Smart carry and 1911s.

[WinchesterAA]

Has anyone carried a 1911 of any size in a smartcarry holster for any length of time?

What are your opinions of it, and is it comfortable no matter what position you're in? (IE leaning forward, leaning to the sides, crouching/kneeling, etc)

 

[Muddflap]

I have a Smartcarry, and I can't seem to make a PM9 work comfortably, but there are many folks that like them.

 

[thunderstorm]

SmartCarry owned about 2.5 years
-It’s a very universal holster, so depending on what firearm I want to carry it works.
-Sitting would be my only complaint only because of my dunlap problem. all others not a problem at all
-very comfortable
- get over the fact of where it is, it’s in front of your factory installed equipment not pointing at it.

 

[Gator]

I keep meaning to try one of those. They look very discreet, but the gun looks darned inaccessible, am I wrong?

 

[Dot_mdb]

I own a SmartCarry holster. I own a 1911. I don't carry the 1911 in the SmartCarry. I do carry a Model 640 J frame revolver in the SmartCarry holster two days each week.

The longer and heavier the gun the more uncomfortable it will be in the SmartCarry. My 21 ounce 640 carries perfectly. My Glock 23 is uncomfortable.

I know that the owner of the SmartCarry company claims to carry a 1911 in the holster. It is possible that different body shapes can make it more or less comfortable.

YMMV.

Bill

 

[Big Boomer]

Have one, carry my snubbie in it. Tried the 1911 full size. totally impractical. Although you will get some attention from the ladies, you will also (if wearing slacks) tend to blow out the crotch rather quick. The pressure on the inseem is quite substantial.

In addition the "happy to see you" look all day gets old quick.

 

[HM2PAC]

I've wondered about these as well. Would a commander (4" Barrel) be better?

 

[combatantr2]

I've wondered about these as well. Would a commander (4" Barrel) be better?

No, the ladies would think you have a 4 inch gun

 

[HM2PAC]

No, the ladies would think you have a 4 inch gun

I'll take it!!! Any improvement is an advantage!

 

[combatantr2]

 

[Evenflo76]

I bought one to conceal my Glock 26.

For those that don't know, a Glock 26 is a sub-compact 9mm. the Glock 19 is their compact or commander length and the Glock 17 is their full size 9mm, which happens to be as large or larger then a 5" Govt 1911.

When I ordered the Smart carry, I ordered pistol specific for the Sub Compact model. In retrospect, I should have ordered for the medium frame pistol. I did carry the Glock 17 on a few occasions with the Smartcarry but the trigger wasn't completely covered. And yes, sitting for any length of time with the large frame was very uncomfortable.

Next Smart Cary will be a medium size for sure. This way I will be able to accommodate any size of any whatever platform.

FYI: If you call the Owner/Designer he will make one custom to your specs, and he did design for his very own 1911...

 

[WinchesterAA]

I went ahead and ordered one. Medium size to fit my 3.5" barrel 1911. Previously I was carrying it with a belt clip, but it rides a bit too high and the beavertail stabs me in the stomach when I lean forward while sitting.

However, the smartcarry looks versatile, and appears to carry in a default position below the waistband, which should be absolutely perfect.

I do a lot of climbing, jumping, tight maneuvering, and have a lot of close interaction with customers at my job, and can't risk my shirt riding up and my pistol being exposed, but at the same time I carry ~20,000$ worth of equipment that I'm financially responsible for so a CCW is more necessary than ever. Not to mention some of the animals I encounter.

 

[blackcash88]

I can't do it. The extended beavertail pokes my gut when sitting down.

Charlie, the, um, "creator" of Smartcarry carries a 1911 in one. He has pictures on his website.

 

[XDKingslayer]

The guy that invented the SmartCarry carries a 1911 in it all day long at gun shows.

But, he's about 90 lbs. soaking wet with rocks in his pocket and of course, because it's a gun show the gun is empty.

 

[TStorm]

I have a Smartcarry, and I can't seem to make a PM9 work comfortably, but there are many folks that like them.

Concealed carry in general isn't as comfortable as a regular outing in kakhis regardless of method, be it pocket, IWB, SmartCarry, or other. The PM9 does well for me, but does require some trial to find the optimum height. Same for J-frame revolver in same holster.

My PM9 shoots like its on rails, but is just big enough for concern of printing when pocket-carrying. The SmartCarry holster is deep concealment and entirely hidden with this firearm. Keeping it next to "Mr. Willy" (from The Long Kiss Goodnight), took some getting used to. Actually, watching that movie reminded me to look up the website.

Based on my experience w/ micro compact and J-frame, I've wondered how full-size firearms like the 1911 would work.

 

[Oohrah]

Never used a smart carry. For the most comfortable all around a
shoulder holster. Draw back is constant awareness a bad guy has
easy access close or in a skuffle. Used Don Hume, Biannci inside
waist, GI and a host of others. The shoulder is the most comfort-
able do, go, and wear all around including driving Size and weight
of a full sized 1911, comfort is most important to me.

 

[dairycreek]

The original question had to do with carrying a 1911 in a SmartCarry and my answer is yes - I carried a full size 1911 in my SC for several months. It was no problem. In fact, the guy who owns and operates SmartCarry carries a 1911 and has pics on the SC net site to demonstrate.

However, having said that, I much prefer the carry combo in the accompanying picture which is a Ruger SP-101 with a large folding knife.

I changed from the 1911 to the Ruger because of personal preference and not because there were any problems carrying the 1911. The SC is a marvelously flexible carry system and, with practice, drawing and presenting a handgun in a reasonable amount of time is reasonably achievable.

 

[jasonguerard]

Not exactly a 1911 but close is my PT145. Kind of a polymer short barreled double stacked version.
Very active job, no issues.
A single stack handle would lay flatter though.
You will find pleated loose pants work best, as with any IWB type. Jeans make it invisible, but I usually have on slacks.

 

[GingerGuy]

I works for me quite well. Kimber Ultra Carry II, EMP and SP101.

 

[Tamlin]

I got a Smart Carry for my Kahr P9 Covert and it is fantastic. No problems sitting or bending over or anything. My good friend, who is a former LEO, is always astounded when I tell him I'm carrying (He knows I have a Smart Carry, and can never tell when I'm actually wearing it.) I recently purchased a Dan Wesson 1911 Pointman Seven (5" barrel) and have thought about getting a Smart Carry for it, but I just can't see it working for me. I know Charlie, the guy who sells the Smart Carry, carries his full-sized 1911 in one, but I don't think it would work for me, at least with the 5" barrel.