EDC comfort - K frame vs. 1911

[.38 Special]

I'm going to switch from my beloved 4" S&W 19 to a 1911. In a Tucker Gunleather "Texas Heritage" IWB the M19 has been comfortable enough. The 1911 will go into a similar holster, perhaps a Crossbreed "Supertuck" or something similar.

I can't decide on a full size 1911 or something like a Commander. I'd prefer the full size gun, but don't have enough experience carrying one IWB to know if I can expect tolerable comfort from it. If anyone with experience can chime in I'd love to hear it.

 

[edwardware]

It seems to me that the compromise in handling a 4.25" vs 5" is slight, and the benefit in reduced holster depth below the beltline is worth it.

 

[Old_Grouch]

I agree that for IWB the 3/4" shorter top end is going to be a bit more comfortable. As there's virtually no trade-off, either in ballistics or in handling, I'd opt for the shorter.
OWB? Pfffft. The difference would be like the difference between a con man who's a politician and a politician who's a con man.

 

[.38 Special]

I'm going to experiment with OWB at work, where I can crank up the AC and wear a sport coat. Outside of work, though, here in SoCal a sport coat is practically formalwear - especially in 90 degree weather.

 

[trackskippy]

I carried 1911's, both Government Models and Commanders, IWB for about 25 years, in both leather and kydex holsters. Kydex was the preferred choice once they showed up too. Really cut down on the rusty guns once I switched for leather, and it was a lot more comfortable.

I doubt youll notice any difference between the two carrying that way either. I was just more partial to the Commanders and carried one of those the most.

For a short while when I started carrying the 1911, I also carried a 4" Model 19, it too IWB. I really didnt see a whole lot of difference there either, just that the 19 was a tad bulkier, as the one holster I had for it, carried the gun with the cylinder at the belt line, instead of above it. There was at the time, a company, cant remember their name at the moment, that made a semi-skeleton-type IWB holster for them that carried them with the cylinder just above the belt line, but I never got around to trying one. Looked like it would have been better, but then again, from the pics anyway, it looked like the butt was up pretty high into your ribs/armpit. Kind of moot anyway, as I preferred and settled on the 1911 anyway.

 

[jar]

I too have a Tucker for my M19 and my Colt Army Special. As you say, it works just fine. But recently transitioned to a 1911 and with a modern kydex holster I find it conceals better and is perhaps more comfortable than the wheelies.I have both the full size and a commander and the commander is slightly more comfortable for all day carry. For cover I generally wear a guayabera or fishing shirt.

My Tucker with the Colt Army Special. Generally though I used the grips that came with the gun rather than the Pachmayer.

 

[.38 Special]

I too have a Tucker for my M19 and my Colt Army Special. As you say, it works just fine. But recently transitioned to a 1911 and with a modern kydex holster I find it conceals better and is perhaps more comfortable than the wheelies.I have both the full size and a commander and the commander is slightly more comfortable for all day carry. For cover I generally wear a guayabera or fishing shirt.

My Tucker with the Colt Army Special. Generally though I used the grips that came with the gun rather than the Pachmayer.

View attachment 1092214

Very helpful! Which holster do you use for the 1911?

 

[jar]

Very helpful! Which holster do you use for the 1911?

For IWC in Kydex the full-size is one from Concealment Express and the commander-size kydex is from Pole.Craft. I also have a bunch of leather OWB holsters that I accumulated over the decades and a paddle holster from Safariland. The Safariland is the most secure and locks the gun in place unless a lever is moved with my thumb during the draw cycle.

AbE:

I also have an Alien Gear IWB with shells for each size but don't find much difference between it and the other kydex ones. It might conceal just a hair better but not significantly.

 

[CDW4ME]

A 1911 is thin and easy to carry IWB, as a bonus I'd prefer a 1911 over a revolver.

 

[jar]

Thread prompted me to get out the WT holster as well as my Model 19 for today's carry choice. Loaded with 38 Special JHP. The sucker conceals as well as I remembered and just plain feels right. Tomorrow I'll try to get to the range with it.

 

[jmorris]

1911 for me. I like them tight against my body and a long flat slide/frame is more comfortable that the bulge from a cylinder.

 

[bannockburn]

I'm a big fan of the Commander length slide and have always liked the way it handled and how well it balanced in my hand. The full size Government model to me is just a little bit too long and it's not as comfortable for me to carry than a lightweight Commander, though I do have a Lightweight Government that I have for both range use and concealed carry, if I so desire.

As for OWB holsters, I have two, a Bianchi #4 Askin's Avenger and a Bianchi Minimalist. Both do a great job of holding the gun close to my body. I usually wear a Polo style shirt in the warmer weather seasons.

 

[herrwalther]

Thickness matters a lot when carrying comfortably, especially IWB. A 1911 is much slimmer than a revolver simply by design, so take that into account. Even though my 1911s are heavier than my other handguns, a 1911 can often feel lighter.

