Anybody Carry a full-sized 1911?

sdcchas · April 11, 2011, 02:12 PM

I just took my CWP class and should be getting my permit within the next 90 days. I have a full-sized Stainless Kimber TLE II 1911 pistol that I love and was considering carrying strong-side OWB. I am looking at a Kramer Scabbard holster. I haven't bought the holster yet because I want to get some feedback on people who either like and continue to carry a full-size 1911 (or another semi-auto of similar size and weight) or found it to be just too large. $120+ is too much to spend on a holster that won't be used much.

Any input on this?

**Tom Servo** · April 11, 2011, 02:28 PM

I do. When I'm not, I generally carry a revolver.

Before you spend any money on a holster, get a dedicated gun belt that will distribute and support the weight. This is the most overlooked piece of equipment, and it's the main reason people complain of discomfort when carrying a gun.

With the right belt, you'll have no problem with a Government model.

Billy Shears · April 11, 2011, 02:30 PM

I carried my old Colt 1911 in a Galco Summer Comfort holster for a lot of years. Yes, it's big and it's heavy, but you do get used to it. You just need a good belt.

After a while though, I just figured I could get a lot more firepower for a lot less weight and a lot less sweat corrosion if I toted a more modern pistol so I finally caved in and started carrying a S&W M&P 45 instead. No regrets.

sdcchas · April 11, 2011, 02:36 PM

Tom, I will definitely look into getting a strong belt with quality leather no matter what. I agree that is just as important as the holster itself.

SPEMack618 · April 11, 2011, 02:37 PM

I carried my full sized M-1991A1, which is essentially a 1911 with just a fancy new name and a crappy plastic trigger.

I carried it strong side at about 0315 or so in a Tagua IWB holster. It had the little leather flap that rode higher than the gun to protect both the finish of the gun from the harmful skin oils that sweat would deposit and to protect me from getting chafed by the weapon. (In south Georgia during the summer, I wouldn't even think of wearing a t-shirt under my cover garment, which was generally a golf shirt or a button down shirt with a tail.

I'm a bit on the tall side and have what are described as "man paws" for hands so I had no problem concealing the Colt, and it fit good in my hands.

Also, I've noticed, and this is not distract from the advice about getting a good sturdy gun belt, which is almost a necessity, if you go one inch bigger on your pants, for instance I wear a 34 waist, but buy 35 inch pants, you can carry comfortably and reliably inside the waist ban with a regular leather or stitched web belt. But that is just an interm solution/general comfort thing. I like the one inch bigger pants so it isn't a fight to put the weapon/holster combo inside my waist. I mean let's be real here, I'm full time college kid/frat boy who is now a chairborne ranger, I'm already developing love handles.

pilpens · April 11, 2011, 02:51 PM

I do not CC everyday. I cc a Walther P99 or Sig P6 in a pancake type holster more than I cc my 5" 1911. When I cc my 1911, it is during the cold months so more clothing can hide it better.
===
I am looking into Kahr pistols (K9, CW9 or the smaller CM9) for more comfortable CC to replace my current pistols (Kimber 1911, Walther P99, and Sig P6).
===

joehxx · April 11, 2011, 03:00 PM

I carry a service auto IWB .The belt is the key to making it work.I use a Galco Biothane belt. It is comparable to harness leather For half the price

ang4me · April 11, 2011, 03:13 PM

I sometimes carry my S&W 1911PD. Usually IWB in a basic slide holster, sometimes OWB in a Blackhawk Serpa L2, but that requires a big cover garment. The 1911PD saves you about 1/2 a lb over a conventional 1911, and it's sexier too.

As for concealing, it probably helps that I'm 6'4" 260lb, but with a good belt and holster, and proper attire, I'm sure you can conceal one.

jimbob86 · April 11, 2011, 03:16 PM

I used to .... but as others have noted, IWB is not hard with a good belt.

Kreyzhorse · April 11, 2011, 03:41 PM

I do carry my full sized all steel 1911 in the winter months. The gun is actually very easy to conceal since it's so thin. While heavy, you do need a good leather gun belt and a good holster.

I can understand the reservations about dropping the cash and there are certainly cheaper options. For one, I recommend the Galco Fletch holster. It's around $80 or so and holds the gun high and tight making it easy to conceal.

Now, if you are suggesting that the 1911 is your primary carry piece, I think at some point you'll likely downsize to a smaller gun. The 1911 is pretty easy to carry, but it isn't a gun you can throw in your pocket to run to supermarket on a Sunday.

sdcchas · April 11, 2011, 04:38 PM

Thanks all - I'll consider IWB. I do have two others. A S&W 642 and S&W Sigma 40VE. Yes, the 642 is ideal for carry but I don't like how it shoots. Maybe in the hot summer months I'll carry it. I guess my first step will be the belt. Thanks again everyone.

