[CHLChris]

I recently bought a Springfield Armory Loaded Government-size 1911. I've definitely drunk the Kool-Aid on 1911's and the .45acp round and I'd love to get a smaller 1911 to carry.

There is no BEST size to carry. Since most 1911 have roughly the same grip shape (though the smaller ones have a shorter grip length), I would think the only main differences would be how one feels about a long barrel.

What are your thoughts about the best size for you? What do you carry now?

[CA357]

FWIW, I can't carry here in the formerly Golden State, so I don't have any practical experience carrying a 1911.

I've owned four full size and one Commander length 1911. That inch in barrel length doesn't seem like much of a difference to me, but I would opt for the Commander length.

When I worked at the gun shop, I carried an SP101 in a Bianchi slide holster. I also carried a Colt Pocketlite in the back pocket of my jeans without a holster or a CZ82 also in the back pocket of my jeans. I didn't care for the Bianchi, so I carried the Ruger in my back pocket as well.

I'm not very tall, so a high rise concealment holster puts the butt of a handgun uncomfortably high for me.

Your body shape and height are also factors to be considered in where and how you carry as well as what you carry.

I dunno if this helps, but it's what I've got.

[lonyaeger]

My carry 1911 is based on an Officer's frame with a Commander-length slide and that works out perfectly for me and my average height and build.

[JonM]

i had to vote for defender and full size. winter time here allows easy full size carry summer demands small pattern 1911. with the change in governors here in wi we will have legal ccw soon. my daily carry will be colt series 70 and colt new agent. back in texas my carry pieces were sig p220 and para-ordanace p10. back when tejas got ccw i was one of the first folks through the then new ccw courses there werent many if any handguns designed arround ccw.

one of the things to wrry about in ccw is parts sticking on clothing. the main problem of ccw are the sights most ccw guns use low profile novak sights or in the case of the new agent a trench sight.

[mesinge2]

I agree with lonyaeger , I believe the best model is the DW CCO or the SIG version of it. It has the abbreviated Officer's frame and a Commander's 4.25" Slide. I feel it is the best combination of shootability, reliability, and concealment.

That's said I most often carry my Colt Defender followed closely by my Colt Combat Elite:

Attachment 21198

[dunerunner]

Voted for the Government because that is what I am familiar with and carry. In winter it is in my shoulder rig, in summer IWB.

[IGETEVEN]

Full Gov carry, either concealed, OWB, drop holster or backpack.

[DrumJunkie]

I personally don't see much difference carrying a full size or Commander length 1911. I use them both many times in the same rigs. if the 3" is your cup of tea then by all means get one. I thought about getting one of the Para Companions a while back. Still might at some point but I can stick with what I have and feel just fine.

[NGIB]

I do carry a 1911 some in the cold weather months and my preference is an alloy frame 4 inch model. It's a tad lighter but still has the 1911 feel. I shy away from the micro-barrel guns myself. I bought this Springer Loaded just for the winter carry option...

[kenhesr]

I gotta go with the Govt. It rides in my leather briefcase most of the time so size is not a problem and I always carry my briefcase!

I have been known to carry my Berreta Minx in an ankle holster on very rare occasions, but thats off topic.



My old Springer has a ton of miles on it, starting to look a little rough, but then again so am I. Wouldn't trade her for anything!