Why don't we see more custom concealed carry guns built on STI 2011 frames?

[Blackdog714]

I mean it really seems to me that a commander sized 2011 would make an incredible concealed carry rig.

How come we don't see more of them?

[timcalhoun]

I considerd it but in 45 you only get 2 extra rounds I think.

[Blackdog714]

Originally Posted by timcalhoun

I considerd it but in 45 you only get 2 extra rounds I think.

14 rounds of .45 for the mag that doesn't extend past the bottom of the mag well...

[GLI45]

Blackdog - I agree. I carry an STI VIP in 9mm and, for me, it's an excellent carry piece. Some might consider the weight an issue when compared to the current popular polymer pistols. It's not an issue for me because I don't carry all day everyday.

[Tom Freeman]

I carry a STI Lightweight and really like it. Expensive for a carry gun though...

[Jadeplumblossom]

Carry my Tactical 4.15 concealed every day.

[RH45]

I have a commander size 2011 in .45, but, until we change governers, I doubt it will get carried.

[Blackdog714]

Come on guys, where's the pics???

[Jadeplumblossom]

Originally Posted by RH45

I have a commander size 2011 in .45, but, until we change governers, I doubt it will get carried.

Changing governors? I couldn't wait (Or hope) on that, I'd be inclined to change STATES.

[Jadeplumblossom]

Originally Posted by Blackdog714

Come on guys, where's the pics???

Been posted before, but there it is:

[Tom Freeman]

Originally Posted by Blackdog714

Come on guys, where's the pics???

The pics are here.

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=75576

[cool_breeze]

Originally Posted by Blackdog714

I mean it really seems to me that a commander sized 2011 would make an incredible concealed carry rig.

How come we don't see more of them?

I just had a 9 mm built on an aluminum 2011 frame and it weighs 25 ozs. Really nice. The 140 mm mag gives 21 rounds and the 130 gives 17 rounds. It will shoot all day then throw rocks!

breeze

[al503]

Originally Posted by cool_breeze

I just had a 9 mm built on an aluminum 2011 frame and it weighs 25 ozs. Really nice. The 140 mm mag gives 21 rounds and the 130 gives 17 rounds. It will shoot all day then throw rocks!

breeze

I'm thinking about a VIP with the aluminum frame in 9mm. 25 oz. empty would be real nice.

Have your smith put either a couple of ball cuts or tri-top the slide and some ball cuts or turn down the bbl a little and you could probably get it down to ~22 oz pretty easily. It'll probably make it more snappy but probably no more so than a glock/m&p, etc.

[rmills]

Originally Posted by Jadeplumblossom

Been posted before, but there it is:

Difficult to conceal with the widemouth magwell?

[Supersoll]

I highly recommend the 9mm VIP. I love mine. Lightweight, accurate and 15 rounds in the magazine.

[cool_breeze]

Originally Posted by al503

I'm thinking about a VIP with the aluminum frame in 9mm. 25 oz. empty would be real nice.

Have your smith put either a couple of ball cuts or tri-top the slide and some ball cuts or turn down the bbl a little and you could probably get it down to ~22 oz pretty easily. It'll probably make it more snappy but probably no more so than a glock/m&p, etc.

It is tri-topped...the weight is fine for me as it is. I was surprised at the mild recoil. Seems to shoot softer than my Kimber and my Springfield 1911's.

breeze

[mike4045]

2011 in 9mm. With the light rail. Low mount Novaks.

[al503]

Originally Posted by cool_breeze

It is tri-topped...the weight is fine for me as it is. I was surprised at the mild recoil. Seems to shoot softer than my Kimber and my Springfield 1911's.

breeze

They need to update the pics on their site. It's definitely flat topped only in the pics.

[richpetrone]

Gunsmiths like to work with metal and show their machining skills and metal artwork. Checkering grips, adding full mag wells, cutting slides for aesthetic purposes, etc. The standard 2011 polymer frame doesn't allow this. There is also the stigma from some gun enthusiasts that they won't use a "plastic gun" thinking that it is far less durable.

I have used an STI 2011 frame in IPSC competition for many years, shooting hot loaded .38 super rounds. The frame has held up beyond my expectations, and has had well over 80K rounds of use....I have shot out three barrels but the frame is still solid.

I carry a concealed firearm for self defense reasons and don't necessarily require a gun that has hundreds of dollars of extra costs for cosmetic reasons. A hi-cap, light weight, accurate and reliabile 1911 in a major caliber like .40 S&W works for me. It may not be as pretty as a hard chromed custom from the major gunsmiths, but it is effective.