pro's and con's for carrying a cqb instead of a compact

[chul_soo]

hey guys i'm sure a compact is a lil more easliy concealed but would it be weird to try to conceal a cqb full size? "is that a pistol or are u just happy to see me?" type of thing. wut are the pro's and con's for carrying a full size compared to a compact? any other suggestions besides a compact?

[KWBSales]

CS:
Just depends on what your comfortable with carrying. I've carried full size, compact, and sub-compact. My current carry rig is a Wilson Sentinel (hard chromed by Metaloy), in a Wilson IWB Featherweight holster. BTW: with the IWB Featherweight, you only need the one holster because it fits all 1911's regardless of the slide length.

[chul_soo]

ur "Sentinel (hard chromed by Metaloy)" i don't see it on the wilson combat homepage. am i missing something?

[KWBSales]

It was discontinued a few years back. They can still be found on the used market, and Wilson still supports the platform (ie. mags, recoil spring, etc. are still available).

http://www.kwbsales.com/DSC01165.JPG

[impcmonk]

I rotate between my CQB Compact and my Kimber Warrior. The Warrior is a full size and I have no problems. It's just what your comfortable with.

[tsa45]

In carrying a full size 1911 vs. a compact, you get a bit more sighting radius and a little added velocity with the full size gun. Most people tend to shoot the bigger gun a bit better as well - I know I do. The trade off, of course, is that the compact is easier to conceal and tends to be more convenient to carry. For me, I tend to carry a full size piece when in the fall and winter when the heavier clothing makes it easy to conceal even a full size 1911. The compact really comes into it's own during the summer when the lighter clothing makes concealment more difficult. My .02 . . .

[meanoldman]

Keith,

The hard chrome looks really good on the Sentinal. The one thing I don't like about mine is the wearing on the barrel showing at the ejection port. Once I let it wear more I may send mine to Tripp.

Thanks,
david

[erik330]

I have had a Springfield 1911 A1 for a long time, but it's awfully big as a carry gun. I have a chance to buy a NIB Wilson Combat Sentinel. I really like the size of the gun. But "experts" tell me that short barreled 1911s can be troublesome feeding hollow points, etc. Since this would be my sole carry gun, I'd hate to use something unreliable (when you need it you NEED it).

I am a newbie on this site and did a search for the Wilson Combat Sentinel looking for pros and cons, but this was the only thread with a mention of the Sentinel. Can you guys give me your opinions about the WCS as a self defense gun?

[WBB]

MY CQB Compact has between 4 to 5 thousand rounds shot without a problem, it feeds everything put into it.
In summer the compact hides easier, the short grip takes a little pratice to get used to, but I can shoot the center out of bad guy target all day at 20 yards.
In the winter when I can wear a vest or jacket I have no problem with my full size CQB, the slim grips do help concealment.

[KWBSales]

E330:
For a carry weapon, reliability can only be determined when you have tested the pistol (or any pistol for that matter), with the specific ammo you intend to carry with. I have tested Federal Hydra-Shok 165gr. and Remington Golden Saber 230gr.(bonded), in mine and it functions perfectly. Where you might run into problems is not changing out the recoil spring at recommended intervals (500 rounds or so they say for the Sentinel). The Sentinel's shortened frame, 3.6" barrel, thin micarta grips and 6+1 round capacity were designed for use as a highly concealable carry weapon. However, because of the shortened frame, this is not a pistol that most shooters will enjoy shooting all day at the range. But, if you are looking for a highly concealable sub-compact .45, the Sentinel may be just what you are looking for...I know I love mine.

[erik330]

E330:
For a carry weapon, reliability can only be determined when you have tested the pistol (or any pistol for that matter), with the specific ammo you intend to carry with. I have tested Federal Hydra-Shok 165gr. and Remington Golden Saber 230gr.(bonded), in mine and it functions perfectly. Where you might run into problems is not changing out the recoil spring at recommended intervals (500 rounds or so they say for the Sentinel). The Sentinel's shortened frame, 3.6" barrel, thin micarta grips and 6+1 round capacity were designed for use as a highly concealable carry weapon. However, because of the shortened frame, this is not a pistol that most shooters will enjoy shooting all day at the range. But, if you are looking for a highly concealable sub-compact .45, the Sentinel may be just what you are looking for...I know I love mine.

That's exactly the kind of input I was looking for, thanks. Since the Sentinel is discontinued, I ought to call Wilson and see if they still support it and if springs are available and buy a lifetime supply (like 3 of them? :) ). I like the Federal Hydra Shoks in my full size 1911 and have never had a feed problem, but I tried the .380 equivalent in my Walther PPK and had a number of misfeeds. Thanks again, any other input still welcomed as well.

[KWBSales]

E330:
Actually, the Sentinel will be reintroduced this year, and they have plenty of parts to support the platform. It's already been added to the CADOJ list of approved pistols for California: CADOJ List (http://justice.doj.ca.gov/safeguns/safeguns.asp).

[erik330]

E330:
Actually, the Sentinel will be reintroduced this year, and they have plenty of parts to support the platform. It's already been added to the CADOJ list of approved pistols for California: CADOJ List (http://justice.doj.ca.gov/safeguns/safeguns.asp).

I ran a couple of boxes of Silvertip 185gr JHPs through the gun this weekend along with a half a hundred hardball. Not a single feed problem and pretty controllable. I really like the gun. Thanks for your help.

[Matt Edwards]

For 1911s, I would always recommend carrying a full size, 5 " gun. For most it is the easiest one to shoot well due to the longer sight radius and weight. It also, in general, tends to be the most reliable. I have asked myself, " is really necessary to carry a full size gun, the same type of pistol carried by the countries best gunfighting units when i go to Walmart?" Well if the bottom falls out and you need it...the answer is yes!
I'm a little dude and although it is heavier, I find it more comfortable to carry then my G19 due to the slim lines. I feel if you carry a pistol you need to always plan for the absolute worst case situation. We don't choose horrible situations, they choose us!
Matt

[SharkZF6]

For 1911s, I would always recommend carrying a full size, 5 " gun. For most it is the easiest one to shoot well due to the longer sight radius and weight. It also, in general, tends to be the most reliable. I have asked myself, " is really necessary to carry a full size gun, the same type of pistol carried by the countries best gunfighting units when i go to Walmart?" Well if the bottom falls out and you need it...the answer is yes!
I'm a little dude and although it is heavier, I find it more comfortable to carry then my G19 due to the slim lines. I feel if you carry a pistol you need to always plan for the absolute worst case situation. We don't choose horrible situations, they choose us!
Matt
I replaced my Glock 22 with a Kimber Stainless Pro Carry (4-inch) for CCW because, like you said, the standard frame Glock is a little wide and really isn’t a good carry weapon for me. The Pro Carry is great! Lightweight, good recoil control, a tack driver, and, believe it or not, extremely reliable after break-in and a minor extractor adjustment.