[usnavymasterchief]

I have read dozens of threads and posts about how you guys carry your full size1911's 24/7. Some say they can hide it under a "T" shirt. I find it hard to understand how. I'm not doubting your word, I just want to know how you do it.
I'd love to carry a full size 1911 .45 cal, I've tried numerous IWB holster and belt combinations with no luck. I've tried the appendix position only to have it dig into my leg when I sit down. I've tried just behind the strong side hip again it slides up and sticks out when I sit. I've tried SOB but it makes me look like the hunch back of Notre Dame and is uncomfortable as hell when you sit. I've tried belt slides and paddle holsters which are no good without a jacket or sport coat. I've tried "Thunder Ware and that was horrible, the worst yet. I just can't see how you can hide one under a "T" shirt and shorts in the summer time. Come on guys give up your secrets. I want to know how you can pack full size iron in the summer and still go about your daily business. Such as driving your car, sitting in a restaurant, visiting a friends house and sitting down in the living room without making major, secret revealing, adjustments. I just don't see how you do it. John

[Skunkabilly]

Folks underestimate a GOOD belt ... get something really rigid like the ubertactical rigger type belts, and something like an IWB Blade-Tech, that's what I would do if I had a 1911 again.

[sanchezero]

I've carried a gummint 1911 IWB in shorts and a Tshirt with no problems.

I push it just behind my hip. I wear a large shirt when I'd probably be more fashionable in a medium.

I use www.comp-tac.com holsters.

:)

[Aahzz]

Milt Sparks VersaMax-2. Worn just a hair in fron of 3:00 - call it 2:45. Obviously, not a fitted T-shirt, but works well with a T-shirt that has some breathing room, which is how I prefer my t-shirts anyway.

[OF]

Success concealing is attached to body type, too. The shape of your hips and abdomen have a lot to do with what you can get away with.

If your waist is larger in circumference than your abdomen, you should be able to conceal a huge heater with the right rig. I know my 'love handles' are keeping me from hiding this piece as well as I could. The extra poundage tends to keep the end of the grip from tucking in as far as I'd like it to.

- Gabe

[usnavymasterchief]

Hi Gabe, Similar problem, maybe that's whats wrong. I fell butt over tea kettle in love with a Kimber Ultra Carry but the grip is over an inch and a quarter wide and just would not tuck in to the point that I felt it didn't show. I have to be able to conceal under a loose fitting "T" shirt and shorts which is the uniform of the day here in central Florida. John

[spacemanspiff]

i carry a full size kimber, iwb, 3 oclock. any further around the clock and it sticks out and majorly prints. i alternate two holsters, one high noon tuckable, forget the actual product name, it works great as long as i have an undershirt. if i dont, the hammer and butt dig into my waist. the holster itself has no cant, but being a tuckable, the leather strap allows it to be put at nearly any angle i choose.
my other holster is a rafters gunleather sharkskin iwb. it has a 15 degree cant and is a very, very nice handmade holster.

i'm definitely not height-weight proportionate, and if i tell you my height and weight, you'll think i'm a grossly obese person. but if you saw me in person, you'd think i was only half grossly obese. :D then when i tell you my weight, you'd say 'no way!'
i pack a lot more weight than most people guess. some say its muscle, but i'm no stronger than the average person, so who knows?

the factors involved in concealing a large handgun include bone mass and body structure. i know people that carry at 1 or 2 oclock, but i could never do that. the same people cant carry at 3 oclock like i do. just something about how the hips shift when moving, and when sitting.

[cordex]

Milt Sparks Executive Companion holster
4:00
Thick-ish cheap belt.
Blue jeans and T-shirt.

Works for me.

But I carry a Commander length ... Kcustom45 carries a full-sized 1911, in similar leather though.

[Snake Eyes]

I am 6'4" and 275+lbs.

I could conceal a Volkswagon under a 3X T-Shirt.

Seriously, Blade-Tech IWB w/FBI Cant, between 3 & 4 O'Clock, and the grip just nuzzles itself into my love handles until it's gone. Never had a second look in shorts and T-Shirt.

The only thing I will say is: I seem to have to cinch the belt uncomfortably tight in order to hold up the weight of a full size 1911 and two spare mags. Can get a little painful after a couple of hours in the truck.

PT

[Prof]

I carry a full-size 1911A1 in a Milt Spark's Executive Companion with a Milt Sparks belt. Comfortable, concealable (I also have love handles!) and doesn't sag, etc. Good equipment is expensive but worth every penny!

[jerryd]

I use a simple Yaqui Belt holster with my kimber or springfield, I have the kind of body that wont let me use an IWB if you know what i mean!!

[Soap]

I use a Milt Sparks SSII at about 4 o' clock on a Mitch Rosen 1.5" Contoured belt. I can carry a Govt. model in 95 degree, 100% humidity with no problem. This setup works with everything from suits to shorts. Don't skimp out on your holster and belt, otherwise, you'll never be able to conceal it.

