Carrying a full size 1911.

[ezypikns]

Oh my. I know this question has been asked before. Maybe I asked it before, but I can't remember so please indulge me. Besides, there might be some new thoughts.
What I'm asking for, from those who carry a full size (5") 1911 pistol, is your thoughts, experiences, solutions to potential problems in carrying, gunleather (or Kydex) preferences, etc. I'm considering a Tucker HF1 for daily carry of my 1911. Opinions.
Thanks for your patience.

 

[RNB65]

I don't carry a 1911, but I think you'll find leather more comfortable for all-day wear. I recently switched from kydex to leather with my little Kahr P9.

Take a look at Milt Sparks. Their IWB holsters are excellent.

http://www.miltsparks.com/

 

[Bula]

+1 on Sparks leather. I carry in a Watch six. Very comfortable.

 

[Ala Dan]

At times, I carry a 1911 as my daily CCW piece. Which one, is very subjective. Most of the time, its my 3" Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry
II; but someday I might decide to carry either my Les Baer Thunder
Ranch Special, or my new Smith & Wesson 5" stainless 1911? If I
choose to do so, I have a proper real leather concealment holster
as made by the fine folk's at Kirkpatrick Leather of Laredo, Texas.
They specialize in really good, custom leather holsters and all types
of accessories. I like their "open top" models for the 1911; which do
not have a retention strap. Quite frequently, I carry the Kimber (as
mentioned) in condition #1, "Cocked and Loacked" with NO problems.

Untrained persons often refer to me as an idiot for carrying a 1911
.45 semi-auto "with the hammer back". Being from "The High Road",
I just simply smile and continue on my way.

FWIW, they just don't have a clue that I have been around firearms
for many, many years; and know the "DO's and DONT"s" inside out.

 

[ocharry]

hi ezy,,, i carry a full size in a HF1,,, it works for me... that holster tucks that gun in tight and close,,, i like mine..... my .02 YYMV

ocharry

 

[GunDog44]

I carry a full size 1911 in an OWB leather holster. I am looking for a lighter smaller carry gun, the 1911 is just a little too much for all day / every day carry IMHO. Thinking about the 4" model ?

 

[yahkohb]

the key is a good belt and holster

+1 on the milt sparks. I use a VMII with a wilderness tactical belt. a 1911 with full mag is pushing 3 pounds, so a good holster and belt work wonders in keeping everything in place and tight against your body. keeping the pistol close to your body also minimizes printing.

I actually used to carry a compact pistol, but once I found I could carry a full-size 1911 comfortably I haven't gone back. the only drawback I find is that the pistol pokes me a little bit more than something smaller. just can't avoid that when you've got a 5" barrel shoved down your pants. not uncomfortable (I've worn mine for 12+ hours straight before) but you do notice it more than you do with a more compact weapon.

 

[fedlaw]

My daily carry: Full size Springfield, Alessi Talon Plus IWB, 2 extra mags in a Galco mag holder. The only time I notice the gun is when I'm not carrying it. BTW, I find the 2 mags on the opposite side do balance things out. Otherwise I tend to list to starboard.

 

[mljdeckard]

I have always rolled my eyes at the industry's constant barrage of 'carry guns', and the magazines telling us that "This is the perfect carry gun" because it's 1" shorter. Like you suddenly won't notice it in your belt anymore. If you are committed to carrying, you use the best tool for the job, and you don't compromise performance for comfort. TO ME, this means carrying the weapon with the highest MV and best sight radius. (Full-size.)

I carry a full-size 1911, and I don't make distinctions between summer and winter, because even in summer, you have to make sure it stays concealed. I use a Galco Miami Classic shoulder rig, and a fanny pack a lot. I have a kydex OWB, but honestly it's only good for open carry or coverage with a heavy coat or shirt. I haven't carried IWB in a long time, but I have looked at the Milt Sparks and thought I could get used to the idea again.

 

[tegemu]

I've carried and concealed mine very well. As mentioned the trick is a good belt and holster and dress for the gun. I use a Gary Brommeland Max Con V holster.

 

[1977kaw]

carry

I carry a S&W Sc 4-1/4 in 1911 all day in a Galco Silohouette(sp)? with no comfort issues.

 

[Old Dog]

Yes, the Brommeland Max Con V is an excellent choice. I too favor OWB carry -- and my Kramer Belt Scabbard is another favorite (yeah, a bit pricey, too, but that horsehide lasts forever, and is impervious to the elements or sweat). For IWB carry, I also like the Kramer IWBs, as well as the Milt Sparks Summer Special or VM-II (the king of the IWBs).

Although I probably carry a Commander size (or 4") model more often, I have no problems with a full sized 1911.

Kydex might be okay for duty carry, open carry or the range for some, but in my view, isn't too comfortable for IWB carry or OWB concealed carry. In my experience, also, Kydex works better with stainless or parkerized pistols, certainly not with pistols with nice finishes (such as nicely blued Colt, bright nickel, an Eclipse or a Black Stainless).

 

[WolfMansDad]

Many, many years ago I carried a full-sized 1911 while in charge of the cash box. You would be amazed at how well it hides. I now have a glock 26, which I find slightly more awkward, believe it or not. The 1911 was more stable than the g26, probably due to its longer barrel, and easier to draw, due to its longer grip. It was also flatter.

Milt Sparks makes some very good holsters, well worth the wait. While you can Mexican carry a 1911 in front without it printing, it will be much more secure in a holster.

The only drawbacks of the 1911 were its weight and the fact that I could not pocket carry. You'll get used to the weight. Three pounds isn't really that much, when you think about it. How much does your laptop weigh?

Having tried many other options in the intervening years, I've come to the conclusion that my first choice was actually the best. I'm currently saving up to buy a new 1911.

