Best 1911 for CCW?

[ACfixer]

Originally Posted by bk23103

My Kimber Ultra CDP II, works great for carry but only when it works. It's accurate, lightweight, and concealable. But stovepipes a lot.

Trade that Ultra for a Pro. The 4" Kimber runs fantastic, I have a Raptor II Pro and it hasn't jammed yet and I feed it all kinds of garbage ammo.

My buddy has an Ultra, same thing as yours, jamomatic. If you want a shorter 1911 my Colt Officers 3.5" works great but they're kind of hard to find. But when I carry a 1911 it's generally my Raptor II.

[TTT]

Originally Posted by TrailerparkTrash

Don?t hate. You need a hug or sumth?n?

Hating Glock fanbois is a very noble calling.

[XDJYo]

Originally Posted by 223556

I vote Springfield EMP series.

If you're resigned to a smaller 1911 style gun, this is an excellent choice. It was designed specifically for 9mm, so it's not a 45 ACP design compromise.

I rented one once and was really surprised at how well it shot. It got back on target very quickly. Very easy to shoot fast and accurately with it. Plus, you carry the max 10+1 capacity allowed in this crap hole of a state.


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[kcstott]

I'm qualified with a full size SA 1911A1 loaded stainless.

[kcstott]

Originally Posted by bk23103

My Kimber Ultra CDP II, works great for carry but only when it works. It's accurate, lightweight, and concealable. But stovepipes a lot.

Wrong ammo or wrong recoil spring. Stovepipes on 1911 is indicative of three things
1. New gun or otherwise tight slide fit.
2. Weak recoil spring
3. Weak ammo.

[ACfixer]

Originally Posted by kcstott

Wrong ammo or wrong recoil spring. Stovepipes on 1911 is indicative of three things
1. New gun or otherwise tight slide fit.
2. Weak recoil spring
3. Weak ammo.

4. It's a 3" Kimber Ultra.

Buddy's has been back to Kimber 3 or 4 times. Still stovepipes. Your first three remedies have been tried and tried again ad infinitum.

BIL's went back to Kimber twice, he tried all that stuff too and just got fed up and traded it in.

I do have a good friend with a Colt Defender, I've shot it and it's always ran well and he says no issues. So I don't know if it's Kimber or just the 3" architecture

[D.A.V.I.D.]

Originally Posted by XDJYo

Ouch! Brutal, but to be honest kinda funny! I'll have to save that one for future use!!!

OP-It says you're in the East Bay. If you're applying via CoCoCo Sheriffs dept, they do not allow 1911s for carry. But, if you're applying thru Concord PD, I believe they don't have that restriction. Check out the Concord CCW thread though for specifics.

I'm a die-hard 1911 lover. I carried at home in kydex OWB and a leather Milt Sparks Summer Special IWB. VERY comfortable either way. You do have to dress for it however. Also, it depends on HOW you will CCW. What do you do during the day? Office work? Outdoors? Driving? All of those factors will go into your decision as not every gun is appropriate for every situation.

what is their reasoning? I'm glad I live in a county that gives zero ****s about what you carry. Every pistol I own is on my ccw just because.

[XDJYo]

Originally Posted by D.A.V.I.D.

what is their reasoning? I'm glad I live in a county that gives zero ****s about what you carry. Every pistol I own is on my ccw just because.

They restrict 1911's because they can. CoCoCo Sheriff didn't make it a practice to issue CCWs prior to the NYSRPA v Bruen ruling to the commoner and is now only very hesitantly issuing CCWs and this after about a 9-10 month wait after initial application.

As far as I know, if you apply thru Concord PD, they have no such restrictions. Concord on the other hand, is roughly 2 mos or so.

Back on topic to this thread (there are 2 pretty active/lengthy threads in the CCW forum for CoCoCo and for Concord PD.

The best 1911 is one that is dead-nuts reliable. I'd shoot at least 100 if not more (depending on your budget) of your chosen defensive rounds in your chosen defensive mags. It is one that you shoot quickly and accurately. It is one you practice and train with. Take it to a few defensive classes if possible. Run it hard and run it often.

[dobek]

I carry full size Colt Combat Elite every day in a Galco V-Hawk leather IWB holster - good belt - very comfortable - narrow so conceals well -

Pictured during winter (jacket conceal) - summer Hawaiian Type camp shirt.

