To Those Who Conceal Duty-Sized Handguns...

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Bobson

Bobson

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Specifically thinking of the many who say their primary concealed weapon is a 1911 of some sort, but this applies to those who carry any full-size handgun concealed.

Which holster styles/models do you prefer? I've seen an IWB holster conceal a G21 really well on one particular guy (think he used the Galco King Tuk, but I could be wrong), but aside from that, I don't know anyone who does this, not to mention anyone who does it well (read: carries a full-size without lots of printing). However, the idea of it really interests me, and it's something I'd like to do someday.

Thanks. ;)
 
I carry a CZ P-07 Duty in a Crossbreed Supertuck Deluxe IWB around the 4-5 o'clock position without problems. Waiting for CZ to get some P-07 Duty belt holsters so i can wear under a jacket or if not i might just buy a Crossbreed Snapslide OWB holster.
 
Especially for IWB carry, the belt and shirt are more important than the holster (although you can't go wrong with CompTac for your holster). I use a Wilderness Instructor belt, but any good gun belt would work. It is frequently suggested to buy your shirts one size larger than you would normally, and remember that prints conceal better than solid-colored shirts.

FWIW, I carry a Glock 17 or 19 OWB in a DeSantis Speed Scabbard.
 
I carry a Sig P228 in a Crossbreed Supertuck with a Belt Man belt. I know the 228 isn't really a full size, but its close considering the main problem with concealment is the grip, not the barrel length. The grip of my 228 is just a hair shorter than a 226. I usually carry around 4 or 5 o'clock with about as much cant as the holster will do. I've actually thought about drilling more holes to get just a bit more...

I'm also planning on carrying a Glock 17 in the same type of setup as soon as I can get another Crossbreed for it. For what its worth, I'm probably going to get the "combat cut" as I don't really like my fingers hitting the leather behind the grip as I draw.

I'll also second that it is much easier for me to conceal my gun if I'm dressing around the gun rather than just wearing a tshirt. For me its easiest while wearing button down shirts (untucked).
 
I've been carrying a 4" 1911 for a few months. If you don't need to tuck your shirt, I recommend an IWB holster from TT Gunleather's Stronghold brand (http://www.ttgunleather.com/catalog/c9_p1.html). If you need to tuck your shirt, I HIGHLY recommend the Versa-Max 2 from Milt Sparks (miltsparks.com). I have one from each, and the VM2 is incredible. Almost zero break-in time (literally just a few draws), and the comfort is amazing. The one big negative with Milt Sparks is that the wait time is 5 - 6 months. I ordered mine on the 1st of April and just received it two weeks ago.

Anyway, my 1911 conceals well with either holster with shirt untucked. The only thing I've changed is that now even when wearing a T-shirt, I also have another T-shirt underneath to protect my skin from the holster (and my holster from my skin). It's just more comfortable, and reduces wear on the holster. When carrying with shirt tucked, I LOVE the VM2 with the optional kydex clips. You do need a good belt though, for either holster. Try The Belt Man (thebeltman.net) for good prices, excellent quality and service.
 
MTAC Minotaur, Crossbreed Supertuck, or one of the similar holsters. Get a good strong belt.
 
Lots of good holsters made from leather, kydex and hybrids.

I never realized how important a belt was until I started spending money to buy good ones. Don't go cheap on the belt, it holds everything together, so to speak.
 
I carry a 4" XD9 in a Galco summer holster (SUM440) @4 O'clock. I wear a wifebeater so my skin doesnt touch my gun and can get away with a loose t-shirt over that, but often wear a button-up shirt over that (never buttoned). Dark colors and wild prints help disguise printing, but the layers add to the camoflage. I used to be paranoid that I was printing, but after wearing like this for a year and my closest friends not knowing, I quit worrying.
Baggy clothes are the uniform for my generation, but my style doesnt match because my pants are on my waist, not sagged.
 
I find that an increased cant (more than that provided on most holsters) makes carrying a fullsize 1911 concealed more comfortable, and conceals it a bit better, at least with my wardrobe. I carry mine using a Comp-Tac CTAC for which I made a new, longer, leather strut for the front to increase the cant.

As noted above, a good belt helps as well.
 
I conceal carry a full size S&W M&P9.

I use a Galco triton holster (kydex clip on). My belt is a reinforced nylon belt I actually found in walmart of all places for $12. Seriously, it's better than anything I've bought before.