JC5503 · April 11, 2011, 05:31 PM

I carry a government model 1911 almost everyday when I carry it concealed I use a galco and a good belt and its just as comfortable as a 642 in the waistband in my opinion.

http://www.galcogunleather.com/Holst...=2100&GunID=28

Sharpsdressed Man · April 11, 2011, 05:31 PM

I have several Kramer holsters, and often carry a 1911 crossdraw (although the holster for that is a Sparks.....I just happen to have had that one for the 1911, I have Kramer for a CZ75 and Walther P99). The horsehide holsters are a bit trimmer and lighter than cowhide, making them nice for OWB carry. Both Kramer and Sparks make some of the best stuff on the market.

Tactical Jackalope · April 11, 2011, 05:38 PM

Yes, doesn't matter the time of year or weather either. w/ 2 magazines or 1 magazine. Loaded with 185gr +p Remington Golden Sabers.

Kreyzhorse · April 11, 2011, 06:49 PM

Quote:

I guess my first step will be the belt.

www.thebeltman.net You can buy a cheaper belt than these, but they won't last nearly as long as a belt from the beltman. A good belt is really the key to a concealed carry with a heavy gun.

**Spats McGee** · April 11, 2011, 06:53 PM

I don't own a Beltman belt, but I have yet to read a bad thing about them, & I've read a lot of reviews. An Aker B21 will do the trick, too.

It seems like we covered this in a fairly recent thread (last month or so), and the consensus was that, yes, a fair number of TFL members do carry full-sized 1911s.

pstrlipscomb · April 11, 2011, 07:39 PM

I carry the TLE II IWB with a Gun Mate sleeve or OWB in a Fobus paddle holster. I find both holsters help reduce the perceived weight. You just have to love the feeling of cold, hard steel at your side.

These are inexpensive holsters that are not so particular about your belt. I also use a heavy belt from Georgia Boot Co. which is inexpensive. Poor people need protection too!

Geezerbiker · April 11, 2011, 08:46 PM

I've carried a full sized 1911 in a belt pack holster for several years. I love it because it keeps all my pocket stuff and my gun all together. Actually it hasn't been just one belt pack, I've worn out a few over the years...

Tony

redstategunnut · April 11, 2011, 08:49 PM

I have carried a 5" 1911 all day many, many times. A good belt and holster are required. In my experience, after one carries the 5" 1911 all day, one greatly appreciates the plastic fantastics more. The difference in weight doesn't feel like much in the gun store, but after ten hours it feels significant.

TeamSinglestack · April 11, 2011, 08:56 PM

Every day.

IWB TSSTACtm holster.

TimNelson · April 11, 2011, 09:46 PM

I carry a full size 1911, but I will be honest, it beats up my clothes. I carry IWB between 3 and 4 oclock and the frame has put holes in lots of my shirts and I have even had a pair of my pants rip from the end of the slide. I have a good belt and holster so I don't mind carrying it but it definetly beats up my clothes. I want to get a beaver tail on mine and I might look into a holster that covers the whole slide and hope that it stops ruining my clothes.

michael t · April 11, 2011, 10:45 PM

Good belt good holsters both for around 120

http://ubgholsters.com

made by owner 1 at a time no mass production big company I have used him for several years.

Madball6 · April 11, 2011, 11:41 PM

Slightly off topic but, Constantine how do you shoot with that trigger? I mean i'm intrigued, but i can't imagine a consistent squeeze on that.

sdcchas · April 12, 2011, 07:58 AM

Wow, good to hear others are carrying the 1911. Thanks for the recommendations. When my permit comes in I'll chime in and tell you what I'm doing. That might be a while though - I hear it takes the full 90 days for SC to process the CWP.

chupps · April 12, 2011, 08:43 AM

My 1911 is in my carry rotation. I carry iwb with this holster:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=212291

It is very comfortable, strong construction and only $60.

April 11, 2011, 02:12 PM	#1
sdcchas Member Join Date: March 23, 2009 Posts: 17	Anybody Carry a full-sized 1911? I just took my CWP class and should be getting my permit within the next 90 days. I have a full-sized Stainless Kimber TLE II 1911 pistol that I love and was considering carrying strong-side OWB. I am looking at a Kramer Scabbard holster. I haven't bought the holster yet because I want to get some feedback on people who either like and continue to carry a full-size 1911 (or another semi-auto of similar size and weight) or found it to be just too large. $120+ is too much to spend on a holster that won't be used much. Any input on this?

