It has a single stack magazine so it's a thin pistol, which is more amenable to in-waist-band concealed carry than lighter pistols with double stack magazines (

It has a single stack magazine so it's a thin pistol, which is more amenable to in-waist-band concealed carry than lighter pistols with double stack magazines (i.e glocks). That said, my carry gun is a 3" 1911, primarily because that is most comfortable when driving in cars with bucket type seats. If you are carrying while sitting in a more upright position, a full size 5" 1911 is fine. The weight isn't an issue as mine has aluminum frame, though a traditional 1911 is all steel. Anyway, this is what I carry. http://www.kimberamerica.com/tactical-ultra-ii http://www.kimberamerica.com/tactical-ultra-ii Now a single stack polymer frame would be too small. I'm 6'5", 250 LB, and have big hands. I can't operate the magazine releases on small handguns. My wife carries an HK P2000 sub compact; way too small for my hands. I consider the 1911 the perfect handgun, of course that's a huge argument within the gun culture.