[merkaba]

I'm wanting to know what you all think as to whether full size 1911s and P220s, Glocks, HKs, etc.. are too big for most people to carry concealed.

I know there are many variables involved like clothing and holsters and I'd like any feedback you can give. Do you think they are easier to conceal in the small of the back ? I'm especially interested in what you all think regarding summer carry. Do you think a button down short sleeve shirt, just a little big is the best option ? Or do you think they are simply too big to be carried without a jacket ?

what brand/model of holsters do you all prefer ?

Thanks

[The Canuck]

Whether you can successfully CCW a Sig220 or 1911 depends upon your dress code, method of carry and the carry gear itself tied in closely with your body-type and size.

In my case, I could successfully carry a 1911 owb if I wanted to.

I would use a TRP Operator in a Kramer Leather Belt Scabbard (worn at about 3:15-3:30) on a double stitched gun belt worn under a loose fitting shirt. I weigh 230 and am 6'1". In fact, that's how I am going to carry when it is legal for me to do so.

[VARifleman]

I carry the full size 1911 iwb

[hexidismal]

My current carry gun is a full size 1911 (with lightweight frame), carried owb at about 2:45 on my strong side. Usually in a Don Hume H721 Open Top. My other main carry gun is a Ruger P345, which is shorter but chunkier. Never had any problems carrying either one.

Whether you can successfully CCW a Sig220 or 1911 depends upon your dress code, method of carry and the carry gear itself tied in closely with your body-type and size.

The Canuck said it all. I'm about 6'1, 220. Kind of broad shouldered and thinnish in the waist, so with a un-tucked button down shirt I could probably conceal a bigger gun if I wanted to. I don't ever wear t-shirts at all, can't stand 'em. If for some reason I really cant be carrying something big, I will sometimes keep a bersa thunder .380 somewhere on me instead.

[Warren]

My current carry gun is a P220, hides quite well.

[Nomad, 2nd]

I used to carry a 5" 1911 (Springfield loaded) in a Milt Sparks Summer Special with a Milt Sparks gun belt.

A few years ago I got a Kimber Pro Carry, (4" Al frame 1911) and have been carrying it in a 4" Summer Special, on a Wilderness belt.

The decreased weight, and shorter barrel do not really matter, IF you have a good rig.

As soon as my Summer Special 2 (I want a SLIGHTLY more 'FBI style' cant) for my Kimber Warrior comes in I'm switching back to a 5"

-I've CCW'd them during the summer in Mobile, Pensacola, Phoenix, and New Orleans with just an untucked T-shirt.

[zahc]

The decreased weight, and shorter barrel do not really matter, IF you have a good rig.


It can if you spend a lot of your time sitting in a car.

[Tom Fury]

I consistently carry a Commander OWB behind the seam on my Levis. Can conceal under untucked shirt w/o problems. Depends on how picky you are about sweating on your gun/grips/holster. Think about sweatflaps on holster.
I would have no problem thus with 220, except that many seem to prefer to mount the Hogue soft rubber grips on them; I find this is a bit tacky with fabrics (meaning it sticks and bunches) and I would be looking for wood or plastic grips for it to carry concealed.
Cheers, TF

[DogBonz]

I’m 5-11, 185 and I used to CCW HK USP45 (full Size) successfully. I switched to a S&W 1911PD only because the USP made me very self-conscious, although no one ever “made me”. I learned that it’s all about holster selection. Get the right holster and you could conceal just about any thing coupled with the right clothing. With an IWB holster and a sport coat I had no problem with the 1911PD, or the USP for that matter, I just felt more comfortable with the PD because it was thinner.

[WolfMansDad]

A full-sized 1911 is very flat and conceals well. It's size is actually an asset, since it distributes the weight over a large area. It's quite comfortable, really, if you have a good holster. Milt Sparks summer special 2 at 3:30 or 4:00 works well.

[vnepilot]

Im a skinny guy im 5'10 and 135lbs, I can conceal a full size 1911 in dress pants and a tucked in shirt with a iwb . But only if im smart and dont lean forward or bend over to get something. My GLOCK 22 and P226 seem to print constantly, no matter how I dress or move.. But I rarely carry the 1911 anyway, the P239 fits me better.

[KC&97TA]

I'm about average; 5'9" 160lbs. "when I carry", I carry IWB and my favorite piece is a 1911 SA Champion, I'm in Commy-fornia, so printing is not an option, I think she hides pretty well just between my hip and mid back. I've carried with out my wife noticeing many times. 75% of the time I carry when wearing a sweatshirt, so printing isn't as big of a factor.

Some say that the length of the barrel isn't the biggest factor it's the grip that sticks out, which I think is true, I've had my eye open for a 1911 with an officers grip and a 4" slide.

I'm at a loss for recomendation though, I own 3-1911's and a FAT 92FS, I'm real partial to my 1911's.

[Gila Jorge]

I bought a Nighthawk Talon with Bob Tail grips and 4.25 barrel and plan to
5carry it concealed...I am 5-10 and weigh 185. I persently also carry a CZ
75 9mm compact and a Lady Smith 60 2 inch and have never been made with a batiq print open shirt with a wild pattern...noone ever sees the gun.

[gc70]

My son is tall and thin, but he conceals a full-size 1911 quite well. Sometimes I can detect a slight bulge from the end of the grips, but even that goes totally away when he carries his Commander bobtail.

[MICHAEL T]

I have carried a Commander for years. I bought a Defender while back and now carry it .

[vanilla_gorilla]

Carry mine every day except at work.

[.45&TKD]

I carry the full size 1911 iwb

Ditto.

[ARTiger]

Big is relative. I know a guy who carries a 4" S&W 629 CCW. He hasn't been made yet. He is however, 6', 8" and about 340.

[Geister]

Does anyone here carry a RIA 1911?

[roo_ster]

SW1911 full size, IWB. 1911s are relatively slim.

[yongxingfreesty]

ive carried both many times all day long. the p226 in .40 5" 1911s

[aubie515]

I feel that if you are used to carrying a firearm that it's not a big deal to carry a government 1911. I am only 5'8" and I carry my 1911 or XD45 all the time. I don't even notice the pistol most of the time because I am so used to carrying.

When I had my HK USP45c SS, I didn't like to carry that pistol becaues it was too wide and felt bulky. If you find a pistol that feels good on your side...continue using it...be it a full size, compact or sub compact model.

[gwillis6]

Big is relative. I know a guy who carries a 4" S&W 629 CCW. He hasn't been made yet. He is however, 6', 8" and about 340.

Why does he carry, he could just look at me and I would run :eek:

By the way, I carry a SIG P220 carry 13+ hours a day in a Comp-tac Infidel.

[Vern Humphrey]

I carry a full size M1911 in an IWB of my own design.

[1911 guy]

I'm another who CCW's a 1911. Mine are five inch guns, carry usually OWB, but am carrying IWB more and more often. It (IWB) holds the pistol closer to my body and allows me greater freedom in what I wear.

[un_lucky]

I'm wanting to know what you all think as to whether full size 1911s and P220s, Glocks, HKs, etc.. are too big for most people to carry concealed


Yes they are.