[King Red]

Hello fellow 2A lovers, I hope you can help me out.

After spending 2 years and over $2000 customizing my 4" 1911 and finally receiving the Bulman Gunleather holster, belt, and mag pouch for it, I was ready to start carrying it as my CCW. It was then that I realized I had made a very expensive and very naive mistake. The gun is simply too heavy to carry. I spent the extra money on a good leather rig, but being 5' 7" and 135 pounds, the gun just drags my pants down my butt, and furthermore I have to tighten the belt very tight to compensate for the weight and then the belt digs into my hips and is very painfull after just a few minutes of carrying.

So I have made the decision to use my truck gun as an everyday carry (SW 642). The one thing that I worry about though is ammo capacity. I live in a suburb of Houston and every night on the news I hear about the usual murders and carjackings perpetrated by a group of two or more assailants. So, I just don't think 5 rounds will be enough if I have to use it.

So my question is basically this: when it comes to reloading a revolver quickly should I use a speed strip or a speed loader? Also how does that speed strip thingy work? I've never seen one in person.

Any thoughts and insite would be appreciated. (Not to be rude, but please limit the "I have no problem carrying a full size 1911" responses.)

[Devonai]

If I were you I'd carry one of each; the speedloader for a full reload and the speed strip for topping off.

Also, how attached are you to your 1911? If it's as valuable as you say, you could sell it, replace it with a mid-range 1911, and have money left over for a compact semi-auto that won't pull your pants down.

[spencerhut]

I'll take a speedloader any day of the week. You only need to do one Run & Gun revolver stage to learn that lesson.:D

[pax]

Speed loaders are quicker, and easier to master, but they can be difficult to carry concealed.

Speed strips are easier to carry but slow (they're misnamed ...) They aren't terrifically hard to use, once you get the hang of them, but digging it out of your pocket takes time and using it takes more time. So a speed strip is not exactly fast -- it's only faster than dropping the rounds in one at a time after fishing them out of whichever pocket you stuffed them in and sorting them out from the pocket lint and loose change. :)

pax

[RustyFN]

I would go with moon clips if you are worried about having to reload fast. You would have to have some work done to the gun but that would be the fastest and easiest way to reload a revolver in a stressful situation IMO.
Rusty

[Bob's Grandson]

Have you tried suspenders under a loose shirt? Perry suspenders (hooked under the belt) may be best.

Wayne

[gpr]

try a keltec 32..with 10rounds....gpr

[mlandman]

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/1484/image1nv7.jpgI have NO problem carrying an M1A1 Abrams in my pocket! ;)

For a J Frame, my wife prefers the Safariland speed loader. It is harder to load rounds into it but much easier to load the gun. Will you be in a greater hurry at home or when TSHTF?

[scubie02]

is your commander steel? You could swap it for something like a S&W scandium model if not--significantly lighter. Or you could go with something like a Kahr PM9 or an XD9 compact

[King Red]

I thought about suspenders, but to put on the thick leather belt, holster, 1911, extra mag, mag pouch, and suspenders in Texas heat and humidity would just be too much.

As for buying another autoloader, I would if I could. If I had the money and the patience to wait another 4 to 5 months for a new holster, I'd pick up an HK p2000sk in a heartbeat. I had one once but sold it like a true moron. The problem is money. I'm trying to get through college and the only way to get the money would be to sell the 1911, which I really, really don't want to do right now (I just bought 500 rounds of 45 at the last gunshow).

So, I guess the general opinion is to get a speedloader. Are these too heavy to carry in a front pocket?

Thanks!

[Soybomb]

Have you tried suspenders under a loose shirt? Perry suspenders (hooked under the belt) may be best.
Interesting, never seen those before...not likely to win you any fashion awards with the ladies but probably quite useful.

[Devonai]

Are these too heavy to carry in a front pocket?

Definitely not; however, you may be asked the immortal question, "is that a speedloader in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?"

[Glockman17366]

I never cared much for carrying 1911's for the same reason (weight). That, and they can be tough on clothing even dehorned, they snag.

That said, you might want to look into a shoulder holster rig. That didn't work for me, but it might for you.
I'd also look into buy a quality gunbelt that may support the gun better an be a bit less "painful" as it would distribute the weight better.

Another holster to at least consider would be a pancake type.

