Reason I'm asking is b/c I think I'm close to pulling the trigger
 on my first and probably only 1911 I will own for a long time, so I want to make sure I'm getting the most useful size. I realize that most of what makes a CCW is in the grip. I don't think I want to go with the ultra compact (or any 6+1) b/c I'm more interested in staying with the more true/original size grip - although I certainly realize that the smaller frame 1911s are easier to CCW for the mere reason that they have a shorter grip. With that said, does anyone see/have any significant issues in CCWing a full size / government (5") over the Commander (4.25") size?
ETA: Sorry for leaving out the 4" in the poll. Just choose the 4.25" instead |
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Posted: 1/23/2011 3:25:28 PM EDT
[#1]
You missed 4" Compact, which I carry... not to mention 4.25" CCO.
3.5 and smaller carry best but perform the worst. 5" perform best but carry worst. 4"-4.25" are the best compromise in IME. |
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Posted: 1/23/2011 3:44:22 PM EDT
[#2]
Kimber Procarry 4.25" full frame in a Wilson summer companion. Super comfortable and even my can't tell if I'm carrying. She just assumes now.
I've also carried my 5" full size no problem, just heavier the the aluminum Kimber. |
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Posted: 1/23/2011 3:50:02 PM EDT
[#3]
Colt Enhanced Officer's is my daily carry in a Bianchi Shadow holster. Just right for me.
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Posted: 1/23/2011 4:30:11 PM EDT
[#4]
Just bought a new Loaded, and picked up a very clean used Kimber Pro Carry 2 HD at the gun show yesrterday...I have been carrying it since the loaded is to be picked up tomorrow, it is a 5"...right now my vote is for this Kimber in 4", which I chose your 4.25...however I may feel different after packing the full size loaded....but somehow I doubt it...this HD is sweet.
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Posted: 1/23/2011 4:37:22 PM EDT
[#5]
either a 5" or a 4.25" but mostly a fullsize.
hg |
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Posted: 1/23/2011 4:52:07 PM EDT
[#6]
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Posted: 1/23/2011 4:56:54 PM EDT
[#7]
Full size, she goes everywhere that I go.
Comp-tac IWB, raven 2x magholster, G2 led, pocket knife. |
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Posted: 1/23/2011 4:59:32 PM EDT
[#8]
I've never wasted my time on anything but a full size 5" 1911.
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Posted: 1/23/2011 5:44:58 PM EDT
[#9]
full size every day.. 18 hour days..
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Posted: 1/23/2011 5:51:53 PM EDT
[#10]
Full-size steel frame IWB all day long.
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Posted: 1/23/2011 6:16:17 PM EDT
[#11]
Don't have it yet, but just ordered a commander length 1911 which I plan on carrying everyday.
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Posted: 1/23/2011 6:31:02 PM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:
I've never wasted my time on anything but a full size 5" 1911. I value my time as well.... 
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Posted: 1/23/2011 10:04:09 PM EDT
[#13]
Full size, I'm not that big and I can conceal it even in the summer with a t shirt and polo over.
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Posted: 1/23/2011 11:08:11 PM EDT
[#14]
4in...
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Posted: 1/24/2011 3:05:45 AM EDT
[#15]
i carry a full size and occasionaly a commander and honestly i cannot tell the difference. 5" is the way to go
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Posted: 1/24/2011 5:04:30 AM EDT
[#16]
I carry a full size. The ~4" models typically have the same size frame. Since the length of the barrel isn't a problem while carrying I typically say full size or sub compact. If you are a weight nazi then buy all means grab a compact with an aluminum frame.
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Posted: 1/24/2011 5:12:25 AM EDT
[#17]
I have been carry the Kobra everyday since I got it. I would carry a 5in with a light attached if I had it.
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Posted: 1/24/2011 5:44:28 AM EDT
[#18]
Quoted: I've never wasted my time on anything but a full size 5" 1911. So you are wasting it on a full size ?  |
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Posted: 1/24/2011 6:15:45 AM EDT
[#19]
These are the 3 1911's I've carried. I've found the GI the most comfortable to carry because of the small grip safety and bobbed hammer, other than that, the 5" is easy. I did waste some money on buying a 4" Springfield, but found I didn't like the bull barrel and recoil system, so I sold it and bought the 5" GI. The Loaded at the bottom is the current carry gun.
 Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 1/24/2011 6:55:08 AM EDT
[#20]
Quoted: Quoted: I've never wasted my time on anything but a full size 5" 1911. So you are wasting it on a full size ? Correct. Glock's rool. I'm now a Glock troll |
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Posted: 1/24/2011 7:07:14 AM EDT
[#21]
full size
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Posted: 1/24/2011 7:47:41 AM EDT
[#22]
Quoted: OK ! Quoted: Quoted: I've never wasted my time on anything but a full size 5" 1911. So you are wasting it on a full size ? Correct. Glock's rool. I'm now a Glock troll |
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Posted: 1/24/2011 8:11:50 AM EDT
[#23]
For EDC I pocket carry a Colt New Agent 9mm (3") as I need deep cover and haven't gone the tuck-able route. Evenings and weekends it's usually one of the Commanders and sometimes one of the 5"'s.
P.S. I REALLY love the New Agent! Can't see it in my pocket with a Desantis Superfly and I can shoot pretty good with it too. So far rock-solid reliable. |
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Posted: 1/24/2011 8:42:53 AM EDT
[#24]
Are there any reliability issues associated with the shorter barrel lengths?
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 1/24/2011 8:42:53 AM EDT
[#25]
Are there any reliability issues associated with the shorter barrel lengths?
