Anyone CC a full size handgun?

cracked91 · August 5, 2009, 05:08 AM

Does anyone use a full size or large handgun as their main CC?(ie 1911,)
Whats your carry, how do you carry, and how often do you carry?
Got another couple years for CCW but for some reason I am feelin like I am gonna want to pack more firepower, because If I get into a gunfight outside my home, it is more than likely going to be against someone else with a gun.

armoredman · August 5, 2009, 05:15 AM

I carried a full size .40SW Witness steel frame gun in a Galco Hi Jak pancake rig under a t-shirt for years, worked just fine, no issues. I went to an alloy frame with the P01, and realized how MUCH lighter it is!

lwestatbus · August 5, 2009, 09:23 AM

I regularly carry a Kimber ProCarry 4" barrel 1911-style pistol. This has the full size grip but is just one inch shorter in the barrel than the full size and is a lighter alloy (and I have occassionally carried a full size steel frame 1911). I carry this in a MacDaniel style inside the waist holster with a thumb break over a cocked hammer (actually between the cocked hammer and the rear of the receiver/firing pin). I usually carry this on my strong side slightly to the rear of the 3:00 o'clock position with a slight forward cant. This works well while driving as well as seated or standing.

The 1911 is actually a fairly thin pistol. The Kimber Carry lines (three different combinations of grip and barrel length) are lighter than full steel models. I've had this pistol on for hours on end with only minor discomfort. I use a holster from Andrews Custom Leather which is just perfect. I choose the thumb break option as I am just inherently distrustful of a cocked and locked carry day in and day out.

If it isn't feasible to wear an outer shirt or jacket (I live in Florida) I'll carry a Walther PPKS in a pocket holster, also from Andrews.

5whiskey · August 5, 2009, 09:29 AM

I won't, because I'm lazy and a gun is there only to mitigate risk for me. A pocket rocket built in spain in the 50s mitigates enough risk for my taste. I do have a BDE compact that isn't really a compact... sometimes in the winter I will carry that. I just don't like designing my wardrobe around my carry piece.

With that said, people do it effectively all the time. I don't blame them for carrying full size, just not my personal preference.

Kyo · August 5, 2009, 10:03 AM

P345 at 4 oclock all the time unless its illegal such as school/public places. I carry in a simply rugged holster/belt as much as I can. Its comfy. I keep a spare mag in my back pocket

Mello2u · August 5, 2009, 10:22 AM

I've been carrying a Colt Delta Elite since they came, out over twenty years now. Carried at 3 o'clock.

I also carry a spare mag and flashlight.

cracked91,
You used the word "firepower" in your post. This leads me to suspect that you have in your mind that a handgun has more likelihood of stopping a threat than it does have.
What would be your guess as to how long a human can continue to fight if shot through the heart with a .25 caliber bullet? with a .36 caliber bullet? with a .45 caliber bullet?
How long could a threat fight if the bullets do not encounter the heart, a major artery, major vein, or CNS?
No one really knows the answer of what an individual will do in the future. However, there are incidents of people that have fought or continued to be functional for 30 seconds when shot through the heart. 30 seconds in a gunfight is a very long time.

My point is that before you are involved in a gunfight you have to train to use cover, concealment, and movement to give you a better chance of survival. It is difficult to shoot accurately and fast. It is even more difficult to do so under the threat of losing your life. It becomes even more difficult to shoot well while moving. So plan on training and thinking about what you may have to do before you have to do it. You default to the level of your training in a situation of intense stress.

lear jet 45 · August 5, 2009, 10:43 AM

I carry a sig p220 full sizes in a iwb hoster..but i am 6ft 5 and 275 lbs

BlueTrain · August 5, 2009, 10:43 AM

While I don't even own one at the moment, I like that someone actually pointed out that a 1911 is thin, at least relative to many modern pistols. But what do people consider to be a full size handgun? A S&W Model k/l frame with a 4" barrel, a Glock Model 19, a Walther P38, a Makarov PM?

