Replies

• gunrunner428 Posts: 1,018 Senior Member

  February 2012 #2

  Surprisingly, many guys who carry 1911's of one description or other find that they're unusually concealable for such a "big" gun. The profile of a standard-stacked magazine 1911 is pretty flat, and tuckes well into an IWB holster worn just behind the strong-side hip (although as you would for most guns, up-sizing your trousers by 2 inches in the waist makes things a lot easier.)
  
  With a good belt and a well-designed holster, the grip is pulled nice and snug up against your kidney, and stays pretty well hidden with any kind of covering garment, including an untucked shirt. That would probably be my choice for daily carry.

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• DoctorWho Posts: 9,496 Senior Member

  February 2012 #3

  " the grip is pulled nice and snug up against your kidney, "
  
  
  
  
  :spittingcoffee:
  
  Should read away from the kidney area.

  "There is some evil in all of us, Doctor, even you, the Valeyard is an amalgamation of the darker sides of your nature, somewhere between your twelfth and final incarnation, and I may say, you do not improve with age. Founding member of the G&A forum since 1996

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• Jayhawker Posts: 18,362 Senior Member

  February 2012 #4

  I carry a 1911 of one type or another pretty much every day...my input is this....IWB, OWB, makes no difference, it's pretty much what you can conceal the best and what is most comfortable for you...the only caution is this: I trust you will be carrying this pistol "cocked & locked"....I once had a holster that was so poorly designed that in the course of daily wear, movement, etc, it would move the thumb safety to the "fire" position...quite disconcerting to say the least... I got rid of the holster in question without a second thought (and no, I can't remember who the maker was)

  Sharps Model 1874 - "The rifle that made the west safe for Winchester"

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• glockman0422 Posts: 216 Member

  February 2012 #5

  Thanks for the quick responses!!!!
  
  I have been looking at the crossbreed supertuck and it seems like a great choice. Does anyone use a shoulder holster??. just asking, i prefer the IWB but its always nice to have options.

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• Jayhawker Posts: 18,362 Senior Member

  February 2012 #6

  For all intents and purposes I HATE shoulder holsters for everyday carry - although I did use one when I was recovering from a dislocated shoulder. There is an exception however -
  when I'm hunting and am carrying my 1911 I absolutely love the G.I. "Tanker" holster...the rig actually rests on my left chest rather than under my arm...somebody was thinking when they designed that one...

  Sharps Model 1874 - "The rifle that made the west safe for Winchester"

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• NN Posts: 25,236 Senior Member

  February 2012 #7

  Cover garment is the key, but, you knew that.
  
  With a one size larger than normal, tall size denim untucked shirt I can conceal a 6.5" barrel N frame in a OWB holster.

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• NCFUBAR Posts: 4,324 Senior Member

  February 2012 #8

  I have carried a 1911 95% of the time since I first got my permit. It took time but I found that a Sparks Exec Comp was my choice and with a good belt it really does work well. Two years back I also bought a Sparks Versa Max and started to break it in. I popped a snap on the Exec Comp last month (Sparks replaced it for free) and switched to the Versa Max ... I don't think I'll switch back. The weight of the old warhorse is distributed better and seems smoother also. One day I'm going to try a version of the Crossbreed but for now the Versa is perfect.
  
  To me a major thing needed on a 1911 IWB holster the sweat guard. That little piece of leather makes it way more comfortable by keeping the hammer and sight from digging in to your side.

  “The further a society drifts from truth ... the more it will hate those who speak it."
  - George Orwell

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• airhead Posts: 424 Member

  February 2012 #9

  I'm currently carrying in a bladetech IWB holster. I got it because I liked their OWB holster and noticed a lot of the IDPA guys using them.
  
  I've also got a nice leather tuckable IWB from a guy that is now out of business - sad because he did such pretty work.
  
  Avoid the nylon / swede cheap holsters. You get what you pay for there.

  This post has been made with 100% recycled electrons.
  
  ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

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• Nomadac Posts: 902 Senior Member

  February 2012 #10

  I use a Milt Sparks Exec. Comp. for my Colt Ofc. Lt Wt carry and a Summer Special for my Govt. Mdl. 1911, both work fine for me. http://www.miltsparks.com/ A good belt is advised.
  
