View Full Version : Dan Wesson Guardian or CCO, Sig P320, or other
Looking for a conceal carry in a 1911-style frame. I say "style" because my preference would have been a platform that supported both double and single action. I want that platform to become more proficient with handling single-action as well as maintaining/cleaning that style of gun.
I currently have a Glock 19 and my wife shoots the M&P Shield - both in 9MM (which I reload).
Questions:
If I want that 1911 experience, do I just "suck it up" and acknowledge that I will be carrying a cocked-and-locked gun (single action, hammer back, safety on) when concealed? I know I instantly loved that Dan Wesson trigger reset compared to a Glock
Are there any DA/SA guns you'd recommend - that would still be single stack for better conceal? I do not wear baggy pants, yet I'm still looking for an IWB holster
A friend got me excited about the .38 Super, but it is definitely a rare caliber when it comes to options...the Guardian comes in a .38 Super, but it will probably take a trip to GunBroker since local shops only have 9MM or perhaps .45.
If I don't go .38 Super, do I go ahead and step up to the much more popular .45? What impressed me, after talking to my gun enthusiast friend, is that he said the .38 Super had as much knockdown power as a .45 and was highly accurate with less recoil for reacquiring the target. I also liked it because it was a small primer...so reducing a step in swapping out the primer load on the reloader.
Guardian (.38 Super or .45) or CCO (.45 only)?
What about the Sig P320 (in .45)
Comments on the Springfield EMP (liked the feel, but it looks like it only comes in 9MM or .40)
Any others I should consider...under $1,500
Can any of these guns be supported by an ankle holster vs IWB...or should that be something along the lines of a Sig P938 (in 9mm)?
Thanks, folks. I do not post open, but I hope I at least drive interesting discussion/debate when I do.
Brian
P320 is striker fire in case that wasn't known.
Sig P220, P225 are DA/SA single stack.
P220 grip is still wide as a double stack, wider than a P320. Kinda dumb. P225-A1 is interesting if someone is looking to shave 1/4" off their carry and give up rounds. SRT DA/SA is my preference, but I summer carry a P938 that hides well no matter the dress. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAM0_ROnzZA
I have a 9mm P226 SAO in the TP if you want single action in a double stack. [Coffee]
P320 is striker fire in case that wasn't known.
Sig P220, P225 are DA/SA single stack.
P220 grip is still wide as a double stack, wider than a P320. Kinda dumb. P225-A1 is interesting if someone is looking to shave 1/4" off their carry and give up rounds. SRT DA/SA is my preference, but I summer carry a P938 that hides well no matter the dress. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAM0_ROnzZA
I have a 9mm P226 SAO in the TP if you want single action in a double stack. [Coffee]
So a vote for the P938...I do like that gun, but I want to add a different caliber to my inventory.
My bad on the P320...not a fan of the navigation on the Sig site. Really looking for a compact/subcompact for carry.
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Yes, carry the 1911 "cocked and locked", if you're not comfortable with that then stay away (that might ruffle a few feathers but I'm ok with that). If I had the extra cash I'd be all over the DW CCO. The 4.25" is generally regarded as the shortest system for reliability. I've owned plenty of shorter 1911s in 39 years of carrying and using the 1911 but that length for me is the best compromise, add in the shorter grip frame and you have the ideal concealed 1911.
You have greater ammo choices in .45 than the .38Super. A 1911 in 9mm would also give many more options in ammo than the .38 again. The 1911 is generally not considered an ankle gun (not a backup style I ever utilized either though I know plenty who have/do).
Back in the day-ugh I hate that phrase LOL-the Colt Commander (the original gun with the aluminum frame) was considered THE 1911 pistol for serious carry when concerned with concealment. The CCO version of today is perhaps the best-many companies make them now, the DW is perhaps the best deal at it's price (A former partner talked me out of my Les Baer Stinger though they run a bit more). I will say I didn't have reliability issues with the Colt Defender but the 1 inch difference in barrel/slide between it and the Stinger/CCO style isn't an issue for ccw use for me.
I frequently carry my 5" 1911 iwb but it gets a bit heavy at the end of the day.
If I'm not using a 1911 I rely on a striker fired pistol (S&W M&P full size or Shield), never been a fan of the da/sa semis though I have had to use them in the past. Not an issue any longer.
The 1911 does require a committed training regiment to safely and competently work it, yes it's an old design with more parts than most modern designs but it still fulfills it's purpose delightfully.
