OT-1911 Carry

[dennie]

Just got my CCW last week. I have a few pocket carry guns but would like to carry one of my .45 Commanders. With summer here it will be challenging to hide. I know IWB would prolly be the best way to go.
There was a thread on here a while back that showed an IWB that was just a leather thong tied to support the gun behind the belt. I did a search but could not find it.
Ohio is changing their CCW laws for the better, I think, but when we are in our vehicle the gun must be in a holster if on our person.
So, how do you carry your 1911 in the summer?
I appreciate any comments and help you can offer!
Thanx.

[TedH]

I don't carry my 1911 concealed, but I do carry my Glock 45 all the time in a Crossbreed Holsters Supertuck. All you need to conceal it very well is a shirt, tucked in or left out. Very secure too.

[Cliff]

I carry my 1911's in my waist band using a "Clipdraw" device. Best thing I have found, without going into a normal holster. When you use it you don't know it is there. I do like them. About 20 bucks or so, but you do need a sturdy belt to hold them tight to the body. http://www.clipdraw.com... I think. Good Luck.

[rock-steady]

I use a Comp-Tac Infidel with belt clip carried on my strong side and their clip-on single mag pouch weakside. Comp-Tac has excellent customer service too.

http://www.comp-tac.com/

[Nate Kiowa Jones]

I use this one most often. It's only $20 buck from Sportsmans Guide.


I use it without the clip, under my belt, over my pants, shirt out. Today it has my Keltec P-11, most days it will have my Glock M22, But I have carried my Kimber in it too.

[salvo]

I have a Don Hume IWB holster for my Colt Officers Model it works great, but with the belt loops positioned behind the holster (summer Special Style) it's a little thick. I have been researching for a new holster with offset loops and came across this one from Brommeland (Service Grade Max-Con V) that has all the features I have been looking for.

http://www.brommelandgunleather.com/products.htm

[Doc Hudson]

when I carried an M-1911 i carried it the same way in Summer as I did in Winter.

The three most commonly used holsters were:
1 - Tex Shoemaker Belt-Slide Holster. i generally wore it between my belt and my waist to make dead certain to avoid grip waggle.

2 - A personally made copy of the Bianchi Pistol Pocket, IWB holster. If i were making that holster today, i'd use lighter leather as the one I made is a tad bulky, but it works. IMO the Bianchi Pistol Pocket i about the best of the iWB holsters.

3- In a Fanny pack Holster. The hardest part of buying a fanny pack holster is finding one that doesn't screaming "THERE IS A GUN IN HERE!!!"

The most important thing about pistol-packing in Summer is a cover garment.

if you have to have the tucked in supe-neat yuppie look all the time, you will just about have to stick with one of your pocket pistols.

if untucked is acceptable, nothing is better for a pistol-packer than a selection of Guyabera Shirts,aka Mexican Wedding Shirts. Just be sure to buy them a size or two larger than you actually need to give room for the drape of the shirt to hide your pistol. Similarly the over-sized Hawaiian Flowered Shirts will work as well, but I prefer the more subdued looks of the Guyaberas.

you might already know everything i'm about to say, and I'm sure most of the guys have seen it before, but I'm going to add a few tips about packing iron discretely. I don't claim to be an expert, but I've packed a gun daily for nearly 35 years, so I've learned a few things about discrete carry. Sharing them might save you from making some of the mistkes I've made over the years.

1 - Pay attention to your mama and quit pulling at your clothes! Make sure your cover garment covers your weapon before you leave home and then don't be constantly tuggin at it. it will only draw attention.

2 - Never bend over from the waist. if you bend over, it will cause your pistol to print through your cover garment, if it is any less than a parka. Rather than bend, kneel, with your gun side knee on the ground.

3 - Never reach overhead with your gun side hand. it will cause your cover garment to ride up exposing your pistol. If you are carrying right side, use your left hand for reaching, or vice versa.

4 - Sit carefully, don't just plop your butt into a chair or bench. Take my word for it, the sound of a gun butt hitting the back of a hard seat will silence a hamburger joint full of rowdy teens.

I could keep writing for pages and pages, but it would probably bore you and everyone else and tire me. So i'll let it go with these few tidbits.

if you are like most gun cranks, you will end up having a couple of boxes full of assorted gunleather that you try and discard over the next few decades. Don't sweat it, just keep trying different holsters until you find a couple or three that fit all your assorted needs, and are comfortable. Just remember that no one holster can fit every situation.

The most important thing is to find a holster that is comfortable to you and aids in concealment. If it ain't comfortable, you won't be carrying your pistol. And if you ain't packing iron when you need it, you might as well not own a gun at all.

Good Luck

[Pisgah]

The old "string holster" (aka "CIA holster" and "Special Forces holster") works in pinch, and works pretty well. But to be honest, if carrying IWB you will do well to consider spending some money. The best of the breed, IMO, is the old Milt Sparks "Summer Special" and its many copies. They can be a bit bulky in some versions, but they have every feature you could want.

There are cheaper alternatives, though. I love my Galco Stow-and-Go, well made and usually running around $30+/-. Just remember, it must be comfortable and it must secure the gun at least well enough to stay put during strenuous activity.