  I also have several Bianchi holsters for my Colt Mdl. 1911's, Commander and Ofc.Lt. Wt. I have used.
  http://www.bianchi-intl.com/product/Prod.php?TxtModelID=3S
  
  I also have carried my Govt model in a Bianchi Shoulder holster http://www.bianchi-intl.com/product/Prod.php?TxtModelID=X15 when proper outer garment permitted. This also permits a good OWB holster if wearing a jacket, shirt worn outside belt, light jacket, etc.
  
  Choice of proper clothing both size and type is important for concealment without printing, etc.

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• Slanteyedshootist Posts: 3,947 Senior Member

  February 2012 #11

  I like my Crossbreed Supertuck. It's super comfortable, secure and easy to draw from. I have a cheap nylon shoulder rig from Barsony Leather because I wanted to try shoulder carry without spending beaucoup bucks. Surprisingly, it works great. Comfortable, good retention and easy to draw as well. Great deal for $30.00. I do want one of those Bianchi vertical rigs though.

  The answer to 1984 is 1776

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• LMLarsen Posts: 8,337 Senior Member

  February 2012 #12

  I like Galco and El Paso Saddlery for leather; for kydex I like Comp-Tac.
  
  BTW, glockman, why do you always !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! or ??????????? when you post something?

  “A gun is a tool, no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that.”
  

  
  NRA Endowment Member
  

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• DoctorWho Posts: 9,496 Senior Member

  February 2012 #13

  glockman0422 wrote: »

  Thanks for the quick responses!!!!
  
  
  Does anyone use a shoulder holster??. just asking, i prefer the IWB but its always nice to have options.

  
  I used a Bianchi shoulder rig for a 1911 back when we were restricted to revolvers .38 special for on and off duty carry,.

  "There is some evil in all of us, Doctor, even you, the Valeyard is an amalgamation of the darker sides of your nature, somewhere between your twelfth and final incarnation, and I may say, you do not improve with age. Founding member of the G&A forum since 1996

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• Jayhawker Posts: 18,362 Senior Member

  February 2012 #14

  DoctorWho wrote: »

  I used a Bianchi shoulder rig for a 1911 back when we were restricted to revolvers .38 special for on and off duty carry,.

  
  My best friend had the same rig...his 1911 was equipped with on of those stupid trigger shoes that stick out on both sides of the trigger guard. Follow me now...the pistol is in Condition One...friend places pistol in the holster (which wipes the thumb safety into the "off" position, then friend goes to seat the pistol in the holster, depressing the grip safety as he does so, friend the shoves pistol into the holster...trigger shoe snags and sends a 230 grain hard ball zipping down his leg....cuts his jeans open but only leaves a red mark on the skin....however, I'm pretty sure he beshat himself...
  
  Lesson learned: Be very careful about modifying your pistol with add-ons...they may impact the safety of an otherwise very safe handgun....

  Sharps Model 1874 - "The rifle that made the west safe for Winchester"

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• DoctorWho Posts: 9,496 Senior Member

  February 2012 #15

  Jayhawker wrote: »

  My best friend had the same rig...his 1911 was equipped with on of those stupid trigger shoes that stick out on both sides of the trigger guard. Follow me now...the pistol is in Condition One...friend places pistol in the holster (which wipes the thumb safety into the "off" position, then friend goes to seat the pistol in the holster, depressing the grip safety as he does so, friend the shoves pistol into the holster...trigger shoe snags and sends a 230 grain hard ball zipping down his leg....cuts his jeans open but only leaves a red mark on the skin....however, I'm pretty sure he beshat himself...
  
  Lesson learned: Be very careful about modifying your pistol with add-ons...they may impact the safety of an otherwise very safe handgun....

  
  
  Words of wisdom !!!!!!
  He got off really cheap, I had the safety detent hole deepened on that particular gun, I really did not like finding My 1911 off safe, after the fix it would not go off safe with a rub, also got rid of the enlarged safety lever.
  