[Sean Smith]

It is all about the holster and belt, and not being tiny. :D

A strong belt can support the weight, and a good inside the waistband holster helps this.

A good holster will also keep the gun close to your body.

Since the 1911 is flatter than many smaller guns, as long as you have a belt that can keep it in place and a holster that positions it properly, it is not a hard gun to hide, and is VERY concealable in relation to its overall size.

I've got a Galco Summer Comfort holster and a Galco gunbelt that are darn good, but I'm eventually going to get something like an Alessi GWH:

http://www.burnscustom.com/shop/albums/alessi/aad.sized.jpg

As you can infer from the pic, the main problem is the pointy butt of the gun (which is why people came up with "bobtails" and short-grip 1911s), but if the holster positions the gun properly in relation to your body this isn't a problem.

[happyguy]

I whole heartedly agree that getting a good belt is at least half of the battle.

Personally I carry a H&K USP .45f in an Uncle Mikes IWB that I paid all of $12.97 for. I wear it at 3 o'clock and the 15 to 20 degree cant keeps it hidden under a t-shirt, believe it or not.

Regards,
Happyguy:D

[George Hill]

If packing on the belt isn't working for you, there are other options:

Belly Band.
Shoulder Rig.

With these I like to do what is called a "Superman Carry".
Which is a T-shirt, then the rig, then a covering shirt. The superman part comes in draw method. Just rip open the covering shirt to access the gun.
In the past when in Uniform, I carried my backup this way and replaced some buttons with velcro spots.

Now just because some can... doesn't mean the goal is to pack under a T-shirt. If you can, great if not... hey, don't worry.

One of the boons to CCW holders is the new again fashion of Bowling Shirts. These are great and I have several. The way they are cut and the way they hang allow you to pack a large gun (and gut) and still look pretty good.

[Tamara]

I just can't see how you can hide one under a "T" shirt and shorts in the summer time. Come on guys give up your secrets. I want to know how you can pack full size iron in the summer and still go about your daily business. Such as driving your car, sitting in a restaurant, visiting a friends house and sitting down in the living room without making major, secret revealing, adjustments. I just don't see how you do it. John

Number one?

I don't wear t-shirt and shorts. ;)

Number two?

Any friend's house I go to would want to see what I am toting. :D

[dsk]

Adopting an armed lifestyle involves several consessions to your sense of fashion, and even the way you move about. For example, you'd better start being known for loose-fitting clothing and slightly overdressing for the temperature. Also, you also need to learn the gun carrier's method of bending down at the grocery store. Always keep your back upright and bend your legs instead. Bending over at the hip is a no-no.

If you do this you'll be surprised at how big a gun you can easily conceal. I can conceal a full-size 1911 okay on all but the warmest of days, and I'm also only 5'6" with a thin build. I also try to use covert methods of carry like tote bags and such when it's too hot to carry on my person.

[Majic]

I carry a Kimber SLE, but there's not alot of difference. A good belt with a IWB holster behind my right hip works for me. I use mainly Don Hume products, but also have a nice holster from Backwoods that have a perfect cant for me. I'm not weight challenged, most likely a light weight to most, and the butt of the pistol rests comfortably in the kidney area.

[Rob96]

Agree with dsk about the way you bend to get stuff, and also about stiff belts and good holsters. I carry a Colt 1911 in a Desantis Inner Piece IWB holster without a problem.

[Al Thompson]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28261&highlight=kramer

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28424&highlight=kramer

[Delmar]

Masterchief,
If you are really having trouble, just go to a defender sized pistol, or something along the lines of a Colt Officers Model grip frame-you can have a longer slide than 3-3 1/2 inches. Slide concealment is not the issue-the grip is. I have been carrying full sized government models mexican style for decades behind a heavy leather belt, and have had no occasion to have it slip, but it is easier to carry that 45ACP power in the smaller frames when it gets really hot.

[El Tejon]

It's all about a GOOD holster and a GOOD belt. I recommend Milt Sparks, but we are fortunate to have many excellent makers. I use a Milt Sparks Executive Companion for the 1911 and a VMII for the Kahr P9 bug.

As far as positioning, you have to find out for yourself.

As far as body type, it may be easier for us long and lanky Friends of Sushi, especially if you have a lot of drop (broad chest, narrow waist). However, have seen Friends of Kraft carry just fine with same set up.

I laid off the fried manatee (you are what you eat) and it helped a lot. Mmmm, endangered food.

I usually use a T shirt underneath my yuppie scum attire (khakis and Territory Ahead shirt) if I conceal (this is what I did in Tejas recently), however I have more options as my carry restrictions are more relaxed in my state than yours.

