Oleg Volk
Moderator Emeritus
I am considering an IWB for a full-size Govt. model and want feedback from folks who use or tried to use leather or nylon or kydex for IWB. Is this way comfortable, concealable?
Are IWB holsters for 1911 realistic?
- Thread starter Oleg Volk
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BerettaNut92
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Oleg, I know ArmySon carried a 5" fullsize IWB. Try checking in with him?
Oleg,
I carry a full size 1911 every single day in a Sparks Summer Special IWB. It is seriously one of the most comfortable rigs that I've ever tried when combined with my Rosen contoured 1.5" belt. I conceal it in all manners of clothing and in everything from zero degree to ninety degree weather. Once you try a good rig, you're not going to believe how easy that horsepistol conceals.
As for materials, I would rule out nylon right now. For a holster to be comfortable and useable it needs to retain its shape relatively well.
Kydex vs. leather is simply one of personal preference. Like any other choice of mere preference, you're just gonna have to try both to see what you like. Personally, I think that leather is more comfortable.
Let me know if you have any sort of questions.
I carry a full size 1911 every single day in a Sparks Summer Special IWB. It is seriously one of the most comfortable rigs that I've ever tried when combined with my Rosen contoured 1.5" belt. I conceal it in all manners of clothing and in everything from zero degree to ninety degree weather. Once you try a good rig, you're not going to believe how easy that horsepistol conceals.
As for materials, I would rule out nylon right now. For a holster to be comfortable and useable it needs to retain its shape relatively well.
Kydex vs. leather is simply one of personal preference. Like any other choice of mere preference, you're just gonna have to try both to see what you like. Personally, I think that leather is more comfortable.
Let me know if you have any sort of questions.
El Tejon
Member
Oleg, I use a Milt Sparks Executive Companion with a Milt Sparks 1" belt to carry a Les Baer TRS for daily "on-duty" or "Off-duty" Territory Ahead yuppie scum look. I have a 1.75 belt as well if I feel like dressing like a hairy-chested Westerner in dungaress, but minus elf boots.
I prefer horse, have never tried kydex. I have everything dyed black for tacticality.
A big advantage of the 1911 is that the weapon is narrow and flatish. Thus, with a good holster you can snug it up tight to your body. Works for all body types, but the long and lean have an advantage.
I prefer horse, have never tried kydex. I have everything dyed black for tacticality.
A big advantage of the 1911 is that the weapon is narrow and flatish. Thus, with a good holster you can snug it up tight to your body. Works for all body types, but the long and lean have an advantage.
BerettaNut92
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IMO I don't care how big the gun is as long as it's flat. The 1911 is great for this but I can't shoot them very well.
Yes! Skunkspeak catching on!
Yes! Skunkspeak catching on!
El Tejon
Member
Yes, Skunk, but it's catching on amongst the tactical golf vacation set. I mean, I'm not even a tactical poser. You know how hard it is to be a tactical at say UR2 or API499 in a "Friends of the Library" or a shirt from Territory Ahead yuppie scum line?
BerettaNut92
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I'd like to see Oleg in Yuppie Scum gear! Got any links?
Oleg, run a search on the 1911forum holster & accessories forum. Lots of good advice on holster gear there, they have good taste in leather.
Oleg, run a search on the 1911forum holster & accessories forum. Lots of good advice on holster gear there, they have good taste in leather.
10-Ring
Member
The guy that owns the indoor range I frequent carries his 1911 IWB and is very comfortable doing so. He's not a big guy...maybe 5' 5", 140#'s. I've seen him with gov't to officer's models IWB.
Monkeyleg
Member.
Oleg, a 1911 in a good IWB holster may take a few days to get used to. Then it's almost like it's not there. Once you find your "sweet spot" where concealability and comfort converge, it's the best way to carry.
Right now I can't use my IWB holster because of a back problem that affects the nerves in my hips and makes the hip area ultra-sensitive. So, I'm using a shoulder rig, and there's NO forgetting that the rig is on. Also, concealment is much more difficult.
