Age definitely has an impact on this decision; a heavy gun makes my old decrepit back hurt. I have all steel guns to practice with, but I prefer to carry an aluminum-framed pistol for the weight savings.

 

I am closer to 60 than I am to 50, and I will not carry an aluminum framed gun. My carry pistol that gets put on when I get up in the morning and gets taken off when I go to bed that night is a railed steel-framed 1911. Good belts and holsters allow one to carry a heavy pistol with no issues.

 

I have two 1911's, almost identical. Both a CCO pattern guns. A Sig Sauer C3 and a Wilson Combat CQB Compact. The Sig Sauer C3 weighs 8 ounces less than the WC.
The Sig Sauer was my EDC for over 13 years (bought in 2009) because it was a lighter weight option. No regrets.
Now my EDC is a Sig Sauer P365xl because it's even lighter and I'm getting older. And that's a plastic gun. And my back still hurts every day with that option.

 

I don’t think there’s any necessarily ‘wrong’ about it when it comes to concealed carry.

I agree, many folks in the market prefer lighter guns, and there is a weight advantage, sure. However, I only carry my all steel, Government-length, extended mag .45 1911s, which by many respects is the antithesis of weight savings.

What I think it comes down to (training/access/ammo/prices aside) is one’s tolerance. Many people cannot or will not tolerate a ‘heavy’ gun, and will sacrifice ‘shootability’ for those weight savings…again, nothing wrong with that. For me, I love the authority a steel gun has weight and shooting-wise. At the end of the day, if you’re willing to carry it, that’s all there is to it.

 

I carry nothing more heavy than a steel Commander size. But, I temper my choice with the day. I don't have to do 12-15+ hour days these days ..... but still some 8-10s out in the world . Lighter guns if I know a long day is possible but .... I walk the dog on forest trails with a K fram e3 inch 357 ..... or a Hi-power ..... but longer day expected.... hit the door with a LW

 

A gun I will compete with, go to war with or for TEOTWAWKI, steel. I have a pair of excellent Kimber Tactical II I have been carrying for I don't know how long 25 years? They run great and I have not failed to put down anything I used them on. Just about every day for the last 20.

 

I'm thinking that I must just be wrong.


When it comes to a carry gun, if I'm carrying anything, 1911, 2011, if it's a bigger frame, I don't want an aluminum frame. If I'm making the conscious choice to conceal a bigger framed gun, then I want everything that goes with that, and to me, that's a steel frame, I want heavy. I want it to eat up recoil.

That's just how I've always felt, and if I carry a micro, or a subcompact, then one of the sacrifices is in shootability, it's a lighter gun, I'll see more muzzle rise, or more felt recoil. As an example, on of my favorite carry guns was the Wilson Combat SFX 9mm, 3.25" barrel, but thin, short, narrow, and about 27 ounces. That's a gun I felt like I could transition from my competition gun (CZ Shadow) to, and never skip a beat, it was fast, accurate, and never took a whole lot of extra work with to keep skills between both.

Personal issue with WC, so I sold the gun years ago, and was finally looking around at different options with a red dot. It blew my mind that the Staccato CS was longer, taller, wider, and 4 oz lighter than the Wilson. In fact it was lighter than quite a few polymer pistols that I looked at. So to me, why carry something bigger that weighs less? Downside in weight and in size without the upside I get from carrying a bigger framed gun.

Had a few conversations with folks, that the market just wants lighter and lighter guns, and to an extent I get that, but sure feels like there should be a middle ground, where more weight, isn't a bad thing, where it's worth carrying the "bigger" frame. Hell, I thought CZ was stupid for never pushing and then discontinuing the Rami, which was far easier shooting than most compact frame guns.

Am I wrong, or do y'all prefer all the lighter, aluminum frame guns when it comes to carry? Is it just a matter that I need to get with the times, commit more practice time with the lighter gun?

So are you going to buy a steel framed Government size 1911?