[Skunkabilly]

I use a Milt Sparks Executive Companion for the 1911 and a VMII for the Kahr P9 bug.

Isn't the VM2 kind of wide? Does it get in the way of your magpouches?

[El Tejon]

Skunk, yes it is wide. I wear my 1911 mags up front more than others, at approx. 11ish (about 3 inches from my navel). Just the style at the time (I fully disclose I am old skul). More direct line on reloads (distinction without difference) and does not block left pocket during tac reloads. YMMV.

[Skunkabilly]

I wear my 1911 mags up front more than others, at approx. 11ish (about 3 inches from my navel).

What do you wear?

[Old Fuff]

Because of its long, “squareish” butt a full-sized Government model is difficult to conceal under a T-shirt, but it’s not impossible. The trick is to pull it in tight against the body with the gun’s butt located at the widest part of your frame. As other have mentioned you can use an IWB rig mounted on a wide belt. Another alternative, but slower to draw from, is an elastic belly-band mounted above the belt with the pistol in a cross-draw position and the muzzle tucked inside the waistband/belt. This way if you “print” it will be from the front where you’re more likely to notice. The shirt(s) should be dark colored and slightly oversized to better hide the gun. If you use a belly-band match the color (light or dark) to the shirt you’re wearing. Also consider long button-down-the-front shirts of the “Panama” or “Hawaiian” patterns that are worn outside the pants.

[El Tejon]

Skunk, uh? I wear my mags.:confused:

[Skunkabilly]

Skunk, uh? I wear my mags.

No you silly black and white critter thing, do you wear an open front shirt, untucked and closed shirt over it, suit, or what? :p

[El Tejon]

Suit usually. Territory Ahead shirt today.

[Byron Quick]

OK, shorts and T-shirt, Galco gunbelt and IWB holster. Hawaiian shirt over that. Flipflops, sandals etc.

Oh, yeah...slim is a dim, dim memory.

[Detachment Charlie]

Chief:
I'm just down the road from you in Venice and carry an officer size .45 in a Bianchi IWB holster on a good stiff belt (I always enjoyed a good stiff belt), T-shirt then a "fishing" shirt over that. Down here it look normal. Wally Mart had the shirts in last week for about $14...great deal and they are vented for coolness and loads of pockets.

Former member of the Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club.

[Deles136]

My friend Charlie Parrott - SmartCarry - carries a full size 1911 in his SmartCarry holster with no problems. Totally concealed and fast access.

[voilsb]

I don't carry a 1911, but I do carry a full-size 92FS. The same principle applies, though.

I'm 6'0" and 180lbs. Pretty thin guy. I wear a size 32 pants while carrying a full-frame auto IWB.

I use an Uncle Mike's "Inside the Pants Holster" which is a cheap ($11) IWB holster. I put it at 4 o'clock right behind my hip, or (much much less often) at 1 o'clock in that little pocket you've got in your hip.

I also use a US Army issue-type BDU belt. Cost me all of $3.

Even though I used cheap-o stuff, it's still quality. And it works. It conceals just fine. My roommate's even know I carry, and I've asked them to point out if it's obvious, and they've never said anything.

I recently got a job (retail) where I have to tuck in my shirt. The Uncle Mike's is not a "tuckable" holster, but I just tuck my shirt in by going under my belt. One of my roommate's asked me "Are you going to carry your gun at work?" when I first got the job. I said "yup." He's come in to the store a few times, and after each time I ask him if he can tell I'm packing. He said he could never tell.

Concealing a full-frame pistol is not hard to do at all.

[TheFrontRange]

Just another positive vote for carrying a full-size 1911 (or any other full-size defensive handgun) concealed. Ditto all these remarks on good leather (or Kydex!), a good belt (even though I do opt for cheaper work-type belts), and an eye toward clothing that will keep your piece covered AND keep you in reasonable fashion.

I have taken to carrying a smaller SIG P239 in a Kramer Confidant holster shirt a lot lately, but this same rig can even accomodate 1911-style pistols as referenced in one of the threads supplied by Al Thompson above.

My current carry setup for my 1911 (a "pre-Series II" Kimber Custom) is a pancake-style outside-the-waistband leather holster from a local leathermaker, KC Custom Gunleather and a leather double magpouch from KC. I usually position my holster right at 3 o'clock and my magpouch on the opposite hip at about 8 o'clock. The whole thing conceals very well under anything from an untucked Hawaiian-type shirt to a suit jacket. At times I resort to a Galco fanny pack.

I'm intrigued by the current crop of tuckable inside-the-waistband rigs and am wanting to try one out soon.

[Trisha]

I go with shoulder rigs far more frequently than hip/belt carry. A dark tee the same color as the rig prefents shadows with whatever top garment is being worn. Vertical carry rigs from Uncle Mike's, FOBUS (infinitely adjustable/modular), and Bianchi work wonderfully, giving one-handed draws that become smooth and effortless after practice.

