Handgun Weight
 

I am debating between getting a .45 1911 and 9mm XDm. The 1911 weighs 40 oz unloaded. The XDm is 27 ounces unloaded. Will the 1911 be a little too heavy to carry, especially if I am using a belly band holsters instead of a belt holster?

I would probably carry one extra mag, which would mean a total of 27 .45 rounds for the 1911 and 39 9mm rounds for the XDm. Are the extra bullets in the XDm going to make it as heavy as the 1911 anyway?

Lordy, are you intending to stop the zombie apocalypse by yourself? (How you get 27 rounds in 2 1911 mags is beyond me though)

I know many folks that carry steel 1911s with no problem...

there are some light weight frame 1911's out there. some are commander sized or smaller.

45acp:
Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC
Para USA, High-Quality Handguns: Products

even tho this is chambered in inferior 40 and 9mm below is another:
Springfield Armory


there are others out there thats just a few quick searches. i have a new agent colt defender and really like it. very slim and ultra light but with quick follow ups like a full size.

This is an alloy framed Springer (4") that I picked up last month. Lighter and a tad easier to carry...

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/j...IMG_Chpn-X.jpg

My kimber pro carry 2 was 28oz unloaded.

To me, weight is the number one primary consideration for concealed carry. Just the thought of carrying a 40 oz. gun + ammo gives me the heebie jeebies! 'Course I'm in my 60's and usually pack LCP.380 (10 oz.!) or occasionally a very compact 9mm. So if you really got your heart set between those 2 choices I vote HEAVILY in favor of the XDm!

I've worn my 3" Kimber Ultra Carry II in a belly band many times, with no problems. (and it was slimming:D) However if you were to get a full sized STEEL 1911, it MAY be just a tad heavy for the belly band.

My T3 weighs 40 ounces unloaded and it does get heavy. I switch off between it and the LCR when I get the diaper rash.

Also think about double action vs. single action automatics. Some people can't get comfortable with cocked-and-locked status on 1911s. Compare it to a DA/SA like the HK USP or USP-Compact. These (cals 9/40/45acp) guns have a pretty neat decocking lever, setting you up for an immediate DA pull without fooling with a separate external safety.

I carried a 6" Dan Wesson Model 15-2 8 hours a day, for years without a thought about it being "too heavy". I had cuffs, a speedloader with 6 rounds, (Until it broke when I fell on it), a sap, and big pocketknife, a wallet, and car keys with a kubotan fob too. I don't get the "It's too heavy to carry" thinking at all. I could see it if you weigh 100 pounds, but if you're 200+, a pound or so extra is nothing. :confused:

Shields up! Waiting for flaming. :D