April 11, 2011, 02:28 PM	#2
Tom Servo Staff Join Date: September 27, 2008 Location: Foothills of the Appalachians Posts: 13,059	I do. When I'm not, I generally carry a revolver. Before you spend any money on a holster, get a dedicated gun belt that will distribute and support the weight. This is the most overlooked piece of equipment, and it's the main reason people complain of discomfort when carrying a gun. With the right belt, you'll have no problem with a Government model. __________________ Sometimes it’s nice not to destroy the world for a change. --Randall Munroe

April 11, 2011, 02:37 PM	#5
SPEMack618 Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2010 Location: Central Georgia Posts: 1,863	I carried my full sized M-1991A1, which is essentially a 1911 with just a fancy new name and a crappy plastic trigger. I carried it strong side at about 0315 or so in a Tagua IWB holster. It had the little leather flap that rode higher than the gun to protect both the finish of the gun from the harmful skin oils that sweat would deposit and to protect me from getting chafed by the weapon. (In south Georgia during the summer, I wouldn't even think of wearing a t-shirt under my cover garment, which was generally a golf shirt or a button down shirt with a tail. I'm a bit on the tall side and have what are described as "man paws" for hands so I had no problem concealing the Colt, and it fit good in my hands. Also, I've noticed, and this is not distract from the advice about getting a good sturdy gun belt, which is almost a necessity, if you go one inch bigger on your pants, for instance I wear a 34 waist, but buy 35 inch pants, you can carry comfortably and reliably inside the waist ban with a regular leather or stitched web belt. But that is just an interm solution/general comfort thing. I like the one inch bigger pants so it isn't a fight to put the weapon/holster combo inside my waist. I mean let's be real here, I'm full time college kid/frat boy who is now a chairborne ranger, I'm already developing love handles. __________________ NRA Life Member Read my blog! "The answer to any caliber debate is going to be .38 Super, 10mm, .357 Sig or .41 Magnum!"

April 11, 2011, 03:41 PM	#10
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	I do carry my full sized all steel 1911 in the winter months. The gun is actually very easy to conceal since it's so thin. While heavy, you do need a good leather gun belt and a good holster. I can understand the reservations about dropping the cash and there are certainly cheaper options. For one, I recommend the Galco Fletch holster. It's around $80 or so and holds the gun high and tight making it easy to conceal. Now, if you are suggesting that the 1911 is your primary carry piece, I think at some point you'll likely downsize to a smaller gun. The 1911 is pretty easy to carry, but it isn't a gun you can throw in your pocket to run to supermarket on a Sunday. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

April 11, 2011, 07:39 PM	#17
pstrlipscomb Member Join Date: March 18, 2011 Posts: 71	I carry the TLE II IWB with a Gun Mate sleeve or OWB in a Fobus paddle holster. I find both holsters help reduce the perceived weight. You just have to love the feeling of cold, hard steel at your side. These are inexpensive holsters that are not so particular about your belt. I also use a heavy belt from Georgia Boot Co. which is inexpensive. Poor people need protection too! __________________ I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh to the Father but by me. - Jesus Christ

April 11, 2011, 02:30 PM	#3
Billy Shears Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2011 Posts: 606	I carried my old Colt 1911 in a Galco Summer Comfort holster for a lot of years. Yes, it's big and it's heavy, but you do get used to it. You just need a good belt. After a while though, I just figured I could get a lot more firepower for a lot less weight and a lot less sweat corrosion if I toted a more modern pistol so I finally caved in and started carrying a S&W M&P 45 instead. No regrets.

April 11, 2011, 02:36 PM	#4
sdcchas Member Join Date: March 23, 2009 Posts: 17	Tom, I will definitely look into getting a strong belt with quality leather no matter what. I agree that is just as important as the holster itself.

April 11, 2011, 02:51 PM	#6
pilpens Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,696	I do not CC everyday. I cc a Walther P99 or Sig P6 in a pancake type holster more than I cc my 5" 1911. When I cc my 1911, it is during the cold months so more clothing can hide it better. === I am looking into Kahr pistols (K9, CW9 or the smaller CM9) for more comfortable CC to replace my current pistols (Kimber 1911, Walther P99, and Sig P6). ===

April 11, 2011, 03:00 PM	#7
joehxx Member Join Date: June 10, 2010 Posts: 17	I carry a service auto IWB .The belt is the key to making it work.I use a Galco Biothane belt. It is comparable to harness leather For half the price

April 11, 2011, 03:13 PM	#8
ang4me Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 105	I sometimes carry my S&W 1911PD. Usually IWB in a basic slide holster, sometimes OWB in a Blackhawk Serpa L2, but that requires a big cover garment. The 1911PD saves you about 1/2 a lb over a conventional 1911, and it's sexier too. As for concealing, it probably helps that I'm 6'4" 260lb, but with a good belt and holster, and proper attire, I'm sure you can conceal one.