The frame size is indeed the limiting factor to concealing semi-autos: I carry my Kimber Compact Stainless horizontally in a Galco Miami Classic, everything else vertically.

When it does come time to carry at the belt, I have a variety of holsters that suit the clothing. I never recommend IWB carry, as it ruins the drape of the slacks/jeans being worn, and necessitates sweeping the muzzle into the body to re-holster. Minimalist rigs like the Black Widow keep the pistol very close, working superbly under light clothing, or more fitted clothing - but are not great for re-holstering.

I'm not overly fond of paddle rigs, as one tends to sweat in warmer weather, and I've personally spotted one CCW with a sweat stain! They have their uses and their times, absolutely, but I would not recommend one for full-time carry.

I understand very well how the external holster presents a concern for the bulk, but with decent posture and comfortable clothes and inconspicuous cover garments, I suspect the concern is mostly psychological. Kydex presents the best choice IMO for hot weather, and the cover garment aids in coping with the weather.

I go through this frequently with the occasional student. Physical presence and poise is a basic for concealed carry. Your gait and posture while walking or sitting brings the natural lines of your body into alignment with the cut of your clothing. Getting that simple element mastered will let you carry nearly any handgun with a minimum of printing or awkwardness.

If you can, work with full-length mirrors to adjust your posture, and a friend to quietly remind you for a day or two while in public.

Good luck!

Trisha

(Knuckle push-ups, chin & pull-ups, and bench presses; followed with a rowing machine and Roman Chair work will do wonders)

[Tamara]

I never recommend IWB carry, as it ruins the drape of the slacks/jeans being worn, and necessitates sweeping the muzzle into the body to re-holster.

Gotta disagree with you there. If you're sweeping yourself on holstering a pistol in an IWB rig, it's a training issue. Also, it doesn't affect my favored jeans (Gap slim cut) even with a full-size 1911...

[Trisha]

IMHO, YMMV of course.

:D

[Schmit]

Master Chief

I'm 5'12" and weight approx 175 lbs. I wear a size 34 pants while carrying a full-frame 1911 IWB.

I use an Mitch Rosen ARG IWB Holster located at 1530/1600 on either a Rosen Tappered Belt or a non-tappered belt (depending on wheather or not I'm in dress clothing). Weak side sports a Surfire Light w/Meat Tenderizer and an extra Mag in a Rosen SOS.

Normal dress is T-Shirt/Polo (X-Large for the added concealment (I normally wear a Large) and Jeans or shorts. For dress all my Trousers & Coates have been tailored with my carry gear on (choose a Tailor that will do this... most will and are familure due to LE Detectives needing the same service)

Like many said... it is not about size but about equipment/dress.

[JShirley]

I like temps in the 50's-low 60's range. Preferred dress while packing is a t-shirt with a light jacket or heavier button-down shirt. This was my preferred carry during fall and winter when I was a civilian, and I often carried my Glock 23 on my waist without problem. When the weather was warmer, I carried my P-11 or just my P-32 in pocket carry.

After putting on a few pounds going through Basic, I can carry my 657 on my waist without problem! :D

John

[Archer]

Lessee.... 200#, 6 feet zero, not too much in the way of spare tire...34 inch waist.

36 inch waist shorts and an XL t-shirt and a Springfield Professional (with mag funnel and basepad) in an Alessi Talon IWB, and a Wilderness 1-1/2 inch belt, and no one is ever the wiser. Comfy too, even after the 10 hour drive from, say, SLC to Phoenix or San Di... uh never mind...

It is all about the wearer build, shirt, belt and holster. Hawaiian shirts are good. Patterns are good. The North Face has a new line of shirts called A5 that are almost perfect for this purpose. You might look like a granola-eating Sierra Clubber on the outside, but you are definitely crunchy on the inside.

An UnderArmour shirt under the T-shirt or other cover garment is very, very good.


My favorite for ccw is my Teds of Beverly Hills bowling shirt. (give me a hallelujah fellow Hendrie fans...)

This works either IWB with the Alessi Talon, or OWB with the Alessi CQC-S or DOJ. (three ounces of cowanesque heaven, bay-bee...)

Mind you I cannot do this with, say, a trusty but bulky HK USP Compact. That item is harder to conceal than a nice flat 1911-and much less comfortable if you try.

Oh, I must also disagree about the IWB reholstering thing. Get a good IWB (reinfoirced top) and some training, and it is a non issue. I use my Alessi Talon in IDPA for about 1/3rd of the matches I shoot, never have needed to sweep myself to get it back in there (unlike some folks I see with the cheap nylon jobs). IWB, Nylon bad. Kydex and reinforced leather, good.

For IWB, dead cow is much more comfy than plastic for me.


YMMV, IMHO, FDIC, Etc.