Compact 1911 options for CCW?

[karlac]

Passed twenty fifty years ago, otherwise I'd Glock up in an instant, but my 1911 muscle memory is strong, effective and don't want to fix what ain't broke at this age. Looking to supplement my old J frame S&W pocket ccw with a compact 1911 (preferably .45, but 9mm, .40 considered).

I'm a big Colt fan, and prefer pocket carry over OWB/IWB, so what am I missing in compact 1911 options in the dying days of 2013, and most importantly, why? Thanks!

 

[Charlie]

I also love Colts. I've been carrying my Colt Defender (3") .45 for at least the last 6 years. I've tried others but I keep going back to the Defender. I carry it almost everyday. Regardless of the internet experts that say it doesn't cycle reliably, mine has never missed a beat. I'm sure there are some out there that don't do well but mine has been great. I think one of the problems people have is "limp wristing" which will not allow it to cycle properly and it's much easier to do on the smaller gun than the full size. An Officer's Model would also be great if you're looking for a little smaller carry gun than the full size. Just my opinion based on my experiences.

 

[stdreb27]

A 1911 is a bit much for pocket carry.
Sig sells a p938 and p238. All the goodies are in the same spot. That you can pocket carry.

 

[karlac]

A 1911 is a bit much for pocket carry.
Sig sells a p938 and p238. All the goodies are in the same spot. That you can pocket carry.

Yep, I do own two Government 1911's, and looking for a "compact" on the same platform. Do you/own shoot one of those Sigs? How do you like it, and why? AAMOF, Sig is on my shortlist so far. As is an SA XD. Thanks!

 

[TundraWookiee]

Yep, I do own two Government 1911's, and looking for a "compact" on the same platform. Do you/own shoot one of those Sigs? How do you like it, and why? AAMOF, Sig is on my shortlist so far. As is an SA XD. Thanks!

I have and carry the P938 and love it. I have heard a few people complain about the trigger on theirs but mine is actually pretty decent.

Another option might be something like a Para Warthog. I know Chuck has one and is able to carry it in his pocket...depends on the size of your pockets.

Sent from Kate Beckinsale's closet.

 

[Charlie]

Yes, the Defender is a bit much for pocket carry, but a good leather IWB or OWB is very nice. I think the Defender only weighs 23 or 24 oz.

 

[Byrd666]

I loved my Springfield EMP in .40.

 

[pawncop]

One additional consideration is the Star PD. Alloy frame. I've owned two over the years, sold my last one in 2002. Solid little 45. Do not see them very often now. Wish I had not sold the last one.

 

[Charlie]

I loved my Springfield EMP in .40.

I'd love to have one of those!

 

[Charlie]

As you stated, if you're a Colt guy, you might want to look at the Colt Mustang (.380 but very small).

 

[TexasRedneck]

The Sig 938 is my pocket carry - it replaced 238's, which replaced the Mustangs. The 238's I sold - the Mustangs ah kept (an' no, they are NOT for sale).

My IWB carry is an STI Elektra. Cabela's carries 'em - and they're well worth considering. I've got several compact 1911's to choose from, and my STI is THE one I tote. 22 oz dry weight, 6 in the mag, one in the chamber.

 

[Byrd666]

That Elextra is one sexy looking pistol. AND an STI to boot, holy (censored).

 

[TexasRedneck]

Mine....

http://mob436.photobucket.com/album...hings that go Bang/Elektra45.jpg?t=1318527579

Schoolmarm's....

http://mob436.photobucket.com/album...ings that go Bang/Elektra9mm.jpg?t=1318529927

 

[cconn]

Another vote for the Colt Defender. I carried mine for years until I changed to an HK45C.
The HK45C uses the same style safety as a 1911, so doesn't require much change in habits, except for the magazine release.

 

[SR9TEX]

I know its not a colt, but a Kimber SOLO would be a great pocket carry option.

 

[stdreb27]

Yep, I do own two Government 1911's, and looking for a "compact" on the same platform. Do you/own shoot one of those Sigs? How do you like it, and why? AAMOF, Sig is on my shortlist so far. As is an SA XD. Thanks!

Those little sigs aren't 1911. I have a 238. And the muscle memory is the same only it's smaller.

But pocket carry kinda bugs me, I have big legs and it's pretty obvious that I have something in my pocket.

 

[GLI45]

That Elextra is one sexy looking pistol. AND an STI to boot, holy (censored).

STI has a number of high quality, excellent 3"-3 1/4" pistols (both 1911s & 2011s) that are worth a look. Most, if not all, are available in 9mm, .40, and .45 and some are available with aluminum alloy frames if weight is a concern.

 

[Whisky]

.
I too prefer "pocket" carry and do so with my sig 938 (mine is an earlier build and I've had trouble with 115gr bullet ejections - sent to sig twice - so I carry with 124gr bullets and haven't had a problem with the heavier rounds - if you consider this pistol, suggest you get one built really really recently)

my Wife uses her sig 238 for nightstand and vehicle duty - a very nice little pistol

Wife and I have the Pink and Black Elektras in 9mm & .45 as mentioned above, and like 'em much - if STI is a consideration for you the "Shadow" weighs about the same as the Elektra but is less expensive and is available in 9, .40 & .45 calibers

 

[Byrd666]

That EMP was an absolute dream to shoot. Light, accurate as all get out at 25+- yards with an average of less than 3", and very surprisingly lighter than expected recoil. I really wish I could afford to replace her.


I've been looking at the STI models for years, just can't afford what I want yet.

 

[karlac]

Based on the recommendations, checked out STI's website and came away impressed. The "Shadow", in particular, looks like what I had in mind to begin with. Looks like a trip up to Cypress or Conroe is in order to do a hands on comparison with the Colt Defender, which I'm still leaning towards.

Appreciate all the input. Made a list of every pistol mentioned above and am definitely going to attempt a hands on with as many of them as possible.