April 11, 2011, 03:16 PM	#9
jimbob86 Junior member Join Date: October 4, 2007 Location: All the way to NEBRASKA Posts: 8,722	I used to .... but as others have noted, IWB is not hard with a good belt.

April 11, 2011, 04:38 PM	#11
sdcchas Member Join Date: March 23, 2009 Posts: 17	Thanks all - I'll consider IWB. I do have two others. A S&W 642 and S&W Sigma 40VE. Yes, the 642 is ideal for carry but I don't like how it shoots. Maybe in the hot summer months I'll carry it. I guess my first step will be the belt. Thanks again everyone.

April 11, 2011, 05:31 PM	#12
JC5503 Member Join Date: October 4, 2010 Location: southeast Ohio Posts: 76	I carry a government model 1911 almost everyday when I carry it concealed I use a galco and a good belt and its just as comfortable as a 642 in the waistband in my opinion. http://www.galcogunleather.com/Holst...=2100&GunID=28

April 11, 2011, 05:31 PM	#13
Sharpsdressed Man Junior member Join Date: June 21, 2009 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 1,176	I have several Kramer holsters, and often carry a 1911 crossdraw (although the holster for that is a Sparks.....I just happen to have had that one for the 1911, I have Kramer for a CZ75 and Walther P99). The horsehide holsters are a bit trimmer and lighter than cowhide, making them nice for OWB carry. Both Kramer and Sparks make some of the best stuff on the market.

April 11, 2011, 06:53 PM	#16
Spats McGee Staff Join Date: July 28, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 8,821	I don't own a Beltman belt, but I have yet to read a bad thing about them, & I've read a lot of reviews. An Aker B21 will do the trick, too. It seems like we covered this in a fairly recent thread (last month or so), and the consensus was that, yes, a fair number of TFL members do carry full-sized 1911s.

April 11, 2011, 08:46 PM	#18
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	I've carried a full sized 1911 in a belt pack holster for several years. I love it because it keeps all my pocket stuff and my gun all together. Actually it hasn't been just one belt pack, I've worn out a few over the years... Tony

April 11, 2011, 08:49 PM	#19
redstategunnut Senior Member Join Date: February 14, 2009 Location: see name Posts: 405	I have carried a 5" 1911 all day many, many times. A good belt and holster are required. In my experience, after one carries the 5" 1911 all day, one greatly appreciates the plastic fantastics more. The difference in weight doesn't feel like much in the gun store, but after ten hours it feels significant.

April 11, 2011, 08:56 PM	#20
TeamSinglestack Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2010 Posts: 166	Every day. IWB TSSTACtm holster.

April 11, 2011, 09:46 PM	#21
TimNelson Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2008 Posts: 304	I carry a full size 1911, but I will be honest, it beats up my clothes. I carry IWB between 3 and 4 oclock and the frame has put holes in lots of my shirts and I have even had a pair of my pants rip from the end of the slide. I have a good belt and holster so I don't mind carrying it but it definetly beats up my clothes. I want to get a beaver tail on mine and I might look into a holster that covers the whole slide and hope that it stops ruining my clothes.

April 11, 2011, 10:45 PM	#22
michael t Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Location: Out back Ky Posts: 4,044	Good belt good holsters both for around 120 http://ubgholsters.com made by owner 1 at a time no mass production big company I have used him for several years. __________________ Certified Armed Infidel Colt Defender ,Colt Mustang ,Dan Wesson CBOB, PPK/S, American Classic 1911,Bersa Thunder 380 http://bersachat.comHome of Bersa http://www.metroarms1911forum.com

April 11, 2011, 11:41 PM	#23
Madball6 Senior Member Join Date: March 30, 2011 Posts: 211	Slightly off topic but, Constantine how do you shoot with that trigger? I mean i'm intrigued, but i can't imagine a consistent squeeze on that.

April 12, 2011, 07:58 AM	#24
sdcchas Member Join Date: March 23, 2009 Posts: 17	Wow, good to hear others are carrying the 1911. Thanks for the recommendations. When my permit comes in I'll chime in and tell you what I'm doing. That might be a while though - I hear it takes the full 90 days for SC to process the CWP.

April 12, 2011, 08:43 AM	#25
chupps Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2005 Posts: 368	My 1911 is in my carry rotation. I carry iwb with this holster: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=212291 It is very comfortable, strong construction and only $60.