I'm sure you don't want to sell your 1911. You would never get the money out of it that you spent tuning it...

Another option is to look into a smaller gun such as a Kahr (get a steel one) which are really nice CCW guns; Glock...anyone of a bunch.

[bhk]

I have both a steel-framed 1911 and a scandium-framed commander sized Smith and Wesson. The difference in carrying comfort is HUGE.

Also, I have found that a good IWB holster is much more comfortable than anything OWB. The OWB holsters are always tugging away from the body, a fight that requires super belts and tight cinching. Although I wear a good gun belt with my IWB holsters, I could get by with a cheap one and I don't have to tighten the belt near as much. I can even carry my Glock 23 without a belt at all in its FIST IWB holter, although I don't.

[samtechlan]

Why not carry 2 J frames of the airweight or even better, airlite variety? One in the pocket and one IWB is still better than the heavy 1911.

[tegemu]

Thousands of people have had your same experience with 1911's. Once they put it on, they realized how heavy and cumbersome the pistol is, but in short order they learned to carry it with comfort and ease. It's a new experience that requires some practice, experience and accomodation. Get a GOOD holster and belt, practice with it and before you know it, you will be perfectly comfortable with it. Don't give up on your prized pistol.

[Jomax]

I also carry a 642 and I prefer to use a speedstrip rather than a speedloader which I also have. The strip lays flat in your pocket and unless you practice, practice, practice everday with a speedloader and become very proficient with it, you'll probably spend the same amount of time reloading your 642 with it as you would with a strip, one by one. Fumbling equates to time lost and so I believe it's a "push" between them.

If you really want a speedloader, then before you buy the popular HKS model, look into the molded one that Dillon Precision sells. I bought a pair and IMO they are clearly superior to the HKS. No moving parts, slimmer, more compact and easier to reload with ONCE YOU GET THE HANG OF IT. It fits my SP101 AND my 642.

[Glockman17366]

1911 is a great gun to carry...military did it for..80 years?

It's just not a gun I would want to carry concealed. There are other guns that fit the bill better, IMHO. That includes .45's.

[SwampWolf]

If you want a reasonably priced, light-weight, compact, very reliable pistol that packs plenty of firepower, consider looking for a used Smith 6906. You can find them most anywhere and you should be able to pick a decent one up for under $400.00.

With a little practice, it's been my experience that conventional speedloaders (i.e., HKS or Safariland) are much faster than any speedstrip. The only advantages I see for speedstrips are that they stow better (less bulky for sure) and that they beat fumbling around for loose rounds in a pocket.

[cpaspr]

1) Cons - 1911 weighs too much, 642 has limited capacity.
2) Funds - in short supply, college student.

Based on your two posts above, I'd say your best bet would be to get and learn to use speedloaders or speedstrips for the 642. Both are fairly inexpensive, so won't impact the budget severely. The speed strips can be used to add two rounds at a time to the cylinder, the speedloader all 5 at once. The strips conceal better. Tossup - speed of reload vs. bulk of reload.

One other thing to consider regarding the 1911: After spending 2 years and over $2000 customizing my 4" 1911, do you really want to lose that to an evidence locker and possible ordered destruction by a liberal judge's order. I know, I know, small price to pay if it saves your life, but it is something else to throw into the mix for consideration.

[Mat, not doormat]

Umm, I don't have any problems carrying a full size 1911. Two things that occur to me are:

1. I've got a hundred pounds on you, as such, the addition of an extra 3.225 lbs (a mere 1.3% of my body weight, vs. 2.4% of yours) since I'm already supporting and moving around so much extra weight, that I don't notice it as much as you might, since it is proportionally a bigger addition for you. That's about like me trying to tote 5.6 lbs of carry piece. No, thanks. I second the suggestion of either an aluminum or scandium 1911. They can be pretty light.

