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1911 vs XD (Conceal Carry)

robin.kevin

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 7, 2010
Messages
100
Location
Northern KY
Hello,

Currently I have a XD 40 service model which I love due to high cap, safety, and overall feel. However I am also a lover of 1911's even though I dont own one. My question pertains to conceal carry, do you guys / ladies believe the 1911 would be any easier to conceal then the XD or would they be about the same. I hope to get my permit this year if funding allows.

I have be troublesome with the XD being hard to conceal. I have a 3 slot pancake holster as IWB holster just wasnt comfortable to me and usually the pancake can hide the XD pretty good but being so large it does print a little. Was thinking about selling the XD in efforts to get a nice RI 1911, if it would be easier to conceal.

Give me your thoughts and opinions if you would.

Thank you,
Kevin
 

jeeper1

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 29, 2008
Messages
692
Location
USA
In my opinion the XD is easier to conceal.
In this picture the AO 45 is behind the XD40. The 45s barrel and OAL length about one inch longer than the XD.
45vs40001.jpg

In this picture the 45 is on the left and appears to be about a thick as the XD,
45vs40005.jpg

I sometimes carry the XD concealed (going to costco to lunch on the free samples and to the doctors) using a CrossBread Qwik Klip set up for cross draw.
 

marshaul

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Aug 13, 2007
Messages
11,188
Location
Fairfax County, Virginia
In my opinion the XD is easier to conceal.
In this picture the AO 45 is behind the XD40. The 45s barrel and OAL length about one inch longer than the XD.
45vs40001.jpg

In this picture the 45 is on the left and appears to be about a thick as the XD,
45vs40005.jpg

I sometimes carry the XD concealed (going to costco to lunch on the free samples and to the doctors) using a CrossBread Qwik Klip set up for cross draw.

If you're gonna compare fairly, i.e. by not using a smaller and less-powerful :)p) round in the XD, a 1911 with decent grips is much slimmer than an XD45.

The XD40 barely edges out a 1911 with standard grips, as you can see, although slim grips would probably change that.

The OAL issue really depends on your body type. Tall and lean enough and the width will be more of a problem than that addition 1" OAL.

Now, if you compare a 1911 Commander or Compact to the XD45, the 1911 will win in every category except capacity.

Also, in either case the 1911 is slimmer everywhere it actually goes into a holster so it's likely with an IWB the 1911 will be held closer, pulling the grips closer to your body. A Commander, slimline grips, and a good IWB holster, and the 1911 will kick the pants off the XD45 for concealment.
 
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jeeper1

Regular Member
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Sep 29, 2008
Messages
692
Location
USA
The original poster stated he has an XD40 and was interested in comparing it to a 1911. I expressed an opinion and added a couple of pictures to show the major differences between the two. I left it to the original poster to do what he wanted to do with the provided info.
 

marshaul

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Aug 13, 2007
Messages
11,188
Location
Fairfax County, Virginia
The original poster stated he has an XD40 and was interested in comparing it to a 1911. I expressed an opinion and added a couple of pictures to show the major differences between the two. I left it to the original poster to do what he wanted to do with the provided info.

I know, your post was fine.

I was saying, to the OP, that if he wanted a fair comparison, he should compare guns of the same caliber. I guess I shouldn't have, but I quoted your post merely because it had the pictures.

Sure, with what he's got, the XD40 may conceal slightly better. But I still maintain that the 1911 is a better platform for concealment. Heck, I have an XD40 and I'd still prefer a fullsize 1911 for most carry purposes, including concealed. The slimmer slide makes more difference than the grips, IMO.

I just measured, and my 1911 is over .2" slimmer at the slide.

1911:
Slide: 0.914"
Grips: 1.225"

XD40:
Slide: 1.200"
Grips: 1.205"
 
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stickbow95

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 21, 2010
Messages
99
Location
Eagle River, WI
I have a full size 1911, and an XDm 3.8 in 9mm. The XDm is way shorter, but I actually prefer to conceal the 1911. Even with the added length, it's slim profile is more comfortable IMHO. (Also the 1911 shoots better of course ;) )
 

Gray Rider

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Feb 20, 2009
Messages
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Location
, ,
Thin wins

I have a full size Colt 1911 and a GLOCK 19 which is similar to the XD. The Colt conceals better for me. I generally use pancake style OWB holsters but occasionally use IWB. The style of holster can make a big difference. The 1911 with a full mag and one extra gives me 15 rounds total. There is nothing wrong with a higher round count but its necessity is overrated.
 

irish52084

Regular Member
Joined
Jun 26, 2010
Messages
285
Location
Puyallup< WA
The weight of an all steel 1911 is an issue to consider as well. I had a steel commander sized 1911 and it was really heavy for it's size and capacity. I actually replaced it with an xd. I like 1911's, I've had 3 of them, but I prefer to carry a gun with more capacity. I also don't really worry about my concealed carry guns printing, I used to, but I've noticed that most people are oblivious to a gun under a shirt.
 

