Anyone ever switched carry setups from a Glock to 1911 that could offer some advice? I'm thinking of moving to a commander size 1911 from a Glock 19. My 19 just seems to feel fatter the more weight I lose. I'm 5'6" and down to 165 pounds from 217 and I notice the bulge of my Glock on my hip more and more lately.
Specifically, I'm asking just about the feel of a 1911 such as a Pro Carry II on your hip versus the Glock and how much better it conceals, if it does at all. Not so much worried about the function of the different platforms. I can shoot both pretty well, and my G19's grip is cut down to more of a 1911 grip angle.
The holster I use for my G19 is similar to the VMII by Milt Sparks. It's always done a great job and is very comfortable, but if anybody has switched to a hybrid holster such as a Crossbreed or M-Tac and noticed an improvement in concealment, I'd be willing to give one of these hybrid holsters a try before going through the expense of new carry setup.
Thank you in advance for your suggestions.
Glock to 1911
Moderator: carlson1
Re: Glock to 1911
I switched from a Springfield XD40 (similar to your Glock) to a Pro Carry II.
The much slimmer 1911 conceals so much better than the XD did.
I use the Comp-Tac IWB holster and the gun hides very well under a regular T-Shirt.
Crossbreed is also great. That's what I used for the XD.
You just have to decide which holster you like best.
The much slimmer 1911 conceals so much better than the XD did.
I use the Comp-Tac IWB holster and the gun hides very well under a regular T-Shirt.
Crossbreed is also great. That's what I used for the XD.
You just have to decide which holster you like best.
Glock Armorer - S&W M&P Armorer
Re: Glock to 1911
I switched from an XD45 compact to a 1911 and haven't looked back. It's slimmer, easier to carry, etc. Enjoy.
Life member NRA and TSRA
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speepdaedeesi
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Re: Glock to 1911
keep that g19 and just carry depending on how you feel.
g19 and 1911 are my weapons of choice as well.
g19 and 1911 are my weapons of choice as well.
Re: Glock to 1911
Sounds like a good enough reason to buy a new 1911 to me. The holster and the belt, especially the belt, make more difference than the pistol in my opinion.
thanks,
George
thanks,
George
Re: Glock to 1911
If you lose much more weight you might have to go to a OWB like me.
Re: Glock to 1911
It is good to put your location in your profile. Folks close will be able to give hands on help w/ different questions.
If you are close to Lufkin i will let you try a Springer Champion. Same size as the Kimber Pro ll.
LT
If you are close to Lufkin i will let you try a Springer Champion. Same size as the Kimber Pro ll.
LT
Carry 24-7 or guess right.
CHL Instructor. http://www.pdtraining.us" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
NRA/TSRA Life Member - TFC Member #11
Re: Glock to 1911
I have a Smith & Wesson Sigma SW40F that I've had for about 15 years or so (since they first came out, whenever that was). It's a pretty close copy of a Glock 22.
Just a couple years ago, I got a Kimber Ultra CDP II. That's a 3" barrel, compact aluminum frame, 1911.
I went to the 1911 for the slimmer grip, both for better concealability and to fit my hand better. I'm very happy with it. It's comfortable to carry and easy to hide while giving me the confidence of being well-armed.
Just a couple years ago, I got a Kimber Ultra CDP II. That's a 3" barrel, compact aluminum frame, 1911.
I went to the 1911 for the slimmer grip, both for better concealability and to fit my hand better. I'm very happy with it. It's comfortable to carry and easy to hide while giving me the confidence of being well-armed.
Re: Glock to 1911
Sounds like the consensus is to switch... big surprise. 
And thanks for the offer, LT. I really appreciate it.
I think I'm just going to have to make the jump. Probably will order a Kimber Pro Carry II chambered in 9mm and maybe a Tucker Answer soon. At least I won't have to get a new belt and won't have to mess with my reloading setup.
And thanks for the offer, LT. I really appreciate it.