2. The other thing, though, is how long have you tried carrying it for? Is this your first experience with CCW? Anything new takes some getting used to. If you wear a wristwatch, take it off, and put it on the other arm. If not, find a big, clunky metal one, and put it on. Notice how strange it feels? Now, give it a week, and you will hardly notice it. Give it a year, and not having it on will be the strange feeling. It might be that you could get used to it by just wearing it more.

~~~Mat

[slow944]

I bought a Taurus MILPRO PT145 for the same reason. MY 1911 was to dang heavy. The PT145 is 10+1rds and it comes with 2mags. I have a Don Hume 715 IWB holster and living in Big D I know about the heat and humidity. I got the Stainless Steel version and couldn't be happier. I bought mine at Sportsman's Warehouse for $309+tax. Very accurate and very reliable. Check out the Taurus and see if you don't agree. For pocket carry I have a KT P3AT in a pocket holster when I can't carry the PT.

[fletcher]

I prefer the speed strip because it's easy to carry. Just open the cylinder as you normally would to reload, take speedstrip by the little handle thinger, insert two rounds at a time, peel off, repeat.

[shooter58]

+1 on the Perry Suspenders. I have a pair of the 3" wide ones for inside the shirt carry when carrying a heavier firearm. They are a substantial help. I was just going to suggest that you look at a Sparks "Summer Special" IWB holster for your 1911. It is a major help at carrying a heavy gun. Really makes a difference. Good luck. I personally went to a Kel-Tek P11 for carry, especially in the summer.

[Quiet]

Money is tight? Go surplus.

CZ-82. 13 rounds of 9x18mm. In the $250 price range.

[King Red]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!

I'd just like to clarify one point though...Several people have suggested that I need to get a "good" belt and holster setup for my 1911. As I mentioned, I have the custom-made Bulman gunleather "Urban Gun Belt" and his "TSA2 Secret Agent Holster" along with a matching mag carrier. This is some very high quality stuff (it should be for the price I paid and a 4 month wait).

So the problem's not the holster or the belt (it's so thick and wide you can hardly roll it up). The problem is just that the weight of the whole rig digs into my hips. I've tried carrying with the belt looser...it's more comfortable but the gun is not as tight to my body. I've tried carrying with the belt tighter...the gun is nice and snug but it's painful not to mention it very uncomfortable on my "package" with my pants up to my belly button.

So, here's what I'm going to do: order a speed strip and speed loader for the 642 and try them both out AND sink myself another $500 in debt to buy a Springfield XD 45 Compact. I ordered one from Bud's Gun Shop today. I know it's wider, but it weighs less and can hold more rounds. I also ordered a Concealco IWB for it (yeah! another 3 month wait!!!)

What do y'all think?

[Mat, not doormat]

I think I'd swap you an XD .45 tactical for your 1911. :evil:

[45crittergitter]

Please forgive me for ignoring your request for no 1911 ideas. However, in the interest of hopefully providing helpful information, I will offer that I am almost exactly your size, and comfortably carry a 5" 1911 daily. I have found that only an IWB works well for me, preferably one with an adjustable carry angle. I also eventually went to a custom 1911, also a 5", but with an aluminum frame.

[Mortech]

I would also look into getting something along of the lines of a S&W 3913 , its small flat and light . I recently traded off a CZ75B for one to use as my summer CCW when carrying my M&P isn't practical . I am curious why you settled on the 1911 as your initial CCW weapon ? From the way you went all out on it and your carry rig I figured you had some experience with carry a 1911 and would be prepared for its weight .

[ronto]

Just the act of drawing a gun on 99% of the street punks will send them running...With the remaining 1%, shoot one and the rest will run...Just make sure you can hit what you're aiming at...I feel well protected with 5 rounds of 357 Magnum...If I need more than that, there's a farm I'd more than likely be buying, even if I had a speed loader/strip.

[kingpin008]

Just the act of drawing a gun on 99% of the street punks will send them running...With the remaining 1%, shoot one and the rest will run...

Not to be rude, but can you provide a cite for that little gem? I don't understand where people get off saying stuff like this, in regards to self-defense situations. It's like the old saying "just racking a shotgun is enough to make a badguy dirty his drawers and fall over dead." It's not true, and it's dangerous for people to hear over and over because it causes them to rely less on training and reality and more on silly catch-phrases.

/rant.

[The Lone Haranguer]

Originally posted by King Red:
...Several people have suggested that I need to get a "good" belt and holster setup for my 1911. As I mentioned, I have the custom-made Bulman gunleather "Urban Gun Belt" and his "TSA2 Secret Agent Holster" along with a matching mag carrier.
Bulman leather is top notch, for anyone not familiar with his work. Website (http://www.bulmangunleather.com)
