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1911 FOR CCW?


G34 CORDY

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Hey all, I have been looking at different options for a ccw gun and what comes to mind so far is a 1911 still unsure of maker, Glock 26 or 30s and something from CZ. I would like a 1911 because its slim and comfortable to carry, .45acp and I shoot the 1911 pretty good but what worries me is are they reliable enough for ccw? I hear some people love shooting the 1911 but would not carry it so thats why I turn to you guys for some advice on the 1911 to carry.

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It all depends on the gun, ammo and mags. Like anything else, as long as you have made sure it's reliable with your gun/ammo/mag combination, you're fine. Other than that, normal maintenance that you would do to any carry gun will keep it running fine. I think the trick with determining how reliable a 1911 is, is that it can be a slightly more time(and ammo) consuming process as many of them need to be shot it a little bit before you really know what you have.

Agree 100% with ultimo hombre about the safety. My EDC commander has an ambi and I hate (just haven't gotten it changed). I'm kind of neurotic about checking it at times as about once every 6 mos or so I find it has been bumped off by bumping into tables and stuff at work.

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Never trust your life on anyhing less then a 45 real life is nothing like the movies. I have all kinds of play guns but the bottom line for my protection carry gun without a doubt is my commander 1911 45 loaded with factory ammo.

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As far as reliability the 1911 has more than proven itself. But it is more susceptible to user error as compared to say a glock 30. Dependent on holster set up the 1911 has a few more sharp corners that can get irritating when you carry day after day. Many choose to carry the 1911, perhaps not because it is the most convenient to have stuck in your waistband but because it performs so well.

As an instructor I advocate finding a gun that YOU are happy to strap on each and every day, carrying it as faithfully as your wallet and cell phone. The best gun in a self defense situation is the one you actually strapped on that morning!

For me it is a airweight 5 shot .38 with +p's revolver. Certainly NOT my first choice faced with an armed bad guy, but it IS what I am willing to carry every day.

My hats off to those who carry more capable iron regularly.

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I like the reliability of the Glocks but they are not very comfortable on the hip due to its shape. The 1911 is very comfortable but there is so many 1911 makers to choose from it makes for a tough choice. I have been looking at the Springfield or Sig line so far.

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Most of what you've heard is internet group think...quality 1911's are more than reliable enough for carry...certainly more reliable than some of the junk being sold as "ideal carry guns" IMO.

I carry a Dan Wesson CBOB more often than not, sometimes a Springfield EMP 9. The main thing I would suggest is don't cheap out. The 1911 is a design dependant upon craftsmanship, over the years and as more players put their spin on the design sometimes shortcuts are taken in craftsmanship and that's what leads to an "unreliable 1911". Realistically...you need to make peace with the fact that if you want a good ccw 1911, you are spending at least $800 and probably $1000 or more. That's just my snap shot as a 1911 snob of what's currently on the market, there are exceptions like the STI Spartans but if you don't have that kind of budget you'll want to consider another platform. Springfield, Smith and Wesson, Dan Wesson, STI, Sig, Kimber, and colt all have many variants that would make a good carry gun. DO NOT buy a Taurus. DO NOT buy a Remington.

If you buy a good one on the front end, practice with it, take it apart and wipe the lint off it once and awhile, a quality 1911 will serve you well.

Oh, and I'm left handed so all my 1911's have ambi's and its never been a problem. Even if it was, the gun has a grip safety, and if somehow you manage to disengage the thrumb and grip safety at the same time...you still have to pull the trigger...all 3 happening at the same time- very very unlikely. I use cross breed, comp tac, and UBG holsters at the moment and as I said, nary a problem. +1 on not cheaping ut on the belt/holster either.

Edited by ambluemax
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Thing is we are all shooters and know are guns, when I was selling retail guns to the public many would come in with their new ccw permit wanting to know what gun to carry I would never recommend a 1911 because I knew that most of them were never even going to shoot more then one box of rounds thru it. Needless to say I sold a lot of 38 revolvers.

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I love the 1911 and own a couple of Semi-custom $2000 guns but my primary carry is a S&W 4513. I also like my Ruger LCR. which I carry sometimes as a back up and can just slip into my pocket if I want. I am just not comfortable carring cocked and locked. Do I think it is safe, yes but I am not comfortable with it so therefore do not do it.

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G34, out of what you have listed, I'd go w. the STI. I also suggest looking at S&W's 1911PDs. At times, I've carried full-size, steel 1911s. And, it was honestly easier to carry a pair of them, since it balanced perfectly, across my hips.

The heavier guns aren't a problem in a shoulder holster - and, fully-loaded, a steel commander is about the same as a G20, and only a few ounces more than my VIP.

But, an Aluminum/Titanium/Scandium framed commander is a very easy thing to carry, IMO.