I'm 6' 250# -

Steve

https://imgur.com/a/fINUgUm

[SilveradoColt21]

I know it's been talked about plenty of times but do you guys suggest carrying a "cheap" gun for CCW? Like a Shield or on Roster Glock which range from 400-600 bucks or does anything go like say a way more expensive Colt that ranges from 2k-3k and why?

[dobek]

Originally Posted by SilveradoColt21

I know it's been talked about plenty of times but do you guys suggest carrying a "cheap" gun for CCW? Like a Shield or on Roster Glock which range from 400-600 bucks or does anything go like say a way more expensive Colt that ranges from 2k-3k and why?

I want something that I KNOW will go bang - so then it comes down to confidence in the weapon. I personally HATE glocks, but I respect the fact that they go bang everytime.

More importantly - I want a gun that I know without thinking. I compete (IDPA) with a 1911 - so my grip feels the same, the safety is the same, the point of aim is the same, and I can confidently identify and clear a malfunction without stopping, looking at the gun, and wondering "why didn't it go bang"

So pick a gun YOU have confidence in, and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE with it until it becomes automatic

Steve

[XDJYo]

Originally Posted by dobek

I want something that I KNOW will go bang - so then it comes down to confidence in the weapon. I personally HATE glocks, but I respect the fact that they go bang everytime.

More importantly - I want a gun that I know without thinking. I compete (IDPA) with a 1911 - so my grip feels the same, the safety is the same, the point of aim is the same, and I can confidently identify and clear a malfunction without stopping, looking at the gun, and wondering "why didn't it go bang"

So pick a gun YOU have confidence in, and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE with it until it becomes automatic

Steve

You can pickup a Springfield Armory 1911 Milspec or Loaded for $1k or under. They can be 100% reliable out of the box. If you already compete with a 1911, then you probably already have holsters, mags and mag pouches. Probably not CCW ready, but you're familiar with it and the feel.

As a side note-my Gen 4 G19 was the absolute worst gun we had with JHP. We also had a Sig SP2022, SA Loaded 1911 a Les Baer, Shield 9mm, 2 XD45s and 1 XD9. All have been 100% aside from my Les Baer which once fixed, has been 100% over thousands of rounds.

[SilveradoColt21]

Originally Posted by dobek

I want something that I KNOW will go bang - so then it comes down to confidence in the weapon. I personally HATE glocks, but I respect the fact that they go bang everytime.

More importantly - I want a gun that I know without thinking. I compete (IDPA) with a 1911 - so my grip feels the same, the safety is the same, the point of aim is the same, and I can confidently identify and clear a malfunction without stopping, looking at the gun, and wondering "why didn't it go bang"

So pick a gun YOU have confidence in, and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE with it until it becomes automatic

Steve

Can't really say that Glocks are my forte either, A Colt 1911 it is then.

[Ari_d_sparki]

I shoot 1911s well.
A 1970s LWC was recently returned to me. It is very accurate but the recoil sucks. I just ordered an EFK ported barrel for it in hopes that it will make it comfortable to shoot.
I also have an EMP4 that is as accurate as it is easy to shoot. It is my favorite of all handguns for target shooting. Just dreamy.

However, when it comes to actually carrying a firearm, I stick to striker fired or concealed hammer firearms. An LCP, S&W 442, P365 or G27 usually end up with me for the day.
The reason being that an exposed hammer will create more openings for dust, dirt and other obstructions to render the firearm inoperable. It will also create something for your clothing to snag on.

[losangeleno]

none.

[stormvet]

I carried 1911s for over a decade everyday, full size, Commander and sub-compact tried them all.

For everyday carry, I find the Commander size to be perfect. I carried them IWB with an open top Mitch Rosen holster mostly at 0300-0330. A full length barrel would dig into the seat while driving, but not the slightly shorter Commander barrel.

The 3-3.5” guns really were not any more comfortable to carry for me, it can also be challenging to find one that is reliable enough for carry. Add in the one less round capacity and harder to shoot well and it’s just not worth the trade off.

The two 1911s I carried the most were a Ed Brown SF carry 4.25” and a Kimber CDP Pro 4”. Owned them both for a very long time, the Kimber 22 years. Both are lights out reliable and great shooters, the Kimber is a little lighter with an alloy frame.

But now a days, yeah I carry a Glock most the time.

[L-2]

My opinions, which aren't set in stone.
First of all, I generally do what Post_13 says to do (carry a G19).

