Concealability of Officer Grip vs. Government Grip

Redstate · 09-15-2012, 19:32

I understand that the difference in grip lenght between the officer lenght and the governement lenght is about half an inch. Does that half an inch make any significant difference in concealing IWB?

***okie*** · 09-15-2012, 19:51

I CCW a full sized 1911 and I have had friends ask me why I ain't packin when I am, so I guess it don't make much difference

fnfalman · 09-15-2012, 20:19

Makes a significant difference in shooting and handling. Probably makes a big difference in concealing too.

257 roberts · 09-15-2012, 20:31

I have a series 80 Colt Officer 45acp and two Government 45acp's and useally carry one of the full sized models...so I guess its not too much of a differance

Ruble Noon · 09-15-2012, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redstate

I understand that the difference in grip lenght between the officer lenght and the governement lenght is about half an inch. Does that half an inch make any significant difference in concealing IWB?

For me, yes.

G-30Jet · 09-15-2012, 22:32

I think it is a matter of body types. I can conceal both but the officers will print less than the gov. I carry with extreme forward cant so the point is probably moot.

The real issue is steel frame -vs- aluminum frame. I like the full size recoil impulse of the full size but it is a drag to carry. I guess giving up one round is of no real consequence either.

The best way to know is to try it out and see for yourself.

***faawrenchbndr*** · 09-16-2012, 02:45

Holsters play a LARGE part in concealing the desired firearm, quite
possibly more than the grip length of said firearm.

prez1967 · 09-16-2012, 06:58

i can conceal both... i prefer my officer's frame guns for IWB... i carry full size in OWB.

Redstate · 09-16-2012, 09:43

Thanks for all the replies so far. I do have a Government size Springer that is very nice. I was just wondering if that little bit makes a significant difference on a 1911. I know it does on a Glock; but, I thought it might be a little different on a 1911 due to the obvious differences between the 2 platforms.

I usually carry glocks. The difference in grip from a G19 to a G17 is about the same as the difference between the Officer and the Government sizes. I can conceal the G19 better than the G17.

When I talk about concealment, I am talking about concealing the pistol, not just standing there, but with normal movements of the body, e.g leaning forward. Just standing there, I can easily conceal my G17 and my Government 1911. It should be noted however, that I do not have a good concealment holster for my 1911.

Clutch Cargo · 09-16-2012, 20:41

I believe it does make a difference. The popularity of bobtail style full sized 1911s is proof.

glock2740 · 09-16-2012, 20:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redstate

I understand that the difference in grip lenght between the officer lenght and the governement lenght is about half an inch. Does that half an inch make any significant difference in concealing IWB?

One word...YES!

PlasticGuy · 09-18-2012, 14:32

I can conceal a full sized 1911, and often do. An Officers sized grip frame does make it easier though. Is the increase in concealability worth losing a round of capacity, 3/4" of barrel, and a little shootability? It depends. I generally carry a full sized 1911 during the cold months, and a CCO (Officers grip frame) during the hot months.

fnfalman · 09-18-2012, 17:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlasticGuy

I can conceal a full sized 1911, and often do. An Officers sized grip frame does make it easier though. Is the increase in concealability worth losing a round of capacity, 3/4" of barrel, and a little shootability? It depends. I generally carry a full sized 1911 during the cold months, and a CCO (Officers grip frame) during the hot months.

That's a question that the carrier must answer himself. For me, CCO and Officer's ACP are strictly for fun. I suppose I'd CCW them if I have nothing else available, however they wouldn't be my first choices. My ability to put rounds on target fast is dramatically degraded with the shortened grip. For me, it's not worth the trade off for compactness.

***faawrenchbndr*** · 09-18-2012, 18:07

Government grip, Officer's grip & bobtailed Gov all work for me.
Depends on mood & dress as to which works best at that time.

FLSlim · 09-20-2012, 08:57

I agree with several others, it depends on your carry rig, dress, and probably your build. I find the shorter frame a slight bit easier to conceal, but what I really like for carry is the LW model (for me it is the CCO).

Bruce Foreman · 09-28-2012, 17:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by faawrenchbndr

Holsters play a LARGE part in concealing the desired firearm, quite
possibly more than the grip length of said firearm.

DEFINITELY!

One of the best IWB holsters I've found is Don Hume's PCCH (stands for "Preferred Concealed Carry Holster"), not really pricey but well built. He uses slightly thinner but firm leather and these are very comfortable.

I carry Glocks and Colt Commanders in appropriate models.