I don't own one but have shot several. I hear guys saying a 45 cal 1911 is the perfect CC weapon. HOW? Loaded the thing weighs a ton !!!! Yes it will kill but so will smaller calibers and are easier to conceal.....

I guess that all depends on how big you are and how you carry?? Lots of opinions on what will stop a perp too. I carry a .38 in a western style holster...don’t even notice it sometimes.

Not every .45 is a 1911 lots of options out there to go smaller, I have a.45 shield as a smaller choice option.

In my opinion a 380 in your pocket is much more useful than a 45 at home because it is a little to heavy to carry. Find a gun that you can comfortably carry and dont be to concerned about the caliber.

This^^^

45’s are in fact good and there are plenty of lightweight options these days. But, you often sacrifice capacity. In a high stress situation, trained professionals can empty a mag without touching the perp. These are guys that are trained for this stuff. Many guys can do very well in a controlled environment and shoot accurately at a slow pace. Ramp up the stress and speed at which those rounds need to land on target, things change drastically. I’ll take a higher capacity over low any day.

Carry whatever adequate caliber you can shoot accurately and proficiently. Base your decisions on you and not others.

The night I threw down on a shotgun toting gangbanger inside a cutlass with my lightweight easy to carry 38 Chief's Special was the night I realized I would never go under gunned again.

It depends on your build, your belt and your holster. I have carried a 45 SAR K2 with an IWB on a heavy duty belt. Is it heavy? A bit, when it carries 14 rounds. Do you know it is there? Yes. Does anyone else? Nope, not if you set it up right.

In the land of heavy coats and thick vests, concealment isn't difficult. And penetration matters. A .380 might work well in the land of T-shirts and shorts. And it might work when it goes through multiple layers of coats. But I don't want to bet on might.

I was just talking about this the other day via pm here.
There are many things to consider so let's start with the elephant in the room. Not everyone can easily conceal a 1911 and I'm just talking the size factor alone. I have a good friend smaller and heavier than me but the 1911 is his absolute favorite semi automatic. He can't always carry it because sometimes trying to conceal it is very difficult.

Then you have the weight factor of the gun + the ammo + extra mag(s).

I have a shield 45 that's my ccw until I get a new 9mm. Yes I qualified with a full size 45 for my ccw because I wasn't sure what I was going to ccw everyday. Got the shield 45 because of how much time I spend outdoors and wanted to ensure I'd be able to ccw and go straight into the mountains. Now I'm dealing with fibromyalgia a bad back and few other things. When my pain is bad or I have a flare up carrying a 45 and extra mag feels like carrying a horse on my waist. I'm slim too and sometimes the gun and my shirt snag. Until I get a compact polymer frame 9 for ccw I'll continue to carry my 45. Been wanting the hellcat.

Weight between the shield 45 and hellcat is 4 oz difference empty. 4 oz doesn't sound like a lot but when you can barely move 4 oz is a world of difference. Now add the weight if ammo and extra mag(s)

If I could ccw full size I would carry a Canik (9mm only). If you have never shot one they are incredible right out of the box. Smooth and quick reset light comfortable great sights.

jbyrd, I have enjoyed my XD-S .45 ACP for years. It is streamlined , but put right up against a Kimber 1911, the guts mid section are exactly the same size. It is light, and I have no problem carrying it in the variety of ways that I choose, for summer or winter. The same fat hollow point ammo.

It is all in how one is trained in using one. Warrior's sentiment ring true for me as well.

No, I am not a big person. 5'5" , 118 lbs wet. Strong and in shape , yes. Any extra weight is well worth my peace of mind.

Point being, If I can carry easily such exquisite beauty as a .45, anyone can.

You go, girl.

That is awesome!

That is awesome. When I was shopping for a 45 it was between the shield and XD-S which I debated for awhile. The only reason I went with the shield is it went on sale and I couldn't refuse the price.

I bought suspenders so i can hold up 2 spare full size mags in a crossbreed holster. I carry a HK vp40 in a crossbreed IWB holster. full size pistol and its perfect for me. I personally dont care if i print. Its concealed and that is all the law calls for. I have been a very pro open carry in the past but with this brave new world we live in today i have changed my mind. I however wont be found without a weapon if at all possible. I wont carry a small light small caliber weapon with low round count. That may be fine for some people but I think its half (This word is unacceptable on Trapperman)ing it.

I love my XD-S also.

Another XD-S user here.

Worth it then

My son bought an XD-S and I was determined to not like it-being a 1911 guy. I shot it and it kinda grew on me. then Palmetto had a sale and I bought one and I wouldn't be without it. It fits a nice niche for me as a carry gun.

i carry a 3.5 inch rock island 1911
yea it's abit heavy and bulky but it goes bang every time i pull the trigger and sends heavy hard hitting bullets where i send them.
a good holster and belt really helps.

I'm a 45 colt user