More Info.
I like my 1911s, and sometimes will carry one.
All are currently steel-framed 5" models.
I had a three 4.25" "Commander" sized 1911s but my particular examples were unreliable; two Colts, one Ruger. It wasn't because of the size, just my specific guns/models and my bad luck. Otherwise, I really liked the size, but the 3/4" difference is slide length was really minor.

Whichever 1911 you get, I recommend having at (at least) two as any 1911 can have something break which can require much time to get fixed. If the two you do get have some interchangeability of parts (such as being identical models) that may help if the parts don't need specific fitting to that gun.
(I don't mean having a 9mm EMP Springfield with a full-size Kimber Custom TLE II, as I don't think any parts are common or interchange.)

Having some spare parts on-hand can only be of benefit, too. My most broken parts are probably slide-stops and extractors, but I've had and seen other parts break on 1911s.

CA's Roster wasn't mentioned so take that into consideration, regarding cost, availability, and the maker not being able to replace a frame if ever necessary. There aren't many 1911 types in 9mm on the Roster, fyi.

On a related note and asked, I don't worry about my gun's value as to what I carry. All my 1911s were well over $1000, with some would now cost in the $3,000 range if I needed to replace. To some extent, I believe the semi-custom models are worth it for the specific gun being test-fired and hopefully any hand-fitting done if required.

Regardless of price, I don't think any of my 1911s were 100% during their first few hundred rounds until break-in, with some needing to go back to the factory for warranty-work. Later, all my 1911s needed some fixing, but I shot them a lot (~20K rounds through each one, on the average). My 1911s were all .45ACP, btw.

I don't have experience with every brand of 1911 which might be considered. Perhaps, for the OP, once things are narrowed down, come back with specific makes & models for our opinions.

Note.
Any 1911 may or may not shoot 100% during its last 100 rounds of during a 300 round break in. If that's good enough, then fine.

Next a person might qualify with it for the CCW permit, another ~30 rounds or so. Then maybe shoot 100 rounds/year for the next 2 years until CCW re-qualification.

Others might put 500 rounds/week through that one gun and during a year of that, some things will wear out or break. Some folks might be able to repair the gun themselves (one week to get the parts); some companies service departments (like Springfield) will take six weeks to have the gun sent to them and back to the owner. Some more expensive makes & models might take more or less time in turning around a repair.

Higher-end with on-Roster models might be:
https://lesbaer.com/
https://www.wilsoncombat.com/

With some middle of the road average production brands being:
https://www.kimberamerica.com/
https://www.springfield-armory.com/

If Rock Island Armory is the choice:
https://www.armscor.com/
That's fine, but again, highly consider owning two, so maybe one RIA and one Kimber, for instance.

[SilveradoColt21]

Originally Posted by L-2

My opinions, which aren't set in stone.
First of all, I generally do what Post_13 says to do (carry a G19).

More Info.
I like my 1911s, and sometimes will carry one.
All are currently steel-framed 5" models.
I had a three 4.25" "Commander" sized 1911s but my particular examples were unreliable; two Colts, one Ruger. It wasn't because of the size, just my specific guns/models and my bad luck. Otherwise, I really liked the size, but the 3/4" difference is slide length was really minor.

Whichever 1911 you get, I recommend having at (at least) two as any 1911 can have something break which can require much time to get fixed. If the two you do get have some interchangeability of parts (such as being identical models) that may help if the parts don't need specific fitting to that gun.
(I don't mean having a 9mm EMP Springfield with a full-size Kimber Custom TLE II, as I don't think any parts are common or interchange.)

Having some spare parts on-hand can only be of benefit, too. My most broken parts are probably slide-stops and extractors, but I've had and seen other parts break on 1911s.

CA's Roster wasn't mentioned so take that into consideration, regarding cost, availability, and the maker not being able to replace a frame if ever necessary. There aren't many 1911 types in 9mm on the Roster, fyi.

On a related note and asked, I don't worry about my gun's value as to what I carry. All my 1911s were well over $1000, with some would now cost in the $3,000 range if I needed to replace. To some extent, I believe the semi-custom models are worth it for the specific gun being test-fired and hopefully any hand-fitting done if required.

Regardless of price, I don't think any of my 1911s were 100% during their first few hundred rounds until break-in, with some needing to go back to the factory for warranty-work. Later, all my 1911s needed some fixing, but I shot them a lot (~20K rounds through each one, on the average). My 1911s were all .45ACP, btw.

I don't have experience with every brand of 1911 which might be considered. Perhaps, for the OP, once things are narrowed down, come back with specific makes & models for our opinions.

