How do you carry your 1911?

General Firearms Handguns - 1911
1

There might already be a thread or two about this but I did a quick search and didn’t find too much.

Can you 1911 guys post pictures and info about how you carry your 1911’s?
I would like to see pictures of it concealed and uncovered, and details about the gun, holster, and clothing.

I’m most interested in your “summer carry” rigs so if you could help me out, that would be great.

Thanks

2

I have 2 Galco IWB holsters; Royal Guard (untuck)and Skyops (tuck).

I do not see myself getting into a situation where I have to do the rapid draw and engage. If I am in that situation, I was printing or giving an outward sign that I was carrying. What I do see happening is if there is a reason to engage, I don’t intend on the target knowing that I am carrying until I have cleared the leather.

The Royal Guard rides higher on the belt, it is easier to get into action but you can’t tuck in the shirt. The Skyops sits lower and because you are ‘untucking’ it takes longer to engage. With the tucked shirt, the cellphone goes over pistol.

If I am carrying bags or anything else like that, I always carry it in my left hand (I am lefthanded). This helps with retention and in a worse case it is a distractor when I drop whatever it is. The right hand is always free to clear the shirt.

I do ‘semi-rapid’ draws with both holster but will never be anywhere near as quick as I was while OC on security forces.

The pistol is always condition 1 except when it is in the safe.

3

Milt Sparks summer special. No pics, but im right handed and use a left hand iwb crossdraw. Just feels better to me.

I really think that this is the most personal of choices, and one must go through several to find the one that feels the most comfortable.

Strange, a piece of leather becomes one of the most important choices you can make.

4

Back when I used to carry a 1911…

Milt Sparks VM-II on a Wilderness Instructors 1 3/4" with stiffener.

Worn @ 3:00-3:30.

5

Don Hume thumb break leather OWB holster. I use it for open carry but is pretty easily concealable, barrel length being the only difficult part. I will get some pics up.

6

Don’t currently have any pictures but RCS Phantom at 3-3:30 IWB. I carry a fullsize Nighthawk GRP Recon/surefire X300. 2 10-rd CMC powermags on belt, and one in my left pocket also. Summertime I wear shorts and t-shirts. T-shirts and jeans in the wintertime.

7

Same setup as samuse. VM2 on wilderness.

8

I recommend more than one for different outings. I love the Galco SOB for anything that is mobile on foot or bike - horrible for sitting - but I use it at about 6:30-7:30 (lefty) with a 3" which makes me feel a little more secure and comfortable if I am caught having to sit - prints bad in this situation, though. You have to be limber though to use any SOB fast. Royal Guard for everything else - love it - nice and grippy with the suede out - feels real secure and tight. Summer Comfort will be my next one for a lower/thinner IWB over the RG.

9

Thanks a lot guys! Please keep em coming. I’m trying to Figure out what all my options are and how well they work.

10

Thanks Smuckatelli, is that a 4" barrel?

11

Be careful when using a small of back holster. Specifically in a vehicle where a crash can render some terrible spine injuries directly from the firearm to spine contact.

12

Brommeland IWB.

AC

13

Pretty close, it’s 4.25.

14

I have that setup

15

I wear an Crossbreed IWB which carries nicely, especially in summer, but I definitely need to wear larger pants due to the thickness of the pistol.

I’ve also got an Blackhawk OWB which I use more in winter when I’ve got heavier clothes on and tucked in T shirts etc. I added a piece of leather to cover my side if I don’t have a shirt between me and the gun.

16

I’ve never heard anyone complain about the 1911 being too think before.

I picked up a Crossbreed Mini tuck IWB holster for a Kel-tec PF9. Low and behold it is a perfect fit for a 1911. They don’t sell a mini tuck for 1911’s probably because of the weight but it has been working great.

17

I use a Public Secret by High Noon Holsters.

A good belt is just as important as a good holster. I use a Rock Steady belt, also by High Noon.

I carry it at about 2:00.

18

Milt Sparks IWBs:

19

20

Aker Flatsider worn at 3:00.