Who carries a 5" 1911? Researching my first 1911.

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Who carries a 5" 1911? Researching my first 1911.

Posted: 3/19/2006 4:47:33 PM EDT

I'm thinking about getting my first 1911. If I get one I want it to be my carry piece. I also plan to use it during training classes. Right now I carry a Glock 23. I also have a Sig 220 that I carried untill I learned the value of a consistant trigger, hence by desire for a 1911.

My big question is what size should I be looking at? Is the 5" too big for every day carry? Is the Commander (4"-4.25") model a much better option for carry?

I like the idea of the longer sight radius of the 5" model also the extra heft for follow up shots. I just don't know if a 5" is biting of too much to chew. FYI, I'm 5'9" 180 athletic build.

I have already decided that I will be looking for something like a Wilson, Baer, Brown, or one of the other quality semi-customs. I want something that will be ultra reliable right out of the box.

Any thought or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Posted: 3/19/2006 4:49:29 PM EDT

[#1]

Get the right holster and you will be able to hide a 5 inch gun under a t shirt.

Posted: 3/19/2006 4:58:03 PM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
Get the right holster and you will be able to hide a 5 inch gun under a t shirt.

Yeah, I'm thinking Milt Sparks VM2. I would also like a outside the pants option too.

Posted: 3/19/2006 5:06:05 PM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Get the right holster and you will be able to hide a 5 inch gun under a t shirt.

Yeah, I'm thinking Milt Sparks VM2. I would also like a outside the pants option too.

Dead on with your choice of the VM2. None compare.

For good concealment belt holsters, I like the Kramer Belt Scabbard in horsehide.

Posted: 3/19/2006 5:09:50 PM EDT

[#4]

5 inch won't be a problem. Lots of folks carry them. Including me.

Posted: 3/19/2006 5:54:04 PM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
Dead on with your choice of the VM2. None compare.

For good concealment belt holsters, I like the Kramer Belt Scabbard in horsehide.

Excellent choices, both.

Posted: 3/19/2006 5:55:14 PM EDT

[#6]

At 6'1" 185lbs I find no problem with carrying a 5" 1911A1.

As mentioned above, it's all about the right holster.

Posted: 3/19/2006 6:11:15 PM EDT

[#7]

I have both a SA 1911 and a Colt Defender 90. I carry the full size in the colder weather when it's easier to carry in a shoulder holster. The Defender I carry in an IWB holster.

Posted: 3/19/2006 6:42:05 PM EDT

[#8]

i did carry a SA loaded 5in in a Comptac Gurkua....went to a SW1911PD/SC in a cendex (lighter load out)

i'm 5'11 and 160lbs--could conceal the full pretty good

Posted: 3/19/2006 6:45:08 PM EDT

[#9]

Lumpy, after trying the Summer Special, and Josh Bulmans similar holster, I like the PCH from Alessi the best. It has nothing under the grip. Mine has sewn loops, so it is more difficult to remove, but I don't mind in light of the fact that the gun is more concealable than the magazines.

Posted: 3/20/2006 2:49:30 AM EDT

[#10]

The extra barrel is not the problem in concealing a 1911, it's the grip. I could conceal a longslide just as easy as a 5 inch, but the grip is what sticks outs of your britches.

Oh yeah, the VMII is the way to go!

Posted: 3/20/2006 2:57:49 AM EDT

[#11]

tag

Posted: 3/20/2006 6:21:48 AM EDT

[#12]

Having carried both, I'd say it depends on you. Anyone who wears something more substantial than a mesh wife-beater and a pair of Speedos can conceal a 5" 1911.

However, a 5" 1911 may not be as comfortable as a Commander if you spend much of the day sitting down, driving, etc. Personally I like the alloy frame and shorter slide of the Commander, and you don't give up any accuracy at combat ranges.

My advise is to try both in your daily routine and see which one works best for you. Then train with it until it falls apart... then buy another and wear it out too

Posted: 3/20/2006 8:16:09 AM EDT

[#13]

I used to carry compact 1911's. I had accuracy and reliability problems. I only carry full size now. Better sight radius, less recoil, larger ammo capacity. I carry a Kimber TLE RL II in a Comptac IWB holster. I used to have a Milt Sparks Watch 6. The Milt Sparks was a bit more comfortable, but the Ctac draws a lot faster. I would concur that unless you are trying to show off your gurlish figure with some tight fitting clothing, concealability shouldn't be a problem.

Posted: 3/20/2006 12:11:48 PM EDT

[#14]

In a VMII

Posted: 3/20/2006 12:18:30 PM EDT

[#15]

At 5'10" and 205lbs I have no problems concealing my Springfield 5" with a T-Shirt and shorts. The holster will make or break your comfort and concealment everytime.

The VM2 and the Comptac CT.A.C. are the only ways to go!!

Posted: 3/20/2006 4:57:25 PM EDT

[#16]

I carry my Norinco in a comp-tac CTAC all the time.

Posted: 3/20/2006 5:59:27 PM EDT

[#17]

I daily carry either a Kimber 5" or a Springfield 4" in a Blackhawk CQC built for a 5" for now until I can get a VMII ordered. Carrying a 5" is easily do-able.