My IWB holster is a Mitch Rosen ARG Express model. It's the plainest of the line, but it's been all over the country, in every type of climate, and it's held up extremely well. For $65, I'm very happy.
Just my .02.
Right now I can't use my IWB holster because of a back problem that affects the nerves in my hips and makes the hip area ultra-sensitive. So, I'm using a shoulder rig, and there's NO forgetting that the rig is on. Also, concealment is much more difficult.
My IWB holster is a Mitch Rosen ARG Express model. It's the plainest of the line, but it's been all over the country, in every type of climate, and it's held up extremely well. For $65, I'm very happy.
Just my .02.
Ed Brunner
Member
Oleg
A good IWB holster is usually the best way to conceal a 1911. For some people who sit a lot, a Commander is easier because a full size digs into their butt.
There are a lot of good leather and Kydex IWB holsters out there. A lot of it depends on your build and your preferences. My favorite is the Alessi/Burns GWH. You can see it at
http://www.burnscustom.com/shop/showcat.php?cat=Holsters.
A good IWB holster is usually the best way to conceal a 1911. For some people who sit a lot, a Commander is easier because a full size digs into their butt.
There are a lot of good leather and Kydex IWB holsters out there. A lot of it depends on your build and your preferences. My favorite is the Alessi/Burns GWH. You can see it at
http://www.burnscustom.com/shop/showcat.php?cat=Holsters.
triggertime
Member
Oleg: In my experience, a full size 1911 is alot more comfortable carried IWB than guns with a shorter muzzle because the weight of the gun is distributed over a broader area of the hipbone. I find that guns with shorter muzzles tend to dig into the ischium and aggravate the sciatic nerve, which is a problem that I'm currently experiencing..again.
sm
member
Preferred carry is full size 1911 IWB..for a long time now.
High Noon
Sparks
Alessi
Many other quality makers out there...
High Noon
Sparks
Alessi
Many other quality makers out there...
Jake 98c/11b
Member
Oleg, several years ago I wanted the Milt Sparks executive companion in horsehide, my reading had me convinced it would be the best carry option for me (I'm 5'9" 170lbs). When I called to place the order I was informed the horsehide model would be at least 16 weeks I went with the, now discontinued, Galco NSA. I now have a few of the old style NSA for my M1911s and BHP, I think they are great. One day I will order that Milt Sparks but I don't need to, I have what I need.
I think the IWB is the best way for a relatively slim person to carry a full size pistol. With a relatively slim pistol like the M1911 you probably won't have to buy a seperate wardrobe. I have been able to carry this way in as little as a pair of shorts and a T shirt, it's the best way to go for me.
I think the IWB is the best way for a relatively slim person to carry a full size pistol. With a relatively slim pistol like the M1911 you probably won't have to buy a seperate wardrobe. I have been able to carry this way in as little as a pair of shorts and a T shirt, it's the best way to go for me.
Zak Smith
Member
It's not quite as big as a Gov't model, but I carry my BHP in a Milt Sparks Watch-Six and it's a comfortable and easy to conceal setup.
-z
-z
AK103K
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I'm gonna recommend a Kydex holster if you live where its warm and sweat alot. The Kydex keeps the gun dry and is easier on you if it gets next to your bare skin. The leather will get wet and stay wet,(rough out is the worst at this) and your gun will suffer. The leather grabs your skin and some of the acids from the tanning(I'm assuming here) are irritating, at least to me, and its very uncomfortable. I always wear a tee shirt, as its a lot more comfortable, any season. It also stays open for reholstering(so do most of the good leather ones) and is "click" adjustable for tention. The IWB is the most concealable, especially at your 4 o'clock. Once your used to it, and it can take a little while for your body to adjust, you wont even know its there. Still need a good belt though. I use Blade Tech holsters. The one I have on gets used daily, and has held up well. I'm done with leather, at least for IWB.
