Having CCW problems would like some advice

[qwert65]

Hi, I just started carrying a couple weeks ago (and have only carried 3-4x)
I carry a full size 1911(Springfield GI) IWB in a desantis tuckable holster.

My problem is there is an obvious(to my eyes) bulge by my right rear pants pocket from the pistol. Is this just a downsize from the size of the pistol? I carry it right behind my hip with a very slight forward cant. I don't have anyone here that I feel comfortable letting know I carry to ask if they see it.(just moved here to finish up my DVM)

I normally keep my wallet in my right rear pocket but moved it to my left because I was hitting my pistol when taking out my wallet. I keep my cash in my RF pocket and feel I have to keep my elbow in when paying for things, my blackberry, pager, keys and pocketknife take up my LF pocket.

Is it just a matter of practice to keep your sweatshirt, jacket, etc from showing the pistol? Am I doing something wrong?

No one seems to have noticed but today I went shoe shopping at the mall and left my gun at home, afraid I could make a scene. Any advice from you experienced carriers?

 

[jerico34]

Sounds like you may need to carry something a little smaller, qwert65, like maybe a S&W M&P Compact.

 

[Oro]

A few pieces of experience/observations on this:

1) Yes, a full-size 1911 is a bear of a gun to cc unless you are a bear of a guy or a tall, thin drink of water. I gave up on cc'ing them about 1995. However, lately, I've been cc'ing a Colt Commander and it's much easier. Even with pricey leather (I even had Lou Alessi custom make me a holster for it back about 15 years ago), you can't get around the dimensions of the full size.

2) Don't obsess too much about "printing." It's not illegal or going to get you killed. The gun is still "concealed." The internet forums make it sound like printing is one of the worst things in the world. The truth is it's a pretty normal side effect of sticking sharp-edged steel in your pants. No jokes, please.

3) if you are really worried about this, try some round-butted revolvers with snubbie barrels. They go in pockets and the curves to the frame/cylinder and butt are much more natural looking and less obvious.

4) Yes, you do have to manage your other garments - shirt, jacket, sweater, etc. to accomodate the gun. You will need to make compromises in your wardrobe and choices for most carry styles.

DVM - good luck and great! I went MD because it was easier to get in - but I love DVM work and have lots of critters, from 10 lbs to 1000lbs. Going to do small animal or large, or a mix, or what?

 

[justashooter in pa]

best IWB carry with a gov't model is butt forward on strong side. with slide nearly vertical, just behind the hip. just draw and twist. it's what i do most times.

 

[David E]

It is not difficult to conceal a full size 1911 Govt model.........in a good holster!

While Desantis makes good holsters, the "Tuck This" rig isn't one of them. Get a better holster, such as from Milt Sparks (www.miltsparks.com) or KyTac Premier Gear (www.kytac.com) along with a good, double thick belt.

The proper position for most people is 3:30-4:00 on the strong side, butt to REAR (please don't do the ill-advised "calvary twist" draw. You'll point a loaded gun across your pelvis during each draw and probably during each reholster....presuming you're even using a holster for that dangerous carry mode.)

There are other tips, like, don't bend over to pick up something, bend at the knees. Don't reach for the magazine on the top rack with your gun arm, but with the support arm, keeping the strong side arm down, etc, etc, etc.

Once you get more experience, you'll discover that most people don't give a first thought, much less a second thought, about who might be carrying a gun. And unless you're doing something stupid to attract the attention of cops, they generally won't think to check you out for any tell-tale bulges.

There is about a 2 week time frame of "Oh crap, everyone knows I'm carrying a gun!" but it'll pass.

 

[Eightball]

Once you get more experience, you'll discover that most people don't give a first thought, much less a second thought, about who might be carrying a gun. And unless you're doing something stupid to attract the attention of cops, they generally won't think to check you out for any tell-tale buldges.

This.

I CCW a fullsize 1911 OWB in a Galco Concealable. I wear it with a hoodie, windbreaker, or whatnot. More often then not, there's about 1.5" of black leather poking out the bottom. Why? Because people really do not care, what with all the black leather things people wear on their hips these days. Plus, it's comfy enough, and I"m carrying the gun I want, rather than a compromise. People don't notice as much as you'd think they would. Don't be stupidly obvious about it, and you'll be fine.

 

[rondog]

The belt you use is a big part of successful carry too. Gotta have a strong belt that's made for it. I personally prefer the 3 o'clock position rather than the 4-4:30 position. Just easier for me to reach it there. I carry a Compact 1911 (Officer's size).

 

[mgregg85]

Seems like you have two choices, smaller gun or better holster. I would recommend any of the crossbreed holsters.

 

[Avenger29]

Don't worry about it. Just make sure it's covered best you can and go about your business.

You are still nervous about it, and that feeling will take a while to go away. Trust me, when I carried the first few times, I felt the gun was exposed completely. I was terrified that some cop was going to notice and tap me on the back... "Hey buddy, let me have a word with you, don't move your hands"

 

[psyopspec]

What you're describing may be "beginner's awareness." Since the gun feels out of place, and looks out of place to you, you assume that everyone around you is aware of it. Give it a few weeks and that will wear off, provided you're properly dressing around the gun.

The Tuck This is only usable, in my experience, with a good leather gun belt. In fact, gettng yourself one now will save the trouble down the road, as any gun carried in any holster is made miles better with a good belt.