And, I managed to bump off my safeties on a regular basis, when I carried 1911s w. ambi safeties - I didn't worry about it too much, as I still had the grip safeties and the covered triggers, but it was still disconcerting.

I have not had that problem w. a single-sided safety.

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Of the three pistols you list, I prefer thr STI, but, for carry, I'd prefer an aluminum frame, and no rail to snag on things. I have an OLD Kimber, Pro Carry, in .40, that has never missed a beat in thousands of rounds, with a Crimson Trace, laser grip on it.

If I didn't already have enough carry guns, I'd probably look for one of these: http://www.stiguns.com/the-sti-escort/

Edited by RH45
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What is your thoughts on a barrel length less than say 4inch for reliability I hear the 3 inch 1911's can get problematic?

What other 1911 CCW guns do you guys like or recommend?

Edited by G34 CORDY
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you can't go wrong with that lightweight operator. I had one for a long time and it ate everything, carried easily, and had a really nice trigger. Took full size mags and was easy to shoot tight groups at 25 yards, but didn't bark too hard. I only got rid of it to finance a move. I moved, and replaced it with an STI 4.15 in 45. Same weight, but holds 14 rounds instead ;)

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you can't go wrong with that lightweight operator. I had one for a long time and it ate everything, carried easily, and had a really nice trigger. Took full size mags and was easy to shoot tight groups at 25 yards, but didn't bark too hard. I only got rid of it to finance a move. I moved, and replaced it with an STI 4.15 in 45. Same weight, but holds 14 rounds instead ;)

Is the 5.5 inch height hard to conceal?

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Anyone have or know about the Sig line of 1911's? I have a Sig 239 and I never had a malfunction so can you expect almost the same reliability out of there 1911's?

A STI would be nice to have since STI is only a few hours from my house.

My Springfield 1911 that I had was great and read good reviews on the Operator.

Iam looking to stay in the 4 inch barrel guns also.

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From what I've been told, its quite difficult to get a 3" barreled 1911 to time properly in 45. No idea, aside from the usual cautions about reliability.

Honestly, the 4" ones balance quite nicely, IMO - and, if you want to make them balance closer to a full size, its just a matter of adding a tungsten guide rod.

I wouldn't worry about the grip length - honestly, the chopped grip the one thing which irritates me about the VIP - and I may buy a full-size grip to fit to it. I suppose if you have a very light build, it might be an issue - but, in that case, you could always appendix carry, and it will cease to be an issue.

Reducing the barrel length, IMO, is more a matter of concern, as it influences weight, and the length of your cover garments. Again, depending on your size and build, and your mode of carry. (EG, I appendix carry in the summer, or OWB on my hip in the rest of the year.)

And, barrel length becomes quite problematic in appendix carry.

Edited by Aglifter
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Another consideration is weight. A 4" 1911 loaded is a hefty piece. I used to carry a S&W Compact ES with the aluminum frame and 4.25 barrel. Fully loaded it was a hefty carry. I switched to a EMP in .40 and now carry a XDS for the weight reduction alone. I have no problem only having 5+1 in 45 acp as in 90% of the cases 2-3 rounds is all you'll need.

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Never trust your life on anyhing less then a 45 real life is nothing like the movies. I have all kinds of play guns but the bottom line for my protection carry gun without a doubt is my commander 1911 45 loaded with factory ammo.

Are you being serious about nothing less than a .45? It's hard to discern if its sarcasm.

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I was reading an article by Clint Smith. His recommendation was basically, get the gun you shoot the best. I do not adhere to the 'nothing less than .4x' mentality.

I like the EMP from the first time they made the Shot Show. A very nice 1911.

Have you ever shot an EMP or Kimber in .45 ACP? Even if you shoot a 1911 for in matches, the 3 inch model is different. I prefer my 9MM EMP. I can shoot it in IDPA/Action Pistol matches and not reject it.

I believe in the 'if you going to carry it, you should shoot it" philosophy.

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I was reading an article by Clint Smith. His recommendation was basically, get the gun you shoot the best. I do not adhere to the 'nothing less than .4x' mentality.

I like the EMP from the first time they made the Shot Show. A very nice 1911.

Have you ever shot an EMP or Kimber in .45 ACP? Even if you shoot a 1911 for in matches, the 3 inch model is different. I prefer my 9MM EMP. I can shoot it in IDPA/Action Pistol matches and not reject it.

I believe in the 'if you going to carry it, you should shoot it" philosophy.

I have shot a Kimber .45 5 inch a few years ago but not the EMP. There are so many 1911 makers its making it hard for me to pick one as I cant shoot everyone I have in mind. The only 1911 I had was a Springfield RO and liked it, STI is close by so that is a option also. Decisions Decisions

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