Black_Talon
Member
Sparks VM-II, Sparks Summer Special and Summer Special 2, Alessi Watch 6 Dual Talon, Alessi PCH. All do a great job of concealing a full-size 5" 1911 on my puny little 5'10", 150 lb bod.
How do you people CCW 1911s??
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Another vote for Milt Sparks and a good belt. I carried a Colt Defender (3" 1911) in a Milt Sparks Watch Six, and occasionally a Colt WW1 repro (gov't model) in a Milt Sparks VM2. Both worked fine, the Defender was of course more comfortable, although not necessarily a lot easier to conceal. The Hogue grips on it were tacky, thick, and grabbed my shirt, while the wood furniture on the WW1 was thinner and less grabby.
I prefer the shorter barrel of a commander or 3", though.
I'm 5'10.5 and ~160 lbs, so I'm not a huge guy, either.
You just have to have a good holster and belt, and then carry yourself properly, and it's all good.
I do prefer the alu frames on a carry 1911, the weight (or lack of) is just easier to drag around.
I prefer the shorter barrel of a commander or 3", though.
I'm 5'10.5 and ~160 lbs, so I'm not a huge guy, either.
You just have to have a good holster and belt, and then carry yourself properly, and it's all good.
I do prefer the alu frames on a carry 1911, the weight (or lack of) is just easier to drag around.
It can be done:
OR:
I like shoulder carry, but it really doesn't fit my lifestyle very well. If you get into an unexpected situation where you'll want to remove your outer garment, it can be a hassle...
- A quality gun belt (I have a Sparks & a Brommeland - both excellent
). - A quality holster (currently a Sparks, again excellent ).
- A quality aluminum framed, 3" 1911 (currently a Kimber Ultra CDP ).
OR:
- A quality shoulder rig (currently, a Galco Jackass rig - pretty good )
I like shoulder carry, but it really doesn't fit my lifestyle very well. If you get into an unexpected situation where you'll want to remove your outer garment, it can be a hassle...
45crittergitter
Member
5'-08" and around 130#. Little and skinny. 5" 1911 all day, IWB. I cheat a bit and use a lighweight version. No real problems. Gotta have a decent holster and belt.
Damien45
Member
When I lived in AZ and had my CCW I carried a Kimber Compact Custom and Kimber Ultra Carry with a Galco Royal Guard. I didn't have a gun belt, didn't need one. I am 6'1" and was 290lbs. I never had a problem with anyone discovering when I carried, or didn't. Never had a problem with draw, comfort or sitting. Great holster for any 1911 model, size or manufacturer. Check it out.
DirksterG30
Member
I used to carry a 4" stainless 1911 for 8-16 hrs. a day; with a good gun belt and a quality holster, weight was never an issue.
Cocked & Locked
Member
IWB
Milt Sparks Summer Special II and a 1.5" Rafter S gun belt works for me.
Milt Sparks Summer Special II and a 1.5" Rafter S gun belt works for me.
ezypikns
Member
That' my answer too.
Not just handy. Indispensible.
A set of Perry suspenders, worn OVER a good cotton t-shirt, and UNDER an untucked camp/hawaian shirt. Hook right on to your gun belt. I carry a full size (5") steel 1911 in a Milt Sparks Summer Special II and it is truly comfortable, not just bearable. The weapon just sort of floats. And no one can see your goofy suspenders either.
Not just handy. Indispensible.
A set of Perry suspenders, worn OVER a good cotton t-shirt, and UNDER an untucked camp/hawaian shirt. Hook right on to your gun belt. I carry a full size (5") steel 1911 in a Milt Sparks Summer Special II and it is truly comfortable, not just bearable. The weapon just sort of floats. And no one can see your goofy suspenders either.
Tom Fury
Member
Someone said you get used to it...
I think He's right; I used to carry Combat Commanders daily in a Desantis Speed Scabbard; the belt made all the difference. I was wearing it with a double thick 1 1/2 inch belt made locally by custom saddlemaker. After a while, you just forget about it. Holsters I like as well are El Paso Street Combat, and Alessi DOJ; carried S&W 4566 and 4506 in these.
What I could never figure out was how anyone could stand wearing a Glock in an IWB!
TF
I think He's right; I used to carry Combat Commanders daily in a Desantis Speed Scabbard; the belt made all the difference. I was wearing it with a double thick 1 1/2 inch belt made locally by custom saddlemaker. After a while, you just forget about it. Holsters I like as well are El Paso Street Combat, and Alessi DOJ; carried S&W 4566 and 4506 in these.
What I could never figure out was how anyone could stand wearing a Glock in an IWB!
TF
SAWBONES
Member
Belt plus suspenders, you bet. I'm glad to see a few other folks are aware of this approach for carrying a full size 1911 or other heavier gun.
Perry suspenders work best, and I have several dozen pair, accordingly. The suspender on the gun side is cinched tighter than the other one, obviously, to accomodate the extra weight.