 

I don't know....I've an ACW Prime Carry, but I really would like to add a dot, and I struggle with that on my 1911's. It just doesn't look or feel right to me. Hence I started looking around at some of the 2011 options.

 

I see the train of thought on the lighter guns for the health reasons, and I can't dispute that at all.

I'm in the "closer to 50 than 60" group, and there are some long days, but that whole 28-33 oz area seems like a sweet spot, and I guess it's either go back and carry the Commander sized 1911 without a dot, or compromise and find a 2011 that hits the weight I want with the dot.

 

Closer to 70 than 60 here; bad knees, hips, compressed disks, sciatica, etc.

 

There is a big range of weights on dot sights. Have to decide were to sacrifice on the weight. Gun or sights.

 

Bots? Dots? Batteries? Nah, KISS works for me better than hanging stuff on a weapon. ' Course, I'm old / old school.

 

You're not alone

 

I like steel. Not a big fan of aluminum 1911s or other guns. I do have aluminum frames but...

Now for the reasons:
Aluminum wears faster than steel, no surprise here.
Steel will polish better and won't gall.
Mil-Spec AR pieces are Type 3 Hardcoat anodize. Seems that most handgun anodize is Type 2 decorative coating, this doesn't wear as well. Hardcoat is thicker and harder.
A blue steel gun can be reblued about as many times as can be afforded. Not so with anodize, as the coating needs to be removed - a chemical process that also removes the base metal, it's a dimensional issue.

But we are all big boys and girls and get to make our own decisions for whatever reasons tickle our fancy.

BTW, I carry a LBC Stinger CCO in 38 Super. And yup, somedays it's heavy.

Jim

 

This is a photo of my aluminum framed 45ACP Commander with 15K rounds through it. It has the feed ramp built into the the aluminum frame. There are some places where the finish is worn off but there is no discernible wear to the aluminum frame itself. So lets seem some photos of aluminum frames that are worn out.

 

Good data to see.

 

I like an aluminum frame in a gun I’m likely to carry. If I wear one out to the point dimensions become detrimental, I’ll be rather proud of myself. In fact, I’m thinking about ordering a T3 from NH with IOS in 9mm with an aluminum frame.

 

Went to the range today to clear my head. Fun shooting always but always testing. I agree about the proper belt and holster. Today's carry a Les Baer UTC. You know it weighs about 43 oz. I have a Wilson Combat SFX9L a lightweight, full size, weighs in at 42 oz. My back thanks me when I carry it. Those weights are fully loaded. One thing I believe the smaller you go, say an Officer size, the more focused you have to be when firing. Most of mine have similar firing characteristics in that they shoot like larger framed guns. I hear lots of good reports on CZs with many liking the Shadow 2 compact. I've looked at them but never gone down that path. What are some of the most often carried positions? Strongside IWB/OWB? Appendix? for a full size, commander or officer. Then Steel vs. Aluminum... Went by the pro shop on the way out and looked at a Shadow Systems 9sumthin, the full size. It sure was light in hand. The thing I found remarkable. You have to have a tool to field strip it. You got to punch a pin out to get that comp off it. Full circle on a Gucci Glock?

 

I carry both,steel government in cold weather and an aluminum officer in warm weather.

 

I’m a huge fan of the all steel 1911 but I carry an aluminum frame, commander most of the time. If I’m leaving the house and headed into town, 90% of the time I’m going to the gym first and then running some errands afterwards, which means I’m carrying my gun AIWB in some gym shorts. A steel frame is just not as stable and too uncomfortable in this situation. If I’m wearing a belt and jeans, I don’t really care what it weighs.

 

I'm thinking that I must just be wrong.


When it comes to a carry gun, if I'm carrying anything, 1911, 2011, if it's a bigger frame, I don't want an aluminum frame. If I'm making the conscious choice to conceal a bigger framed gun, then I want everything that goes with that, and to me, that's a steel frame, I want heavy. I want it to eat up recoil.