I like to think I'm "between 1911s" at the moment.

mike45 · August 5, 2009, 11:59 AM

Right now I'm carrying a 686+ with 3 inch barrel. Usually in a holster that holds it close to the body under an un-tucked shirt (I like hawaiian shirts).

I do remember back about 1982 when a new Dirty Harry movie came out. I went to see it with a friend and decided to wear my 6 inch S&W Mod. 29 in a shoulder holster under a sport coat. We saw the movie in the afternoon, met our dates for dinner and afterwards, spent the evening out and about. After about 14 hours of carrying that boat anchor around I was worn out!

dabigguns357 · August 5, 2009, 12:15 PM

I carry a either 686 4 inch,glock 22 .40 cal every day.I don't know why but i feel very comfortable with my full sized guns.I carry both iwb and owb.

CWPinSC · August 5, 2009, 12:28 PM

I used to carry a Steyr M40-A1, then switched to a Steyr S40, then to a Springfield XD40SC. All are easy to carry. You need the right belt and right holster.

BigJimP · August 5, 2009, 12:46 PM

I carry a full sized 1911 5" barrel in .45 acp / in a Kramer rig - IWB forward FBI tilt ... and one extra mag. Mine happens to be a Wilson Combat CQB - but to me a 1911 is a perfect carry gun / relatively slim vs any of the double stack.

The only negative to me is the weight / but I live in the Northwest where its not that warm - so wearing a golf shirt untucked / or a windbreaker most of the year is no big deal. My hot weather carry - is a single stack Sig 239 in .40 with one extra mag ...

BigDaddy · August 5, 2009, 12:55 PM

I have been carrying a 1911 government all summer here in Austin. No problem in shorts and Tshirt with a Galco Summer Comfort.

--Dave

ZeSpectre · August 5, 2009, 12:59 PM

Carried a 4" barrel Smith 686 for a while. That was fun to conceal

Dwight55 · August 5, 2009, 01:26 PM

All steel, 1911, full size, RIA, Cactus IWB holster, at least one spare mag, on dual thickness belt. One spare mag when going to the village, . . . 2 spares when going to the city, . . . 3 spare mags, mag loader, box of 100 rounds in the suitcase when I am traveling.

Yep, . . . firepower, . . . extra ammo, . . . and of course it is a hunk to carry around. Just never got over those military classes where it was stressed to take more than you ever think you will need, . . . that way when all hell goes South, . . . you don't get blown away with it.

May God bless,
Dwight

cracked91 · August 5, 2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

You used the word "firepower" in your post. This leads me to suspect that you have in your mind that a handgun has more likelihood of stopping a threat than it does have.

Not exactly. I am more referring to capacity than caliber. I want to be able to carry the same pistol everywhere. Hunting, camping, jogging, walking, to the mall, wal mart, etc.

While I believe any cartridge with powder behind it is going to stop 90% of attackers(human), I feel that CC is prep for a very unlikely, yet very possible scenario. An unlikely but possible scenario can be anything. Everything from a stray dog to multiple armed robbers. The only threats I would feel comfortable only having a 7 shot .380 for would be Single human threats and smaller animal threats.

I am liking the Glock 20 for my future CC. 15 shots of 10mm auto seems like it could do as much as you could ask of any handgun. I know some will think I am just paranoid, I will refer to it as "Prepared" which I believe is the main goal behind CC.

Though I know everybody has there carry method, preferences, and specific needs. My Pops CCs a Bersa Thunder .380 and that works just fine for him

armsmaster270 · August 5, 2009, 01:42 PM

Sig 226 24/7 I'm 5'11" 245#

curt.45 · August 5, 2009, 06:04 PM

Ruger P90 24/7 IWB at 3 to 4 o'clock, sometimes a spare mag.

I'm 6' 2" AND 260lbs heck I could carry a smart car and conceal it

SW1911CT · August 5, 2009, 06:16 PM

Quote:

I'm 6' 2" AND 260lbs heck I could carry a smart car and conceal it

HAHAHA!!

5" 1911 all day everyday. It's only uncomfortable when I'm in my transam which has very tight seat bolsters. Not sure any other rig at 4 o'clock would help much.