I've tried carrying with the belt tighter...the gun is nice and snug but it's painful not to mention it very uncomfortable on my "package" with my pants up to my belly button.

Part of this problem (besides pulling them up that high;)) is that your pants might be too tight. I've found, when carrying IWB, that pants that would stay up without the aid of a belt are much too tight (including pressure on my "package":D) when adding a holstered gun, and went up an inch in waist size. Also, in what position are you carrying? Think of your belly button as 12:00. If you wear at 3:00 (directly on the point of your hip bone) it is likely to gouge you. Move it back to about 4:00 so the center of the gun is pressing more against the fleshy part of your backside.

I think, before dropping another boatload of cash into a whole 'nother carry gun and rig, that you ought to give your current rig more time. In time you may find that it is not so bad.

[King Red]

I do carry at 4 o'clock, it's just that I have to cinch the belt extra tight to accomadate the weight of the 1911, hence the discomfort.

I will continue to carry my 1911 on occasion, but I just picked up the XD Compact I ordered from Bud's and my Concealco IWB is on the way.

As far as size comparison between the two, they are similar in height and length, but the XD is much wider. The XD seems very promising though because it carries more rounds (in 45), is lighter weight, and only has passive safeties (no safety lever to disengage).

That being said, I still believe the 1911 is a far superior gun.

Hopefully I'll get everything worked out soon enough.

[Zen21Tao]

King Red,

Being that you are used to having a 1911 on your hip, you may have a comfort problem with the Springfield XD's double stack design. As a double stack, the Springfield's added thickness may even give you 'printing' problems. As for being a lighter weight, remember that the lighter weight will be off-set somewhat by the extra number of rounds that fit in the magazine.

If you do have comfort problems with your Springfield you might want to consider replacing it with a Sig or some other single stack auto. As for Sig, they have a P245 or P220 compact that is a concealable .45acp. I have found it to be a very comfortable IWB .45acp.

Also, if you are not averse to going down to the .40S&W round you could try the Sig P239 or even a Kahr PM40/MK40 (both of which are also single stack pistols). I have found both to be excellent carry gun. As for the Kahr, it is so small and light weight that I often forget I take it. Plus, you can use the Kahr as a pocket gun as well as an IWB gun.

I hope the Sprinfield works out for you, but if it doesn't, keep the Sigs and Kahr in mind.

[orionengnr]

--Kahr makes a P45 which weighs 18.5 oz and holds 6+1 of 45 acp. (My winter carry.)

--If you are a 1911 fan ( I thought so:)) there are any number of 3" alloy framed 1911s out there. Mine is a Kimber Ultra Carry Stainless, about $600 used. 23 oz.

--If you want small, a Kahr PM9 is 14.8 oz (about the same as your 642) but holds 6+1 of 9mm, and reloads as quick as you please. I've had one for going on two years, and I am seldom without it. It is very accurate and 100% reliable. (My summer carry.)

--The Scandium Commander-sized S&W is 28 oz. I want one :)

[wqbang]

I have noticed that my Kahr P9 fits in 1911 3" holsters. It is so light you almost forget it's there compared to my Kimber 4" Compact Stainless.

[crebralfix]

Get a better belt. That is the key to the whole experience.

[lanternlad1]

You might try getting a cheap little keltec p11. About 250.00 11+1 rnds of 9mm, light. Trigger sucks, but in a SHTF situation, you'll never notice that.

I'm in Houston too, and my carry varies from a CZ PO1 9mm which is harder for me to conceal, to a Ruger SP101 .357 mag which carries like a dream but only has 5 rounds available at ant one moment. Both weigh about 27oz. I understand your predicament completely. In a "spray and pray" situation, I hope I have the 15 rounds of 9mm in the CZ with me. Otherwise I feel just fine carrying my 357. I carry based on what part of town I'm going to, what I'll be doing, and what I have to wear while doing it.

[gezzer]

Sell 100 year old technology 1911 and accessories the are hot sale items and you may make a profit.

Buy a Glock 26, 27, 36 what ever caliber floats your boat.

[Mat, not doormat]

Spelling and Grammar Nazis are pests, with no life giving no useful input to discussion

That may be true, but consider: if a person cannot string six words together in such a way as to form a coherent statement, how credible are they in terms of facts?

I had to re-read gezzer's post about six times to figure out what he meant. My present interpretive theory is that he's saying: "1911s are outdated, and should be sold. However, they are also popular enough that you shouldn't lose much money in doing so."

At first I thought it was a general attack on people who make 1911s and their accessories, as profiteers or some such.

Anyhow, try one of the lightweight 1911s before you throw over the platform entirely. LW Commander, S&W's Scandium guns, Kimber's "Carry," series, Springfield's lightweight line, all pretty good guns. To borrow a line from John Taffin, "Perfect packin' pistols."

