Concealed carry opinions needed

[CFletch08]

I have had good luck CCing a Beretta 90-two in an IWB holster from an outfit called SHTF Gear. they make good hybrid holsters at a great price ($60 iirc). The Beretta is not a small gun by any means, and since the main issue with concealment is width I would think a 1911 could disappear in that style holster. My piece conceals just fine under a tshirt in 100 degree CA weather so your 1911 should work just fine where you are.

Also, as others have said, a good belt is really the key to it all working. I use an overbuilt rigger-type belt from Original SOE Gear but the wilderness instructor belt does almost as well for less.

 

[ZVP]

Obviouslly a large caliber handgun is best but a Chief's Special is really hard to beat crrying it concealled. Even with rubber grips it is a SMALL package! FPE is adequate for the task at hand and if needed you could go with the sweet little Ruger Revolver.
The .38 special is no slouch!
I have herd it suggested that instead of reloading, simply carry another revolver and actually this idea carrys much merit whwn it comes to getting a second reloaded revolver in the fight! Of course cost sorta makes this somewhat impratical...
For the mode of carry, I prefer a pocket carry because you can get the gun into action q1uicklly! Your pocket nees to be empty, just the gun. Secondly a good belt holster is fast as an inside the belt. Here you need to be able to grasp the grip quicklly. an IWB(not covered by a shirt) hides the outline of the weqapon well.ANkle holsters are another good place to conceal the weapon but cumbersome to put into action. Best for a back-up situation.
You'll likely try several and in the end it is a highly personal decision.
ZVP

 

[blakec3686]

oh man you guys great, thank you so much for all the replies . I'm going to try both the vm2 and the super tuck before i decide to buy anything else (i may still get a snub revolver just for the heck of it thought lol).

 

[1911 guy]

I carry a 5" 1911 summer and winter. There are a few things you need.

1) A real gunbelt. I like Wilderness Products "instructor belt". The 1 1/2" five-stitch works well for me and only costs about 40 bucks.

2) A good holster. The cheap knock-offs of good holsters are alright for the range, but fall short in the real world. That's why they're cheaper. You'll probably want to look into an IWB (Inside the Waist Band) holster. Almost anything by Sparks, DeSantis, Safariland, Galco, 5-Shot, etc. Will work, depending on your personal tastes, needs and budget. I happen to like Galco simply because I can buy off the shelf locally, but am under no illusions that they are any better than the others mentioned.

3) I've yet to see a good tuckable holster for a full size handgun, but someone may well have figured it out by now. I just count on needing an untucked polo shirt or similar.

4) The hardest part of a handgun to conceal is the grip, so going "short" with a 1911 type may not get you what you think it does. The "FBI cant" does a lot to help concealment by tilting the handgun at an approximately 30 degree angle, effectively shortening the distance from centerline to the end of the grip frame. Some people find it uncomfortable due to body shape, most find it more comfortable than straight up and down.

Everybody else has also offered some pretty god ideas about options.

 

[skiwi]

Since you are familiar with 1911s, I would suggest you look at the Springfield Armory EMPS in 9mm and 40 S&W. The 9mm which I have its an aluminum frame to help with weight. The EMP was designed around the 9mm cartridge, so the frame is actually smaller than most regular 3" 1911s in 9mm, which share the regular frame of a 45.

I carry with a Crossed Superficial. Very comfortable.

 

[EMNofSeattle]

personally I'd carry either a Glock 19 or a smith model 36 concealed. but if you want .45 then the Glock 30 SF is likely to be a good fit for you.

 

[FMF Doc]

You could also look at a 1911 with the bob-tail style grip. They round off the back bottom of the grip almolst like a beretta 92. It isn't a whole lot of material, but the decrfease in printing factor is. HUGE.

 

[PRM]

deleted

 

[BlindJustice]

Well, yeah, my carry handgun is a 1911 so it's Cocked & Locked.

If I had a holster for my range gun, CZ 75B DA/SA 9mm - although
ithasa thumb safety I would opt for manualy dropping the hammer
to the 'safety' notch position ( as the CZ manual refers to it)
& carry with DA for first shot.

andofcoursewithany DA revolver it's a moot point.

R-

 

[BlindJustice]

My carry 'rig"

Milt Sparks #Axiom OWB w/FBI Cant of 10? degrees.
MIlt Sparks 1 1 1/2" gun belt
& Milt Saprks IWB single mag holder

Usually wear a multi-pocket vest

I'dlike a Commander with it's 4/25: Bbl./Slide
and bobtailthe MSH

R-

 

[pcad2]

I have recently Traded my Kimber Eclipse, which i loved, for a Kimber Ultra Carry, which I also love. Im a 1911 guy too and while bigger than you, I still had trouble finding a way to conceal the full size 1911. Too much grip poking out. too much barrel poking me in the hip.

That said, Im thoroughly impressed with the SA XDS model in 45 acp. To hold one in your hand feels almost as good as the 1911 and if I was going to get one that wasnt a 1911 for carry id buy one in a minute. I can carry IWB but prefer to carry on my belt just behind my right hip.

 

[BSA1]

If you want to stay with the 1911 type manual of arms a overlooked choice is the Star Firestar.

The Star Firestar operates the same as the 1911 sans the gripsafety. It is much smaller the full size 1911 and all steel which helps to soak up recoil but at the expense of being a bit heavy to carry. The Sparks EX IWB holster is a excellent way to carry the Firestar and spread the weight.

The Firestar can be had in 9mm, 40 and 45. The 9mm is my personal choice. It is a proven reliable gun.