45ACP39326 · August 5, 2009, 06:28 PM

Taurus 24/7 Pro DS in .45ACP at 3 o'clock. I carry when ever I leave the house. I am 5'8" 180 # and have no trouble concealing.

wahsben · August 5, 2009, 06:33 PM

I regularly carry a Walther P99 and also carried a full sized S&W 1911 before.

CajunBass · August 5, 2009, 06:55 PM

I've never carried anything but a full sized handgun except in rare instances. 1911, Glock, XD, Smith & Wesson 19 & 39, Colt Official Police. All pretty much at 3:00.

I do have a couple of smaller guns I carry from time to time.

Archie · August 5, 2009, 09:00 PM

My preferred guns are either Commanders or S&W K frames.

One does have to wear real clothes, of course. This sort of thing doesn't go well with sweats or jogging shorts.

jrothWA · August 5, 2009, 10:32 PM

GM & COmmander , BHP, M39-2 & 4" revolvers, ISW, Bianchi's #3 or #6L

riggins_83 · August 5, 2009, 10:41 PM

I carry a Kimber Pro Carry II 1911 (4" Barrel, full length grip, same as government model). Carry it via a Galco Royal Guard IWB holster. Really easy to conceal with a nice untucked button down shirt. Carry anywhere I legally can. For me the trick to carry this gun was a good duty belt- I use a Galco synthetic belt, nice and wide. Holds the pants up well!

August 5, 2009, 05:08 AM	#1
cracked91 Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2009 Posts: 385	Anyone CC a full size handgun? Does anyone use a full size or large handgun as their main CC?(ie 1911,) Whats your carry, how do you carry, and how often do you carry? Got another couple years for CCW but for some reason I am feelin like I am gonna want to pack more firepower, because If I get into a gunfight outside my home, it is more than likely going to be against someone else with a gun.

August 5, 2009, 10:43 AM	#8
BlueTrain Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2005 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 6,141	While I don't even own one at the moment, I like that someone actually pointed out that a 1911 is thin, at least relative to many modern pistols. But what do people consider to be a full size handgun? A S&W Model k/l frame with a 4" barrel, a Glock Model 19, a Walther P38, a Makarov PM? I like to think I'm "between 1911s" at the moment. __________________ Shoot low, sheriff. They're riding Shetlands! Underneath the starry flag, civilize 'em with a Krag, and return us to our own beloved homes! Buy War Bonds.

August 5, 2009, 12:55 PM	#13
BigDaddy Senior Member Join Date: November 24, 2007 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 166	I have been carrying a 1911 government all summer here in Austin. No problem in shorts and Tshirt with a Galco Summer Comfort. --Dave __________________ Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he will sit on a boat and drink beer all day.

August 5, 2009, 12:59 PM	#14
ZeSpectre Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Shenandoah Valley Posts: 3,276	Carried a 4" barrel Smith 686 for a while. That was fun to conceal __________________ "The dogs may bark but the caravan moves on"

August 5, 2009, 01:26 PM	#15
Dwight55 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2004 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 2,568	All steel, 1911, full size, RIA, Cactus IWB holster, at least one spare mag, on dual thickness belt. One spare mag when going to the village, . . . 2 spares when going to the city, . . . 3 spare mags, mag loader, box of 100 rounds in the suitcase when I am traveling. Yep, . . . firepower, . . . extra ammo, . . . and of course it is a hunk to carry around. Just never got over those military classes where it was stressed to take more than you ever think you will need, . . . that way when all hell goes South, . . . you don't get blown away with it. May God bless, Dwight __________________ www.dwightsgunleather.com If you can breathe, . . . thank God! If you can read, . . . thank a teacher! If you are reading this in English, . . . thank a Veteran!

August 5, 2009, 05:15 AM	#2
armoredman Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 5,297	I carried a full size .40SW Witness steel frame gun in a Galco Hi Jak pancake rig under a t-shirt for years, worked just fine, no issues. I went to an alloy frame with the P01, and realized how MUCH lighter it is!