UtahRSO

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 28, 2007
Messages
146
Location
Lehi, Utah, USA
I have both a 5" 1911 and a 4.5" XDm. Until recently, the holsters for each have been Kydex. I have a quality leather OWB holster for the 1911 now, and it holds the 1911 closer to me, making it wonderfully concealable under a cover vest or shirt.

I think between the two (1911 or XD/XDm), the holster will be the thing to make a difference about concealment.
 

robin.kevin

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 7, 2010
Messages
100
Location
Northern KY
Glad to see so much feed back. Its seems its a close shave no matter how you look at it. Even with the slid being 0.2" slimmer, the average person they wont really notice a slight difference such as that.

The pancake holster I have it a Blackhawk CQC 3 slot leather and it holds the pistol real close, the grip is the biggest issue as it sticks out.

Weight was the reason that I first went with the XD over trying to get a 1911 (that and did'nt know of affordable yet good 1911s at that time). From your guys input I think I will stay with the XD for now unless I get a offer good enough to cover the cost of a 1911... and just save up for an 1911.

Carrying the XD might make for an easier adjustment to the heavier 1911.
 

zack991

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 29, 2009
Messages
1,535
Location
Ohio, USA
I have a full size 1911, and an XDm 3.8 in 9mm. The XDm is way shorter, but I actually prefer to conceal the 1911. Even with the added length, it's slim profile is more comfortable IMHO. (Also the 1911 shoots better of course ;) )

This, I sold my XDM for a 1911 for a number reasons to include the concealing it. To me, there is no better, safer, more reliable, sweet shooting easily concealed firearm than the 1911. People whom worry about the 1911's weight don't understand its good weight to have when using a large caliber like the 45 ACP. Even the basic models of 1911's have the quality and distinction that only a gun such as these can have. I don't feel out gunned with 7 or 8 rounds of 45 with me. Add a spare mag and why would I need more? If you cant make your hits under stress with 8 rounds YOU WONT do any better with 13+ rounds. As for finding quality 1911's are easy to find, I just picked up a colt Mk IV for 500 and with a little under 80 bucks of professional gunsmithing work it is one sweet piece. If you want the site where I found mine and other great deals on 1911's new and used send me a PM. Finally there are more parts and accessory for the 1911 than any other HANDGUN period, you make your 1911 truly yours and. If thee weight is still an issue they have great light weight frame that easy compete with polymer guns.

Jeff Cooper

“The 1911 pistol remains the service pistol of choice in the eyes of those who understand the problem. Back when we audited the FBI academy in 1947, I was told that I ought not to use my pistol in their training program because it was not fair. Maybe the first thing one should demand of his sidearm is that it be unfair.”
— Guns & Ammo, January 2002


Clint Smith On The 1911

“The 1911 remains popular because it’s an efficient tool. In more than 30 years of experience, I’ve met more competent, serious gunmen who carry 1911’s than those who pack any other handgun. They are professionals – policemen, government agents and others who carry handguns daily because the know their live may depend on it…Me? I’ve carried a 1911 every single day for the past 20 years. It’s a very comforting gun to have at your hip. It offers a good, consistent single-action trigger pull and is wonderfully dependable. Because the 1911 is basically a defensive handgun, I’m not concerned about tight groups. I don’t bother with expanding hollowpoints that could cause feeding problems. For absolute reliability, I shoot only high-quality ball ammunition. That big .45 slug doesn’t have to expand to be effective.”
From Guns and Ammo, September, 2001.


Tom Givens, Author and Trainer

As a "fighting" handgun, a properly set up and tuned 1911 has no equal. It has superb ergonomics, redundant safeties, excellent reliability and longevity, and the best trigger action available on any common service pistol. The trigger alone makes it the easiest service pistol to shoot well at speed. My primary handgun every single day, 365 days a year, is a lightly customized 1911.

That said, the 1911 is NOT a gun for the casual user, or what we call NDP's (non-dedicated personnel). The gun was designed when technology was expensive, but skilled labor was not. The exact opposite is true today. A carry 1911 should be gone over by an experienced specialist (Heinie, Burns, Yam, Yost, Garthwaite, etc) and then properly maintained by the end user. The average cop or typical CCW holder would be better served with a Glock or SIG in most cases. If you're willing to spend the money to get a properly set up 1911 and TRAIN with it, then you're not "average".