  
  "however, I'm pretty sure he beshat himself..."
  
  As a LEO there is a high probability factor of beshating oneself, hence you carry soap, clean underpants and trousers and other nice smelling stuff.

  "There is some evil in all of us, Doctor, even you, the Valeyard is an amalgamation of the darker sides of your nature, somewhere between your twelfth and final incarnation, and I may say, you do not improve with age. Founding member of the G&A forum since 1996

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• ADRidge Posts: 173 Member

  February 2012 #16

  Carrying anything concealed is much easier if you leave the "!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" at home. They tend to print way too much.

  In space no one can hear you scream... but if you put a helicopter up there, some jerk would complain about the noise!

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• DoctorWho Posts: 9,496 Senior Member

  February 2012 #17

  ADRidge wrote: »

  Carrying anything concealed is much easier if you leave the "!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" at home. They tend to print way too much.

  
  But if you leave your sidearm at home, it will not do you much of any good.

  "There is some evil in all of us, Doctor, even you, the Valeyard is an amalgamation of the darker sides of your nature, somewhere between your twelfth and final incarnation, and I may say, you do not improve with age. Founding member of the G&A forum since 1996

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• ghostsniper1 Posts: 2,645 Senior Member

  February 2012 #18

  Im just curious how you boys use the IWB holsters. I got a galco IWB holster for my Ruger LCR and hate it. talk about uncomfortable and digs into your waist. It is now a very comfortable, in the pocket holster. And yes I have tried with and without a belt, etc.

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• Jayhawker Posts: 18,362 Senior Member

  February 2012 #19

  Dude...buy your pants a size larger...

  Sharps Model 1874 - "The rifle that made the west safe for Winchester"

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• ghostsniper1 Posts: 2,645 Senior Member

  February 2012 #20

  I like my baggy britches. Im a step ahead of you. Think about it, Im 28 years old. I grew up in the times of baggy, loose fitting jeans lol. Just feels awkward with the IWB. Looks kinda silly too, although I realize a revolver isn't quite as "flat as some autos.

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• rbsivley Posts: 1,259 Senior Member

  February 2012 #21

  I carry my SA 1911A1 in a Don Hume leather IWB and it rides good. The holster is only about $30

  Randy
  
  Rank does not concur privileges. It imposes responsibility. Author unknow
  

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• ghostsniper1 Posts: 2,645 Senior Member

  February 2012 #22

  knitepoet wrote: »

  1) Put belt through loops
  2) Position empty holster inside waistband with hooks in position over belt
  3) Put pants on, button, ZIP & fasten belt
  4) Place "Condition 1" 1911 in holster
  5) Either tuck shirt shirt between gun/holster and pants OR tuck tee shirt behind and put on cover garment
  
  See, they're not that hard to use :jester:
  :rotflmao:

  Gee willigers Paul, Im gonna run home, tell Wally, then give that a try... :rotflmao: Lol, just messin. I guess some things work better for others since the method you stated isn't working for me. Anywho, I like the IWB in my pocket. Doesn't press against my side fat, and I cant tell its there.

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• breamfisher Posts: 14,106 Senior Member

  February 2012 #23

  IWB in the pocket? That might explain why you don't like to use a holster in the pocket. Pocket holsters are for pockets. IWB holsters, and OWB, are for the belt.

  Meh.

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• DanChamberlain Posts: 3,395 Senior Member

  February 2012 #24

  It's really hard to beat the tried and true "Askins Avenger" design which is about 40 years old. It was designed for concealed carry at a time when there were only two guns being carried concealed and one of them was the 1911.
  
  Dan

  It's a source of great pride for me, that when my name is googled, one finds book titles and not mug shots. Daniel C. Chamberlain

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• DoctorWho Posts: 9,496 Senior Member

  February 2012 #25

  "when there were only two guns being carried concealed and one of them was the 1911."
  
