The Commander-sized 1911 is a classic carry gun for folks who want a full-power cartridge in a slightly shorter package. This BUL Armory model is chambered in .45 ACP and finished in silver.

A Commander runs shorter than a Government model, which makes it easier to carry on the hip. That matters if you carry concealed around Charlotte or Raleigh and want something you can wear without printing too badly. The single-action trigger on a 1911 is a pleasure when the gun is well made, and the silver finish resists rust. Spend an afternoon at the range before the season so you know exactly where it shoots. Wipe it down after wet weather and store it dry, because North Carolina humidity is hard on steel.

The .45 ACP is a slow, heavy bullet that has been proven for over a century. Recoil is a push, not a snap, and many shooters find it manageable. Ammo costs a little more than 9mm but is easy to find.

Practice with the safety and the grip safety until they are second nature. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer, who completes the background check at pickup.