Last year I took three classes as a student (Taylor, Gonzales, Suarez) and the year before one from Clint Smith. In each of those classes I fired about 800 rounds through my carry 1911 without cleaning it and with zero malfunctions. At the NTI last year, I dropped an impact target with about an eight inch square vital zone at approximately 80 yards, from an awkward position, with one shot from my carry 1911, while being filmed by a TV crew. The superb trigger on my gun made that a lot easier. Since I have a choice in my personal weapons, I choose to carry the system that stacks the odds in my favor. My life is worth the extra expense/effort. YMMV.



O yea one last thing

1911outdateddesign.jpg
 
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robin.kevin

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 7, 2010
Messages
100
Location
Northern KY
Zack,

I agree with your post very much. Usually I am the first one to admit that the 12+1 rounds that my XD holds is more then needed. Hopefully I will never need to use my sidearm but if I plan no more then 2 shots. One to hopefully take the fight out of the threat, the second if needed would eliminate the threat.

One thing I dont agree is where its stated that it needs professional gun work. A well made handgun that is taken care of clean often will work when needed. A lot of people anymore dont understand this. I see people take a pistol right out of the box and are surprise when it jams.

Myself I m still debating on selling the XD its hard to get rid of something you love even for another love. If I keep the XD my next pistol will be either a ruger 22 45 or stand alone .22 1911 such as the Chiappa 1911-22. This is because I cant shoot my XD nearly as much as I want due to ammo cost. Other wise I will sell my XD in hope of getting a affordable 1911 such as Rock Island where I can refine it but still have a little bit of money left to put towards a .22 practice pistol.

I thank you very much for your input and appreciate your passion for the most popular firearm in the world.
 

robin.kevin

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 7, 2010
Messages
100
Location
Northern KY
The difference is .286", which is closer to .3", and which is about two-sevents of an inch. :p

That's definitely a noticeable difference, for most anybody.

It is for someone looking for it, but lets face it. Most people on this site open carrys atleast from time to time. How many times does an open carried weapon get over looked by people. If people will over look a plain sight sidearm a conceal weapon which prints out a little over a quarter inch more then another will go unseen as well.

Thats what I meant by my statement.
 

zack991

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 29, 2009
Messages
1,535
Location
Ohio, USA
Myself I m still debating on selling the XD its hard to get rid of something you love even for another love. If I keep the XD my next pistol will be either a ruger 22 45 or stand alone .22 1911 such as the Chiappa 1911-22. This is because I cant shoot my XD nearly as much as I want due to ammo cost. Other wise I will sell my XD in hope of getting a affordable 1911 such as Rock Island where I can refine it but still have a little bit of money left to put towards a .22 practice pistol.

I thank you very much for your input and appreciate your passion for the most popular firearm in the world.

I really did not want to sell my XDm but for my personal wants had more pros for me than negtives. It took me over 8 months to sell my xdm for 460. I took a huge hit and had to toss in a serpa holster and tact light to get it sold.
 

coorsleftfield

Regular Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2011
Messages
57
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Springfield Armory 1911 compact 4" and Glock 26.

Slide length is identical, grip length on the 1911 is an inch longer on the 1911, but the frame is thinner. I also installed super-thin rosewood grips. Loaded weight of the Springfield is about 1/2 lb more than the Glock. It's also almost too beautiful to carry :)

img2121a.jpg
 
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robin.kevin

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 7, 2010
Messages
100
Location
Northern KY
That is a beautiful sidearm. I wouldnt go smaller then commander size on a 1911 myself. I've heard you go down in reliability each time you go down in size with 1911's not sure why that would be or even if its true...

That and the XD was my price max when I bought it and times havent gotten better so one such as that will be on wish list for a little while. Thanks for the picture and info!
 

coorsleftfield

Regular Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2011
Messages
57
Location
Phoenix, AZ
That Springfield is the commander size, Springfield calls it "compact" 4" barrel.. I've also heard of issues with the micro-compact 3" 1911s. It also has the compact grip, so the mags are 7rd, instead of 8..

For 1911 carry, I think something like the Kimber pro-carry with full size grip (8 rds), and a 4" barrel is the ideal compromise.

I still prefer to carry the G26, just because it is very light.
 

D_Weezy

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Mar 3, 2009
Messages
65
Location
, Ohio, USA
That Springfield is the commander size, Springfield calls it "compact" 4" barrel.. I've also heard of issues with the micro-compact 3" 1911s. It also has the compact grip, so the mags are 7rd, instead of 8..

For 1911 carry, I think something like the Kimber pro-carry with full size grip (8 rds), and a 4" barrel is the ideal compromise.

I still prefer to carry the G26, just because it is very light.

I thought that 7 round magazines were the standard. Isn't that what the 1911 originally came with. I have a full size Springfield Mil-Spec 1911-A1 and it came with a 7 round magazine. I bought aftermarket Colt magazines and they are also 7 rounds. I guess you mean, that the compact magazines are too short to hold more than 7 rounds. I can use 8 round magazines in my firearm, am I correct?
 
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