Obviously IWB works better than OWB for concealment.
Another viable approach which has worked for me is Lou Alessi's vertical shoulder rig, the Fieldmaster. It's quite concealable if you choose your cover garment carefully.
YMMV.
Folks who can get by wearing nothing but tight blue jeans and sweatshirts probably don't need these measures, but those of us who must dress professionaly and have need for true concealment (not just casual concealment) are willing to "dress around" the CCW issue.
Perry suspenders work best, and I have several dozen pair, accordingly. The suspender on the gun side is cinched tighter than the other one, obviously, to accomodate the extra weight.
Obviously IWB works better than OWB for concealment.
Another viable approach which has worked for me is Lou Alessi's vertical shoulder rig, the Fieldmaster. It's quite concealable if you choose your cover garment carefully.
YMMV.
Folks who can get by wearing nothing but tight blue jeans and sweatshirts probably don't need these measures, but those of us who must dress professionaly and have need for true concealment (not just casual concealment) are willing to "dress around" the CCW issue.
littlelefty
Member
Interesting - lots of IWB carriers. That's a lot of steel in your pants. I carry a full size 1911 OWB as it's just more comfortable for me. Jeans or docker style shorts, tucked in T-shirt with polo style untucked over it. I currently use a Hume 721OT but have ordered a Tucker HF1 and a bullhide belt from him too. Can't wait to get it!
. I carry a full size 1911 OWB as it's just more comfortable for me. Jeans or docker style shorts, tucked in T-shirt with polo style untucked over it. I currently use a Hume 721OT but have ordered a Tucker HF1 and a bullhide belt from him too. Can't wait to get it!
1911 guy
Member
I feel qualified to answer this.
I carry a full size Government Model, steel, not alloy, and a lot of other junk on my belt every day.
Buy a good gunbelt. Several makers have been mentioned already, patronize one of the businesses and get a good holster while you're at it. Decide whether you want IWB or OWB then buy a good one, not an Uncle Mikes' or some such cheap junk. I've got a few for range time, but they suck for daily wear.
I've found that leather is better for me than anything offered in a plastic, even from well known holster companies. It seems to break in well and fit better with use.
Buy a belt that matches both the loops in your pants and the loops in your holster. Carry a reload on your off side to balance out the weight a bit.
I carry a full size Government Model, steel, not alloy, and a lot of other junk on my belt every day.
Buy a good gunbelt. Several makers have been mentioned already, patronize one of the businesses and get a good holster while you're at it. Decide whether you want IWB or OWB then buy a good one, not an Uncle Mikes' or some such cheap junk. I've got a few for range time, but they suck for daily wear.
I've found that leather is better for me than anything offered in a plastic, even from well known holster companies. It seems to break in well and fit better with use.
Buy a belt that matches both the loops in your pants and the loops in your holster. Carry a reload on your off side to balance out the weight a bit.
tegemu
Member
With a good holster and belt combination, I can lug a 1911 around all day and not even be concious that it is there. It's equipment and technique. No problemo.
Tom Fury
Member
Niggling comment to add...
Lotsa good advice here; my problem with IWB (though I have a Sparks I tend to use in summer under thinner outer layer) was sweating on the guns. I am paranoid about rust and own mostly SS things now, but I started trying to acquire OWB holsters with a sweat flap (as shown above, and I have old De Santis and Minuteman holsters that do) Bulman leather makes one, so does Horseshoe Leather, tho these (custom) are a bit more expensive. TF
Lotsa good advice here; my problem with IWB (though I have a Sparks I tend to use in summer under thinner outer layer) was sweating on the guns. I am paranoid about rust and own mostly SS things now, but I started trying to acquire OWB holsters with a sweat flap (as shown above, and I have old De Santis and Minuteman holsters that do) Bulman leather makes one, so does Horseshoe Leather, tho these (custom) are a bit more expensive. TF
AK103K
member
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I'm a REAL big fan of kydex for IWB summer carry. You have none of the sweat through, constantly wet holster issues you have with leather. The kydex is also a lot more comfortable against bare skin than the wet leather is when your tee shirt rides up. You also get a lot longer life out of the kydex and only need one holster for the summer.
I use both Sparks VMII and Blade Tech IWB holsters, both have sweat shields, and both protect both you and your gun from each other. They both work well and give you options. I have grown to like the way my VMII carries, as it is very comfortable and stable, but I dont think it hides as well as the Blade Tech, and once summer comes, with the heat, sweat, and lighter clothing, like the Blade Tech better.
I use both Sparks VMII and Blade Tech IWB holsters, both have sweat shields, and both protect both you and your gun from each other. They both work well and give you options. I have grown to like the way my VMII carries, as it is very comfortable and stable, but I dont think it hides as well as the Blade Tech, and once summer comes, with the heat, sweat, and lighter clothing, like the Blade Tech better.
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