Kimber Custom CDP II- Practical carry gun?

[prplflh71]

Hello- I just made my New Year resolution to get my permit. I was astonished when I talked with my wife about this, to find she is interested in attending classes with me and get hers as well! My main home defense gun is the Kimber Custom CDP II (Full size 1911) .45 acp. I've had it for about 3 years, enjoy shooting it and shoot it fairly well. I just dumped another $1,200.00 in a USFA Pre-War (Colt SAA replica), so my arsenal wad is spent for some time. The range where I plan to attend CCW class suggests bringing the gun and holster I intend to carry, to class with me. Is the Kimber a practical full time carry gun? If so, any recommendations on a holster type/brand? I'm 6'5" & 245 lbs. I've heard that carry guns can get to be like golf clubs......but I can tell ya, the wife ain't gonna let that happen. Any suggestions would be appreciated as well as a head's up on mistakes you may have made upon making the decision to carry. Could stand to save some headache, heart ache or cash by learning from those who've been there!

[Torch]

You've asked a lot of great questions. I'll answer a few and let others chime in as well.

First, let me say congrats on your decision to take self defense seriously. Having such a positive wife is a definite blessing as well.

My Kimber Stainless is one of my carry guns and it is very concealable but on the heavy side. As long as you are comfortable with the gun and it is reliable I'd say go for it. You might want a small gun as well for those hot days when you will be wearing shorts and a tee shirt. A good belt is just a important as a good holster (especially with a heavy CCW) so make sure you don't focus on one and neglect the other. Holsters are really something you have to buy and try. What works for some won't work well for others so keep that in mind when people make recommendations. I feel so strongly about this that I won't make a recommendation. Good luck!

[CA CCWInstructor]

I carry the Ultra CDP. Being so tall, A full size should not be a problem for you. I carry IWB, Milt Sparks Versa Max II

[DrDavidM]

Carrying a heavy gun takes some getting used to, but certainly can be done. I carry a Ruger p345. It's not huge, but not small either. I am quiet comfortable carrying it. I did not start with this gun though.I got used to a smaller gun (Taurus pt140pro). It was really not that big of a change. Just make up your mind you can do it and continue carrying it until you get used to it. You will need a carry belt and a good holster

[Ektarr]

Hiya, and welcome to the festivities!

A guy your size should have no trouble at all with a full-size 1911. I'm barely 6' tall, at about 115 lbs., and I can carry one comfortably. I find the most comfortable holster -I- have is a Galco "Concealable" . . . lays flat and close and keeps the weight close to the body where it doesn't "hang" and feel heavier than it really is.

Uhh... You got a Purple '71 FLH?

[Sgt. SIG]

It's a little harder for those of us who are "dunlop challenged" to carry a heavy gun but that being said, I carry a Springfield Loaded Champion that's stainless steel so it can be done with the right holster and belt. If you don't already have one, do get a double thick belt, it makes a ton of difference. I also carry IWB and use a Milt Sparks VersaMax-II holster. I think it's the IWB all others are judged by.

I would think the Kimber is very doable and I wouldn't hesitate to carry it! :D

Welcome aboard too!

[prplflh71]

Wow! I can tell ya, I was hesitant to post but I'm pleased now to be acquainted with such a friendly and helpful group! Ya never know on these forums when someone will feel the need to show how "knowledgeable" they are by making you feel like an idiot for asking a question.

My first and foremost concern is to get trained in the law and safe carry. I have a newborn and a two year old, so finding the time to do that is a chore, but at the same time they are the driver behind my decision to carry, so I'll find the time.

Although the Custom CDP II is full size, it does have the factory "melt" treatment and an aluminum frame to lighten things up a bit. So it's not a total monster, but to me the Ultra would be ideal for full time carry. At least now I have some confidence to give it a go with the Kimber and know where to go if I have questions. I just didn't want to walk into to the CCW class and get the "what the heck was he thinking" look when I stroll in with a full size 1911!

I appreciate the good tips on belts and holsters as well. Thanks again!

