1911

[Papa grumpy]

I'm wanting a full size 1911 for a ED gun, conceal carry. I'm a big guy w/ big hands.
Are aluminum frames ok? Or should I stick too steel? Is a stainless steel slide ok or is black better?
Thanks y'all

 

[mappow]

1911 Springfield Armory MIL-SPEC is what I CC/OC. I'm have a bit girth, OK more just a bit, but it works for me. I would not, IMHO, have any shinny thing that is visible or eye catching in dark circumstances. Yes, they look pretty, some really marvel in bling, but a standard parkerized or fully blued would be MY suggestion. Others on this site my differ.

Welcome and NEVER leave home without it!

 

[S&W645]

I'd go with an all stainless or stainless and alloy. In EDC, I tend to rust blued/parkerized guns. I've carried a Taurus PT-1911 in both finishes and currently carry a Sig C3 Revolution. BUG is an all stainless S&W 4006 in .40S&W. A Cerakoted/Nitron coated all stainless would be even better.

 

[mappow]

I'd go with an all stainless or stainless and alloy. In EDC, I tend to rust blued/parkerized guns. I've carried a Taurus PT-1911 in both finishes and currently carry a Sig C3 Revolution. BUG is an all stainless S&W 4006 in .40S&W. A Cerakoted/Nitron coated all stainless would be even better.

You're not worried about the shine of SS? I only ask that in that .003 seconds if the BG sees a flash of steel if gives him an understanding that a BANG is shortly to follow. I,IMHO, would have him FEEL that a BANG just happened.

 

[S&W645]

You're not worried about the shine of SS? I only ask that in that .003 seconds if the BG sees a flash of steel if gives him an understanding that a BANG is shortly to follow. I,IMHO, would have him FEEL that a BANG just happened.

Nope as it might just be the last thing they ever see. Bead blasted stainless is about as reflective as oiled parkerizing.

 

[NCIC105]

I carry stainless (most of the time) for the same reason as S&W645....It is a matte finish so unless a direct light hits it, there is no shine...

 

[mappow]

K guys. Not saying I would CC/OC one but not saying all that do like SS is wrong. Carry what you want, but please just carry. GOD bless!

 

[SmithKoWitz]

Are aluminum frames ok? Or should I stick too steel? Is a stainless steel slide ok or is black better?

Personally, I prefer all steel firearms. I have an S&W 1911 E SC with a 4 1/4" barrel, the frame is Scandium. It weighs 29.6 ounces. I also have a RIA (Rock Island Armory) 3.5" barrel 1911 (steel frame), it weighs 34.5 ounces. The RIA is much more pleasurable regarding the felt recoil. I've also shot a Kimber PRO 4" barrel (steel frame) and Springfield 5" barrel (steel frame). The steel guns are more pleasurable to shoot, because they weigh more. The S&W isn't unbearable, but it certainly transfers more recoil. A replacement grip by Pachmayr or Hogue made of recoil absorbing rubber would help with recoil on the lighter alloy frame firearms (if it's an issue). The best thing you could do, go to a range where you can rent them and see the difference. Who knows, it may not matter to you. As for color, I prefer all black, but my S&W has the satin finish stainless slide (wanted black, out of stock at the time). All black is more stealth and better for carry. I bought the S&W because it has the bobbed heel, more comfortable to hold and having a 3/4" shorter barrel over a full size, it is easier to conceal carry. I personally do not find it a problem carrying 34 to 42 ounces (loaded weight) around all day, even using an IWB holster.

 

[NotTwoShure]

Kimber CDP II from the custom shop for carry. Shoot what you carry often. The CDP II (I sold mine, cheaper than a divorce) is light and accurate. The CDP II comes in all sizes. I like the Eclipse stainless. The best groups I have shot have been with Kimbers. Go to the Kimber site and see what they have. The Ultra Carry I have is over ten years old and the gunsmith I visit checked it out last month and said a slight wear is present but not to worry. The Custom I have is a stout piece and I have yet to notice rust, but this is Arizona.

 

[gunnersmith]

Been carrying an all stainless steel full size 1911in 45 acp for close to 20 years. It is my edc and IDPA competition pistol. Stainless is the ONLY way to go. Easy maintenance & cleaning. No worries of rusting, it does require minimal maintenance to prevent rusting. No real finish wear problems to speak of, minor holster wear is unavoidable. I would suggest looking at a Dan Wesson only production 1911 with NO M.I.M. parts. Then Springfield Armory Loaded, they do have M.I.M. small parts but good regardless. The Loaded versions have improvements that you WILL want after you start carrying and shooting a 1911. The Loadeds are the best bang for your money. While I carry a full size 1911, I also own,carry, & compete with a S/A Champion Loaded SS. My full size is a full blown custom 1911built to my specs. Oh yeah I'm 5'-8" & 250#, and have no issues concealing with an IWB holster, which is the best way to carry. For more 1911 carry info check out the 1911forum.com

 

[Kramer1113]

I'm 6'1" 270lbs and carry a full size 1911 with a Kholster In the waste band Holster.
I love my Ruger SR1911. She is beautiful and shoots far better than anything I have ever shot including my old Colt 1911 Service weapon.
I would recommend one to anybody wanting to get into the 1911 world. Ruger did a nice job on this gun. Their research was spot on. Everything you want in a 1911, and nothing you don't want.
Get a really good belt, drop the holster down to where the Kydex sits just above the belt line and your full size 1911 will ride like she's not even there.
You'll feel the weight but the gun just does not move.

