So how does Joe Average carry his 1911?

[DogBonz]

not full size...

But i carried my SW1911 PD in a Milt Sparks Versamax II when I lived in the USA. Now that I live in the PRNJ, I don't carry

 

[Jayb]

My holsters are both from Kirkpatrick Leather. They're Texas Strong Side holsters...... one for my 4" Kimbers, and a 5" for my Sig. The 4" is over 6 years old, and still does it's job. I'm 6' 2", and 210, and I don't really care if it prints a bit.

 

[Bones11b]

Wow Doc talk about a blast from the past! When I had to carry that 1911 with no holster I ended up buying a leather working wrench that had a spur like head to make diffrent size holes in leather. Used it for a snug fit on the belt. Sometimes I miss the third world, just sometimes. Today my pants were held up by a blackhawk CQB rigger belt. Great belt for being nylon as opposed to leather.

 

[Frandy]

My Smith 1911 is in my OWB elephant-hide holster by Jim Speidel, http://www.thebeltman.net On a beltman belt, of course.

 

[Ethereal]

Personally I think the manufacturer's created a CCW explosion on the market by convincing the consumer's that they simply had to have smaller, lighter, more concealable pistols and anything else is just not fit for carry. I'll bet twenty years ago everyone carried fullsize 1911's, Beretta 92's, and S&W N frames and never complained once. Now it's the compacts, the polymers, the ultra compacts, etc, etc. I'm average joe- six feet 165lbs. and carrry my full size 1911's IWB with no problem at all. The weight doesn't factor in, neither does the size. I tailor my dress to conceal the gun, ( i.e. I don't wear basketball shorts and a tanktop trying to carry an all steel gun). I use a good thick belt and pair it up with a Kramer IWB#3.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Both IWB and OWB depending on which 1911 Iam packing. I only use Leather and my holster maker of choice is
http://ubgholsters.com

 

[Gordon]

Outside the belt MadDog Taylor Thunderbolt, But since you can't get it any more this is close, On a Liger 1 1/2" belt of course.

http://www.comp-tac.com/catalog/pro...id=66&osCsid=4b61ef0580bea14a447eb22dd27410cb

http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc...dCategory=16&gclid=COGjxOje_o8CFRdPagodIF6-tA

 

[Caimlas]

How? Very, very cautiously. People tend to freak out when they find out you're carrying a gun, even if they're pro-gun. Though, when you inform someone that you do so, and have done so every day for the last several years, it tends to illicit an incredulous response.

 

[dmazur]

Commander in OWB slide-type by Galco. +1 to what others have said about belt -- needs to be heavy to keep holster in tight to minimize printing. Lighter belts stretch and cause problems.

 

[Polish_Pounder]

I'm 6' 1", 160 lbs and I have no problem carrying my full-size Sig GSR IWB in an HBE rig similar to the VMII, on a solid double-thick belt from Rafter S. Gunleather. It isn't like carrying a titanium snubby, but I think people exaggerate greatly. My wife's friend is about 5' 8", 125 lbs and carries a Kimber CDP IWB. I talked her into trading for a day to show her that an extra pound and a few inches of barrel makes little difference. She became a believer, and her next carry purchase will be 5" 1911.

As for the "manly" jab, I think that is is far more macho to carry a hi-cap pistol with 3 reloads, a telescoping night-stick, and a fixed blade knife with skull cracker. Not that such gear should be prohibited, it's just that I don't think you will find many who carry 1911s hauling that kit around. It isn't about machismo, it is about carrying a proven combat tool that you are comfortable with.

-Polish

 

[Gunner4h1r3]

I'm 5'9" and weigh 164 lbs and left handed. For OWB carry I use a Fobus Roto Holster. It comes with a belt and paddle attachment.I set it with the paddle at a forward cant behind my left hip.

IWB I use a simple holster that I purchased off of Galati International. Also use a shoulder rig.

 

[fletcher]

Comp-tac CTAC works for me. Always preferred leather, but tried one with a USP, and it was great. Decided to get one for my 1911 when I needed an IWB.