To answer Ektarr's question......yes my member alias is from my 1971 Harley FLH and it was purple and white. Key word being "WAS". I rode it for ten years but sold it three years ago when I acquired a new wife and a new mortgage! I took it from rust and dust to "best in class" at a couple of local shows. I now have some great memories and some good photos. Oh yea....I also have a tattoo for sale if you're interested! Ha Ha! I decided to keep the"prplflh71" name since it's my email etc. "It takes a real man to ride a purple Harley". I'll try to attach a photo......see what happens.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...1/ShowBike.jpg

[Ektarr]

I have to make a correction... I am NOT! "115 lbs." as I erroneously stated above. I'd look like a freakin' Tim Burton character!! Make that 215 lbs.

Also, and not to hijack the thread, both my Lovely Bride and I are on '05 FLSTC's. Here's mine, twice:

http://s212.photobucket.com/albums/c...=11-1-051b.jpg

http://s212.photobucket.com/albums/c...=EdandBike.jpg

[Sgt. SIG]

I'd have to check with Luke but I'm pretty sure there is a "hijack exemption" for pictures of Harleys!

I mean, what's a cowboy without his gun and horse?

Nice bike bros!

[NRA_instructor]

Hi there, I am a NRA instructor (in-case the log in didnt give that away!)for basic pistol, rifle, home firearms, personnal protection in the home and outside the home(PPH, PPO) and a few other programs. But as a instructor for almost 15 years and LEO for a number or those years I have carried most every type of sidearm out there and today the two "carry guns" I always have one of on my hip are both Kimbers one being a Ultra carry II (3" barrel) and a Custum Stainless LE (4" barrel) both are ideal carry guns and as for barrel length you have nothing to worry about because the one dimention that creates issue's is not the length of the barrel(with-in reason!) but width! The 1911 frame is a perfect carry frame because of its slim profile. I would highly recommend the Milt Sparks vera maxII holster (as did another person)because the belt loops (it use's 2 loops, one on each end of the holster for stability. And it make's a HUGE difference) on that IWB are replacable! If you have a 1.5" belt on one day and the next you have a suit on with a 1" belt then you just use a small allen wrench to remove the 1.5" loops and put on the 1" loops! It is those little things that make a great holster. I would recommend that you get on the web site NOW and start the order for that holster seeing that there is now a 6 month wait for a holster from milt sparks right now, but it is well worth the wait. QUALITY, QUALITY, QUALITY!!!!! The holster will run you just under $100 and each set of belt loops are $12 I think. You can also try topgun.com for that holster, they may have one of the versa max II in-stock.
One thing DO NOT BRING YOUR FIREARM INTO CLASS WITH YOU!!! Most states use the NRA PPH course as the standard for the CCW class and rule #1 is no firearms and no live ammunition in class! The instructor will tell the class to bring in the firearm they plan to use for the range portion of the class but that is only the day before(so they can inspect and deem safe for use) the live fire portion, so wait until they tell you to bring it or they might tell you to just leave the class. As for a holster dont bring one because at no time will you ever be holstering your firearm. The protocal for the NRA class states that the instructor will be the one to load and hold the firearm between rounds fired while on the range(one instructor per student on that day). It is the NRA's way of avoiding any accidental discharge during loading and waiting. It may sound strange but once you are doing it it will make sence. Also I would recommend that in a few years you look to see if you can find a program that the NRA puts on called the "Eddie Eagle safety class/program" it will instruct children what to do in most every dangerous situation including coming accross a firearms at home, a friends house or anywhere. It is a great program!!! Having the experience I have in both Law Enforcement and in being a instructor I do need to say a few things about having a sidearm that accessible is to remove the taboo from the gun. Meaning when, not if but WHEN your kids have any questions (and they will, I know first hand!) answer all of there questions. NEVER try to hide it or keep iot a secret, EVER! Think back to your years as a child, what was the first thing you did after your parents told you not to touch something? What did you do? YOU TOUCHED IT!! Answer all of there questions, then let them touch and if they want to shoot like daddy does then go buy them a BB gun or a small 22 caliber rifle. But please teach you children the basic gun safety rules, please dont just say "you dont need to be asking about that and dont ever touch one EVER that is dangerous!! Instead tell them not to touch until you can show them only after you have taught them the basic safety rules you have been taught in you class. REMOVE THE TABOO AND ANSWER ALL THERE QUESTIONS!