~~~Mat

[copaup]

I have no problem carrying a full size 1911 concealed. I'm also used to carrying around a gunbelt 8 hours a day loaded with a sig 229, 2 spare mags, a radio, 2 sets of cuffs, 2 flashlights, a pair of shotgun shells, and 2 different kinds of OC spray. The weight does take some getting used to.
That said, my most commonly carried weapon is my departmentally approved BUG, a 642 carried on and off duty in my support side pants pocket. I carry one safariland speedloader as a reload at work, and usually the speedloader and a speed strip when I carry it off duty as a primary. Its small, light, accurate, and powerful enough to get the job done. Its my belief that you are going to run out of time in a fight before you run out of rounds if there are multiple assailants.

[jeepmor]

The problem is money. I'm trying to get through college and the only way to get the money would be to sell the 1911

but you spent $2k on this 1911? Money is tight? :scrutiny::scrutiny::scrutiny:

When I was in college, $2K paid for over a year of rent there fella.

[LightningJoe]

I think the biggest problem with speedloaders is the danger of dropping all your rounds on the floor. Moonclips would be preferable.


But a speed-strip should do everything you really need. I've heard gunfights often end when one or both parties run out of rounds or have to reload. This implies neither party wanted to continue once shots were fired and were happy to use the lull to break contact.

[ArchAngelCD]

King Red,
I don't think you really needed to spend another $500 since you already have 2 good guns. You could have carried the M642 and a speedloader for SD outside the car. In the car and in your home you could use the the 1911 for SD. All you needed was a small safe for the car and you would have been all set up. You might want to forget about another gun and use the $500 for other things, like books lol.

[Commander Crusty]

Many revolver shooters carry a Speed Strip. I put my Speed Strip in a "dump pouch" and carry it on the opposite side from my Airweight. If I have one, I have the other. Plenty of us also throw a couple of speedloaders into a pocket or two--just to keep that IDPA vest from blowing up in the wind.

[Schwebel]

Well sounds like you made the mistake 90% of CCL holders make (including me). Buying too big of a gun to CC everyday. One thing you are going to notice about the XD, is that it is thicker than a 1911, the compact version is still a rather large gun. I personally would have bought a Micro 1911 GI, for about the same price. 3" 1911's are very easy to CC and they bridge the gap between a 5-shot J-frame and a larger 1911. And if you are already familiar with the workings of a 1911, that makes a big bonus.

[MICHAEL T]

I carry a Colt New Agent or a LTW Commander Isee no reason to spend $1000's on a carry gun and 100's on a holster. My Colts are accurate and relieable right from box. My holsters are made for me by http://ubgholsters.com cost about $70 I have worn as along as 20 hours with out a problem. Good guns and good leather does not need to cost arm and leg. You are going way overboard un less you rich or want a Bar-B-Q pistol. People defend them selves every day with a lot less than a $2000 gun. That money could have been spent on range and ammo

[Big Boomer]

I carry a Colt New Agent or a LTW Commander Isee no reason to spend $1000's on a carry gun and 100's on a holster. My Colts are accurate and relieable right from box. My holsters are made for me by http://ubgholsters.com cost about $70 I have worn as along as 20 hours with out a problem. Good guns and good leather does not need to cost arm and leg. You are going way overboard un less you rich or want a Bar-B-Q pistol. People defend them selves every day with a lot less than a $2000 gun. That money could have been spent on range and ammo

If you can't then don't. Some of us can and will. $1,000 isn't crap nowadays. A hundred bucks for a holster? Seems to be going price for decent stuff out now. Many rigs go way over that. I don't bitch about my CMC, wilson combat or other mags that make the gun extra reliable.

I know that some are partial to the old stock versions of things and that's fine. I'd like the little extra edge if I can. So if I pay a little extra for a beavertail that fits me better and helps me shoot more accurately, or a polished ramp that ensures proper feeding, or perhaps that hard chrome in my TRP so that it doesn't wear, or the extra cost of the tritium sights to aim better in low light why is that so evil?