August 5, 2009, 09:23 AM	#3
lwestatbus Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2008 Location: Cocoa Beach, FL Posts: 119	1911 Carry I regularly carry a Kimber ProCarry 4" barrel 1911-style pistol. This has the full size grip but is just one inch shorter in the barrel than the full size and is a lighter alloy (and I have occassionally carried a full size steel frame 1911). I carry this in a MacDaniel style inside the waist holster with a thumb break over a cocked hammer (actually between the cocked hammer and the rear of the receiver/firing pin). I usually carry this on my strong side slightly to the rear of the 3:00 o'clock position with a slight forward cant. This works well while driving as well as seated or standing. The 1911 is actually a fairly thin pistol. The Kimber Carry lines (three different combinations of grip and barrel length) are lighter than full steel models. I've had this pistol on for hours on end with only minor discomfort. I use a holster from Andrews Custom Leather which is just perfect. I choose the thumb break option as I am just inherently distrustful of a cocked and locked carry day in and day out. If it isn't feasible to wear an outer shirt or jacket (I live in Florida) I'll carry a Walther PPKS in a pocket holster, also from Andrews.

August 5, 2009, 09:29 AM	#4
5whiskey Senior Member Join Date: October 23, 2005 Location: US Posts: 3,652	I won't, because I'm lazy and a gun is there only to mitigate risk for me. A pocket rocket built in spain in the 50s mitigates enough risk for my taste. I do have a BDE compact that isn't really a compact... sometimes in the winter I will carry that. I just don't like designing my wardrobe around my carry piece. With that said, people do it effectively all the time. I don't blame them for carrying full size, just not my personal preference.

August 5, 2009, 10:03 AM	#5
Kyo Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2009 Posts: 897	P345 at 4 oclock all the time unless its illegal such as school/public places. I carry in a simply rugged holster/belt as much as I can. Its comfy. I keep a spare mag in my back pocket

August 5, 2009, 10:22 AM	#6
Mello2u Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2009 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,424	I've been carrying a Colt Delta Elite since they came, out over twenty years now. Carried at 3 o'clock. I also carry a spare mag and flashlight. cracked91, You used the word "firepower" in your post. This leads me to suspect that you have in your mind that a handgun has more likelihood of stopping a threat than it does have. What would be your guess as to how long a human can continue to fight if shot through the heart with a .25 caliber bullet? with a .36 caliber bullet? with a .45 caliber bullet? How long could a threat fight if the bullets do not encounter the heart, a major artery, major vein, or CNS? No one really knows the answer of what an individual will do in the future. However, there are incidents of people that have fought or continued to be functional for 30 seconds when shot through the heart. 30 seconds in a gunfight is a very long time. My point is that before you are involved in a gunfight you have to train to use cover, concealment, and movement to give you a better chance of survival. It is difficult to shoot accurately and fast. It is even more difficult to do so under the threat of losing your life. It becomes even more difficult to shoot well while moving. So plan on training and thinking about what you may have to do before you have to do it. You default to the level of your training in a situation of intense stress. __________________ NRA Life Member - Orange Gunsite Member - NRA Certified Pistol Instructor "When plunder becomes a way of life for a group of men living together in society, they create for themselves in the course of time a legal system that authorizes it and a moral code that justifies it." Frederic Bastiat

August 5, 2009, 10:43 AM	#7
lear jet 45 Member Join Date: August 12, 2007 Location: Bentonville AR Posts: 42	I carry a sig p220 full sizes in a iwb hoster..but i am 6ft 5 and 275 lbs

August 5, 2009, 11:59 AM	#9
mike45 Member Join Date: January 4, 2002 Location: S/W Ohio Posts: 36	Right now I'm carrying a 686+ with 3 inch barrel. Usually in a holster that holds it close to the body under an un-tucked shirt (I like hawaiian shirts). I do remember back about 1982 when a new Dirty Harry movie came out. I went to see it with a friend and decided to wear my 6 inch S&W Mod. 29 in a shoulder holster under a sport coat. We saw the movie in the afternoon, met our dates for dinner and afterwards, spent the evening out and about. After about 14 hours of carrying that boat anchor around I was worn out!

