I conceal carry a Kimber CDP II Compact. I love the gun and it has worked great for me so far.....but I would like to modify it slightly. The one thing that bothers me is the sharp butt of the gun. I carry inside the waistband at 4 o'clock (assuming my nose is pointing at 12 o'clock). Anytime I bend over or squat down, the sharp point of the butt is visible thru my shirt. I would like to get my gun modified with a "bobtail" butt.....like the ones Ed Brown produces. I have seen a couple places online that offer this. Has anyone here had this done to your 1911? And does anyone have any recommendations? I really appreciate it.

Call Ken Crawley in Kemp, TX. I have a Ser 70 MkIV that he customized for me years ago and it has served me well. I haven't seen his bobtail work, but if it looks like his beavertail and L/F ejection ports, you will be pleased.
Ken's Price Sheet

However, do realize that a Bobtail job will only shave about half an inch off the butt. If you are looking for more comfort while carrying, it may indeed help if the flat checkered MSH is poking you. But, going from a flat Kimber MSH to a Bobtail will affect your grip. You may want to wrap your mitts around one in a shop before you take the plunge. Maybe Ken has one in his shop you could try?

On the other hand, if the flat MSH grips well for you, you might experiment with your holster instead. The right holster is everything in concealed carry. A little change in angle might earn you back that same half inch.

If visibility while stooped over is your only concern, I'd simply give it time. Most people aren't near as concerned with the bulge on your hip as you are, even when you are bent over in Wal Mart. In an age of Blackberries and whatnot, nobody gives it a second thought unless they actually see it. With an IWB, you have little to worry about.


If the holster and pistol worked for me in every other aspect, I'd let it ride.

A couple of hints.

First do not bend over at Wal Mart, its bad for you back anyway, I bend down at the knees to get something off the bottom shelf.

If I do bend over I just let my elbow cover the back of my gun.

I have handled and shot some bobtailed 1911's and did not feel it was a necessary modification, at least for me.

I have a 70 series Commander that I had bobtailed. It does make a huge difference in the print of the gun BUT it does effect the way it fits in your hand. This is not a bad thing just a getting used to thing. I agree with 450 in that you should bend at the knees and cover the butt with an elbow.

Back on subject it does make it easier and more comfortable to carry. No regrets i did it.

Perry

Another thing to consider while doing modifications would be a Dawson light rail.

Perry

I learned the hard way that any modifications you make to a firearm significantly reduces its resale value, unless it's something that bolts on. I'd be looking at different holsters or different shirts, even not bending over. At four-o'clock you should be able to discretely cover the butt with your hand.

quote:

Originally posted by J.D.Randell:
At four-o'clock you should be able to discretely cover the butt with your hand.

She says not until the kids are in bed which is usually around 8 o'clock.

Perry

Thanks for all the responses guys.....I do appreciate it. Not sure why, but I didn't even think about how small the grip would be after having this done, since it is already an officers length grip. I will just keep her the way she is now.

Regarding my holster, I don't really think that can be improved at all. I think I'll always have a slight problem with "printing" since I'm somewhat of a thin fella (5'10" 170 lbs). I have what I believe is the best IWB holster on the market.....hands down. I highly recommend it. It is made by Tucker Gunleather here in Texas. It's called the Silent Thunder IWB holster, which is a hybrid leather/kydex holster with fully adjustable cant and also allows me to wear a nice shirt and tuck it in over the gun. Check out Tucker's website here: Tucker Gunleather

Also, here is an in-depth review of the same holster written for a 1911 forum: Silent Thunder Review

Like I said above.....I highly recommend this holster. It is an AWESOME product, and Tucker's customer service is outstanding. First of all, all their holsters have unconditional lifetime warranties. And last month, I was in a hurry putting the holster on and broke the little clip off of it. The clips are normally $8.99 each, but I called Tucker and they had 2 sent to my house the very next day.....free of charge.

I'll second the recommendation of Tucker Gunleather. Best IWB I've had, good price too.