I am thinking of carrying a 1911 Commander length LB instead of my G-19

I currently have a Lou Allessi CQC-S for my G-19 and I am thinking the same setup for a 1911 should work.

What say you that carry or have carried a 1911?

Too heavy to bulky, or should I just stick with the G-19?

Thanks,

I carried a Commander sized 1911 for many years when I was younger. I still carry my Sig C3 occasionally and it's not as bad as you might think, especially with the alloy frame. The main thing is to get the right holster that distributes the weight properly. The fact that 1911's are so narrow makes concealment easy.

Jim

I agree with jimbo54. I've been carrying my commander sized 1911 for a few years now and its very easy given the fact I have a good quality holster and belt.

It's subjective. (I'm older) I carry an all stainless 3" 1911 or a 4" stainless/alloy in iwb holsters. To me, I notice no significant difference in weight or comfort. What I think is not an issue, someone else will swear it won't work for them.

I agree with the idea of using the right holster/belt combination. I sometimes wear suspenders as well.

For me, My favorite OWB for a 1911 of any length is the old Askins Avenger from Bianchi. I don't think it is in production anymore but lots of holster people still make a similar model. IWB is the Milt Sparks Summer Special. I also use a belt slide from International Handgun Leather, available from Dillon.

My Commander (as well as my CCO) is typically carried in either a Milt Sparks Summer Special 2 or Versa Max 2. Very doable. As always, a good belt is key along with a good holster and mag pouches. (I use an A&G Gunleather belt and Milt Sparks S4-C magazine pouches, or sometimes a Magholder horizontal magazine carrier).

My Kimber Pro CDP has been my edc for several years with my 228, C3 and now a 239 filling in occasion when I want a change. I use two of the same style holsters a MS SSII and a Kramer iwb 3, I like the way they present my weapon and a GOOD belt is key, I use a wilderness 5 stitch or a Tucker. No problem at all carrying my 1911 all day.

I have carried a Colt Combat Commander but frankly, I find it or any 1911 sized pistol too big and heavy to comfortably carry concealed.

A SIG P938 in a pocket holster is my choice for EDC and it's easier on clothing. Dressing around a full sized handgun and lugging it around all day has never been my thing.

My commander is my primary ccw. Any of the many quality holsters and quality belts will address any concerns.

Carry my Wilson Combat Professional in a Kirkpatrick IWB holster. I never really notice it or that it weighs me down.

I'm 5'8, 175 and would rather carry a Commander over a G19. The weight doesn't bother me. I like a slim profile gun.

If you go that way, cell phone pouches make good mag pouches.

When I had a Commander length 1911 I seldom carried it. Not because I didn't want to carry it "cocked and locked", but because of the weight of the "all steel" commander. By the end of the day, I always felt like I was "listing to Starboard" due to the weight.

I'm not trying to dissuade you from buying or carrying one, but just letting you know my experience. I carry a Glock 26, Ruger LC9s, or Ruger LCRx most of the time, unless I'm expecting trouble, then I upgrade to a G19 or M11.

I carry either a Glock 19 or a DW CCO 1911 .45ACP... in either Milt Sparks OWB or IWB holsters and belts. Prefer the CCO... same weight but thinner and carries better. Can't go wrong with either pistol in a Milt Sparks.

I carried a full size Gov model for awhile. It was heavy, but thin, so you didn't really notice the weight.

I haven't carried it in awhile, I now carry a single stack 9mm. I am usually wearing gym attire, which won't work with a 1911.

I carry a DW CBOB in a Tucker Gun Leather OWB every day. Its heavy all SS, but skinny and easy to hide. I can shoot it, so I carry it.

RMD

A LW Commander in a Galco Concealable holster is slimmer and more easily concealed than a G19 in the same holster, in part due to the bulge at the back of the G19 where the hammer is supposed to be! In addition, the grip angle is far superior when using a Commander than a Glock, making it easier to draw and re-holster.

The only drawback is the Commander's limited magazine capacity. Seven or eight plus one in the chamber is not as comforting these days as it was in the past. The G19's 16 rounds of +P has its uses, although honestly I'd choose a G23 or G32 for the greater power.

Yooper mentioned the Askins Avenger, a holster I used and was very happy with in my competition days. Galco makes it now, called simply Avenger. I haven't seen any in the flesh, but Galco's quality seems better overall than Bianchi, so I'd grab one if I could.

I carry my Kimber Custom Covert in an Alessi CQC-S with no issues. I'm trying to find something that will fit the Sig C3 properly at present.

I like mine, and usually have it as a night stand gun, as well...

Now, its angels on pins time, but what kind of areas are you in? Most of my life, I just carry a J-frame, and about all I might have to worry about is an incident with a lone addict/nut.

Othertimes, I'm in rough environments, where drug dealers openly hang out, etc.

In that area, I want more capacity, as I think if I have an issue, its likely to involve more than 1 or two assailants.

I carried a 4 inch Springfield in .40 until they let us carry . 45's, then it was a Colt Combat Elite and then the new Colt Competition model with a few Kimber and Springfield models here and there. Carried them for many years until retirement. Now my retirement job makes us carry Glocks(still in. 45). I carry my Colts off duty though. I like steel full size guns and prefer the. 45.

I have smaller and lighter guns that I sometimes carry, I just prefer the 1911.