  What was the other one ?? :jester:

  "There is some evil in all of us, Doctor, even you, the Valeyard is an amalgamation of the darker sides of your nature, somewhere between your twelfth and final incarnation, and I may say, you do not improve with age. Founding member of the G&A forum since 1996

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• Jeeper Posts: 2,954 Senior Member

  February 2012 #26

  If you want an OWB model I recommend Mernickle Holsters. I have one of theirs for my Smith and Wesson model 29 and it is extremely comfortable and conceals amaingly well for a full size revolver.
  
  Luis

  Wielding the Hammer of Thor first requires you to lift and carry the Hammer of Thor. - Bigslug

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• ChuckXX Posts: 103 Member

  February 2012 #27

  Just my nickels worth. I don't like a 1911 for concealed carry mainly because of its low mag capacity. Thats why I went with 9mm. I carry 16 rounds in my pistol with another 16 round mag on my belt. If I run into a firefight with 3 bad guys I'll take the extra mag capacity that the 9mm offers over the extra power you have in a 1911. When you run out of firepower with those 3 bad guys at the local Kwik Shop I'll still be firing my 9mm. Like I said, just my nickels worth. Plus I hate the hassle the way a 1911 comes apart and goes back togethor. I can strip my 4 9mm's in seconds. Clean them in less than 10 minutes (very thoroughly) and keep on going. Had a 1911 once. Hated the take apart and put back togethor hassle of it.

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• NCFUBAR Posts: 4,324 Senior Member

  February 2012 #28

  ChuckXX wrote: »

  Just my nickels worth. I don't like a 1911 for concealed carry mainly because of its low mag capacity. Thats why I went with 9mm. I carry 16 rounds in my pistol with another 16 round mag on my belt. If I run into a firefight with 3 bad guys I'll take the extra mag capacity that the 9mm offers over the extra power you have in a 1911. When you run out of firepower with those 3 bad guys at the local Kwik Shop I'll still be firing my 9mm. Like I said, just my nickels worth. Plus I hate the hassle the way a 1911 comes apart and goes back togethor. I can strip my 4 9mm's in seconds. Clean them in less than 10 minutes (very thoroughly) and keep on going. Had a 1911 once. Hated the take apart and put back togethor hassle of it.

  
  I will give you the fact that you carry more rounds but where are you going that you need 32 rounds? With my 1911 I have 8+1 and don't feel under gunned because I ain't going lookin' for a gun fight!
  
  I will also give you I can break down my Glocks a little faster that my 1911s but I won't say easier. I also don't see a reason to rush ... it is kinda therapeutic.

  “The further a society drifts from truth ... the more it will hate those who speak it."
  - George Orwell

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• LMLarsen Posts: 8,337 Senior Member

  February 2012 #29

  Agreed, why the rush to strip and clean a pistol? As for the "limited" capacity of a 1911, I don't see that as an issue; that's why we practice marksmanship and situational awareness. Seven 230gr HP rounds will handle three bad guys nicely.
  
  And if I have to run to the local convenience store in the middle of the night - which is an extremely rare occurrence - it will be with my .45 and a backup.

  “A gun is a tool, no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that.”
  

  
  NRA Endowment Member
  

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• Slanteyedshootist Posts: 3,947 Senior Member

  February 2012 #30

  Chuck, I guess you don't appreciate the zen of gun maintenance. I find it relaxing to clean my guns. Well, except the Ruger Mark III I used to own.:tooth:

  The answer to 1984 is 1776

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• Whitewookie Posts: 181 Member

  February 2012 #31

  glockman0422 wrote: »

  Thanks for the quick responses!!!!
  
  I have been looking at the crossbreed supertuck and it seems like a great choice. Does anyone use a shoulder holster??. just asking, i prefer the IWB but its always nice to have options.

  
  I carry my Combat Commander in a Crossbreed supertuck all the time. You can spend more and get a prettier holster, but I don't think you can get one that works better or is more comfortable. I frequently wear it all day long without issue. It is also extremely concealable in a CB. I cover with just a T-shirt all the time.
  
  Another important consideration is a good quality gun belt. A good belt is at least as important as the holster. I use one from the Beltman. http://www.thebeltman.net/index.htm Good stuff and a great guy to deal with.

  RV,
  Harry
  "I never learned from a man who agreed with me." - Robert Heinlein

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