I think with .38 Super you'll be reloading. Some people don't like to reload defensive rounds. I'm not one of those people, but I thought I'd throw that out there just in case since this will be a carry gun.
Yes, carry the 1911 "cocked and locked", if you're not comfortable with that then stay away (that might ruffle a few feathers but I'm ok with that). If I had the extra cash I'd be all over the DW CCO. The 4.25" is generally regarded as the shortest system for reliability. I've owned plenty of shorter 1911s in 39 years of carrying and using the 1911 but that length for me is the best compromise, add in the shorter grip frame and you have the ideal concealed 1911.
You have greater ammo choices in .45 than the .38Super. A 1911 in 9mm would also give many more options in ammo than the .38 again. The 1911 is generally not considered an ankle gun (not a backup style I ever utilized either though I know plenty who have/do).
Back in the day-ugh I hate that phrase LOL-the Colt Commander (the original gun with the aluminum frame) was considered THE 1911 pistol for serious carry when concerned with concealment. The CCO version of today is perhaps the best-many companies make them now, the DW is perhaps the best deal at it's price (A former partner talked me out of my Les Baer Stinger though they run a bit more). I will say I didn't have reliability issues with the Colt Defender but the 1 inch difference in barrel/slide between it and the Stinger/CCO style isn't an issue for ccw use for me.
I frequently carry my 5" 1911 iwb but it gets a bit heavy at the end of the day.
If I'm not using a 1911 I rely on a striker fired pistol (S&W M&P full size or Shield), never been a fan of the da/sa semis though I have had to use them in the past. Not an issue any longer.
The 1911 does require a committed training regiment to safely and competently work it, yes it's an old design with more parts than most modern designs but it still fulfills it's purpose delightfully.
And that last paragraph is one of the reasons why I want one. I want to be proficient at the more complex platform to give me a shot at competently handling any of the others. A Glock is incredibly easy to shoot and maintain.
I'be read several posts where people love their CCO...and Guardian because they end up getting both. This would only be my 2nd gun, for practice and conceal...perhaps I could be persuaded to get a 938 as a 3rd...or something for pocket carry. But that is after this 1911 in .45 or .38Super.
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I think with .38 Super you'll be reloading. Some people don't like to reload defensive rounds. I'm not one of those people, but I thought I'd throw that out there just in case since this will be a carry gun.
I planned on reloading regardless...big difference in costs, and I'm liking my Dillon 550. Be first time I've purchased a separate head and dies, though.
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So a vote for the P938...I do like that gun, but I want to add a different caliber to my inventory.
My bad on the P320...not a fan of the navigation on the Sig site. Really looking for a compact/subcompact for carry.
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To be clear, the P938 IS essentially a 1911 manual of arms (Colt Mustang) but without a grip safety and has the ability to go safe before loading. As in, cycle slide empty, safe, load mag, cycle slide.
Trigger on mine sucked donkey balls, but was upgraded and buffed a bit until acceptable.
And that last paragraph is one of the reasons why I want one. I want to be proficient at the more complex platform to give me a shot at competently handling any of the others. A Glock is incredibly easy to shoot and maintain.
The 1911 is probably the easiest handgun to shoot. Mastering it doesn't really do much to improve your skill sets with any other platform. Although, there is the potential you might get much more proficient at malfunction drills.
Personally, I'm not a 1911 fan. I feel it's an outdated design (heavy, low capacity, silly manual safety, etc.) and people stick by it for nostalgia. Either that or it's the only pistol they can shoot well because they haven't honed their motor skills enough to manipulate the trigger in every non-1911 type handgun.
For me, I found the double action revolver to be the gun that really helped me shoot better.
Anyhow, as for your question, if I was going to buy a 1911 it would be a commander sized in 9mm with a bob-tailed alloy frame.
SIG P226 for a full size and SIG P229 for a slightly smaller handgun. Good guns and both have proven themselves in professional service. DA/SA takes a little getting used to but it is manageable. Both can be had in 9mm, .357 SIG, or .40 S&W
SIG P226 for a full size and SIG P229 for a slightly smaller handgun. Good guns and both have proven themselves in professional service. DA/SA takes a little getting used to but it is manageable. Both can be had in 9mm, .357 SIG, or .40 S&W
I have a 9mm with my Glock 19 - and perhaps considering a Sig P938. I'm looking for a conceal, in a 1911 style, in .38Super...or more heavily leaning towards the .45 ACP now in either the Guardian or CCO.
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