Help with finding a suitable holster for Concealed Carry please

2nd Amendment

Hi everyone, this is my first post

I completed the CC class offered by my local gun store a few months ago, and have a fire under my butt to complete the process, just got my passport photo and am heading to the Sheriff's office next week to apply for the license!

My problem is... my only handgun is a 1911 .45 ACP with a full length barrel, which I KNOW is not suited at all for concealed carry - however, I'm not purchasing another firearm for the foreseeable future, so I really need to make the best with what I've got.

Can you gents please suggest a few links/resources/brands to help me find a holster that will work for the time being, I would be extremely thankful! I think I can make it work temporarily because I'm 6' 250 pounds, and wear comfortable clothing most of the time.

Gene L

It's fine for CC, just limits your choices. When I toted one, it was Mexican carry, but a IWB holster is also good. Just wear it where it shows least. You shouldn't have a problem with your size concealing a 1911.

breamfisher

Not suited at all? I've been carrying a 5" 1911 for a few years now. Dress around the firearm, and you'll be fine.

I recommend a good stiff belt (I favor the Uncle Mike's Reinforced Instructor Belt)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1398715640/uncle-mikes-reinforced-instructor-belt-1-1-2-black-steel-buckle-polymer-reinforced-nylon

Holster: I use a Crossbreed Supertuck-style holster. It conceals well.
http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/SuperTuckDeluxe/tabid/90/List/0/ProductID/1/CategoryID/1/Level/1/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName

Mag carrier: whatever works for you.

I wear my pants 1-2" larger, and my shirts untucked and a size larger. Try and avoid solid colors: patterns of some sort work well. Act as camouflage.

If you need to dress purty, the Crossbreed-style holster is a "tuckable" holster: you can tuck in your shirt. Just use a stiff dress belt. Same shirt and pants sizing applies.

wddodge

I've got to second the Crossbreed IWB holster. It's very comfortable to wear and conceals well.

Denny

Slanteyedshootist

Third :up: on a Crossbreed holster. Real comfortable, concealable and quick on the draw. They make a real nice belt as well. I'm only 5' 9" and 180 but carry my Government model most every day. All day.

rallykid

Crossbreed gets my vote. No problems concealing a large frame pistol with any good holster, you just have to dress around the gun.

Jayhawker

Welcome....I moved your post....

Jayhawker

2nd Amendment wrote: »

My problem is... my only handgun is a 1911 .45 ACP with a full length barrel, which I KNOW is not suited at all for concealed carry - however,

Why would you say that? I carry a full size 1911 regularly....they conceal quite well....and considering your size it shouldn't be a problem at all

Comp-Tac Minotaur, Infidel and Spartan are great concealment rigs...

Ditto on a good gunbelt...

SirGeorgeKillian

I vote the Chrisbreed holster if they are still in business, I love mine :tooth:

I would look into a holster and a good gun belt as was said above. I have had a 5.11 leather belt for a few years and have loved it. Try out your full sized 1911 and if that don't work, go for a shorter one. The holster will work on a 5" just the same as it will a 3".

Welcome Aboard!

ghostsniper1

Am I the only person that thinks that carrying a 1911 feels like having a cinder block in your waste band?

SirGeorgeKillian

Without seeing you in person, I'd say you are doing it wrong. That or you are a Nancy :jester:

ghostsniper1

I have OCD and like my britches being even on my waste. A brick doesn't help any.

ghostsniper1

Perhaps my meds don't either lol.

breamfisher

ghostsniper1 wrote: »

I have OCD and like my britches being even on my waste. A brick doesn't help any.

You wearing a good belt? I don't have an issue with my britches canting. But I wear a good belt.

SirGeorgeKillian

By good belt, one specifically made for carrying a gun. Makes all the difference in the world.

Jayhawker

ghostsniper1 wrote: »

Am I the only person that thinks that carrying a 1911 feels like having a cinder block in your waste band?