I use a kydex fobus clip on mag pouch for an extra mag. These things, plus proper attire, makes carrying my "big gun" really easy. I get to carry my favorite gun and don't have to compromise with a smaller one. I've never had any problem with printing.

I don't mean to belittle people that carry smaller guns, but if possible I like to carry my favorite one. Sometimes I have to pocket carry my PM9 instead.
 
Ben86 said:
I don't mean to belittle people that carry smaller guns, but if possible I like to carry my favorite one.
Click to expand...
Yeah. The reason I made the thread was I'm trying to start my career as an LEO, and have been reading a lot of American Cop magazine. Read an article that encouraged LEOs to change their wardrobe if need be, get a CCW, and carry their duty weapon while off-duty too, since most cops pursue the career because they want to protect/help people anyway, and that's the gun they should be the most proficient with. It made a lot of sense to me.
 
look at crossbread holsters they are awesome, I carry a sig p229 or p226 most of the time, almost no printing unless you were a tight T shirt or some thing stupid.

1858.JPG
 
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Have carried a 1911 Commander, Browning Hi-Power, both are "duty-sized" automatics.

I carry mine in outside the waistband holsters, with a sturdy belt. I use an old, now discontinued Milt Sparks Roadrunner for the 1911. The Hi-power holster I had a local holster-maker produce for me.


With my wardrobe no one notices. No one notices anyway, people generally walk around oblivious.
 
Member Joel here made me this very tuckable IWB for my 1911 that lets me carry a full-sized gun with a tucked-in shirt without a jacket:

0910110025-1.jpg

All that shows, if anyone happens to be looking, are the two belt loops.
 
I post this pic a lot, but this is what I am wearing today and tomorrow...

DownUndertwomonthslater.jpg

High Noon Down Under IWB rig with High Noon Rock Steady gunbelt - the belt is critical to a holster. Just added the High Noon Double Take mag pouch to the other side, too. :)
Very comfortable and the whole deal conceals this big CZ SP-01 Phantom with no issues.
 
I carry a full size 1911 daily. My work uniform is blue slacks with a white button down shirt and it must be tucked in. The Galco Kingtuk solved all my problems. It is a pain to tuck the shirt into it, but it does work and it conceals the gun very well. It is also VERY comfortable for all day wear. When in casual clothes, I still use the kingtuk, just dont tuck my shirt into it. I would have gone with the Crossbreed supertuck deluxe, since they are the original that Galco seems to have copied... but hey, at half the price, I just had to go with the Kingtuk.
 
armoredman said:
I post this pic a lot, but this is what I am wearing today and tomorrow...

DownUndertwomonthslater.jpg

High Noon Down Under IWB rig with High Noon Rock Steady gunbelt - the belt is critical to a holster. Just added the High Noon Double Take mag pouch to the other side, too. :)
Very comfortable and the whole deal conceals this big CZ SP-01 Phantom with no issues.
Click to expand...
How is that setup when you sit down in a desk chair, easy chair or recliner, and in the car/truck?
 
How is that setup when you sit down in a desk chair, easy chair or recliner, and in the car/truck?
Click to expand...

I can't answer for that guy, but I can tell you with me the butt of the gun will most often contact the seat behind me and the gun will then rock forward in place a bit to adjust to my position. When I get back up it re-adjusts itself. It feels a bit odd at first, but I've gotten used to it.
 
My Lou Alessi Watch Six for my Commander-sized 1911 is the finest IWB holster I own.

These days, Milt Sparks makes the Watch Six. It is not quite a true replica as it uses belt loops instead of Kydex clips, which (IMHO) make for a slimmer and more concealable holster.

FWIW, I also own a Milt Sparks VMII, for which I waited six months, but I have worn it only three times or so. The Watch Six is slimmer, lighter and more comfortable.

The only downside is that the "mouth" of the Watch Six is not reinforced, so re-holstering is slightly less convenient. I consider the carry and the presentation far more crucial than the re-holstering, so this is of litttle concern to me.
 
No issues, wear it all day when I am off duty, and sitting in an office chair right now. It can rub on overstuffed chairs, can make an interesting rubbing noise on leather/fake leather chairs that are heavily padded. I just say "excuse me" and fan the air like I farted. :D

Seriously, it is very comfortable to wear all day, the poly frame CZ SP-01 Phantom, (33% lighter than the steel framed SP-01), and the Rock Steady gun belt really make it an all-day gun with ease.
 
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