No you don't have to spend $1,000 to put a bullet in someone's ass. I don't have to spend $50k on a car to get to work either. Some people don't care if they drive that 1990 geo metro with peeling paint and smoke blowing out the back but spend $9,000 on the home stereo that's their choice.

We all have to make choices. I have my cheap combat gun's and my workable "show" guns, I also have my safe queens. I carry different ones depending on the dress and location. You can't possibly tell me that I am going to show up in my Tux carrying a Glock now can you?!

[abrink]

Well whenever i carry a snubby there's always either another snubby with it or a speed loader. I think speed loaders are a lot easier.

[jad0110]

Thousands of people have had your same experience with 1911's. Once they put it on, they realized how heavy and cumbersome the pistol is, but in short order they learned to carry it with comfort and ease.

My experience is this same. My only CCW has been a 642 up until this weekend, when I've starting carrying a 5" all steel G'ment in a Brommeland MaxConV IWB on a Beltman bullhide belt. Uncomfortable for the first few hours, but as the belt and holster break it, they seem to conform more to your body. As I sit at my computer typing this, the 1911 is noticeable, but I wouldn't call it annoying. The weight disappears after a while too.

I'll still carry my 642 in the summer and a significant amount of the time in the winter too. I shoot it as well as the 1911, and it is a heck of a lot easier to drop it in my pocket.

Software is more important than hardware. Become proficient in the reloading of your 642 and auto pistols. Semi autos may well be a bit easier to load under stress, but there are still plenty of ways to bungle the reloading of an auto. Id imagine that trying to shove the magazine in backwards is probably pretty easy to do under pressure.

[RandomMan]

Well King Red, I know you've decided to go with a Springfield XD Compact, but I thought I would throw this out here for you anyways.

I carry, daily, a 4" Ruger GP100 in .357, in a Rafter S IWB holster and use a Wilderness CSM 1.5" Instructors belt. Here is a most important trick for getting the gun on comfortably:

Insert the gun into the holster, then into the waistband, THEN cinch the belt. If you put holster on then cinch belt, then stick the gun it, it WILL gouge the crap out of you. Make sure you put gun/holster on as one unit. Adjust your holster around to find the most comfortable position, mine is 3:30, not 3 and not 4, but 3:30.

Also, having checked out Bulman's site, I think perhaps, you've got the wrong holster for your body type. Not all bodies are equal. Being a short gentleman myself (I am 5'7"), I've discovered that Summer Special type holsters (like the TSA2) are not as comfortable as holsters with a wider base (see Sparks VMII, Bulman PDL, etc). The wider holsters tend to help distribute the weight of the gun along narrower hips easier. At least that has been my experience.

-Rob

[trackerup]

After spending 2 years and over $2000 customizing my 4" 1911 and finally receiving the Bulman Gunleather holster, belt, and mag pouch for it, I was ready to start carrying it as my CCW. It was then that I realized I had made a very expensive and very naive mistake. The gun is simply too heavy to carry. So I have made the decision to use my truck gun as an everyday carry (SW 642). This is very common. Just watching one of those gun shows on the Outdoor Channel. The gun writer doing the show said he was at a trade show with a bunch of other gun writers-- all 1911 afficionados , of course-- but each was actually carry a snubby 38.

You'd be better off with something more substantial, like a 9mm/357. 38 +P/380 are the minimum for me. If you really like single action 1911s, the EMP might be a possibility.

[jimbob86]

I'd be curious to know the difference in weight (loaded) between that 4" 1911 and the XD......

[45crittergitter]

There's a reason I invested in a lightweight 5" 1911....

[Prose]

I will tell you this: Shot placement is paramount. It's more important than the caliber. Steel guns are heavy. Big rounds in a big gun means a bigger gun and not as many rounds. So on and so forth. Usually weight is involved.

Go get yourself a high capacity 9mm. You get 16 in the stack and 1 in the tube. Go to the range with your light easy to carry plastic gun once every two weeks and you will be comfortable.

After you do these things you will be confident and comfortable. And like I said, shot placement means more than anything.

If you absolutely MUST carry a 1911 boat anchor with you I suggest a shoulder rig. The mags will help to balance it out and make it easier to carry. Adjust your wardrobe accordingly.

[mljdeckard]

What exactly is "too heavy"?