Another case for a good holster and gun belt combination...might need to try a couple of combinations....growing a butt might help as well....

By the way....What's a waste band? a disposable bracelet?....

ghostsniper1

breamfisher wrote: »

You wearing a good belt? I don't have an issue with my britches canting. But I wear a good belt.

Can't say I have one specific for CC, but maybe that makes all the difference. I actually sold a descent, but heavy pistol for just this reason.

ghostsniper1

Jayhawker wrote: »

Another case for a good holster and gun belt combination...might need to try a couple of combinations....growing a butt might help as well....

By the way....What's a waste band? a disposable bracele?t....

Scott, I sir, have quite the nice rear end. You would agree lol. And like I said, damn auto correct.

Jayhawker

Where do you wear your holster? Front of the hip? On the hip? Behind the hip?...

breamfisher

ghostsniper1 wrote: »

Can't say I have one specific for CC, but maybe that makes all the difference. I actually sold a descent, but heavy pistol for just this reason.

Does it have an internal stiffener, or is it at least 2 layers of stiff leather sewn together? If not, you're getting no support from your belt. A good belt for CC has a layer of plastic or some kinda stiffener to keep it from bending in the middle.

If it's like this one, it's not gonna support your holster.


I've carried a 4" N-frame revolver IWB with no belt sag because... I use a decent belt.

ghostsniper1

My IWB holster is kept tight by my belt on my right hip. I find that it digs into my side when I sit down, especially in my car.

SirGeorgeKillian

ghostsniper1 wrote: »

My IWB holster is kept tight by my belt on my right hip. I find that it digs into my side when I sit down, especially in my car.

Undershirt, tucked in. Never wear a gun without one. Plus, salty sweat is corrosive, your gun will thank you.

SirGeorgeKillian

cpj wrote: »

Let the saying of nay begin.....a thick, stiff belt is not that important when using a Crossbreed holster...

The design spreads the weight over a bigger area, and the friction of the leather against your hip helps hold it up.

You are right, it isn't THAT important. A crossbreed's clips also are on the pants themselves, not just supported by the belt. But I could see it helping, especially on a heaven gun like a 1911.

But then again, my everyday belt is a gun belt, mostly because I carry a gun everyday...

Ghost, gun belts are cheap, buy one then report back. Like I said, I prefer the 5.11 myself, but there are several out there that will make a big difference.

2nd Amendment

W-O-W!!!

I have been on forums for over 10 years of all sorts, I'm a car-fanatic and a competitive bodybuilder so I'm always researching everything obsessively... and I HAVE NEVER experience such fast, friendly, educated help, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!

I am going to read through everything one by one right now, but most of all what sticks out after browsing, is the fact the full 5'' 1911 .45 ACP is acceptable for CC, I am relieved and very happy. More to come, thanks again guys.

PS: I'll definitely need something inside the waist please

2nd Amendment

Okay, I'm on an information HIGH!

Things I've learned thus far from you ridiculously cool gents

1. Wearing an undershirt helps to prevent corrosion (never would have considered that)
2. Looking into a belt specifically made for CC would be a good idea: "511 belt" (what about when I'm not wearing jeans, just curious)
-- I'll need one with a buckle, looking now
-- I'm obviously assuming Leather ($44) and not Nylon ($20) for the 5.11
3. Crossbreed is the STUFF! (I'm googling them right now)
-- But what about this Desantis Smith & Wesson 5'' 1911 holster (should I go for thumb break or quick draw)? HERE
4. IWB means "Inner waist band" I believe
5. 1911 .45 with a 5'' barrel is completely fine for Concealed Carry! (Score, those $800 weren't wasted!)
-- What does "1911 Government" mean on the holster pages online, and will my Smith & Wesson 5'' .45 ACP 1911 fit perfectly?
--- I don't see my S&W 1911 listed HERE on Crossbreed's website
6. THIS FORUM... IS AWESOME

Lastly, can someone suggest any extra magazines to carry on the other side of my waist please // and what type of rounds should I purchase (I know I can't use those paper shooters I've been using the last couple years)? I see some excellent offerings on Crossbreed's website - should I go IWB OR OWB for magazine additions (HERE)?

