Whats the Purpose of a DA 1911?

[Overload]

Uncocked and locked. You can't manually cock it.

When I rack the slide, aren't I cocking the striker?
So, I should have a round in the chamber, and safety on?

[1911 Junkie]

When I rack the slide, aren't I cocking the striker?
So, I should have a round in the chamber, and safety on?

My understanding with the LDA is that by "cocking" the slide you are applying tension to the mainspring. The hammer never stays "cocked" back. That is what makes it so light and also why you do not have second strike capabilities.

I would carry with a round in the chamber and the thumb safety on just for added safety.

[Walter45Auto]

Overload, I'd say if you practice and compete with it with one in the chamber and safety on, CARRY IT THAT WAY. That's what you've trained for.

[Overload]

I compete with one in the chamber and the safty off.  When I compete with a 1911 in a different class, I shoot cocked and locked. (both as per rules)

[Walter45Auto]

I figure if you're most comfortable carrying a 1911 Cocked and locked from shooting them in matches, I'd go for it. 

[Sponsor]

[Pixcutter]

If it's DA, it's NOT a 1911.  It might look like one, but it's an entirely different beast.  I've got a Sig for bang on the trigger pull with the hammer down.  If California becomes a shall issue state though I'll carry the Sig.  A locked back hammer freaks out the less-than-knowlegeable population.

[Trident Firearms]

Pixcutter - Just a couple of points.  When you get your CCW and have to decide what firearms to put on it I'm not sure you should consider what others think about your firearms to determine which ones to carry. 

The other point is that if it is concealed, no one will know that you are carrying, let alone what you are carrying.

I have a 1911 (commander sized) on my permit and have never had any issues with it.

Geno

[ECHOONE]

   Come on,you know the Glock is safer,just like it's more relibale,they proofed that ,it can't even pass it's own reliability tests!

[SCfromNY]

A few comments:

If it is DA I do not want or need a safety plus I have the grip safety.

The H&K "light" LEM system is a light DA with no safety of any kind and seems to work fine.

If anyone can take the Glock safety seriously they probably think we will save money with a new health care system. Gee it will not fire unless you pull the trigger . . . I think I have other guns just like that.

[pioneer]

Gun makers make various models of guns because their market research tells them what will sell and what won't.  Sometimes they get it right, sometimes they don't.  As with any manufacturer, gun makers are in business to make money.  That is the capitalist system afterall.