 

[atomd]

Try a holster with more cant to it. That will raise the barrel of the gun up a little bit. There's a very big difference between holsters too. Even ones of the same sort of design can have different ride heights or a different cant to them. Try out some others if you can. Don't worry about printing. People make such a big deal out of it but in reality I don't think people notice little things like that...but for a little while you're gonna think they do. Threads about "being made" crack me up.

Comfort should be your #1 goal. If it's not comfortable, you are less likely to carry it.

 

[dondavis3]

I've concealed carried for years (mostly .45 & 9 mm).

And I've found as I got older I don't like heavy / bulky ... at all.

I now carry a Ruger LCP in a DeSantis holster in my front pocket and I carry it all the time.



I'm not trying to start a caliber arguement - you and everyone else should carry what you want.

But any number of "mouse" guns are very easy to carry.

It's better to carry a small gun, than to feel uncomfortable about what your carrying and end up leaving it home.

Just my .02

 

[ichiban]

I had a hard time finding a IWB holster that was comfortable for me. I finally found the "Silent Thunder" from Tucker Gun Leather and it made a world of difference. It has an adjustable cant so you can find the angle that is right for you. And get a stiff belt, not a dress belt. It is more expensive but it makes life as a CCW easier.

The newbie awareness is a big factor. When I started carrying I thought everyone could see it. Then I realized that most people are in their only little world and don't even notice others. I usually carry a command but occasionally carry a full size and just cover it with an un-tucked t-shirt. Just take some of the sensible precautions already mentioned to keep it concealed and you'll do fine. Besides, you are legally permitted to do the right thing.

 

[makarovnik]

It might be obvious to you but it isn't to everyone else. The 1911 can be concealed pretty well with a good IWB holster.

Give it time and you will feel more comfortable about it.

 

[dairycreek]

Full size 1911 pistols are, for the most part, not difficult to conceal. This is largely due to their overall flat construction. The "trick" is to keep that flat pistol close to your body so it won't lean away from your body and, therefore, show a bulge.

In my experience both a good holster and a dedicated gun belt are required to pull of the aforementioned "trick"!

A holster with a wide attachment placed on a stiff gun belt provides a solid and reliable platform for a 1911. My advice would be to invest in those acessories rather than abandon the 1911. FWIW!

 

[qwert65]

Thanks for the replies all, I try and get a better holster/belt(though my belt is pretty thick now) I'll also try and work on my nervousness.

 

[rondog]

Being a fat man and using a Beltster works for me. Oh, shirts with patterns help to break up the outline too.

 

[NMGonzo]

I am getting a clip that screws under the grip to carry better "a-la-mexicana". 1911 tucks well but eve the thinnest of my holsters make a huge bulge.

edit: I also have a Springfield GI

 

[ArchAngelCD]

My problem is there is an obvious(to my eyes) bulge by my right rear pants pocket from the pistol.

To me it sounds like you are wearing your holster too far back. If you pull it forward a little more, just behind your hip I think it will work better for you. Also, like "Avenger29" and "psyopspec" said, you are just nervous and suffering from "beginner's awareness." Most everyone goes through it, it will wear off soon enough if you give it a chance. BTW, that DeSantis holster isn't junk and should work for you if you try repositioning it like I suggested.

Hey, just relax and enjoy the fact you are exercising your God given right as an American to protect yourself and those around you...

 

[David E]

I am getting a clip that screws under the grip to carry better "a-la-mexicana". 1911 tucks well but evem the thinnest of my holsters make a huge bulge.

That clip might keep the gun from falling down your pants, but it'll do little else. The clip will allow the gun to move fore and aft, as well as allow the frontstrap to rest against the top edge of the belt. This prevents a proper firing grip. The draw sequence becomes: find gun, adjust gun, grip gun THEN draw. That's a lotta stuff to do when you're already playing catch-up.

 

[psyopspec]

To add to what David said, a 1911 clipped into the waistband with the safety lever toward the body can rather easily get switched to the "fire" position. Not something I want anywhere near the jewels.

 

[Hoxviii]

When I started I noticed the barrel sticking out above my pocket as well. I fixed it by moving the gun slightly forward and getting it deeper in my waist band. By getting it deeper, i can keep my wallet in my right rear pocket which breaks up the bulge of the muzzle.

 

[Pyzon]

Add me to the comments regarding an upgraded belt. Nothing makes a heavy pistol disappear weight wise like a very stiff and wide gun belt. My money is spent with The Beltman.

Lots of less than good holsters are also improved if the belt does the majority of the support.

Over time I have moved my 75B from 4:30 to closer to 3:30, and also agree over time the feeling that everybody can see your gun will fade, unless you wear the wrong clothes with the wrong gun. Sometimes only a KelTec will fit the bill.

 

[bwsmith2850]

I've never been an IWB fan but if I needed to tuck one in 1911's are nice and thin. I prefer strong side in a pancake holster with the forward cant sometimes called the FBI cant. I also wear an untucked shirt, Photographer's vest or whatever coat I need for the current temperature. I usually carry a small Glock which cuts down on and peeking but also carry a Beretta 96 and occasionally a 4" S&W model 19 in pancake holsters without any trouble.

Most people just don't notice no matter how big the gun is.