1911 EDC?

I sometimes carry a fullsize Springfield Milspec Defender in a leather, Don Hume OWB holster at the 3:00 position. I’ve tried IWB holsters (Milt Sparks, TT Gunleather, Clinger, etc.), but they were just too uncomfortable for me, no matter what position I tried on my body. I can more easily carry my S&W 3913 IWB, though, but for a fullsize 1911, I prefer OWB.

Like someone else said, a good belt helps. I use a nylon Klik belt with a Cobra buckle or a dual layer Beltman leather belt. Both work great for holding up a heavy fullsize gun. The Klik belt is more comfortable for me, but the Beltman tends to support the weight a tad bit better.

 

One good thing about carrying an 1911 is you can use it as a Tomahawk after you run out of bullets.

 

I tried several other's from the budget range all the way up into the insane price range that make you ask yourself why? and oddly enough the only other one that was comfortable and shot decently was a custom Browning 1911 that had a little bit thicker grips on it with contouring and very nice balance to it.

 

Revising this old thread as I am currently looking for another 1911 to EDC...

I'm specifically looking for a Dan Wesson ECO or Colt Elite Defender in 9mm.

The ECO was discontinued in 2020, and I've been scouring LGS' and have only come across 1 online on GB.

Plenty of Defenders out there but not much luck with the Elite Defender.

 

Found one, been carrying it for a few days now with no complaints. Will likely switch back to the OE grips after I dye them to darken them up a bit:

 

So far it shoots great... I've only put 50 rounds through it, waiting on additional mags to come in for a longer session. Very minimal signs of usage from previous owner.

Been carrying a 1911 on/off for the better part of 20yrs: 1 Sig - this is my 4th DW. Still need to find a better fitting holster, using the OWB for my 5" Commander for now (the ECO is 3.5").

Might be awhile but I think next up will be a DW Kodiak or Colt Delta Elite in 10mm.

 

1st. Gen EMP. Great micro-compact.

 

Forgive me, as I am rather new here.. have you checked outdoorstrader.com? I've been on that forum for about 14 years and you can find just about everything there, or someone has it and may part with it. Assuming you are in the SE of course..

 

I have a couple full-size 1911s, often carry a Sig P938 Scorpion in the summer months. Small frame 9mm 1911 clone, single stack - hides nicely in swim trunks should you need it to. I haven't read this entire thread, but I'm sure others have vouched for the reliability and concealability of a 1911 - not to mention the stopping power of a .45.

The reason I carry a 9mm double stack in colder months is because 16 rounds > 8 rounds.

 

Picked up a few WC 9rd mags and RIT dyed the OE grips. Still trying to source a proper IWB holster for this thing:

 

STOP! My **** can only get so erect!

Hats off to anyone that carries a full-sized, steel frame weapon, double points for a real 1911 with internal extractor, original grip safety, grips, and original (as designed) sights.

 

I have a full-sized 1911 I plan to carry as soon as the holster comes for it.

In winter I carry a S&W 1911 E Series Sc, the two-toned version. I carry this in an Andrews Leather Monarch shoulder holster. Shoulder holsters just make more sense when wearing multiple layers and a heavy coat. I've tried other shoulder holsters and this one is the most comfortable and best. Great youtube videos on this holster if you search "Andrews Leather monarch shoulder rig" I believe.

The S&W 1911's I mentioned above are aluminum-scandium frames which are lighter and cheaper than offerings from other manufacturers.

My 1911's are all .45 ACP but I would consider one is .38 Super or 10 mm if I came across a good deal.

 

I've been itching for a 10mm 1911 recently...not for EDC though, would strictly be a camping gun.

Preference is: 10mm, single stack, full railed. I've seen these as low as $650: TAC Ultra FS 10MM 8rd (armscor.com) ...much cheaper than the DW Specialists and Bruins I've been looking at.

 

Woooo, some good gun porn in here!!

On the rare occasions that I'm carrying (I live in San Diego so mostly only if I travel to a free state) it's the CZ P-01 (Compact Top Left)

CZ SP-01 (Full size Top Right) is on the nightstand.

The first 1911 I bought of course had to be chambered in .45ACP, but the 9mm version (Stainless) is a really fun tack driver, not to mention a little cheaper to feed.

 

10 mm out of a 1911.....camping only....I assume you mean bear medicine? If so, can a 1911 handle a bear loading's pressure? Can one shoot a cast lead bullet capable of doing the job?

 

"...rare occasions that I'm carrying." Downright disgusts me to know that any American is denied the right to carry.

 

There are plenty of 10mm 1911s on the market that are very capable of doing the job with 180/200g JHP.

My 44 Mag Redhawk with 230g loads will do the trick. That said, I can get 9 rounds off faster with a 1911 and with better accuracy that a 6 shot revolver.

But honestly, I'm just looking for an excuse to buy another 1911

 

I always loved these but never for EDC. Maybe because mine is full frame or maybe because the polymer ones just weigh less.

Regardless, love these pics. Hands down some beautiful gats.

 

JM,

It's always good to be honest with ourselves. (About your desire for another 1911).

I once passed on a 1911 since I had just that day lost a part-time job I had. It was a mistake to pass on it though for at least two reasons.

1). About that time my full-time job picked up so much I had more than enough spare cash for it.

2). It was a screaming deal I shouldn't have passed up!

I later bought two versions of the same pistol, one of which I carry (see post of mine above).