[AGAF]

Ok, so I'm looking to purchase my first 1911 after the new year when I have all the cash saved. I intend on carrying it during the late fall and winter months. I am not going to buy a full sized 1911, so no 5" barrels. I really like the idea of a 4" barrel. I can't decide whether to get a full sized grip or the compact, shorter grip.

What would you all suggest for the type of gun I'd like to purchase? Obviously, I want it to be ultra reliable, and fairly accurate. It does not have to be a high end version with all the custom work. It does need to be a gun conducive to carrying. It does not need an accessory rail either.

I'm liking the size combo of the Kimber compact CDP II.

Thanks in advance for your input! I am fairly new to the 1911 world. My only other pistols are a Glock 26 and a Ruger LCP.

[JackMac]

Colt Combat Commander. Maybe Colt Officer's Model. Really compact 45 is Colt's Defender. I have owned all three at one time or another. Still have Officer's model and Defender. Really like the Defender. Glock 26 in 9mm is hard to beat but small, Glock 19 is a fine weapon too. Glock makes a real good 45 too. But there are lots of 1911 makes and models out there. Kimber has a good rep and hefty price. Never owned a Kimber but hear good things about them.

[glock2740]

Bobtailed Commander or CCO. Two best CC options for a 1911 IMO.

[ArmoryDoc]

The CCO is the best of all worlds, IMO. Shorter grip = easier to conceal. With a 4.25" barrel you aren't bumping the muzzle like a full sized 1911. I alternate between the Colt Officers ACP and the Dan Wesson CCO for full sized carry and I use the Sig P938 for hideout.

[R0CKETMAN]

Friends don't let friends buy Kimber

http://www.1911addicts.com/showthrea...New-In-Box-...

[PlasticGuy]

I'm another huge fan of the CCO sized guns. I have a Colt CCO and two Les Baer Stingers, and all three were worth their asking price and more. Dan Wesson is another excellent choice, though I don't currently own one.

[G19Paul]

Look-up a Sig Sauer C3. My penny jar is accumulating for this "next" pistol.

I carry a full-sized 1911 without issue. Barrel-length is usually not the issue for concealment.

Good luck with many fine "commander-sized" pistols available.

[prez1967]

I really enjoy carrying my CCO sized 1911... After a project i have in the works is complete, im going to bobtail my Springfield Champion (commander size) and that will go into the rotation as well...

Find something that has a proven track record and stick to it. The sky is the limit! Find what fits you.

[bobandshawn]

Traded my Kimber Ultra CDP II towards a Colt CCO. Best decision I ever made. Never could get the shorty Kimber to shoot (feed) reliably. CCO was good reight out of the box.

~B

[B.Reid]

I don't understand why people think that cutting 1 inch off the barrel makes it easier to conceal, and a half inch off the grip? All these changes do is make the gun harder to shoot well. I used to have a Lightweight Officers ACP, I just didn't like shooting it and when carrying it, it was grip heavy. Now all I have are steel five inch 1911's. I don't find them harder to carry or conceal.

[38 Super Fan]

Although I carry a CCO, I have thought about going to something with at least a full size grip, maybe just a full size gun, if you've got fairly big hands like me, you may see what I mean. It's really down to personal taste, make sure you get a good holster, and you should be fine with whatever you choose.

[lilmule]

The frame thickness of a 1911 lends itself well to carry,as for shorter or smaller some people are not as large.
You are however correct in that smaller is also harder to shoot for most ,be accurate and recover.
Being a small man im using a 32 acp Llama 1911 mini copy not true to form,but visually .
The larger Llamas in 45 are often overlooked as an entry level gun bringing 350-400 used.
And many of the 1911 45 acp parts do interchange.

[WinterWizard]

OP, the major problem with a 1911 for conceal carry is the weight. Get one that is reliable and 30 ounces or lighter. You will thank me.

[AGAF]

Thanks everyone for your comments. I will carry around 4 or 5 o'clock inside the waistband with a very minimalist type holster. I have a horsehide beltman belt that will fully support a full sized 1911, so I'm fairly confident that whatever I choose, I'll be able to carry just fine. I'm 6', 200 lbs, so I don't think the size of the gun will be too much of an issue.

Just so many choices!

For those of you that have owned many 1911s and shot them all, what would you consider to be a very reliable model?

[4Rules]

7. How do I know if a 1911 is the right choice for me?
http://vickerstactical.com/tactical-tips/faqs-with-larry-vickers/

[dakrat]

since full size 1911 is out of the question, I would recommend a CCO type 1911 (officer frame w/ commander slide). my Les Baer Stinger has been problem free and shoots just accurate as its full size counterpart. good luck

[Halfhitch]

AGAF

I have had a Kimber Compact for about 6 years. Its one of two 1911s I carry on the job. It shoots great and carries comfortably. Shot 99.2 with it on last qual. It did have one hiccup in the first 500 rds - but no problems in last couple of thousand. I think you will like it.

Dan

[ilgunguygt]

Originally Posted by B.Reid

I don't understand why people think that cutting 1 inch off the barrel makes it easier to conceal, and a half inch off the grip? All these changes do is make the gun harder to shoot well. I used to have a Lightweight Officers ACP, I just didn't like shooting it and when carrying it, it was grip heavy. Now all I have are steel five inch 1911's. I don't find them harder to carry or conceal.

Maybe I can shed some light on that. I have a RIA compact(3.5"barrel, officers frame) that I love. It is definately no more difficult to shoot, as it came with an ACTmag with a baseplate that rests the pinky nicely. Because of the shorter barrel and grip it will fit perfectly in the inside pocket of my carhart allowing me to not have to use an IWB or have a bulge from an OWB. Being a portly fellow this is rather convenient. I also carry it in a small of back holster and the shorter barrel does not stick out and rub my back.

I think those are all good reasons to carry one.

[Quack]

[Wade-19]

Lovin that TRP compact !

[bac1023]

I've been carry a Kimber Pro CDP II for years.

Its the only aluminum framed 1911 I own.

[thisaway]

I have carried my old Colt Commander on occasion.

[ca survivor]

Originally Posted by Quack

that's beautiful Quack, shame the flat trigger

[JOE MACK]

The 1911s I carry when in a free state are: a Colt Combat Commander in .45ACP and SS. The other is a S&W 1911 Sc in .45ACP. I actually like the Smith better.

[faawrenchbndr]

I should get my Springer Compact back in a week or so........
This is my opinion of the best 45 carry piece........for me.