1911 CCW help

[moodyamber]

Ok, so I FINALLY have my TX CHL (*happy dance*)and now I'm looking for a good carry weapon.I've been carrying a Norinco 1911A1 .45ACP and I would like to stick with something similar.I really love the 1911A1 and would like to keep my choices limited to that frame model (cant go wrong with a frame thats lasted almost 100 yrs right?) I'm also looking to keep the caliber a .45ACP. I'm looking for something a little more compact than the standard 5" barrel.Basically I'm just looking for a new 1911 that is better suited for concealed carry. (this has been cross-posted in the Women&Guns Forum)

My only stipulation as far as manufacturers goes is that I dont want a Kimber.I've tried them before and they just dont fit my hand well.I've looked at Para Ord., Auto Ord.,Springfield,S&W,Colt,CZ,Rock River Arms,Tarus,Sig,Browning, US Firearoms,H&K,Dan Wesson,Ruger and High Standard.

So far I've got things down to 3 different models.

The ParaOrdinance LTC .45ACP.
It holds 7+1 weighs 35oz (empty) and has a 4.25" barrel w/3dot sights.Height is 5.75" and Length is 7.75".
MSRP: $919.00

The Springfield GI .45 Champion 1911A1 .45ACP.
It holds 7+1,weighs 37oz. (empty) and has a 4"barrel with military sights.Height is 5.5" and length is 7.6".
MSRP:$559.00

The High Standard Crusader Combat .45ACP.
It holds 7+1, weighs 38oz.(empty) w/a 4.25"barrel.Height is 5.5", and Length is 8".
MSRP:$825.00

These are my top 3 choices right now,but I'm still open minded and still looking. So any suggestions or experience (especially with the 3 models listed) are appreciated.

[txinvestigator]

Kimber 1911's are standard sizes, but from your list I would go with the Springfield.

However, a Kimber Compact CPD is worth looking at.

[moodyamber]

Yeah, I think I'm leaning toward the Springfield simply b/c I think the PO is SA only and I'm used to DA.Plus, with roughly $360 saved in buying the Springfield over the PO I can have some smith work done on it to customize it to my standards... new sights would be first on my list.

[Venus Pax]

Welcome to the site.

[casselthief]

go here!
gitcha wun uh deez



Meet the newest member of the GRP family. The 4.25�GRP II RECON is a powerful package in a smaller configuration. It has all the same features of its bigger brothers, but in the traditional Commander size. The standard recoil guide and plug are used in all our GRP models, but full length guide rods are available by request. A Surefire X200 comes as standard equipment, along witha mainspring housing with integrated lanyard. The magazine well has been contoured for carry and the frame and slide have been completely dehorned for comfortable carry. The forged slide stop has been trimmed down flush with the frame, and the frame has been chamfered to allow easy removal. VZ Gator Back grips in gray, along with a black Perma Kote™finish are standard.

[moodyamber]

go here!
gitcha wun uh deez


Meet the newest member of the GRP family. The 4.25�GRP II RECON is a powerful package in a smaller configuration. It has all the same features of its bigger brothers, but in the traditional Commander size. The standard recoil guide and plug are used in all our GRP models, but full length guide rods are available by request. A Surefire X200 comes as standard equipment, along witha mainspring housing with integrated lanyard. The magazine well has been contoured for carry and the frame and slide have been completely dehorned for comfortable carry. The forged slide stop has been trimmed down flush with the frame, and the frame has been chamfered to allow easy removal. VZ Gator Back grips in gray, along with a black Perma Kote™finish are standard.

hmm, I played around on the NightHawk site and didnt see that one.How much does this little beauty retail for?

[stevie_d_64]

I just hate it when someone has a problem with exactly what 1911 to buy to carry on their brand new CHL!!!

Not really...Happy hunting! Pictures of your rig go in another thread soon I hope...

[KinnyLee]

go here!
gitcha wun uh deez


Meet the newest member of the GRP family. The 4.25�GRP II RECON is a powerful package in a smaller configuration. It has all the same features of its bigger brothers, but in the traditional Commander size. The standard recoil guide and plug are used in all our GRP models, but full length guide rods are available by request. A Surefire X200 comes as standard equipment, along witha mainspring housing with integrated lanyard. The magazine well has been contoured for carry and the frame and slide have been completely dehorned for comfortable carry. The forged slide stop has been trimmed down flush with the frame, and the frame has been chamfered to allow easy removal. VZ Gator Back grips in gray, along with a black Perma Kote™finish are standard.

hmm, I played around on the NightHawk site and didnt see that one.How much does this little beauty retail for?

GRP Recon II will run you around $2520 or so from their website.

http://www.nighthawkcustom.com/detail.aspx?ID=120

[cxm]

For carry the S&W Scandium Commander Size 1911 is not only the best value, but it is lighter to carry and is usable for carry as it comes from the box.

You should be able to get the S&W for something in the $650 range.

The S&W 1911s are the only 1911s I have found that do not require considerable work as they come from the box to make them ready for carry... many require spending as much on gun smithing as the gun cost...

Be particularly careful of the Springfields, whilst they are well built, they are not exactly the same size in the frame as the 1911 and as a result some after market stuff can be a problem. The Springfields also have a lot of very sharp edges that need removing as well... they are good guns, but cost a good bit to make them good carry guns.

