Carrying bobtail commander

[44fred]

Before this whole SSE goes away I've been pondering picking up a commander sized bobtail 1911.
I was set to purchase the S&W 1911PC with external extractor and had a set back in my business. Now that things are looking up and seeing the DW stainless commander bobtail on sale at turners, I'm re thinking.
For CCW I want as light as possible so the Smith was at the top of my list. The DW really isn't that much heavier then the Smith. Another choice is the Colt lightweight Commander and then having it bobbed. Rafael has them in stock for less $ so the conversion isn't a cost factor.
Both of these can be had for around $1500 so the pricing isn't an issue.
Any of you carry IWB either of there fine pistols?
My EDC is either a Glock 36 IWB or Smith 340PD pocket carry.
BTW I do have quite a bit of GM1911 time under my belt but zero lightweight or commander size 1911's. I never got used to the Glock trigger after years of carrying them but do tolerate them. I do know muscle memory will have to be re learned but that's ok. I've always shot 1911's much better.

[El Toro]

I only carry officer size but you may want to look at a Kimber Master Carry Pro or Super Carry Pro. I plan to SSE a Kimber Master Ultra Carry 3" but if I was going to carry a commander size it would be one of these.



Love the rounded grip for comfort.

[katokahn99]

The rounded mainspring housing makes a HUGE difference in comfort!

[44fred]

Yes it truly does. That's what I have on my current 1911 that started life as a Springfield 1911A1.
Doesn't help for conceal carry though.

[rankor]

I've carried my DW 1911 CBOB for a number of years when I lived in Texas. It a great blaster, but for me the holster was key. I carried mine in a Milt Sparks Versa Max 2. The price was high and wait long but it was worth it, though.

Nowadays, I carry a GLOCK 26 in a Whitehat BaseMax hybrid holster. If I was going to carry a 1911, it would be a Government-sized one. The 5" model really absorbs the recoil.

[SLO1911Fan]

I was actually looking at the DW Vbob, Kimber Super Carry Pro, and the S&W Bobtail to go on my permit. I wound up with the Kimber because I liked the idea of the steel frame and I found a good deal on a used on. I haven't seen any of the CBOBs that Turners has right now, but I have handled several VBOBs recently and they're awesome. We also brought in a couple of the S&W bobtails for customers and they're impressive as well. The DW might be the better gun, but for $200 less and a lifetime warranty I'm not sure you can go wrong with the S&W either.

[T Mac]

Be sure to shoot both the steel framed 1911 as well as the alloy. While the alloy is lighter, a full steel framed 1911 in Commander length definitely shoots better in my opinion, and it is worth the extra weight. Just my .02...

[Eirerogue]

I carry an Ed Brown Kobra Carry and have looked at the LW Kobra. The LWs are a carry gun and not designed as an everyday shooter. I've decided to stick with my all-steel KC. Carrying is fine and with a good holster/belt combo, the additional weight really isn't a problem.

[Nor*Cal]

The scandium framed S&W 1911PC with the round butt is an amazingly light sidearm. I recently purchased one and absolutely love it. I can't help but to smile every-time I pick it up. And as light as it is, the recoil is very manageable.

Personally, I do not think you could go wrong with the DW or the S&W but if lightweight is the goal, then the scandium framed S&W is your best option.

[akoba]

Go with the scandium frame S&W. I have the 1911PD with factory installed crimson trace laser. It is so light compare to steel frame. The rounded mainspring is a plus 1 for comfort. One thing I hate is the mainspring checkering. It is sharp when new. I use a piece of leather and rubbed it in the checkering until the pointed part is gone. Now it is smooth.

[katokahn99]

Yes it truly does. That's what I have on my current 1911 that started life as a Springfield 1911A1.
Doesn't help for conceal carry though.

Actually, it does a little bit. I've found that lighter shirts don't ride up on the rounded part like they do on the standard grip. Also, with a good holster/belt combo that presses the weapon against the body, it doesn't dig in like the standard, sharp corner of the straight back strap.

I've always shot 1911's much better.

Most people, if they are being truely honest, will admit the same.

[Hanse Davion]

Go big or go home. All in or bust-

[dca965]

Go big or go home. All in or bust-

That's a very fine .45 Sir!

[44fred]

Oh my!
What is that? Looks like a partial bob. Can't remember seeing that mini bob before.
How does it carry and feel when running?

[44fred]

Go with the scandium frame S&W. I have the 1911PD with factory installed crimson trace laser. It is so light compare to steel frame. The rounded mainspring is a plus 1 for comfort. One thing I hate is the mainspring checkering. It is sharp when new. I use a piece of leather and rubbed it in the checkering until the pointed part is gone. Now it is smooth.

My LGS had a couple E Series bobbed Smith commander size 1911's to look at yesterday. With cash in pocket, I chose to wait on the PC model. It's an SSE but that's ok, I'm in no hurry. I'm first on the list when he gets one in ;-)
I fondled the E Series for quite a while and felt the same as you regarding the sharp checkering on the mainspring housing. I'll shoot it a while it see how it goes.
The reviews on these PC 1911's are very good to say the least. They just run and run. I've also dealt with S&W's customer service in the past on a well used 460V. I bought the gun used and it had some issues. I even admitted the previous owner reloaded for it. Over the phone, the tech said something like don't tell us that. I printed the shipping label they emailed me and off it went. 10 days later I had it back, probably better than new!
S&W rocks baby.