Now that I look online, I wouldn't mind the small-of-back versions... (like the Falco, found HERE) any insight?

2nd Amendment

cpj wrote: »

A 1911is a 1911 is a 1911...as long as its not a dou le stacked magazine abomination.(yours aint)
Government refers to full size.
Pick the crossbreed that is for a 1911...you are good to go.
Iwb: Inside The Waistband.

Most excellent! Crossbreed all the way it looks like, they sell the magazines and the CC holsters, I'll just get myself a Christmas gift!

I wish I could just every everything at their site and be done with it, but the 5.11 belts are over $20 cheaper for some reason?

2nd Amendment

2nd Amendment wrote: »

Okay, I'm on an information HIGH!

Things I've learned thus far from you ridiculously cool gents

1. Wearing an undershirt helps to prevent corrosion (never would have considered that)
2. Looking into a belt specifically made for CC would be a good idea: "511 belt" (what about when I'm not wearing jeans, just curious)
-- I'll need one with a buckle, looking now
-- I'm obviously assuming Leather ($44) and not Nylon ($20) for the 5.11
3. Crossbreed is the STUFF! (I'm googling them right now)
-- But what about this Desantis Smith & Wesson 5'' 1911 holster (should I go for thumb break or quick draw)? HERE
4. IWB means "Inner waist band" I believe
5. 1911 .45 with a 5'' barrel is completely fine for Concealed Carry! (Score, those $800 weren't wasted!)
-- What does "1911 Government" mean on the holster pages online, and will my Smith & Wesson 5'' .45 ACP 1911 fit perfectly?
--- I don't see my S&W 1911 listed HERE on Crossbreed's website
6. THIS FORUM... IS AWESOME

Lastly, can someone suggest any extra magazines to carry on the other side of my waist please // and what type of rounds should I purchase (I know I can't use those paper shooters I've been using the last couple years)? I see some excellent offerings on Crossbreed's website - should I go IWB OR OWB for magazine additions (HERE)?

Now that I look online, I wouldn't mind the small-of-back versions... (like the Falco, found HERE) any insight?

Please excuse the double post (ABOVE) but it got bumped from the last page because it fell at the bottom, but wanted to ensure everyone saw it

5280 shooter II

I'm with everyone else...... 5.11 belt/Crossbreed holster. I have a S&W 1911.....and it's pretty much a regular 1911 with a few internal changes from the original.

For extra magazines....I recommend Wilson Combat 8 round......if you're going IWB with the pistol, might as well go IWB with the magazine carrier. Single or double depends on your confidence and threat level.....heck, get both!

Ammo......FMJ (ball) ammo has worked for years......but if you're worried about over-penetration.....then a good hollow point THAT FEEDS RELIABLY AND IS ACCURATE TO POINT OF AIM. You can go with high-cost stuff or Winchester white-box personal protection that you can get from Walmart......MY S&W 1911 eats everything....your's may vary. Try out different brands and see what it likes.

Small of Back is best left for cop shows.

Mikey idaho

Crossbreed and Comp-Tac are the way to go, can't really go wrong with either though I traded my Crossbreed for a Comp-Tac but I carry appendix IWB at 11 o'clock and I'm super picky about fit and comfort

Sent from my Verizon Galaxy S III using Tapatalk 2

Buffco

breamfisher wrote: »

I've carried a 4" N-frame revolver IWB with no belt sag because... I use a decent belt.

Wellll..... That sweet, sweet bubble butt you got helps also.

breamfisher

Buffco wrote: »

Wellll..... That sweet, sweet bubble butt you got helps also.

That goes without saying.