Minimalist Gun Carry

[StrikeEagle]

I've noticed that my inside the belt holster for my 1911 rides too high, and the butt protrudes a bit too much. (This is because my belly has gotten a lil bigger )

Well, sometimes I carry the .45 the way they talked about doing it in the older gun literature... just 'tucking it in my wasteband'. Seems to work, but I'm not totally comfortable with it.

Is that a legit way to carry a concealed 1911? Or is it more... something a hobo would do? Like a rope belt or cardboard in the shoes?

bestest,
StrikeEagle

 

[cslinger]

You want to make sure the trigger is covered by a holster with any firearm you carry. Even with my double action snubby revolvers I use a pocket holser for that extra added security and those triggers definitely require a deliberate pull.

Just my two cents. If you are going to carry without having the trigger covered I personally would not have one in the pipe.

 

[P95Carry]

SE - many know I am not an IWB fan - that aside - have you tried an OWB at all? I'd think a suitable hi-ride belt slide could give you just as good concealment, assuming outer garb long enough - and, increase your comfort level. You may need to try a few tho.

I am not personally in favor of any casual waisteband carry.

 

[Mulliga]

It's okay in my personal opinion, but only for casual, around-the-house kind of carry. Anywhere else, it's best to have a holster, mostly because "Mexican carry" limits your movement (difficult to run around).

As for the safety aspect, the safeties on the 1911s I've seen are pretty darn positive. Not to mention the trigger pull on your average defensive 1911 is a good 5 pounds anyway. Not the safest way to carry, though, but not blatantly unsafe (I wouldn't Mexican carry a Glock - I'm not professional enough ).

They make IWB holsters that ride 12 to 2 o clock. Try them first.

 

[Sunray]

"...just 'tucking it in my wasteband'..." That's a good way to get shot if the safety gets moved and the trigger inadvertently gets pressed. There are minimal leather/material holsters that work well. They're usually about the same width as a belt, cover the trigger with the rest of the pistol bare.
Here's a sample. http://www.maverickgunleather.com/Products/Holsters/profile/mglprofile.htm

 

[Otony]

Make yourself a shoe string holster. And make darn certain your safety detent is VERY positive if you carry cocked and locked. Under the circumstances, I would feel more comfortable with an uncocked 1911.

 

[thatguy]

Back in the bad old days (mid 1970s) when I worked as a bouncer in a tough bar, I carred a 1911 tucked in the waistband with a long sport shirt tucked in but pulled out enough to drap over the butt. It made for a fast draw (thank God) but it was a very unsecure way to carry. A few weeks ago I popped out for some milk at the mini-mart and just tucked my 659 Smith in my pants since it was 5 minute trip. It was most uncomfortable and gave me an extreme sense of insecurity.

 

[mrhuckins]

what the heck is a shoestring holster?

 

[Standing Wolf]

I doubt I'll ever understand how someone can pay hundreds of dollars for a gun, then drop it into a $19.95 holster—or none at all. Do you put recapped tires on a top of the line car?

 

[cslinger]

I doubt I'll ever understand how someone can pay hundreds of dollars for a gun, then drop it into a $19.95 holster

Hey I resemble that. Proud Uncle Mikes Pocket holster user right here.

 

[azrael]

$19.99?? HAH!!!! My holster's START OUT at $21.50 w/ s&H so


remember guys...Everytime ya buy a holster made from sInthetic, a otherworldly being kills a kitten!


OK back on topic...I am with Chris on this one....Get yourself a good OWB

 

[Bulldozer]

AMEN... Standing Wolf.

Suck it up and pay for the decent leather/kydex to secure your weapon. I've got belts and a holster or two that have been used for well over a decade and are in great shape!

 

[bubbygator]

I feel comfortable with my Colt Compact using an Universal Clip-Draw & hammer down... cocking on the draw (with my finger off the trigger).

 

[Sam]

I have been making holsters for myself for about 20 years. Surprisingly they are almost identical to the MavericK Profile that sunray posted the link for.
Simple, light easy and they work quite well.

It is a bit more involved than "slapping two pieces of leather together but not much.

Sam

 

[Majic]

"...just 'tucking it in my wasteband'..." That's a good way to get shot if the safety gets moved and the trigger inadvertently gets pressed.

You seem to have forgot about the grip safety on his 1911.
Mexican carry is fine as long as your activity level is low, but you never know when things will get hectic. As mentioned earlier OWB works really well with a somewhat long covering garment.

 

[mattk]

There are so many good holster out there. Do a little research ask around here. You will find a good one and then wonder why you ever tried to carry without it. Seriously though doesn't your gun deserve a home?

 

[Morty76]

Get one of Dillon's "The Master" OWB holsters. It holds the pistol tight to the body and conceals very well at 3 o'clock with a long shirt.