Posted: 6/24/2013 4:47:14 AM EDT
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With CCW finally coming to Illinois (we hope) I've gotten the hankerin to pick up a new pistol.
My current budget has me looking at the RIA CS and was looking for opinions from those who might be using one from carry. I already own a Combat Commander, and while the CS is smaller, it would seem it weighs almost as much as the Commander. How much of a factor is the weight of the CS? Would I be better off just buying a bunch of ammo and carrying my beloved Commander? Thanks! |
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Quoted:
With CCW finally coming to Illinois (we hope) I've gotten the hankerin to pick up a new pistol. My current budget has me looking at the RIA CS and was looking for opinions from those who might be using one from carry. I already own a Combat Commander, and while the CS is smaller, it would seem it weighs almost as much as the Commander. How much of a factor is the weight of the CS? Would I be better off just buying a bunch of ammo and carrying my beloved Commander? Thanks! If I had a commander, I wouldn't bother with a officers model (clone or otherwise). It's a little shorter and only holds 6 in the mag (7 with some mags). I'm a big guy and don't have a problem concealing either but like a commander better. YMMV |
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You'll notice the weight and the length of the butt the most if you carry strong side regardless if you carry IWB or using a belt holster. The biggest draw back in CCW using the RIA compact is the steel frame compared to an alloy frame on the Commander. The steel frame helps soak up the recoil but the RIA compact will weigh the same or more than a LW Commander but less than your Combat Commander. There are Officer size pistols on the market with alloy frame but are quite a bit more expensive. The RIA compact will conceal a little easier than the Combat Commander because of the shorter butt. Years ago I carried a satin nickel Combat Commander and a Detonics 45 Combat Master (1st smaller 1911). I could more easly conceal the Detonics under a shirt with an IWB than the Combat Commander.
I have carried concealed every day since 1976 and you have to compromise your attire more with the Combat Commander than you do the 1911 compacts. My favorite every day carry pistols have been the Detonics 45 Combat Master, S&W 3913 and my Glock 27 or 36. My choice was somewhat dictated by department policy but these are at the upper limit of what your average size person can conceal. I have also carried Walther PPK/s & PPK in the past but with today's pistols there is no reason to carry a 380. The real advantage of the S&W Shield and the Glock 26/27 & 36 is compact size plus light weight. You can ankle carry a Glock 26/27 or Shield but the steel frame 1911's are just to heavy IMHO and are best carried in a holster with a good stiff gun belt. The smaller your build the more you'll notice the weight. |
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Thanks for everyone's input! I appreciate Vascar2's insight as someone who's BTDT.
I did decide to go with the Citadel compact. Just a fan of 1911s and it was calling to me. I figure I've got some time to try it out before actually carrying it; the way things go in Illinois it'll probably be a couple more years before carry becomes a reality (if ever). |