That's just how I've always felt, and if I carry a micro, or a subcompact, then one of the sacrifices is in shootability, it's a lighter gun, I'll see more muzzle rise, or more felt recoil. As an example, on of my favorite carry guns was the Wilson Combat SFX 9mm, 3.25" barrel, but thin, short, narrow, and about 27 ounces. That's a gun I felt like I could transition from my competition gun (CZ Shadow) to, and never skip a beat, it was fast, accurate, and never took a whole lot of extra work with to keep skills between both.

Personal issue with WC, so I sold the gun years ago, and was finally looking around at different options with a red dot. It blew my mind that the Staccato CS was longer, taller, wider, and 4 oz lighter than the Wilson. In fact it was lighter than quite a few polymer pistols that I looked at. So to me, why carry something bigger that weighs less? Downside in weight and in size without the upside I get from carrying a bigger framed gun.

Had a few conversations with folks, that the market just wants lighter and lighter guns, and to an extent I get that, but sure feels like there should be a middle ground, where more weight, isn't a bad thing, where it's worth carrying the "bigger" frame. Hell, I thought CZ was stupid for never pushing and then discontinuing the Rami, which was far easier shooting than most compact frame guns.

Am I wrong, or do y'all prefer all the lighter, aluminum frame guns when it comes to carry? Is it just a matter that I need to get with the times, commit more practice time with the lighter gun?

I don't carry for you and you don't carry for me...

Shoot both carry both. There are days Alloy is more convenient and comfortable, and if I question where I'm going I carry a Govt.

Need the hive mind to justify what you prefer????

 

"Carrying a gun is not supposed to be comfortable; it's supposed to be comforting."
Clint Smith

I many years ago decided I would carry full size at all costs. Some slight wardrobe changes and good belt and holster adjustment and I couldn't think of carrying a smaller gun. I am already behind the 8-ball when it comes to using a pistol for self defense (pistols suck compared to rifles for stopping a threat); why would I compromise even further by choosing something small and unshootable?*

*speaking in generalities of course; there is always room for the rare time when a small gun is all that works for the mission, and that is better than no gun!

 

I like CCO steel frames, conceals better than a glock 43x or 48, and yet shoots way better too. I would gladly trade more weight if that means more shootability

 

Same!

 

I'm thinking that I must just be wrong.


When it comes to a carry gun, if I'm carrying anything, 1911, 2011, if it's a bigger frame, I don't want an aluminum frame. If I'm making the conscious choice to conceal a bigger framed gun, then I want everything that goes with that, and to me, that's a steel frame, I want heavy. I want it to eat up recoil.

That's just how I've always felt, and if I carry a micro, or a subcompact, then one of the sacrifices is in shootability, it's a lighter gun, I'll see more muzzle rise, or more felt recoil. As an example, on of my favorite carry guns was the Wilson Combat SFX 9mm, 3.25" barrel, but thin, short, narrow, and about 27 ounces. That's a gun I felt like I could transition from my competition gun (CZ Shadow) to, and never skip a beat, it was fast, accurate, and never took a whole lot of extra work with to keep skills between both.

Personal issue with WC, so I sold the gun years ago, and was finally looking around at different options with a red dot. It blew my mind that the Staccato CS was longer, taller, wider, and 4 oz lighter than the Wilson. In fact it was lighter than quite a few polymer pistols that I looked at. So to me, why carry something bigger that weighs less? Downside in weight and in size without the upside I get from carrying a bigger framed gun.

Had a few conversations with folks, that the market just wants lighter and lighter guns, and to an extent I get that, but sure feels like there should be a middle ground, where more weight, isn't a bad thing, where it's worth carrying the "bigger" frame. Hell, I thought CZ was stupid for never pushing and then discontinuing the Rami, which was far easier shooting than most compact frame guns.