I think I'm just going to have to make the jump. Probably will order a Kimber Pro Carry II chambered in 9mm and maybe a Tucker Answer soon. At least I won't have to get a new belt and won't have to mess with my reloading setup.
Re: Glock to 1911
BTW, I haven't completely "switched."
When I carry one, the other is by my computer, or on the nightstand, or in the console of my truck. I still occasionally carry the Sigma and I shoot both in USPSA competitions.
The compact 1911 is better suited to being a concealed carry self defense weapon, but I still like the 16-round capacity of the Sigma.
Once I got used to shooting the 1911, the first time I went back and shot the Sigma again in competition, at the start signal, I wasted at least a second with my thumb flailing away looking for the safety.
So, if you're going to use two entirely different platforms, train with them both. Under stress, you will do what you practiced.
When I carry one, the other is by my computer, or on the nightstand, or in the console of my truck. I still occasionally carry the Sigma and I shoot both in USPSA competitions.
The compact 1911 is better suited to being a concealed carry self defense weapon, but I still like the 16-round capacity of the Sigma.
Once I got used to shooting the 1911, the first time I went back and shot the Sigma again in competition, at the start signal, I wasted at least a second with my thumb flailing away looking for the safety. So, if you're going to use two entirely different platforms, train with them both. Under stress, you will do what you practiced.
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DONT TREAD ON ME
Re: Glock to 1911
I also switched from an XD.45. I love my XD and its a great gun but the 1911 allowed me more concealment options and is more comfortable due to its slimness.
I carry my Springer Gov model in a Galco Combat Master OWB. I just throw a t-shirt on and I am on my way.
I carry my Springer Gov model in a Galco Combat Master OWB. I just throw a t-shirt on and I am on my way.
Re: Glock to 1911
Interesting question since I made the change the other way (from 1911s to a G19) about a year ago...My switch, however, was inspired by confidence in the weapon and platform and not by comfort. I don't want to start a 1911 vs World discussion (and will not participate in such), but my decision came down to a function of training experiences coupled with fully understanding my limitations as regards which one I'd (me, myself, and I) will be able to keep running with the tools and stockpile of parts I keep on hand and for situations such as EOTWAWKI, bans, etc.
I've seen several 1911 variants from the big manufacturers fail during training and then watched the owner NOT be able to quickly and easily return them to service because the "drop in" parts didn't or the necessary fitting tools were not readily available. I've seen only a couple of Glock failures during training, and both were easily and quickly resolved on site within a very short period of time (springs that should already have been changed). No fitting, no filing, no adjusting...just drop the replacement parts in and move on down the road. These observations open a can of worms as regards how well were the failed 1911s were maintained, what had been done to them, etc, but I think most folks will agree that there may be inherent issues involving the 1911 in its current incarnations.
For me, the switch from 1911 to G19 was simply a function of, again, understanding my limitations as regards maintenance and the challenges that keeping a 1911 running can provide. I simply didn't want to mess with it too much...Laziness? Maybe, but I keep the G19 clean, have adhered to all recommended maintenance guidelines, and am more confident that it will go boom when I need it to.
Having written all that, I loved carrying a 1911 (I had a Govt Model, Combat Commander, and New Agent) cocked and locked in a Milt Sparks VM-2. All three were comfortable and comforting. I love the 1911 platform...it's a historic icon from our nation's history and means nothing but business. The G19 isn't nearly as comfortable, but I decided I was willing to trade some of the comfort for increased comforting. I'll get another 1911 one day, but a G19 is currently what I go out into the world armed with.
I've seen several 1911 variants from the big manufacturers fail during training and then watched the owner NOT be able to quickly and easily return them to service because the "drop in" parts didn't or the necessary fitting tools were not readily available. I've seen only a couple of Glock failures during training, and both were easily and quickly resolved on site within a very short period of time (springs that should already have been changed). No fitting, no filing, no adjusting...just drop the replacement parts in and move on down the road. These observations open a can of worms as regards how well were the failed 1911s were maintained, what had been done to them, etc, but I think most folks will agree that there may be inherent issues involving the 1911 in its current incarnations.
