Does anyone carry a standard GI configuration 1911?
Well maybe not totally GI. I find myself very much attracted to the look of a basic Colt 1991 or Springfield Mil-Spec but all my 1911's have always been more modern (beavertail, extended safety) style guns and no one I know has one. Are they as shootable or close to a beavertail gun? Would it make as comfortable of a CCW as my Springfield Operator.
Does anyone carry a standard GI configuration 1911?
Why are you choosing a carry gun based on looks?
Can you carry a stripped down 1911? Yes. I also find a 5" 1911 to very concealable, albiet a bit heavy.
Can a plain government 1911 be reliable with hollow points? Yes, but test it first.
Is it comfortable? I find no difference between beaver-tail and non-beavertail when carrying. I find a big difference in shootability, especially over long sessions.
In my completely worthless opinion, the Colt 1991 line and the Springfield GI line exist for 2 reasons:
1. Nostalgia. They are fun to shoot at the range, and reliability when self-defense ammo is not a concern.
2. To serve as a platform from which to build a nice semi-custom gun for use as the customizer sees fit.
I personally, would never carry an off-the-shelf government 1911. There are many better choices (both 1911 and other). When I carry a 1911 it is usually a semi-custom Colt 5".