[KCSO]

I am still using my Yaqui slide after trying about everything. I carry every day and have for the last 38 years. The thong set up you mention was a disguised holster set up that was sent out to LEO's a few years ago but I can't remember who put it out, maybe in the FBI magazine.

Holsters for C/C really depend a lot on you and what you are comfortable with. Here in the mid west even in the summer you can hide a gun under a good loose shirt with the slide and a good belt. Body type has a LOT to do with it as a hefty guy won't like the same holster that a skinny guy might love.

Case in point...
In 1972 I got one of the first Bianchi upside down shoulder holsters in our department. My partner loved how it looked and I could draw it like lightning, but I'm 6-2 and at that time weighed 170 pounds. My buddy was 5-9 and weighed 230. He bought the same holster and used it once. He slung it on went to range to qualify and as he reached across to grab the gun but the more he reached the farther the gun but retreated! He couldn't get his hand on the gun! He sold the rig at a big discount the same day and went back to his old Berns Martin breakfront.

Beg borrow and try as many rigs as you can before you buy. If you don't mind the clack clack the Fobus IWB rig isn't too bad for a cheap rig.

[Griff]

Milt Sparks "Summertime Special" with sewn loop:

[JerryB]

I am about ready to get something for my son's Rock Island that I carry a lot now. His unit was deployed for a year, and I have all of his guns and three kids here at the house with us.I have been carrying it in my belt Mexican style. It carries well inside my shirt on the left crossdraw, but I reckon it's time for a holster. ya'll put up some good links.

[Pete44ru]

Although, in very warm weather when I'm wearing a tight T-shirt/shorts, I switch to ThniderWear.

http://www.thunderwear.com/holsters.asp



.

[Doc Hudson]

pete,
Which size/model of the Thunderwear do you use?

What size pistol will it handle?

Will it handle a 4" revolver?

I once had a Bauer Baby .25 ACP. it was a real nice little popper, but the second time I found it with the safety worked off and the muzzle pointed toward my testicles, I traded for another TP-22.

Thunderwear holsters have always brought that situation to mind.

[dennie]

Again I will try to respond. No success on previous attempts. Computer dumbness has got me.

[dennie]

Hey, maybe I got this figured out! I ain't much with computers.
Thanx to all the replys! You folks are great with your help and recommendations.
Today I was out shopping with the GF for a few hours. Instead of taking my S&W M37 I found that my PT111 would fit in the same pocket holster. No problem concealing, but did not like the way my cargo shorts flopped around with all that weight in the front pocket! Oh well, if I can hide the "love handles" and the "spare tire", surely hiding a little gun should not be a problem!
Thanx for the suggestions and also the hints from all of you that have carried for many years. I will sort thru it all and let you know what comes out.

[Pete44ru]

[Which size/model of the Thunderwear do you use?] - OH-NO, YOU DON'T ! !

[What size pistol will it handle?] - Look through their website/my link - they make many different sizes, but I wouldn't think one for a 10" S&W 500.

[Will it handle a 4" revolver?] - Easily.

[I once had a Bauer Baby .25 ACP. it was a real nice little popper, but the second time I found it with the safety worked off and the muzzle pointed toward my testicles, I traded for another TP-22. Thunderwear holsters have always brought that situation to mind.] - FWIW, Since the ThunderWear holster lies IN FRONT of one's private parts - you might be greeted in a VERY friendly manner by several of Fred's (Old Savage) lady friends.

.

[2ndovc]

Hey, maybe I got this figured out! I ain't much with computers.
Thanx to all the replys! You folks are great with your help and recommendations.
Today I was out shopping with the GF for a few hours. Instead of taking my S&W M37 I found that my PT111 would fit in the same pocket holster. No problem concealing, but did not like the way my cargo shorts flopped around with all that weight in the front pocket! Oh well, if I can hide the "love handles" and the "spare tire", surely hiding a little gun should not be a problem!
Thanx for the suggestions and also the hints from all of you that have carried for many years. I will sort thru it all and let you know what comes out.

I'm a pretty chnky guy these days. 6'2 and 280#s.
If my cargo pants or shorts are loose enough I can carry my G26 or Sig P238 in an Uncle Mikes
pocket holster in the summer.

Heavy jackets and long coats and sweaters I can carry my 1911 in a leather Kirkpatric holster.

jb

[Ysabel Kid]

When I carry my Para P12.45 I do so in a Don Hume holster, IWB, positioned in the small of my back. Best place to carry it when you don't have a lot of layers of clothes to conceal it.

[86er]

I don't know what you call this but it is truly minimal. My Uncle used to make these and this is from him but I believe they have been commercially made in the recent past by another holster manufacturer. The "loop" is adjustable with velcro to accomodate different muzzle profiles. The sweat guard is paper thin leather but makes it comfortable and adds protection. The clip is strong and will hold onto your pants or a belt. You can also tuck your shirt between the clip tab and gun for a concealed tuckable holster where only the black clip shows. I use it for my 1911 CCC and some other guns. Works with revolvers too! Weighs 2.48 ounces.

[TedH]

Since the ThunderWear holster lies IN FRONT of one's private parts - you might be greeted in a VERY friendly manner by several of Fred's (Old Savage) lady friends.

.

So that's how he's always surrounded by the lovely ladies!

[20cows]

I use a Blade-Tech IWB for a Kimber Compact.