August 5, 2009, 12:15 PM	#10
dabigguns357 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2008 Location: Ona,West Virginia Posts: 1,215	I carry a either 686 4 inch,glock 22 .40 cal every day.I don't know why but i feel very comfortable with my full sized guns.I carry both iwb and owb.

August 5, 2009, 12:28 PM	#11
CWPinSC Junior member Join Date: July 1, 2009 Posts: 863	I used to carry a Steyr M40-A1, then switched to a Steyr S40, then to a Springfield XD40SC. All are easy to carry. You need the right belt and right holster.

August 5, 2009, 12:46 PM	#12
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	I carry a full sized 1911 5" barrel in .45 acp / in a Kramer rig - IWB forward FBI tilt ... and one extra mag. Mine happens to be a Wilson Combat CQB - but to me a 1911 is a perfect carry gun / relatively slim vs any of the double stack. The only negative to me is the weight / but I live in the Northwest where its not that warm - so wearing a golf shirt untucked / or a windbreaker most of the year is no big deal. My hot weather carry - is a single stack Sig 239 in .40 with one extra mag ...

August 5, 2009, 01:42 PM	#17
armsmaster270 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2008 Location: California Posts: 1,951	Sig 226 24/7 I'm 5'11" 245# __________________ http://www.armsmaster.net-a.googlepages.com http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/f...aster270/Guns/ Retired LE, M.P., Sr. M.P. Investigator F.B.I. Trained Rangemaster/Firearms Instructor & Armorer, Presently Forensic Document Examiner for D.H.S.

August 5, 2009, 06:04 PM	#18
curt.45 Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2008 Location: Fort Wayne Ind. Posts: 866	Ruger P90 24/7 IWB at 3 to 4 o'clock, sometimes a spare mag. I'm 6' 2" AND 260lbs heck I could carry a smart car and conceal it

August 5, 2009, 06:28 PM	#20
45ACP39326 Junior Member Join Date: April 6, 2009 Location: Daleville, MS Posts: 7	Taurus 24/7 Pro DS in .45ACP at 3 o'clock. I carry when ever I leave the house. I am 5'8" 180 # and have no trouble concealing.

August 5, 2009, 06:33 PM	#21
wahsben Member Join Date: January 16, 2005 Posts: 48	I regularly carry a Walther P99 and also carried a full sized S&W 1911 before.

August 5, 2009, 06:55 PM	#22
CajunBass Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2005 Location: North Chesterfield, Virginia Posts: 4,767	I've never carried anything but a full sized handgun except in rare instances. 1911, Glock, XD, Smith & Wesson 19 & 39, Colt Official Police. All pretty much at 3:00. I do have a couple of smaller guns I carry from time to time. __________________ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

August 5, 2009, 09:00 PM	#23
Archie Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2000 Location: Hastings, Nebrasksa - the Hear Posts: 2,209	Yeah... My preferred guns are either Commanders or S&W K frames. One does have to wear real clothes, of course. This sort of thing doesn't go well with sweats or jogging shorts. __________________ There ain't no free lunch, except Jesus. Archie Check out updated journal at http://oldmanmontgomery.wordpress.com/

August 5, 2009, 10:32 PM	#24
jrothWA Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2006 Posts: 2,519	haw about... GM & COmmander , BHP, M39-2 & 4" revolvers, ISW, Bianchi's #3 or #6L

August 5, 2009, 10:41 PM	#25
riggins_83 Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2009 Location: Wherever I may roam Posts: 1,505	I carry a Kimber Pro Carry II 1911 (4" Barrel, full length grip, same as government model). Carry it via a Galco Royal Guard IWB holster. Really easy to conceal with a nice untucked button down shirt. Carry anywhere I legally can. For me the trick to carry this gun was a good duty belt- I use a Galco synthetic belt, nice and wide. Holds the pants up well! __________________ l've heard police work is dangerous. Yes, that's why l carry a big gun. Couldn't it go off accidentally? l used to have that problem. What did you do about it? l just think about baseball. -Leslie Nielsen

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search