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 1/24/2011 8:59:01 AM EDT
[#26]
Quoted:
Are there any reliability issues associated with the shorter barrel lengths? Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile My 3" Colt New Agent has been 100%. ETA: Pick of New Agent on the day it came home: 
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Posted: 1/24/2011 9:08:43 AM EDT
[#27]
I've never CCW'd a "real" 1911 (or, if I did, it was a trial basis and not regular/routine) and I haven't even carried anything "1911-ish" in almost 25 years, but the very first semi-auto I ever CCW'd was a Star PD .45, rougly Officer Model size. Since the PD isn't really a 1911, I voted "none" in the poll so as not to skew anything.
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Posted: 1/24/2011 10:02:34 AM EDT
[#28]
The reliabilty issues of small pistols come from the design, or rather the execution. Smaller 1911s have less wiggle room in the design, which is of no consequence when a company's manufacturing/QC process adheres to spec religiously. When a sloppy company make mass pistols the small ones stand a higher likelihood of being lemons (all other things being equal). Colt is the only production pistol Id trust regarding a <4.25" 1911, but I have no desire for anything <4".
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Posted: 1/24/2011 10:30:42 AM EDT
[#29]
a loaded 4" Champion Springfield
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Posted: 1/24/2011 10:47:56 AM EDT
[#30]
Vbob in a Miltsparks
Sir James... |
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Posted: 1/24/2011 12:40:46 PM EDT
[#31]
I used to CCW a Colt Combat Commander for years, but switched to a Govt. since I shot that better. IMO, it's less about comfort and convenience than effectively deploying and utilizing the weapon system.
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Posted: 1/24/2011 7:27:35 PM EDT
[#32]
When I did, it was a Springfield Ultra Compact with a 3.5" barrel.
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Posted: 1/24/2011 8:08:59 PM EDT
[#33]
I carry a Commander. I also mostly carry it in a "man purse". Sometimes in a shoulder rig under a jacket, but it's usually not that cold here.
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Posted: 1/24/2011 9:08:13 PM EDT
[#34]
A bobtailed commander length Talon II in a VM2 Milt Sparks holster. The bobtail makes a heck of a difference in terms of conceal carry comfort.
If I have to go full sized, I'll use a Milt Sparks Summer Special 2. |
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Posted: 1/24/2011 9:11:58 PM EDT
[#35]
Quoted:
Are there any reliability issues associated with the shorter barrel lengths? Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Yes, less than 4" are known to have issues with feeding/cycling. They also require more frequent recoil spring changes (every 600-800 rounds depending upon the manufacturer). On the other hand, Wilson Combat does a variety of bull barreled 4" models that seem to work well, but they're a PITA to disassemble compared to a commander length 4.25" gun with a standard bushing. A commander length 1911 with a bushing is pretty darn hard to beat IMHO. |
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Posted: 1/24/2011 11:50:56 PM EDT
[#36]
Just got an amazing deal on a new S&W 1911 compact pro series... I Absolutely love it!
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Posted: 1/25/2011 4:39:16 AM EDT
[#37]
Quoted:
I used to CCW a Colt Combat Commander for years, but switched to a Govt. since I shot that better. IMO, it's less about comfort and convenience than effectively deploying and utilizing the weapon system. I agree with this whole heartedly! |
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Posted: 1/25/2011 12:42:01 PM EDT
[#38]
After trying out the different sizes in person, I decided to start with a 'Commander' size.
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Posted: 1/26/2011 2:03:07 AM EDT
[#39]
Quoted: After trying out the different sizes in person, I decided to start with a 'Commander' size. I'm transitioning from a Combat commander to a LW Commander and the weight difference is very noticeable. |
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Posted: 1/26/2011 6:55:02 AM EDT
[#40]
None. I live in MD
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Posted: 1/26/2011 7:11:31 AM EDT
[#41]
I felt compelled to chime in.
I have tried them all: 5", 4.25" Commander, 4" CCO style, 3". They all have their place and to select only 1 may leave you limited. That said, a majority of the time it is a 5" with light attached, IWB. One of the nice things about the design is it conceals well, even in a full size. |
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Posted: 1/26/2011 7:17:30 AM EDT
[#42]
fuckin fail for me
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Posted: 1/26/2011 7:39:16 AM EDT
[#43]
 |
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Posted: 1/26/2011 10:52:23 AM EDT
[#44]
Quoted:
a loaded 4" Champion Springfield Not saying that I have one, but this is what I'd be carrying. If I had one. Probably this. Yeah, I think so. UmmHmm. Maybe with a couple more scratches on it. |
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Posted: 1/26/2011 12:49:51 PM EDT
[#45]
Ron Phillips daily carry (except for wardrobe considerations== then it's my P7M8)
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Posted: 1/26/2011 8:32:01 PM EDT
[#46]
I carry a customized Commander.
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Posted: 1/26/2011 11:01:02 PM EDT
[#47]
Right now? A 5". Getting a 4.25" up to snuff......and the lure of a CCO is extremely tempting.
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Posted: 1/27/2011 8:52:43 AM EDT
[#48]
Carrying a full size (5") steel frame just means you have to have a quality holster and belt combo to support it well enough to still be comfortable and non-obtrusive. So I will keep the longer sight radius, reliability factors and slightly more capacity of the bigger gun.
Damian |
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Posted: 1/27/2011 12:57:17 PM EDT
[#49]
4" bbl. officers frame...ie Kimber (nonSeriesII) Stainless Compact.
I did carry for 5 or 6 years a Kimber (nonSeriesII) Classic Stainless Full Size. I ended up having to sell some stuff a year or so ago.
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Posted: 1/27/2011 1:09:30 PM EDT
[#50]
The 1911 I ccw is not one on your list:
4.25 inch slide with compact/officer's frame. 7+1 capacity, maximum concealibility w/ a longer sight radius than my duty Sig 229. Nick |
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