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I want to know if there is an issue with carrying a full size 1911 as opposed to the 4inch or 4.25 inch versions. I don't have the option to test them so I wanted to get a consensus to see if the full size was indeed more difficult to conceal.
I have read that a lot of people find the 4 inch barrel to be a solid blend of size and accuracy. But my question has nothing to do with accuracy, simply the ability not only to conceal well but also Carry comfortably every day. Thanks in advance
My pick is the one I use daily, A Kimber Ultra Ten II, 3.1" barrel and it fits anywhere. Ten + one rounds of .45 acp mean you never hafta feel you're sorry for not killing a scumbag criminal.
I often carry a Kimber Compact Stainless (4") IWB at 0330, and find it's no problem to bend at the waist or sit with the 4" barrel... but I'm only 5'8"...dripping wet. Taller guys most likely can easily carry 5" barrels IWB. For general S/D considerations, I really see no advantage of the longer barrel anyway.
surv
I am torn on voting for this one.
I regularly carry a 5" 1911 in various ways, so I'd say its fine. But I'm 6'5" 295 lbs and I could probably wear 4 or 5 of them and no one would notice.
Realistically, 4" is a great choice, for the points that you stated. Just don't get a 3".
Then again, I have a man crush on John Browning, so I think its fundamentally wrong to not have a full size, mil-spec 1911 in your arsenal. I'm fortunate enough to have a few fine examples of each in my cabinet.
What did you have in mind for a gun?
I've carried both.
As a small female I can say that it's possible and while I didn't find the 5" to be uncomfortable I did have a problem drawing it as quickly as I could my 4".
I find the 4" to be just about perfect though.
This is my Dilemna. It seems sacrilegious to buy a 1911 and have it not be full size. I have a 3.5in Citadel for carry but I always wanted a stainless 1911 and was looking at the Springfield Loaded vs Champion. I want the full size initially but I may carry it from time to time. It may or may not be an every day carry item, but nonetheless, I need to determine if a full size would be comfortable or if I should just go with the 4in. Tough Decision.Quote:
Originally Posted by Meplat
My EDC is a 3" SA Micro-Compact but I also have a 4” SA Compact and a 5” Taurus and sometimes carry either one depending on what I feel like carrying that day. I am 5’ 5” and 175lbs and have no problem with concealing any size of 1911.
None of the above.
4 1/4" is the best CCW size and they only true Commander size.
I have a 4.25" GSR RCS 1911 and it works fine. I just aquired a
Kimber 3" 1911 CDP ultra Carry II custom shop. It is easier to carry and feeds perfect. I hear ppl say 3" 1911 won't feed JHP because of the ramp angle, but I haven't any FTF yet. I'm about 200 rds into this firearm. i've used it with FMJ and Golden Sabers.
I'd have more faith in a 3" Kimber than some of the other ones...
All of my 1911s are 4"- 4 1/4". :wink:
I'll carry nothing less than the 5" due to reliability. Carries just as easily as a shorter model. Also no FL guide rods or dual spring set up's. KISS for me.
I chose 5 inch only because thats what I have.
I've never had too much trouble carrying full sized guns.
5in is fine - length in a 1911 is not an issue.