 

[Styx]

Revolvers are easier to carry than a fullsize 1911 IMHO. The grip isn't as long, it doesn't have a typical gun profile if/when it printed, and the thickness of the cylinder area only has never been an issue for me wherever carrying IWB or out. The problems have mostly been with barrel and grip length.

 

[sgt127]

I carried a full size 1911 for years in a Milt Sparks Roadrunner. Supposedly, they will still make one on special order.

Absolutely a phenomenal holster. Ride is very high. Not really practical for me anymore since I have beat up my shoulders a bit during my career.



I made this for my Springfield Armory EMP4. Comfortable, easy draw. Needs a slightly longer cover garment. It’s a copy of a Selous Scout holster.

 

[FL-NC]

Sounds like you prefer to carry some really big handguns.

 

[trackskippy]

Naw, there just normal size.

 

[.38 Special]

I shoot full-size guns so much better, so I'm willing to put up with some discomfort. I think it's the sight radius, though, and as I am strongly considering an optic, barrel length may not really be an issue.

 

[Smaug]

For concealed carry, I think it's got to be a commander or smaller. That long slide will just peek out beneath too many shirts when you bend over.

Ditto for IWB; the long barrel is going to make it uncomfortable.

 

[Spats McGee]

.... The 1911 will go into a similar holster, perhaps a Crossbreed "Supertuck" or something similar.....

I can't help you much on the pistol issue, but I'll offer this on the holster issue: I carried a 5" 1911 in a Theis holster for several years, then switched to a G19 in a CBST. Then I got a StealthGear Revolution, and it is far and away more comfortable than either the Theis or the CBST. The ventilated backing makes a world of difference. I've never tried their VentCore line, but I've been very happy with the (cheaper) Revolution holsters.

 

[Howland937]

I carry a 1911 IWB all day, every day. Mine is officer sized and the holster is an old Desantis kydex/leather. I don't recall the model, but very similar to this

Mine will accommodate commander and Govt size 1911's as well, with a little slide hanging out the bottom. Very comfortable, but sitting down with the full size at my 4:00 sometimes gives me the feeling I've left my kickstand down. 3/4" difference would solve that.

I'm not in the a/c at all while I'm working, and it only gets really clammy on really hot and humid days.

 

[.38 Special]

...the feeling I've left my kickstand down.

Ha! Perfectly put, and I'm stealing for future use.

 

[KahrDriving]

I'm going to switch from my beloved 4" S&W 19 to a 1911. In a Tucker Gunleather "Texas Heritage" IWB the M19 has been comfortable enough. The 1911 will go into a similar holster, perhaps a Crossbreed "Supertuck" or something similar.

I can't decide on a full size 1911 or something like a Commander. I'd prefer the full size gun, but don't have enough experience carrying one IWB to know if I can expect tolerable comfort from it. If anyone with experience can chime in I'd love to hear it.

Many years ago, I traded my beautiful Model 19 for my Colt series 70 Government. This was before every one was carrying and I only carried on trails or whenever I saw the need. I may be wrong, but I think the 1911 is heavier. Today, I can’t see myself carrying either one as a CCW gun. I carry a .380 now, but still carry the 1911 on the trail or if I see the need. I never felt undergunned with either the .357 or the .45. I’m a medium sized frame, and the bigger guns are uncomfortable for me to carry full time. But if your comfortable with a larger gun, by all means carry it. I really regret selling my Model19, but I was younger and couldn’t afford to keep it and buy the Colt. However, I actually like the Colt a little better- it’s a beautiful gun also, and 3 more rounds is a plus.

 

[.38 Special]

Many years ago, I traded my beautiful Model 19 for my Colt series 70 Government. This was before every one was carrying and I only carried on trails or whenever I saw the need. I may be wrong, but I think the 1911 is heavier. Today, I can’t see myself carrying either one as a CCW gun. I carry a .380 now, but still carry the 1911 on the trail or if I see the need. I never felt undergunned with either the .357 or the .45. I’m a medium sized frame, and the bigger guns are uncomfortable for me to carry full time. But if your comfortable with a larger gun, by all means carry it. I really regret selling my Model19, but I was younger and couldn’t afford to keep it and buy the Colt. However, I actually like the Colt a little better- it’s a beautiful gun also, and 3 more rounds is a plus.View attachment 1093369

I appreciate that, @KahrDriving. Thankfully I no longer need to sell a gun in order to buy another, and it's just as well - the 19 is about my oldest friend and there is no way I would part with it!

 

[SeanSw]

Rarely I will carry a s&w model 67 in an old owb pancake holster marked for an m19. The weather has to be right for a jacket because it's a full sized revolver with a fat square butt Pachmayr grip but it's surprisingly comfortable when moving about and reasonable for sitting through a movie. It rides high and keeps the gun tight. I think the pancake design really helps smooth out the cylinder lump and flatten the silhouette. I don't have a 1911 style pistol but I have tried iwb with a 4" XD 45 and it was doable (when I weighed 20 lbs less at least) so I imagine I could work with a 4" 1911 too. A 5" barrel iwb seems to be pushing it and would require a lot of holsters to figure out.