Questions about CCW

[Sisco]

Hi all, I've been gone a while but I'm back in the saddle again.
I'm taking my CCW class later this month, will not be able to get the license until January (Whole new thing here in Kansas!)

Before I start carrying I have a couple of questions. I did use the search function before posting but suffered from information overload.

What to carry? I have four guns that are possibilities: Kimber Eclipse (full size), Ruger SP101 3", Colt Trooper 4" and a Security Six 2.5". I shoot the Kimber better than the other three and it's what I'll take for qualifing but I'm not sure I can conceal it comfortably. Considering trading it in for a compact 1911. Don't even suggest Glock. Fine weapon but I don't like the way they feel.

Which brings up the next point: How to carry? Strong side, cross draw, FBI cant, on and on. I need suggestions on a comfortable rig too. I'm 5' 11", 235 lbs, (love handles might get in the way?) T shirt and blue jeans kind of guy. I really don't have a lot of extra $$$ to spend on holsters, want to get it right the first couple of trys.

 

[AK103K]

The full size 1911's are not hard to conceal. With a good IWB holster at around 4-4:30, they just disappear in the crook above your hip.(love handles or not ) It will easily disappear under an untucked shirt.

I use Blade Tech IWB's. Well made and not to pricey, about $55-60. The one I used with my last 1911 was used daily for around ten years and is still going strong, so that comes down to about $5 a year.

What ever holster you choose, get yourself a good gun belt too. You can have the best holster in the world, but if you have a crappy belt, it wont matter. I like the 1.75" Wilderness Instructor belts best myself. They are very comfortable and infinitely adjustable through the size range. It lets you allow for day to day changes without trying to hit the next hole on the belt either way.

 

[Zundfolge]

What to carry? I have four guns that are possibilities: Kimber Eclipse (full size), Ruger SP101 3", Colt Trooper 4" and a Security Six 2.5". I shoot the Kimber better than the other three and it's what I'll take for qualifing but I'm not sure I can conceal it comfortably. Considering trading it in for a compact 1911.

Of all those you listed the Kimber will be the easiest to conceal and carry on a daily basis ... a compact 1911 would be nice too but you can start with your full size Kimber.

Which brings up the next point: How to carry? Strong side, cross draw, FBI cant, on and on.

Now you're starting to get into an area that's real personal and hard to respond to via a forum.

I recommend strong side with an FBI canted holster (especially with a longer gripped pistol like the 1911).

For a pistol that large, you want a good quality molded leather holster like a Milt Sparks VM2 or Watch 6 or (my personal favorite) one of HBE's COM or DC Special holsters. The idea is that a dual loop/clip holster will hold the gun in position better (won't walk up and down your belt and won't rotate on your belt).

I carry at the 3 o'clock position but you'll want to experiment with position.

 

[Sisco]

If I go with IWB won't I need a size or two larger jeans?

 

[AK103K]

That will depend on you. I wear my normal size pants. Its snug, but not uncomfortable, and it helps holds the holster in place better. It also stops you from constantly tugging at you pants.

If your not used to IWB, give it a good try and dont give it up to quick. It takes a little getting used to and before long, you wont know the gun is there. If anything, you notice it more when it isnt.

 

[Zundfolge]

I find that an IWB holster requires about an extra inch or so of waist.

Unless your current pants are all skin tight they should be just fine with a gun in them. I do find that I have to loosen my belt one hole when I'm packing.

I now buy my pants slightly larger, but I can still CCW comfortably in pants I owned before I carried.


Worse case you get you some of these



http://billhutton.tripod.com/id14.html

 

[P97]

I agree with the above posts. I would carry what I like and shoot best. I carry a Ruger P97 in a IWB holster and don't have any problems. Jeans and loose tea shirt with tail untucked works good for concealment.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I've carried an M1911 for many years. My experience is that a strong-sde IWB is the way to go. I designed my own holster for the M1911. You can find instructions on making it at http://paul.desertskyone.com/gunstuff.html

Scroll down the page to "Vern's instructions for making an IWB Holster"

 

[Richard]

Of the choices given I would opt for the 1911. I would also buy a belt designed for handgun carry and and an IWB holster. I would take a long look at Ken L. Null's UNS or Vern Humphrey, Milt Sparks Summer Special, or an Alessi CQC-I holsters. Most have never heard of Ken L. Null but he is among the best. Regards, Richard

Ken L. Null's UNS with a Glock 21, This can be worn undetected under a tee shirt:

This is Vern Humphrey's design and it was also made by Ken L. Null:

 

[Supertac45]

IWB

I've used five good differant leather holsters for IWB over the years. Looking back, none of them were really worth a s***. The belt straps were always too close, or the support wings too big, or the holster just moved around too much. Since receiving my VM2H (horsehide) from www.miltsparks.com, I havn't had a complaint one. The VM2 is without a question the best IWB holster made. It's extremely comfortable and doesn't move around. It becomes even better with a Dual Bullhide Belt from www.thebeltman.net. He's available until about 10 p.m. Actually, I purchased 3 differant VM2's, and they are without a doubt the best IWB holsters made. A Baer 1911 Gov. model, a 1911 Baer Commanche (4 1/4), and a Sig 229 disappear with this holster.

 

[Richard]

Supertac45, I use a belt made by Mark Walton, no longer in the business, but it is 5 years old and going strong. I have a lot of respect for Tony and his gang from Milt Sparks but the guys I mention are his equal. Don't believe me? Ask Tony. Regards, Richard