 

[S&W645]

Personally, I prefer all steel firearms. I have an S&W 1911 E SC with a 4 1/4" barrel, the frame is Scandium. It weighs 29.6 ounces. I also have a RIA (Rock Island Armory) 3.5" barrel 1911 (steel frame), it weighs 34.5 ounces. The RIA is much more pleasurable regarding the felt recoil. I've also shot a Kimber PRO 4" barrel (steel frame) and Springfield 5" barrel (steel frame). The steel guns are more pleasurable to shoot, because they weigh more. The S&W isn't unbearable, but it certainly transfers more recoil. A replacement grip by Pachmayr or Hogue made of recoil absorbing rubber would help with recoil on the lighter alloy frame firearms (if it's an issue). The best thing you could do, go to a range where you can rent them and see the difference. Who knows, it may not matter to you. As for color, I prefer all black, but my S&W has the satin finish stainless slide (wanted black, out of stock at the time). All black is more stealth and better for carry. I bought the S&W because it has the bobbed heel, more comfortable to hold and having a 3/4" shorter barrel over a full size, it is easier to conceal carry. I personally do not find it a problem carrying 34 to 42 ounces (loaded weight) around all day, even using an IWB holster.

It is kind of amazing how the RIA M1911A1 CS feels stone stock. Took mine to the range last Monday. While I don't care for the slick grips, it isn't something I can't handle. I will say that none of my 1911s that I carry have stayed stock long. Hogue wraparound the front grips are one of the first things installed. Second is a Smith & Alexander arched MSH and magwell guide. As you said, go to a range and try out what you can. And if you ask, some owners will let you try theirs to get another 1911 fan.

As for your S&W 1911 E SC, it just about matches my Sig C3 Revolution. The Hogue grips and arched MSH/magwell guide tamed it right down.

 

[SmithKoWitz]

As for your S&W 1911 E SC, it just about matches my Sig C3 Revolution. The Hogue grips and arched MSH/magwell guide tamed it right down.

Actually I do not have Hogue wrap around grips on my S&W1911E SC, but I do have them on the RIA 1911. The alligator skin style grips on the S&W work well, but it does bite a bit being lightweight. I really like the grips though, so I am not about to change them out. Hogue or Pachmayr grips do a good job though, I have a Hogue Tamer pistol grip on my Mossberg 12 gauge breacher, works like a dream. I'm a middleweight (in boxer terminology) 5'9" 160.

 

[Papa grumpy]

I decided on a Kimber & I'm leaning toward a Custom CDP2. 5" barrel. Aluminum frame & stainless slide. Does the ss matter for a normal use & will the aluminum hold up too lots of use. I want it for my main gun. Other pistol is a Super blackhawk .44 mag 7.5" a little large too carry. My Bersa .380 I gave too my wife. Too small for my hand

 

[NotTwoShure]

I decided on a Kimber & I'm leaning toward a Custom CDP2. 5" barrel. Aluminum frame & stainless slide. Does the ss matter for a normal use & will the aluminum hold up too lots of use. I want it for my main gun. Other pistol is a Super blackhawk .44 mag 7.5" a little large too carry. My Bersa .380 I gave too my wife. Too small for my hand

No issues noted with Ultra Carry. It be a work horse.

 

[Ringo]

Actually I do not have Hogue wrap around grips on my S&W1911E SC

Try 'em you'll like 'em.

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[escapedthematrix]

Been carrying an all stainless steel full size 1911in 45 acp for close to 20 years. It is my edc and IDPA competition pistol. Stainless is the ONLY way to go. Easy maintenance & cleaning. No worries of rusting, it does require minimal maintenance to prevent rusting. No real finish wear problems to speak of, minor holster wear is unavoidable. I would suggest looking at a Dan Wesson only production 1911 with NO M.I.M. parts. Then Springfield Armory Loaded, they do have M.I.M. small parts but good regardless. The Loaded versions have improvements that you WILL want after you start carrying and shooting a 1911. The Loadeds are the best bang for your money. While I carry a full size 1911, I also own,carry, & compete with a S/A Champion Loaded SS. My full size is a full blown custom 1911built to my specs. Oh yeah I'm 5'-8" & 250#, and have no issues concealing with an IWB holster, which is the best way to carry. For more 1911 carry info check out the 1911forum.com

I carry a springfield loaded in Black Stainless. I love it. I never was worried about the reflective properties of ss in a cc weapon as it is concealed. And you are correct that it does have the upgrades that you would want to add. 1911 platform is perfect for concealed carry imo (with a good holster and belt): thin profile, full size, accurate, and heavy.... run out of bullets and you can throw it at your attacker's head and knock them out, worst case....

 

[S&W645]

Try 'em you'll like 'em.

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And my Sig C3 as modified.Link Removed

 

[SmithKoWitz]

Yep, those are the same Hogue grips; they're awesome. Here they are on my RIA Tactical.
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As for Papa Grumpy picking a Kimber full size sounds good to me. I've heard the Ultra size (3" barrel) Kimber's sometimes have feed issues. I had a RaptorII Pro (4" barrel) and never had an issue with it. I like Kimber, Smith &Wesson, Springfield Armory . . and Rock Island.

 

[NotTwoShure]

Yep, those are the same Hogue grips; they're awesome. Here they are on my RIA Tactical.
Link Removed


As for Papa Grumpy picking a Kimber full size sounds good to me. I've heard the Ultra size (3" barrel) Kimber's sometimes have feed issues. I had a RaptorII Pro (4" barrel) and never had an issue with it. I like Kimber, Smith &Wesson, Springfield Armory . . and Rock Island.

Not an issue with my Ultra, feeds great all JHP that I have bought or loaded.