How do you carry your 1911?

[High Planes Drifter]

First, I would like to say thanks to 1911 Tuner, and Kaylee for the helpfull pages on the 1911 in the Gunsmithing forum. I used it to get my Springfield GI shotting good. And shoot it does! Scince reading and following the tips, I have been periodically going to the range with 1 or 2 hundred rounds for the last couple of months and hadnt experienced any malfunctions. Last weekend I fired 3 hundred rounds thru it and it ate everything, and functioned flawlessly. I have decided I want to make it my carry piece. My problem - I cant seem to find a small-of-back holster, or hip holster that fits the 1911 and keeps it completely concealed. Im 5'9, average frame. Is anyone here about my size that carries a 1911? If so, how do you carry it and what holster do you use? Thanks.

[fencer1960]

I'm 5'8" and carry a little Officer's Model sized 1911 in an IWB Crossbreed holster, at around the 7 o'clock position (I'm left handed). It's about as comfortable a holster as I've ever worn. I wear this rig beneath a loose t-shirt in summer, jacket or hoodie in winter. As far as I know, I've never been made.

Here's the link: http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/

[littlelefty]

5'5", 135lbs currently carry Springfield Loaded full size OWB in a Fobus Paddle. I have a Hume 721 OT on order that'll hopefully get it a little higher and little tighter. I carry at about 8:30 or 9:00 position (lefty).

You'll hear from lots of folks that a good belt is a must. I agree. I have a friend who umpires and was able to get an umpire belt for me for $20. It's 1 3/4 inch high and 3/16 thick. It's new so time will tell if I did good or am just delaying having to plunk down $55 or more on a gun belt.

I also did LOTS of reading and looking at holsters and am trying deparately to beat the norm of having a drawer full with one or two that I use. So far, counting the Hume, I've spent $150 and will have 4. I started with a Bianchi 6 IWB ($20) that I consider a test article - cheap enough to give 1911 carry a try. It served its purpose as a test but I don't really care for it because the gun now fits fairly loosely in it and is a straight drop (no cant). However, the steel clip will NOT come loose from my pants/belt on its own. It is a strong clip. I currently use the Fobus paddle. It is nice for quick on and off and was $30. I have read that it can possibly be easily torn away from you in a struggle. I haven't tested this to see. Then I have 2 holsters on order, the previsously mentioned Hume ($47) and a Blade Tech universal IWB
($49). I looked hard at Sparks, Brommeland, Tucker, Horseshoe, Andrews, and probably others but then ran short on the budget end so I opted for the Hume. Maybe someday I'll get one of the top dog brands.

To answer the question - OWB strong side. Jeans or docker type shorts with a tucked in T-shirt and a pullover polo type over the gun.

[Chuck R.]

I prefer IWB holsters. Every once in a while I'll carry a 5" 1911 in a Sparks Summer Special II mostly either on my way to or from a match. My usual carry setup is a Baer Stinger (Commander slide, Officer's grip) in a Sparks VMII. I really like both of theses holsters, but prefer the VMII Stinger combination.

As for a belt, get the best you can afford, it really makes a huge difference on how comfortable your rig is going to be. I use a "Beltman" 1.5" with plastic insert. It is stiiiiiiiiiif!

Chuck

[koja48]

Usually in my waistband (but I have a GOOD belt!) when the situation warrants, in a miami rig.

[gunmn74]

I carry in a Galco SOB in the winter time when a can wear a flannel.
Here in Kansas that is about 5 months out of the year. Then its
time for the pocket carry J-frame.:eek:

[Josh M.]

I carry mine in a Tucker - Texas Herritage...check them out. - Josh M.

http://store.yahoo.com/rlcompanyusa/index.html

[Mike Sastre]

IWB works for me. Either a Sparks Summer Special or a kydex rig I made myself. More info on doing one yourself can be found here.

http://www.threatfocused.com/forums/showthread.php?t=637

[orionengnr]

Well, I ordered a Milt Sparks Versa Max II for a Commander-size 1911 about two weeks ago. Supposed to be the cat's meow.

About 22 weeks from now I'll let you know how I like it.

[tegemu]

I have 3 different sizes of Brommeland www.brommelandgunleather.com Max Con V IWB holsters. Do a search on these holsters and you will find that they are among the most highly regarded holsters. You can't go wrong with one and it will serve all your requirements.

[thowell]

I've been very happy with my In-Cognito Deluxe IWB holster from Garrity's Gunleather. The suede backing makes it very comfortable.

http://garritysgunleather.com/IWBHolsters.htm

[Nashcat]

I swear by this Galco Conceal Carry. The angled pocket keeps it VERY comfortable, and easily drawn. It will accept 3" to 5" models.

http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterG3.asp?ProductID=211&GunID=158