Note.
Any 1911 may or may not shoot 100% during its last 100 rounds of during a 300 round break in. If that's good enough, then fine.

Next a person might qualify with it for the CCW permit, another ~30 rounds or so. Then maybe shoot 100 rounds/year for the next 2 years until CCW re-qualification.

Others might put 500 rounds/week through that one gun and during a year of that, some things will wear out or break. Some folks might be able to repair the gun themselves (one week to get the parts); some companies service departments (like Springfield) will take six weeks to have the gun sent to them and back to the owner. Some more expensive makes & models might take more or less time in turning around a repair.

Higher-end with on-Roster models might be:
https://lesbaer.com/
https://www.wilsoncombat.com/

With some middle of the road average production brands being:
https://www.kimberamerica.com/
https://www.springfield-armory.com/

If Rock Island Armory is the choice:
https://www.armscor.com/
That's fine, but again, highly consider owning two, so maybe one RIA and one Kimber, for instance.

Thanks for the reply L-2, this really is helping me narrow down my choices

[sirvimmy]

Personally I'd never choose a 1911 because it has a manual safety and I don't think manual safeties belong on carry guns.

But if I picked one on roster to use.

Springfield EMP in 9mm is what I'd choose. Light weight, smaller than a full size, in 9mm, which I think is the superior ccw caliber against regular situations you would encounter--at least in my area.

I did carry a Springfield loaded in 45 for a little while. Cool gun, but no point in 45 for most applications I'd use it for. And I don't like the weight for the capacity.

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[sirvimmy]

Originally Posted by SilveradoColt21

I know it's been talked about plenty of times but do you guys suggest carrying a "cheap" gun for CCW? Like a Shield or on Roster Glock which range from 400-600 bucks or does anything go like say a way more expensive Colt that ranges from 2k-3k and why?

I think you should spend as much money as you need to to get a reliable gun, in a caliber you can afford to shoot and is acceptable for penetration, and that is durable enough to last a long time (which is pretty much every gun that meets the reliable requirement).

I think those cheap guns can meet all those requirements like a shield, but an expensive gun can too. The likelihood of you ever needing to lose your gun to the cops for evidence is nearly 0% chance, but that's probably what would happen for a good bit of time. The idea of "picking a cheap gun because it's going to get banged up" I think is silly. If the gun has some sentimental value, maybe it is worth choosing something else, but if it's just some gun on roster that you bought for carry, do you really care about it that much?

Personally, I love my carry guns for the wear they get. it tells a story of where I've been, and the time I've spend with it. I think the main attachment id have to a gun that becomes evidence is that I'd want it back because i used it to save my ***, and I'd want it for the sentimental attachment.

Truth be told, I have no idea how I'd actually feel about a gun used in a SD shooting, maybe I'd feel totally the opposite since it could also be a reminder of a scary event. But I'd imagine It would be the former, and not the latter.

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[Teachu2]

About the time I turned 50, I changed from a 1911 to a Glock 30 as my EDC. Since Freedom Week, my G19 with FW mags has assumed the role.
I love my 1911s, my back loves the Glocks.

[Ari_d_sparki]

I hated Glocks until I shot one that had had the trigger guard undercut.
That little modification made them fit my hand beautifully.
I did it to one on my own with a cotton polishing wheel on my Dremel and it really made a difference.
I now own 4 or so.
100% reliable with minor cleaning.
I am not gentle with my working guns so I tend to stay away from 1911s.
That said, a 70's LWC was recently returned to me. Recoil is not fun but I instinctively shoot it well so I may start carrying that on occasion.

[ACfixer]

Originally Posted by stormvet

I carried 1911s for over a decade everyday, full size, Commander and sub-compact tried them all.

For everyday carry, I find the Commander size to be perfect. I carried them IWB with an open top Mitch Rosen holster mostly at 0300-0330. A full length barrel would dig into the seat while driving, but not the slightly shorter Commander barrel.

The 3-3.5? guns really were not any more comfortable to carry for me, it can also be challenging to find one that is reliable enough for carry. Add in the one less round capacity and harder to shoot well and it?s just not worth the trade off.

The two 1911s I carried the most were a Ed Brown SF carry 4.25? and a Kimber CDP Pro 4?. Owned them both for a very long time, the Kimber 22 years. Both are lights out reliable and great shooters, the Kimber is a little lighter with an alloy frame.

But now a days, yeah I carry a Glock most the time.

Good post, and yeah me too.