I have only had two Para Ord guns and had problems with both of them... I'm very wary of Para Ord.

The new High Standards company is unknown to me, but as a basic 1911 it seems pretty over priced....

FWIW

CHuck

Ok, so I FINALLY have my TX CHL (*happy dance*)and now I'm looking for a good carry weapon.I've been carrying a Norinco 1911A1 .45ACP and I would like to stick with something similar.I really love the 1911A1 and would like to keep my choices limited to that frame model (cant go wrong with a frame thats lasted almost 100 yrs right?) I'm also looking to keep the caliber a .45ACP. I'm looking for something a little more compact than the standard 5" barrel.Basically I'm just looking for a new 1911 that is better suited for concealed carry. (this has been cross-posted in the Women&Guns Forum)

My only stipulation as far as manufacturers goes is that I dont want a Kimber.I've tried them before and they just dont fit my hand well.I've looked at Para Ord., Auto Ord.,Springfield,S&W,Colt,CZ,Rock River Arms,Tarus,Sig,Browning, US Firearoms,H&K,Dan Wesson,Ruger and High Standard.

So far I've got things down to 3 different models.

The ParaOrdinance LTC .45ACP.
It holds 7+1 weighs 35oz (empty) and has a 4.25" barrel w/3dot sights.Height is 5.75" and Length is 7.75".
MSRP: $919.00

The Springfield GI .45 Champion 1911A1 .45ACP.
It holds 7+1,weighs 37oz. (empty) and has a 4"barrel with military sights.Height is 5.5" and length is 7.6".
MSRP:$559.00

The High Standard Crusader Combat .45ACP.
It holds 7+1, weighs 38oz.(empty) w/a 4.25"barrel.Height is 5.5", and Length is 8".
MSRP:$825.00

These are my top 3 choices right now,but I'm still open minded and still looking. So any suggestions or experience (especially with the 3 models listed) are appreciated.

[moodyamber]

I just hate it when someone has a problem with exactly what 1911 to buy to carry on their brand new CHL!!!

Not really...Happy hunting! Pictures of your rig go in another thread soon I hope...

LOL! yeah 'poor little me" right? Neener Neener!

I already have my current rig in the Daily Carry thread.A full size Norinco 1911A1 .45ACP w/custom leather SOB IWB holster.

[moodyamber]

For carry the S&W Scandium Commander Size 1911 is not only the best value, but it is lighter to carry and is usable for carry as it comes from the box.

You should be able to get the S&W for something in the $650 range.

The S&W 1911s are the only 1911s I have found that do not require considerable work as they come from the box to make them ready for carry... many require spending as much on gun smithing as the gun cost...

Be particularly careful of the Springfields, whilst they are well built, they are not exactly the same size in the frame as the 1911 and as a result some after market stuff can be a problem. The Springfields also have a lot of very sharp edges that need removing as well... they are good guns, but cost a good bit to make them good carry guns.

I have only had two Para Ord guns and had problems with both of them... I'm very wary of Para Ord.

The new High Standards company is unknown to me, but as a basic 1911 it seems pretty over priced....

FWIW

CHuck

Thanks for the input Chuck.I've been leaning towards the Springfield for awhile now. I've had Springfields in the past and they served me well.An XD .40S&W and an XD45.GAP.I'm currently trying to sell the GAP if anyone is looking for one.

I went down to the local gun shop today and they said that I could get the Springfield from them for $509.33 (a few bucks less than SA's webpage MSRP of $559).But right now this particular model is out of stock.So I can either go with another firearm right now,or wait,try to get my GAP sold and then buy the Springfield when its back in stock.Decisions, decisions.....

[casselthief]

well, yeah, if yer gettin' an XD get the Springer.
but if you want a 1911, get the smithy.

or spend the big bucks and gitcha a NightHawk. I say that somewhat jokingly cause they are ridiculously expensive, and I personally would never be able to tell the difference.

srsly, get whatever one you want, but I've heard LoADS of good things about the Smiths.

[moodyamber]

well, yeah, if yer gettin' an XD get the Springer.
but if you want a 1911, get the smithy.

or spend the big bucks and gitcha a NightHawk. I say that somewhat jokingly cause they are ridiculously expensive, and I personally would never be able to tell the difference.

srsly, get whatever one you want, but I've heard LoADS of good things about the Smiths.

No, I'm not getting an XD.I already own one and I am now trying to sell it.I'm looking for a compact 1911 instead.

LOL I wont be getting a NightHawk unless someone dies and puts me in their will or I start playing the lottery and win.$2k sheesh! I could buy a whole little family of 1911s for that.

[KinnyLee]

or spend the big bucks and gitcha a NightHawk. I say that somewhat jokingly cause they are ridiculously expensive, and I personally would never be able to tell the difference.

You won't be able to tell the difference until you rack the slide on the NHC guns. Oh so nice! But I still prefer my Springfield over the NHC. Hehe.

[casselthief]

yeah, no doubt. things are cool lookin' though.

what about the Springer draws you to it? I have never handled one of them, so I don't know.

I've seen plenty of Kimbers (only the cool kids have one of those), heard great things about the Smiths, shewt, I've even heard some good things aobut the Taurus PT1911's, too. I've been thinking of gettin' mah paws on one a' dem.