IWB or OWB for Fullsize 1911

[hurrakane212]

As I write this post I am beginning to lean toward the OWB pancake. If ya'll see any reason why I shouldn't, let me know.
I am 5'10'' 250lbs 36-8 inch waist (a little bit of love handles). I have a VERY compact build and most people think I am around 200#. I have very broad shoulders and a barrel chest. This makes my wardrobe selection somewhat tedious but possibly perfect for CCW. Since I am only average height, most clothes that will fit my chest/shoulders/neck are too long on the rest of me. That said, especially after I trim up a bit more, I think I might be able to conceal a pancake holster pretty well. Besides comfort and speed, why is an OWB better? What are some good OWBs for a 1911 fullsize? Preferably FBI cant and a bit highrise. Thanks.~Nathan
PS thanks to whoever gave me the bianchi link on my norinco post.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

It sounds like you've got your mind made up already, but I've always preferred IWB for my 1911. It makes it a lot easier to conceal and won't necessitate a long shirt or a jacket. It sounds like you wouldn't have any trouble with concealment on your frame.

If you do find you prefer OWB, there are a plethora of options. First choice you'll have to make is if you like leather or kydex. After that, there is a laundry list of makers in both fields.

Some good kydex makers are comptac, blade-tech, fist, sidearmor, etc.

Leather makers could go from something like galco or desantis up to milt sparks or don hume. A search in this forum would certainly serve you well.

 

[Jac]

Well, I dunno about concealing with OWB, but I do know I do just fine with a full-size 1911 in a tuckable IWB (the only problem I have is shifting, but it's one of the cheapie holsters from Dillon). I'm 5'10"-ish and weigh about 125, if I'm dressed and wearing my boots.

 

[Chupacabra]

I carry my 1911 both ways.

IWB is a Blade-Tech. Very concealable. I can wear just about anything.

OWB is with a Comp-Tac paddle. Surprisingly concealable, but I have to make sure I wear a jacket or shirt that extends at least an inch past the end of the barrell. I love being able to take it off and put it on easily. It's really comfortable. I always wear it around the house.

Get both!

 

[Azrael256]

IWB. I'm just about all torso, so a t-shirt that fits around me properly is a bit on the short side to properly conceal OWB. A good IWB rig keeps me from having to conceal the muzzle with my shirt.

 

[Black Majik]

I've had experience with both IWB and OWB for the full size 1911. First thing to remember is that the 1911 is one of the heaviest pistols to pack around, BUT... its doable.

A huge requirement are both a quality belt AND holster. My experiences with Milt Sparks stuff have been spectacular.

I'm skinny, so I find OWB to be very comfortable. I use a 60TK OWB highride holster that is actually quite concealable. The Summer Special II was surprisingly very comfortable, and its amazing just how well it will conceal a full size 1911.

The heft is there... so you'll feel it, but its not as bad as most think.

There are a BUNCH of great holster makers, just use quality stuff. OWB will always be more comfortable than the IWB, but the IWB will conceal better for obvious reasons.

Shop around, try different stuff. You'll find the holster that fits YOU soon enough. Good luck

 

[waterhouse]

I don't do it often, because I prefer my bobtailed commander or compact models for carry, but I can comfortably carry and conceal 5" 1911 in a Tucker "the answer" IWB holster. If I went OWB I'm afraid the barrel might stick out below the bottom of my shirt. I'm not sure, because I've never tried.

It sounds like I may be someone similar in build to you. I'm 5'10, 180 lbs, 32 inch waist but fairly broad shoulders and most shirts that fit my shoulders have a lot of extra material at the waist, which makes hiding guns fairly easy.

 

[kart racer]

Get you an iwb from Eric at HBE leather.I'm a small person and have no problem carrying a gov't 1911 iwb.The wait is long,but worth it.Also,Mark Garrity has a very nice versatile holster.
http://garritysgunleather.com/IWBHolsters.htm
http://www.hbeleatherworks.com/

 

[SUPERMAN .45]

I use OWB holster almost everyday for my STI .45, my favorite is Uncle Mike's Kydex belt holster or Fobus paddle holster. It keeps my gun secure and concelled.