If Your Were Gonna Carry a Lightweight 1911...What Would You Pick?

I’ve been carrying my LW Colt Custom Carry (38 Super) worked over by Dave at Evolution Armory, for the last couple years.

 

Last October I picked up a Dan Wesson LW Government (45 ACP) and have been carrying her daily since. It’s hard to beat carrying a full size LW Government model (32 oz. unloaded).

 

In for the info, I'm looking for a LWT commander

 

Only LW I own is an older Baer Comanche which I love! Would like to try a cco version of a lw 1911, maybe someday but right now I’ve got another goal in sight!

 

You can't go wrong with a Dan Wesson Guardian for EDC.
28.5 ounces in .45ACP.

 

I carry a Ruger sr LW it's been a great gun . I'm looking at a DW LW now if the stars line up. A good belt & holster makes all of them carry better . They're so many good ones to choose from .So what ever feels good to you they're like puppies I want to keep them all.

 

I own a Springfied Champion, Springfield Champion Operatot, and now a Colt Lightweight Commander.

If I was looking at a true officers model, I’d probable look at the Springfield Range Officer Elite Compact, or one of the Dan Wesson offerings.

https://www.springfield-armory.com/products/1911-range-officer-elite-compact-45acp/

 

A DW CCO and a Wilson ULC. Both 45's, both excellent carry guns

 

I’ve owned a Dan Wesson CCO before - excellent pistol, I just prefer a Commander or, even more so, a Government.

I’m interested in DW’s Vigil line of LWs.

 

Over the years I’ve owned so many 1911’s that I’ve lost track of them all. I have had at least one from almost every production manufacturer that exist from lowly ATI and RI GI’s through Dan Wesson Guardian, Colt Gold Cup, Springfield TRP and even a Colt Commercial built by Jim Clark Sr. I’ve also owned semi-customs by Baer, Brown and Nighthawk. Out of all the 1911’s that I’ve owned my favorite carry gun is still my S&W e-series 1911sc. For a factory pistol it is very well appointed, it is lightweight and it just runs. I will have to say though that I did like the Kimber Compact that I briefly carried.

 

I like a lightweight 1911 for carry, particularly Commander sized, though I've had Gov't, CCO, and Officer sized lightweights, also. They are really comfortable to carry, it's really noticeable if you're used to a steel framed 1911. And, while lightweights have a bit more felt recoil and muzzle flip, you're talking tenths of a second differences in drill times so I don't consider that an issue when choosing a carry gun.

My primary carry gun is a David Clevinger custom Colt LW Wiley Clapp Commander. The Wiley Clapp Commander is a solid "carry worthy" gun right out of the box but I bought this gun specifically for the build and the changes and upgrades David made, mechanically and cosmetically, turned it into the gun I wanted it to be. It is accurate, reliable, feels great in the hand, and is a terrific all around carrying/shooting piece. If you're looking at lightweights you definitely need to consider either the Wiley Clapp Commanders and CCOs when you're shopping around, though I prefer the way a Commander feels and balances over a CCO.

 

I am moving to all lightweight frames for carry myself.
I have back issues and the weight reduction is noticeable on a long day

I am carrying a Alchemy HOD SA Champion mostly

 

I thoroughly enjoyed carrying the HOD while I was waiting for David to finish my gun, it's a great carry piece.

 

In about 20 minutes from now, a DW Guardian will be going in my TT Gunleather holster.

 

https://danwessonfirearms.com/product/ecp/

 

Colt LW Commanders do carry well.



Another option if you prefer 9mm.

 

Colt Talo Commander in 38 superb. And a new DW Vigil Custom Government in 38 superb when it arrives.

 

My light weight carry.

 

I'm looking HARD at these right now. Not necessarily for carry, but to have one instead of the EMP4.