Posted: 3/20/2006 6:26:50 PM EDT

[#18]

I've gone back and forth on the fullsize versus lighter and smaller 1911's. If you're wearing the gun for 10 hours straight and constantly moving, the 5" steel gun can get heavy after awhile, so the lighter commanders are nice in that respect.

I now carry a CCO size pistol for easier concealment and less weight. On days when the Napolean syndrome kicks in I grab the 5" steel gun.

The fullsize as mentioned above is not difficult to conceal. I'm 5'8", 170lbs and can hide a fullsize under a t-shirt. Again as mentioned above, the right holster and belt combo is needed. I'm another Comp-Tac user.

Posted: 3/20/2006 6:30:33 PM EDT

[#19]

someone pm me the link to the 2 holsters listed above.

Posted: 3/20/2006 6:51:38 PM EDT

[#20]

I've carried a 5" 1911 for almost as long as I've carried a gun.

A full size 5” 1911 is really no trouble to carry so long as you have a good holster that is supported by a good belt and you have the will to find a way to conceal the gun. Holster choice is paramount and IMO a great place to start is with one of these rigs from...

Lou Alessi or...

Josh Bulman

Posted: 3/20/2006 6:57:00 PM EDT

[#21]

I may be wrong, but I think it's allowed in open forum.

Milt Sparks is the source for the Versaa Max 2 (VM2 commonly referred to here) as well as the Summer Special and Watch Six. They are a built to ordr holster, and are very popular. Consequently, there is a wait when you order one. Depends what you order, but my most recent VM2 ordered for a Kimber Warrior, I was told would be 18 weeks. If you don't just order, it'll never get there!

As an option, there are a couple of dealers that stock some Milt Sparks products. They are listed on the Milt Sparks site, at the bottom of the "order" page, but one I've dealt with is Lightning Arms Sports. They are great to deal with. If they have what you want in stock, you'll have it in a few days. It'll cost more, but it's worth it!

A note to SGB on the pic above (nice grips!) What kind of knife is that? Oh, nice sub too!

Posted: 3/21/2006 3:40:38 AM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:

A note to SGB on the pic above (nice grips!) What kind of knife is that? Oh, nice sub too!

The knife is a Kershaw 1550. Terrific knife. I just need to quit damaging them. I'm about to buy a third. (I'm hell on knifes. Use them constantly)

Posted: 3/21/2006 5:28:40 AM EDT

[#23]

Quoted:
Anyone who wears something more substantial than a mesh wife-beater and a pair of Speedos can conceal a 5" 1911.

6'2" 175 lbs... I carry a 5" 1911 no problem.

The question in my mind is what to carry when I am wearing the Speedos?

Kent

Posted: 3/21/2006 5:40:55 AM EDT

[#24]

Also carry a 5 inch Colt....I use a Galco FLETCH......sweet rig!!!

Posted: 3/21/2006 10:25:03 AM EDT

[#25]

I'm 5'11-1/4" and about 185 and I have no problems at all with a 5" 1911.

However, that is dependent upon the holster. I rely on a Galco Royal Guard IWB holster for deeper carry and with that my 1911 literally disappears.

Since the winter months are upon us I've been using a blackhawk CQC serpa which has served me well however it has the same problem that most other belt holsters I've tried has. That problem is that in order to conceal it without a jacket I've had to alter my wardrobe slightly to get overgarments long enough to cover the full length of the barrel. Such altering has always been a no-no for me as I don't like signaling that I'm carrying by a wardrobe shift.

I tried a few mid and high ride holsters however that caused me some center-of-balance issues with the 1911/holster combo and was a bit too high for me to draw from.

So, long and short, I'd echo what was said here. A good IWB makes it possible but belt holster optinos may limit your carry options depending on your size, willingness to alter your wardobe and such...

Posted: 3/21/2006 12:09:54 PM EDT

[#26]

Jesus would carry a 5" 1911.

Posted: 3/21/2006 4:18:38 PM EDT

[#27]

Quoted:
Quoted:

A note to SGB on the pic above (nice grips!) What kind of knife is that? Oh, nice sub too!

The knife is a Kershaw 1550. Terrific knife. I just need to quit damaging them. I'm about to buy a third. (I'm hell on knifes. Use them constantly)

I have the same knife, I accidently tightend the screw to tight and it wouldnt open, I mailed it to Kershaw and they sent me a new one.

Posted: 3/22/2006 5:51:11 AM EDT

[#28]

Yes, but would he need hollow points?

Quoted:
Jesus would carry a 5" 1911.

Posted: 3/22/2006 10:54:51 AM EDT

[#29]

No, just ball ammo for the J man.

Quoted:
Yes, but would he need hollow points?

Quoted:
Jesus would carry a 5" 1911.

Posted: 3/22/2006 3:05:31 PM EDT

[#30]

I'm 6.2 and 185lbs and carry a wilson combat CQB with no problem. I wear a white undershirt tucked in and a button down shirt over it. Hides everything and is quite comfortable.......and comforting!!