Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Weird 1911 confession

A 1911 was my first centerfire pistol more than 30 years ago. I’ve been shooting them a long time. But strangely by the time I actually started carrying a pistol, I went to other things. I’ve carried small revolvers and various compact and subcompact automatics. Well, lately on a whim I started playing with a full sized Kimber 1911 I hadn’t messed with in a long time. And on a lark I started carrying it.

Holy schit! I find the 1911 to be the best carrying pistol I’ve ever used. Even a full sized one just melts into your body. That ultra thin slide is just made for slipping IWB or even under a belt. It’s really really comfortable. And frankly, I’ve never felt all that good about carrying one in the chamber on a Glock or something like that but with a grip safety and a regular safety I have no concerns with the 1911.

Anyway, it feels weird to just now be realizing this since I have and shot 1911s for so long, but it is what it is. Make fun if you like.

Over 30 years of pretty much only carrying a 1911. A quality IWB holster and belt will allow you to almost forget the gun is on your hip. The weight is something you’ll notice less and less. My Kramer IWB#2 is at least 30 years old now and still works just fine. It’s becoming more soft, especially the tab that keeps the thumb safety out of my fat roll. I have a new replacement ordered and should get shipped anytime. 12-14 week delivery but worth it.

A lightweight Commander is easier to carry than a Glock 19 or M&P 2.0 Compact. I don't much like packing a full size 5" steel frame 1911.

Completely agree; in fact carrying a LW Commander sized gun IWB, in the right holster is very comfortable & access is easier than on the hip in any position................so long as you have the right cover garment. And you don't get any bulge at all in IWB.

I'm always more accurate shooting a 1911 than anything else other than my match 22.

It was also my 1st pistol when I got into shooting.

MM

Nothing weird about it. My first semi auto handgun was a Colt Goldcup. That was 1984 when I turned 21. I've owned 1911's ever since then and wouldn't be without one.

I've been carrying since 1980, and the 1911 has always been in the rotation. I've gone several periods of years carrying nothing else, and for precisely the reasons you state. They make great daily carry guns, and in a proper IWB holster and belt, you will soon forget you're carrying a gun.

Colt Wiley Clapp Commander in the city. Colt Gold Cup trophy on the spread. Colt Delta Elite on long Rides in the truck.
Rotate other 1911's sometimes at barbeques.

My muscle memory is fixed on 1911's. That helps.

Of course the Browning Hi Power slips in most of the same holsters. Rides along in the truck also.

Very nice. I still carry one. Lightweight commander or 5" steel. OWB mid height and tight works for me. AIWB with the commander sometimes.

Edited to clarify, I am carrying AIWB

You'll shoot your junk off, kid.

How do you get the 1911 to stay on the barbeque rotator?

My tastes run
Full size 1911 in alloy frame adds a bit flavor, especially when salted with Lehigh Xtreme Defense..
Or go with more pork weight with a Sig Nightmare in 357 Sig.
Or if your counting calories, a Kimber Aegis II in 9mm at 24 oz.

Ahh ain't sheer't................got 2 safeties & common sense.

MM

Very nice. Would you mind talking about the gun? Is the grip frame color casehardened?

Yes CCH. Made by Turnbull, absolutely the most accurate handgun I have ever seen. Fit and finish perfect.

Turnbull does some great bluing.

Turnbull does some great metalwork, besides the great blueing & coloring........................at some real BIG prices too. Friend has a couple of their reworked guns............truly works of art.

Beautiful 1911, HB.

MM

Their prices are for the quality you get.

Turnbull currently does a lot of work on Nighthawk 1911’s. Here is an example. Turnbull has also done work for Kimber, Remington, and I believe Wilson Combat