Which 45 for Carry

EagleScout

Well-Known Fanatic
Joined
Jan 9, 2011
Messages
71
Location
Tusla, OK
I have decided to move up from 9. I want something with a .4 in front of it and just seems to make sense to go to 45. I am used to carrying iwb but I know I need a better belt.

1911's are calling my name but I really do not have the cash to drop on a Kimber. I have a Kimber appetite and RIA budget.

But if I sold my AR and my current carry I could swing something nice.

So now I am debating 1911 or Glock.

On the 1911 side how is carrying a full size? Should I stay away from 3.5 inch barrels?

On the Glock side I am thinking glock 30sf

Any other suggestions?

Things to think about?

Brands to stay away from?
 
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Man I've carried both glock and 1911 and the 191- turned out to be a little easier to carry. It was a springfield champion operator lightweight 4" . But now I carry a g17c it's bigger and bulkier but I could care less if I sweat on it or scratch it . The springer may be a little cheaper to buy and in my opinion it performs as well as any of the lumbers I've shot.
 
I have two stainless Kimber 1911's in 45 ACP that I use as carry guns, 3" ultra carry compact and 4" pro carry compact. If I could only have one it would be the pro carry as the 4" is much easier to shoot and almost no downside for size or weight over the 3". Speaking of weight the weapon is very light until................ you put 7 rounds in the mag and one in the pipe but so was my XD40 compact. The major reasons I chose a 1911 is, it fits my hand, no pinky finger looking for a place to hold on to, the manual safety and the slim profile which makes carrying easy. I have carried Glocks and XD's before but still comeback to the 1911.

Wes
 
Really depends on how big a boy are ya? I know a mess of folks including me that can hide a full size 1911 and it's pretty easy as they are what I would call kinda flat, the only thing I had against carrying the 1911 was it's like they have a soul and you get attached, the Glock on the other hand is just a tool that goes boom if that makes any sense at all? but then I'm a touch off LOL

I've gone to the G23 yep it's a 40SW but after many hours of searching and digging for statistics and what not would be the best carry pistol for me it ended up being the G23 and so far in several years it been good to me. Did I help muddy the waters a little? best of luck to you in your search and we'll need to see pictures of your new girl when you get her. Later,

Kirk
 
I carry a full size 1911 in a Milt Sparks Summer Special IWB holster. It is fairly easy to conceal and I am comfortable carrying it. The Glock is too thick and bulky and just does not carry well for me. The M&P seems to be thin enough to be a good alternative but I have not tried to carry one concealed.
 
Thanks for all of the replies so far. My wife just did not understand why the decison was so hard...Then I explained its like buying a purse and shoes...Now she understands..LOL
 
The commander is a great carry...folks that are a little thinner around the waiste line may find it hard to conceal in summer months.
Kahr makes a great alternative in .40.
 
1911 pattern pistols have the advantage of slimness throught the frame. Years ago that was a great thing when you compared a 6 shot DA revolver against them.

Even a 5 inch full sized gun is easy enough for the average sized guy to carry, I did for a long time... but a Govt model tends to set off my siatica when I sit with it for any lenght of time... the Commanders are a little shorter and don't hit the trouble spot.

I've been enamored with the Officers models... but never bought one, as I've figured they are rather hard to shoot well compared to the bigger framed guns. As it's been oft noted...the shorter you build a 1911 the more complicate it is to get it to work correctly, but it appears the current crop is pretty reliable.

The 1911 will always be among my go-to carry guns. But I have been trying a Glock 19... double the ammo in a Commander- sized package the weighs less? Yea... I'm starting to like it. I dont think it's much thicker that a 1911... and it "goes away" when worn in a good IWB holster. If I warm up to the Glock system I may even aqquire a .40SW-G23 for the ballistic improvment one gets in a light 10 mm when its compared to the 9x19.
 
That is a tough question because it really depends on what you are comfortable with and get used to. I have no issues carrying a G21 IWB at 4:00. With a polo shirt and I dont print. I need to lose some weight, but I am 5-11 at 195. I wish I had the money to purchase multiple .45's, but for now the Glock will do fine.
 
When I carry a .45, I have an H&K USPc. 8+ 1in the gun and 2 x 10 on the belt. The finish is specifically designed to be abused and sweated on so I don't have to worry about it.

Lately, its been the H&K P30 9mm since I don't like the light set up on the USPc but carry the gun with a TLR-1 attached. The 9 vs 45 argument is interesting, but I really like the gun. Haven't shot the .40 version yet, but do know that there is an Austrian firm making .357SIG barrels for the .40 P30. .357SIG intrigues me right now.

I used to carry a 1911 in condition 1 but some of the civil cases started to bother me a little. And I am much more concerned about a civil liability trial with 12 of my "peers". The 1911 is a good gun and there are still several in my safe.
 
the 1911 turned out to be a little easier to carry.
but still comeback to the 1911.
I would go with a commander size 1911
The 1911 commander is just about perfect. Several brands that should fit your budget

I see a trend starting to appear

2011-10-31_23-25-01_802.jpg
 
A Beretta PX-4 Storm in .45 is worth looking into. I carry the 9mm one sometimes in a Crossbreed Supertuck in the winter and its not too hard if you are a little on the heavy side! You need a good belt and it is comfortable to carry IWB. I am thinking on upgrading to the .45 Storm myself, just waiting for a good deal on one.
 
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