1911 for Carry & Conceal Class

[thawein1856]

So for x-mas I got a CCW class for my dad and I to go to. (we do x-mas early). While I'm sure that it's almost impossible to actually get the permit in san diego the class should be fun and I'll probably use the certificate to get the Florida/Utah permit. So my question is if I wanted to pick up a 1911 that I could put on the permit as a carry piece what would be a good recommendation? I already have a 5" SA Loaded but would prefer to get something smaller that I don't mind holder wear/marks on.

is a 3" or 4" better? I have larger hands (I had a Ruger LCP and had to use the extended grip mags to fit my hand). I would prefer to stick with a 1911. I reload .45 hence my decision. I'm thinking I would like to spend no more than $750, $800 MAX.

Thanks for the input.

[jrara]

I would go for 4 inch.

I have read that the 3 inchers have some issues because the barrel length is too short to take full advantage of the ballistics of .45

Plus the 4 inch ones have a full grip.

[Heiko]

If you want a full grip then the 4" or 4.25" size 1911s are for you. For your budget you should be able to get a SA Loaded Champion in either the all-steel version or the LW alloy version. Both are somewhat difficult to find depending on your timing and I've seen some variance in pricing. The LW version seems to be more difficult. You can also look at the RIA Tactical in Commander length and perhaps even the SA GI Champion but those might not be as featured as you want. Kimbers would be represented by the Pro Carry II but that might run you over your targeted budget.

If it's intended to be a carry gun and you will actually be carrying it often, you might think about the 7oz weight difference between the all-steel guns and the alloy guns. For me it was a major factor because I carry my 1911 regularly so I figured half a pound in weight would weigh me down, literally and figuratively. Based on your stated circumstances in that you won't be likely to carry it on a regular basis, weight might not be as big a deal to you.

[WebMoskal]

1911PD S&W Scandium lightweight commander.

[Sam]

Make sure you can get a good grip on any smaller carry gun. The 3 inch and 4 inch barrels tend to be a little more finicky but a well made 4 inch gun is possible.

[ChrisO]

I have posted this several times in the last week or so, It is a good read especially if you're going to consider a shorter gun.

http://grayguns.com/physics-and-short-45-caliber-pistols-a-discussion/

I would stick to full size, Commanders still have a full grip and are IMO not much easier to conceal that is if we are talking about a true size commander 4.25. Not much smaller and IMO not worth the difference. A good belt and holster would make more of a difference than the .75.

[rgs1975]

I carry a full size 5". It's not a dream like when I carry the G36 but it's not a problem either. Good belt, good holster, training and familiarizing yourself with the feel of it on and you're good to go.

[bigfrank]

To O/p. You don't need a California CCW or even any other paperwork to get a Utah CCW.

On another note, I carried a Combat Commander back in the day for about a year. It was the only quality handgun I owned at the time. It was heavy and a bit hard to conceal. I ended up carrying it in a Galco fanny pack as that was the best option for me at the time.

[MrOrange]

If you're a big guy and have room to conceal it, I'd say a LW Commander type pistol.

Otherwise the Officer's size would be my choice. Anything smaller and the reliability factor gets too steep for my taste. I used to run a Colt Officer's ACP years ago and other than the recoil spring plug going down-range (Colt design flaw, easily rectified) it was reliable. It can even hide well in a good ankle holster.

Remember, the butt or frame size is the hardest thing to conceal, hence the wisdom of the CCO type thang (Officer's size frame, Commander sized slide for better reliability.) And believe it or not even a 5 oz. weight difference will be noticeable at the end of the day.

[Barkoff]

It's what I chose,

4.5, 30oz S&W PD

[GrizzlyGuy]

I was looking into this a while back and thought this info from m1911.org was useful:

Why are short 1911s considered to be unreliable?

Compact 1911 reliability

[eggfriedrice]

1911PD S&W Scandium lightweight commander.

+1 - IMO excellent gun, lightweight and manageable recoil. Fits really well in my hand and am able to get on target quickly. Pair it with the the Summer Special 2 holster, some people also like the Versa Max.

[MossbergMan]

If you are in the San Diego area, I have a Colt Defender I would be willing to part with. It is nearly new in box with ambi-safety. If interested PM and we can discuss terms and price.

[SheepDogHog]

1911PD S&W Scandium lightweight commander.

Rack another one up for the 1911PD. Pure awesomeness.

[dascoyne]

1911PD S&W Scandium lightweight commander.

^this. Mine is very comfortable to carry and shoot. Duracoated in matte black.