First time 1911 carry

[ljnowell]

Howdy folks. I am not new to the 1911, but this is the first time that I have one that I want to carry. I purchased a 3.5" RIA, and I really have no idea what to get for a holster. I am a fairly big guy, so an IWB is probably out of the question. I need something that will ride OWB and still be well concealed. Any suggestions based on personal experience would be greatly appreciated. Oh yeah, I am really only looking to spend in the neighborhood of about 50 bucks on this. Cheaper would be better, but I dont want a cheap kydex POS that scratches the heck out of my gun. I know its a tool, but I take good care of my tools.

 

[TXHORNS]

Don Hume, Bianchi, Galco, Blackhawk, etc would be a start. I like Don Hume most. Obviously you can spend more but these work pretty good. All sorts of options with these makers for the great 1911.

 

[bdb benzino]

I have an RIA Tac compact as well and recently purchased a Galco IWB leather ''Summer wear'' holster. I am also a fairly big guy but find it to be decently comfortable to conceal aside from riding in the car. BTW cost for mine was around $60.

 

[Broken11b]

well thats a hard one, we all have our favorites. not knowing what you dress like, what body type etc makes it tough, all i can say is you might be best off trying before you buy. i prefer serpa for an OWB holster, but thats just my little bit, whatever works for you and provides positive retention is the best one.

 

[ljnowell]

Thanks for the input so far guys, i appreciate it. I currently have a generic kydex and a don hume for my glock and a bianchi for my .38. I am a portly guy (6'6" 345lbs). So I doubt i can pull off the IWB with it.

 

[OurSafeHome.net]

Don Hume stuff is a great "bang for the buck".

(Please forgive the pun. Don Hume leather will help prevent the 1911 from going 'bang' while being carried.)

 

[bigfatdave]

I'm fatter than you, going by height/weight ratio.
IWB works for me, with slacks/cargo-pants and a camp shirt.
Don't discount one of the best concealment methods just because of one crappy generic IWB holster, or something you heard.

 

[ljnowell]

I'm fatter than you, going by height/weight ratio.
IWB works for me, with slacks/cargo-pants and a camp shirt.
Don't discount one of the best concealment methods just because of one crappy generic IWB holster, or something you heard

This is interesting, I think I will reconsider my thoughts on IWB. THank you. I will see about trying out some different holsters on tuesday at the shop when I pick it up.

 

[BlindJustice]

Try High Noon Holsters

http://www.highnoonholsters.com/Product_Line/product_line.html

Regardless of the make of the Holster you choose,
I would recommend, a Belt from the same maker, as
well as an IWB single magazine holder.

I have a MIlt Sparks #Axiomn which is OWB with the
FBI Cant = muzzle rearward, and a 1 1/2" Sparks Gun
Belt and it really helps support and plant the holster ( at
3:30 ) for the draw. I have a Sparks IWB Sincle Mag
carrier and it's comfortable, the leather next to the body
goes up high enough to shield the body

High Noon doesn't have the 6-7 months waiting line

Randall
-

 

[j21blackjack]

Just received this today from ccholsters.com



From order to delivery was 3 weeks to the day. About $70, a little higher than you want, but a good price for custom leather. Carl also sells IWB loops if want a IWB/OWB convertible.

I've purchased from High Noon before, and planned to buy one from Side Guard Holsters, but turn around times were longer than Carl's.

 

[bigfatdave]

ljnowell, look for a custom-molded holster with spread-out belt clips. The problem with fat guys and IWB is that a pouch-style holster with the clip right on top of the pistol will move around. I've been extremely pleased with with my Supertuck (from Crossbreed), but it is NOT the type of thing you'll find sitting on the shelf at a gunshop. On the other hand, you do have a good chance of finding a quality holster for a 1911, seeing as it is a very common platform.

 

[orionengnr]

take a look at UBG holsters. www.ubgholsters.com
They make a really nice IWB holster (Striker 1) that is (IMHO) the equal of the Milt Sparks Versa-Max II, which is generally considered the Gold standard of IWB holsters.

Yes, I own (at least) one of each. One of Nate's UBG holsters has been on my hip for about the last six months now, and I think iit's about time to order a few more.

 

[DasFriek]

Im 6'4" and 260lbs and i carry a full sized 1911 at 3:30 with an IWB kydex holster.
I lined it with a foam sheet with double sided tape and it doesnt beat up my gun at all.

I find IWB the best way to conceal without wearing a jacket,and being heavier seems to be a benefit rather than a problem.
The big overlooked issue is a great belt,wide and thick is best.
The belt pulls my gun into my side and its nearly invisible.