AK103K brings up a good point. I always wear an undershirt (even if its 100 degrees out), I don't sweat very much, and I have a very mild body chemistry (the girls in high skool used to call me "Soap" b/c I smelled like soap even after an entire day). That said, leather works great for me...but it might not work great for you.
Pretty easy and pretty comfortable or at least as comfortable as IWB carry can get.
I'm 5'2 115lbs and have carried a 5 inch 1911 in a Milt Sparks Summer Special 2 for about a year on and off(sometimes I carry a BHP or Colt Mustang). It is more comfortable with a good belt and pants that are little big.
I'm 5'2 115lbs and have carried a 5 inch 1911 in a Milt Sparks Summer Special 2 for about a year on and off(sometimes I carry a BHP or Colt Mustang). It is more comfortable with a good belt and pants that are little big.
Ditto to what's been said. With a good holster and belt, you'll be fine. I've carried a full-size Kimber in a Mitch Rosen USD (not the best holster in the world) and concealed it under a large T-shirt. No problem. You'll be nervous the first bit as you get used to it, but then it becomes second nature.
dairycreek
Member
I highly recommend a 1911 in an IWB holster!
I carry my Kimber Eclipse I in either a Galco Royal Guardian or a FIST #1 clip holster. Both are quite comfortable and exceedingly concealable. Of course, you must have a good belt to make it all work properly. Good shooting
I carry my Kimber Eclipse I in either a Galco Royal Guardian or a FIST #1 clip holster. Both are quite comfortable and exceedingly concealable. Of course, you must have a good belt to make it all work properly. Good shooting
Monkeyleg
Member.
Daniel: "the girls in high skool used to call me "Soap" b/c I smelled like soap even after an entire day"
You're lucky. Many of us were called much worse.
Back on topic, other than the perceived issue of price, is there a reason why so few THR's own Mitch Rosen holsters? Even the Express line, which doesn't have all the extra-fancy stitching, is exceptional. As mentioned, I just purchased a Galco Miami Classic, and the quality is nowhere near that of the Rosen ARG. Rosen offers an Express line shoulder rig for about the same price.
Am I missing something?
You're lucky. Many of us were called much worse.
Back on topic, other than the perceived issue of price, is there a reason why so few THR's own Mitch Rosen holsters? Even the Express line, which doesn't have all the extra-fancy stitching, is exceptional. As mentioned, I just purchased a Galco Miami Classic, and the quality is nowhere near that of the Rosen ARG. Rosen offers an Express line shoulder rig for about the same price.
Am I missing something?
Safety First
Member
Oleg
As several have already mentioned horsehide is best material..Wildbills concealment can do it for you,but wait time is in the 3 month range...
As several have already mentioned horsehide is best material..Wildbills concealment can do it for you,but wait time is in the 3 month range...
Sven
Senior Member
Oleg: Could I loan you my Tucker IWB for field testing?
Photos:
Click to View Sven's Tucker IWB Photo Gallery
Rob at Tucker Gunleather informed me that the rear clip can be mounted on the short hole to cant the pistol butt forward for those who like a greater angle.
No CCW here in CA - yet - but would love to see if you like this model. It's molded for a full-size 1911, such as the Valtro shown above.
Glowering Review of Tucker IWB - 1911Forum.com
Photos:
Click to View Sven's Tucker IWB Photo Gallery
Rob at Tucker Gunleather informed me that the rear clip can be mounted on the short hole to cant the pistol butt forward for those who like a greater angle.
No CCW here in CA - yet - but would love to see if you like this model. It's molded for a full-size 1911, such as the Valtro shown above.
Glowering Review of Tucker IWB - 1911Forum.com
Hot brass
Member
Oleg, I carry a 1911 45,daily, in a Sparks VMII IWB. IMHO the best if not one of the best IWB holsters for comfort and carry. Some days I carrry a P14/45 with 14rounds in the same holster.
Pulling the gun from the holster is QUIET!
Pulling the gun from the holster is QUIET!
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