Am I wrong, or do y'all prefer all the lighter, aluminum frame guns when it comes to carry? Is it just a matter that I need to get with the times, commit more practice time with the lighter gun?

I carry both Aluminum or Steel framed 1911s,

Had a 5” AL (LW)framed 1911 built specifically for CCW, only AL framed 1911 I own. It’s a Lazer.
kinda a toss up for 2011s went down the EDC 9 route great gun never warmed up to it, A beretta 92 centurion fills the void for a higher cap 9, or in place of a 2011 for me. That and the HK USP9. (Lem trigger). Local shops I frequent are always handing me the latest 2011 they get in that to bite, that and most of the employees are Carrying one style or the other Of them.

for myself Steel frame 1911s are it all .45 minus of course the USP 45. Of course always a good belt and holster but when you hit a certain age and suffer from N (3) A‘s

(No Ass At All). It’s suspenders baby for those 40 oz pistols) lol.

Ya like what ya like it’s been thousands upon thousands to get there🤔🤦‍♂️😂

 

Me too. I've worn suspenders for over 30 years. My favorite hooks to my belt, not the pants, so if you want to wear a T-shirt or any untucked shirt, I can wear them under the shirt.

 

I really like steel, but prefer to carry alloy.
If you can afford enough ammo and free time to wear out a well-made alloy frame, you are truly blessed.

 

I have 7 steel 1911's and one 4.25 alloy frame, guess what I carry.

 

I'm 6 months away from 80 and thankfully with no medical issues & always been in good shape. I carried a BHP for decades until I discovered the LW's. My first was an officer but soon realized that a bobtail, LW commander was my best fit. I carry for self-defense - my competition is the bad guy - so my range time is mostly point/shoot with no dots or lights hanging off the pistol. BUT - that's what works for me. If steel + attachments assures that you'll carry & feel safe, then so be it - choices are great.

 

99.9% of shooters aren't wearing out an aluminum frame 1911, let alone an aluminum frame 9mm semi-auto.

If you can afford the cost of 100-150k rounds, you can afford a replacement.

 

I'm thinking that I must just be wrong.


When it comes to a carry gun, if I'm carrying anything, 1911, 2011, if it's a bigger frame, I don't want an aluminum frame. If I'm making the conscious choice to conceal a bigger framed gun, then I want everything that goes with that, and to me, that's a steel frame, I want heavy. I want it to eat up recoil.

That's just how I've always felt, and if I carry a micro, or a subcompact, then one of the sacrifices is in shootability, it's a lighter gun, I'll see more muzzle rise, or more felt recoil. As an example, on of my favorite carry guns was the Wilson Combat SFX 9mm, 3.25" barrel, but thin, short, narrow, and about 27 ounces. That's a gun I felt like I could transition from my competition gun (CZ Shadow) to, and never skip a beat, it was fast, accurate, and never took a whole lot of extra work with to keep skills between both.

Personal issue with WC, so I sold the gun years ago, and was finally looking around at different options with a red dot. It blew my mind that the Staccato CS was longer, taller, wider, and 4 oz lighter than the Wilson. In fact it was lighter than quite a few polymer pistols that I looked at. So to me, why carry something bigger that weighs less? Downside in weight and in size without the upside I get from carrying a bigger framed gun.

Had a few conversations with folks, that the market just wants lighter and lighter guns, and to an extent I get that, but sure feels like there should be a middle ground, where more weight, isn't a bad thing, where it's worth carrying the "bigger" frame. Hell, I thought CZ was stupid for never pushing and then discontinuing the Rami, which was far easier shooting than most compact frame guns.

Am I wrong, or do y'all prefer all the lighter, aluminum frame guns when it comes to carry? Is it just a matter that I need to get with the times, commit more practice time with the lighter gun?

You are exactly on point!

 

It's all personal preference. I like a little bit of weight savings and I find the recoil from my C2 and DW Guardian are quite manageable.