Shadow 2 compact, or which 1911 would you recommend for potential concealed carry?

[ECS686]

If we’re looking at a fun gun to learn to shoot with, might eventually carry and we like the 1911. Might I suggest the Staccato C2. All the goodness of a 1911 but double stack (16 rd mags), optic ready (so you are future proofed and an acknowledged industry elite quality pistol. A bit pricy at $2300, but you are
going to end up spending that eventually once you get your second and third pistols.

While the Staccatos are nice out of all the folks that bought them for duty use 90 pluse percent have dumped them amd
Went back to Glock.

They are great for gun games duty or CCW use…Ehhh but some folks are into it!

 

[Wirenut]

My choices would be either a Springfield EMP or a Rock Island Rock Ultra.
The only downside with the Rock is it may be iffy using .45 hollow points, even the owner's manual says to use FMJ.
Not sure about the 9mm version.

 

[Mr.W.]

Welcome to the forum, from Ohio.
IMO, for the first handgun, unless you've put range time behind semiautomatic pistols, a revolver is a sound choice, especially for carry. Follow-up by renting pistols at the range to find your flavor.
It's always beneficial to have a revolver at your disposal! Good luck.

 

[HayesGreener]

I am a 1911 fan and favor service sized pistols in .45. I carry a 1911 or SIG P220 daily. I have compact 1911's but prefer a service sized pistol. You need a substantial belt to keep it from pulling your britches down.

I typically do not recommend a SAO pistol for concealed carry for novices. It can be done, but. There is a learning curve with carrying a 1911 or any SAO safely. A high quality holster that protects the safety is essential. Then a lot of practice draws and dry fire to perfect the draw and safety management. Get professional training from someone who knows 1911's. The safety considerations are critical for all types of pistols but especially so with SAO's. Good luck and happy gun hunting.

 

[Shibadog]

Like the folks have said, these are mostly big heavy guns-nice to shoot, perhaps less than optimal to tote concealed satin day out. For your “first” from the list I’d suggest the EMP. I’ve cc’dmine a fair bit and in an alien gear IWB it carry’s quite nicely. It’s also heavy enough to be a soft shooter and a decent range toy. Start with that, try carrying if you decide to-it will work. A 1911 style carried “cocked and locked is about as safe a carry as you can get-but you need to train with it until the manual of arms becomes a matter of muscle memory. (Draw, pushing down the safety as the pistol comes up. Reengaging the safety after firing/before reholstering.

 

[Grayfox]

My primary carry for many years was a Colt Commander .45. Great shooter, easy to carry and conceal. As far as 1911s go, a lightweight Commander size is the way to go.

 

[Talyn]

As a newbie just get a Hellcat or Hellcat Pro & move up from there after you get a lot of experience using them.

 

[southtex]

I would go with a 4/4.25 barrel in 9mm for my first 1911 because they work for carry and a fun to shoot at the range. While I shoot my smaller guns at the range regularly I prefer a larger gun for a Range day. Since this will be your first gun I would choose a slightly larger gun for versatility I believe you gain. Enjoy what you choose, shoot often and well.