For me, the switch from 1911 to G19 was simply a function of, again, understanding my limitations as regards maintenance and the challenges that keeping a 1911 running can provide. I simply didn't want to mess with it too much...Laziness? Maybe, but I keep the G19 clean, have adhered to all recommended maintenance guidelines, and am more confident that it will go boom when I need it to.
Having written all that, I loved carrying a 1911 (I had a Govt Model, Combat Commander, and New Agent) cocked and locked in a Milt Sparks VM-2. All three were comfortable and comforting. I love the 1911 platform...it's a historic icon from our nation's history and means nothing but business. The G19 isn't nearly as comfortable, but I decided I was willing to trade some of the comfort for increased comforting. I'll get another 1911 one day, but a G19 is currently what I go out into the world armed with.
"There's no moral order. There is only this: can my violence conquer your violence?"
Re: Glock to 1911
My primary carry was a Glock 17 (you know, the full size) with a Suptertuck Deluxe. It worked well but it still is a fat gun, like you say. I tried a buddy's Glock 19 and it was much better, mainly due to the grip being shorter (not poking up as much).
I had a crummy* Don Hume IWB holster for my Kimber Compact Aluminum and it just wasn't all that comfortable. *Note that by crummy I mean that it was a single clip IWB. The construction/quality is just fine, that style was NOT comfy for me. Anyone want it?
After trying on a buddy's Bulman Gunleather PDL IWB holster I knew that I found a comfortable solution. I ordered one, it took over a year to get it but WOW! It's comfy. It conceals MUCH better in my opinion too. Part of that is due to the nature of the 1911 (ie - single stack/slimmer, shorter, etc.).
I had a crummy* Don Hume IWB holster for my Kimber Compact Aluminum and it just wasn't all that comfortable. *Note that by crummy I mean that it was a single clip IWB. The construction/quality is just fine, that style was NOT comfy for me. Anyone want it?
After trying on a buddy's Bulman Gunleather PDL IWB holster I knew that I found a comfortable solution. I ordered one, it took over a year to get it but WOW! It's comfy. It conceals MUCH better in my opinion too. Part of that is due to the nature of the 1911 (ie - single stack/slimmer, shorter, etc.).
Re: Glock to 1911
I went the other way, from a ProCarry HD(all steel) to a G19. The differences that I noticed are these.
1: Weight, G19 is lighter than all steel ProCarry.
2: Sitting down, ProCarry rode lower in my IWB holster, tended to push up on belt when sitting.
3: Much higher maintenance. I shoot a lot, between 500 and 800 rounds a month. With dirty lead bullet reloads that meant a field strip cleaning and lube every 200 rounds and a detail strip every 3-4 months with the ProCarry. Also you MUST replace the recoil spring every 700 rounds. 4" 1911s beat the heck out of the recoil spring and I have the cracked slide and frame from an earlier Kimber Compact to prove it. With my G19, I Boresnake and lube it after every practice session and detail clean it once a year. Glock factory springs get replaced once a year.
4: Gun finish wear. My acidic sweat has corroded the finish of my stainless Kimbers, and my stainless Melenited Smith M+P. So far, it hasn't affected my Tennifer Glocks.
5: Shootablilty. The 1911 single action trigger is easier to shoot than the Glock. I had to work harder to learn to shoot the Glock.
6: Concealment. It's a wash with me. I'm 200 lbs with a beer gut and with a Sparks Executive Companion IWB and double mag pouch for both guns, the thinness of the 1911 doesn't matter, I still need big untucked shirts.
I moved from a 1911 to the G19 because of ammunition costs, corrosion issues, mag capacity and gun weight issues. It looks like you are concerned with concealment problems. I hope my info will help you make a decision.