 

[Shootcraps]

The Bianchi Minimalist works well for me.

 

[RoyJackson]

The only thing I don't like about a 1911 for carry is there are too many sharp edges to wear out the covering garments. A sports jacket covers a full sized gun quite nicely and can be worn almost anywhere.
My 1911's are both Colts and haven't been dehorned, so I can't comment on dehorned guns. When I go full sized, it's a Glock 9 mm (no sharp edges).


However, I am open to suggestions from the 1911 fans!

 

[Upriver]

I have a Galco summer comfort that I've been wearing for a couple of years now. Walking around, it's fine - sometimes when I'm sitting down the butt will print if I'm not careful. Fortunately, year-round cover garments generally aren't a problem out here (sweater, sweatshirt, wool pull-over something-or-other, raincoat).

Anyway, I'd like to try something with steel clips for easier on / off when I'm on the road for long periods of time.

 

[Banshee]

I carry a Colt Gold Cup in a Galco Concealable

 

[Bergeron]

My experience with carrying a 1911 has been with a Delta and 5" steel Springer.

There some things that you will learn just from carrying the gun. For me, personally, even though those "melted" conversions aren't the prettiest things out there, if I had the money, I'd spring for one on a 1911 that I was carrying. All kind of sharp edges that you wouldn't know are there or think were important will quickly make themselves known to your skin and your clothes.

Weight may or may not be an issue for you. I find that weight bothers me more than size. A good holster and thick, stiff belt helps alot, but when it comes time for me to get a 1911 just for carrying, it will have an aluminum or titanium frame. Even if it's a 5 inch, I'd strongly consider something with a lighter frame.

Consider the length of the butt. It's not that difficult to conceal, but there may be issues. I'll relate an incident that happened to me. I had been packing my Delta around for a week when I found myself riding with a friend as his passenger. I got into the passenger's seat, and it had been my habit to sort of slide against the doorframe and fall into the seat. As I'm doing this slide and fall, the doorframe goes between my back and the gun's butt. *THONK*. Stops me cold. I'm kind of squatting, half in the car, half out, hanging there by the butt of my gun. Took me a second to realize why I was stuck in this funky position and correct myself. My buddy knew me pretty well, and he realized what had happened almost as soon as I did. Embarassing, but I did learn a valuable lesson.

If you think that they feel comfy, a bobtail might not be a bad idea. Less printing.

Also, stay away from big thumb safties and mag releases! I've used my Springfield in a lot of match shooting, so it's got a wide safety and one of those "tactical" extended mag releases. They dig in more. I'd go with the smallest thumb safety that felt good, and a standard mag release.

Pack yours around, and I think you'll develop some good ideas for what will be most suitable for you.

 

[1911 guy]

My advice.

As one who carries a 1911 exclusively, take this for what it's worth. Carry behind the point of your hip, assuming strong side carry. This will keep you from looking like a tumor patient in need of surgery to remove your lump.

Carry in a canted holster. This shortens the percieved length of the butt and hides it better.

IWB or OWB is your choice, but try very hard to conform closely to the above two suggestions.

Spend a lot of money on good leather. Leather holsters conform to your body better when they're broken in. I've used plastic, too, but have used one leather holster for the last several years. Buy a high quality gunbelt. "Satisfactory" isn't. Get it as thick and wide as your beltloops and holster will accept. If your holster has a belt tunnel rather than outboard slots, consider a liner, usually metal in the better belts.

We all wear out and replace clothing periodically. Purchase all replacement clothing with carrying a handgun in mind. This makes getting dressed in the morning a whole lot easier. Polo shirts, heavy cotton T-shirts, sport/suit coats, fleece pullovers in winter, etc. all go unnoticed by everyone and will hide away a fullsize pistol quite well.

 

[Mad Magyar]

To be honest, I found the weight of a full-size 1911 too cumbersome for hip-carry... Cross-draw was okay, especially while seated, or in a car; but now-a-days I prefer a shoulder rig while wearing an outer-garment.
In warmer weather w/o a jacket will go down a caliber or so and will resort to a cross-draw, hip-carry with a shirt-cover...

 

[colubrid]

I am 5'8 and carry a full size 1911 IWB better than shorter guns because it does not pinch when sitting down. Shorter guns like J frame or mini glocks pinch in just the right spot. The full size Alessi Talon holster does not do this. It is also more stable while running ect.

The Talon has the patented clip for easy on and off.

 

[srv656s]

I have no trouble carrying my 1911 in a milt sparks versa max II holster. The most important part of the equation is the belt though. I tried to just carry the holster on a regular belt and it was much too heavy. The belt stretched out and didn't support the weight well. I liked the Milt Sparks holster so much I decided to go with a Milt Sparks belt as well. The Milt Sparks belt is curved slightly so it sits naturally on your hips and supports the weight of the gun very well.

I carry it all the time and really like the setup.

Shawn

 

[BrennanKG]

I don't yet carry my full-sized 1911, but I will be as soon as my Rafter's IWB rig is in, and I take my CHL course.




B.

 

[.45&TKD]

I'd like to try something with steel clips for easier on / off when I'm on the road for long periods of time.

The Bianchi Professional is a good one I have for my full size 1911. I work out of my home, so I don't carry outside all day long. I put it on and take it off frequently throughout the day, as I come and go, so the steel clip make this easy.

My next IWB will be the Milt Sparks VM2, for more all day carry.

 

[Frandy]

Outside and Inside

I prefer leather for my full size 1911. Both photos when holsters were spankin' new. The elephant still does...tough hide!

When OWB (holster by Jim Speidel, the beltman):

When IWB (Sparks SS II):