Gringop
1: Weight, G19 is lighter than all steel ProCarry.
2: Sitting down, ProCarry rode lower in my IWB holster, tended to push up on belt when sitting.
3: Much higher maintenance. I shoot a lot, between 500 and 800 rounds a month. With dirty lead bullet reloads that meant a field strip cleaning and lube every 200 rounds and a detail strip every 3-4 months with the ProCarry. Also you MUST replace the recoil spring every 700 rounds. 4" 1911s beat the heck out of the recoil spring and I have the cracked slide and frame from an earlier Kimber Compact to prove it. With my G19, I Boresnake and lube it after every practice session and detail clean it once a year. Glock factory springs get replaced once a year.
4: Gun finish wear. My acidic sweat has corroded the finish of my stainless Kimbers, and my stainless Melenited Smith M+P. So far, it hasn't affected my Tennifer Glocks.
5: Shootablilty. The 1911 single action trigger is easier to shoot than the Glock. I had to work harder to learn to shoot the Glock.
6: Concealment. It's a wash with me. I'm 200 lbs with a beer gut and with a Sparks Executive Companion IWB and double mag pouch for both guns, the thinness of the 1911 doesn't matter, I still need big untucked shirts.
I moved from a 1911 to the G19 because of ammunition costs, corrosion issues, mag capacity and gun weight issues. It looks like you are concerned with concealment problems. I hope my info will help you make a decision.
Gringop
Re: Glock to 1911
Gringop: Thanks for the detailed reply. I've considered the maintenance issues, but after the initial thousand rounds I'll put through the 1911 to break it in and get comfortable, I'll probably only shoot a couple of times a month, so I don't think that's going to be a problem. I'll be getting an aluminum frame, so I don't think the weight is going to be a problem either.
As far as the gun finish, as long as it doesn't rust and it's reliable, I couldn't care less what it looks like. But my initial opinion of what's aesthetically more pleasing is the blued finish. I'm not too crazy about the stainless. I ALWAYS wear a compression tee as an undershirt to help keep me cool in the summer, so I don't think I'll be getting much sweat on the pistol anyway. Under Armour has definitely become a great friend since I started carrying.
One of the things that did bother me was the capacity. I'll be going from 16 rounds down to 10 with a 9mm commander size 1911. However, I've never carried an extra magazine with me when I carry the G19. I simply couldn't figure out a way to comfortably carry one. They're just too fat. It's always bothered me that I didn't carry an extra mag, but I finally just decided to take my chances and hope that if the day came that I needed my weapon that the gun didn't fail, just like it never failed at the range. But I will be carrying an extra magazine with me with the 1911. They're slim and easy to conceal OWB on the weak side. It will also be more comforting to me to have a backup magazine when I do make the switch, so I'll actually be carrying a few more rounds total with me.
I'm starting to get really excited about a new weapon.
As far as the gun finish, as long as it doesn't rust and it's reliable, I couldn't care less what it looks like. But my initial opinion of what's aesthetically more pleasing is the blued finish. I'm not too crazy about the stainless. I ALWAYS wear a compression tee as an undershirt to help keep me cool in the summer, so I don't think I'll be getting much sweat on the pistol anyway. Under Armour has definitely become a great friend since I started carrying.
One of the things that did bother me was the capacity. I'll be going from 16 rounds down to 10 with a 9mm commander size 1911. However, I've never carried an extra magazine with me when I carry the G19. I simply couldn't figure out a way to comfortably carry one. They're just too fat. It's always bothered me that I didn't carry an extra mag, but I finally just decided to take my chances and hope that if the day came that I needed my weapon that the gun didn't fail, just like it never failed at the range. But I will be carrying an extra magazine with me with the 1911. They're slim and easy to conceal OWB on the weak side. It will also be more comforting to me to have a backup magazine when I do make the switch, so I'll actually be carrying a few more rounds total with me.
I'm starting to get really excited about a new weapon.