PT1911 carry suggestions?

vashooter · March 4th, 2008, 03:18 PM

I just bought a PT1911 (full size 5" 1911 45ACP). Looking for suggestions as to best options for CCW - both IWB and OWB. Here's my situation:
-average build
-southpaw (I'm worried that the ambi-safety on thePT1911 will dig into my back carrying IWB)
-never carried a 1911 before
-I have a CompTac paddle and C-Tac for other pistols and like their products but am open to others

So just how realistic is it to CCW a full size 1911 wearing normal jackets and shirts?

Thanks for all your opinions/suggestions.

Herzog · March 4th, 2008, 03:37 PM

Quote:

So just how realistic is it to CCW a full size 1911 wearing normal jackets and shirts

Very realistic! I carry my full size 1911 under T-shirts all the time. It hides quite well and is very comfy IWB in my Crossbreed Supertuck. The holster has a leather backing that protects you completely from the edges of the gun.

vashooter · March 4th, 2008, 09:35 PM

Thanks for the pics- although it looks like the grip digs into your side. How comfy is it when you're sitting down, say driving?

Herzog · March 5th, 2008, 09:33 AM

Quote:

although it looks like the grip digs into your side.

I think I was twisting a bit in the pic (looking at the camera). It doesn't dig into my side at all. I have a desk job, so I spend eight hours a day sitting down with no comfort problems at all.

Good luck--

airbornerangerboogie · March 5th, 2008, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vashooter

I just bought a PT1911 (full size 5" 1911 45ACP). Looking for suggestions as to best options for CCW - both IWB and OWB. Here's my situation:
-average build
-southpaw (I'm worried that the ambi-safety on thePT1911 will dig into my back carrying IWB)
-never carried a 1911 before
-I have a CompTac paddle and C-Tac for other pistols and like their products but am open to others

So just how realistic is it to CCW a full size 1911 wearing normal jackets and shirts?

Thanks for all your opinions/suggestions.

My problem with a full-size 1911 is the weight the PT1911 at 42+ozs loaded would have me walking funny by the end of the day. The first thing you'd want is a really and I mean really good belt. Next for OWB you can have something hand made or buy off the shelf. The Galco Combat Master is a good choice since it has the FBI cant to it which will help conceal that big 45 on your hip, it's also won some fast draw from concealed contest (see the Feb American Handgunner edition). Don't go with the Galco high ride, I carry my S&W 1911PD in condition 1 and I've seen that it can take the safety off without you knowing it (bad mojo to say the least). I'm (personal preference only) not a big fan of IWB for a 1911, but High Noon, Galco, DeSantis all make good IWB's. Don't get the "J" clips they are not as secure as "C" clips. You'll find that when you go to re-holster you may be trying to fish the holster out of your pants.

1911 guy · March 5th, 2008, 10:20 AM

I use both IWB and OWB, but primarily OWB.

The first thing you need to do is buy a high quality gunbelt. I like and use the Wilderness 5-stitch belt, but Beltman, RafterS, etc. make good belts. I like Galco holsters for off the shelf stuff, but I'd avoid their belts, they're overpriced.

Both my holsters are Galco, simply because I didn't have the chance to wait on a custom rig. The price for having a holster made for you isn't much more, if any, than buying most stuff off a rack. I find OWB to be more comfortable for me, but IWB to be slightly more concealable. IWB=T-shirt for concealment, OWB=camp shirt or polo shirt.

Most paddle holsters, in my experience with them, print a bit more because the belt can't suck 'em in as much due to the holster hanging off the paddle. I prefer loops fore and aft of the gun. Behind the gun and aft would work, too. The loop/slot aft of the gun is critical to bringing the grip frame in close to you.

Juggernaut · March 5th, 2008, 11:47 AM

I carry the same model 1911 as Herzog in a sparks VMII. I ordered a comp-tac MTAC for it earlier this week for tuck-able carry and the bodies for different guns are inexpensive, along with a comp-tac belt. I'm not too happy with my previous leather gunbelts' short lives (loss of stiffness) and expect the kydex to maintain the stiffness over time. I also ordered a Mason-Dixon from Brock at Bluegrass Holsters- site sponsor- for my M&P45 this weekend. Those are two more options for you. Just make sure you get a really good quality gunbelt.

jahwarrior72 · March 5th, 2008, 08:29 PM

i finally picked up an OWB for my 1911; it's a desantis mini slide. it'll fit almost any 1911 style pistol. Thumb Break Mini Slide

March 4th, 2008, 03:18 PM	#1
vashooter Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Warrenton, VA Posts: 184	PT1911 carry suggestions? I just bought a PT1911 (full size 5" 1911 45ACP). Looking for suggestions as to best options for CCW - both IWB and OWB. Here's my situation: -average build -southpaw (I'm worried that the ambi-safety on thePT1911 will dig into my back carrying IWB) -never carried a 1911 before -I have a CompTac paddle and C-Tac for other pistols and like their products but am open to others So just how realistic is it to CCW a full size 1911 wearing normal jackets and shirts? Thanks for all your opinions/suggestions.

March 5th, 2008, 10:20 AM	#6
1911 guy Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Warren, Ohio Posts: 56	I carry a 5" 1911. I use both IWB and OWB, but primarily OWB. The first thing you need to do is buy a high quality gunbelt. I like and use the Wilderness 5-stitch belt, but Beltman, RafterS, etc. make good belts. I like Galco holsters for off the shelf stuff, but I'd avoid their belts, they're overpriced. Both my holsters are Galco, simply because I didn't have the chance to wait on a custom rig. The price for having a holster made for you isn't much more, if any, than buying most stuff off a rack. I find OWB to be more comfortable for me, but IWB to be slightly more concealable. IWB=T-shirt for concealment, OWB=camp shirt or polo shirt. Most paddle holsters, in my experience with them, print a bit more because the belt can't suck 'em in as much due to the holster hanging off the paddle. I prefer loops fore and aft of the gun. Behind the gun and aft would work, too. The loop/slot aft of the gun is critical to bringing the grip frame in close to you.

March 5th, 2008, 11:47 AM	#7
Juggernaut Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 570	I carry the same model 1911 as Herzog in a sparks VMII. I ordered a comp-tac MTAC for it earlier this week for tuck-able carry and the bodies for different guns are inexpensive, along with a comp-tac belt. I'm not too happy with my previous leather gunbelts' short lives (loss of stiffness) and expect the kydex to maintain the stiffness over time. I also ordered a Mason-Dixon from Brock at Bluegrass Holsters- site sponsor- for my M&P45 this weekend. Those are two more options for you. Just make sure you get a really good quality gunbelt. __________________ Vis consili expers mole ruit sua. -Horace

March 5th, 2008, 08:29 PM	#8
jahwarrior72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: the raggedy edge Posts: 1,047	i finally picked up an OWB for my 1911; it's a desantis mini slide. it'll fit almost any 1911 style pistol. Thumb Break Mini Slide __________________ *1 in 150 children are diagnosed with autism. two of them are mine.* http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...endid=19644781

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March 4th, 2008, 09:35 PM	#3
vashooter Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Warrenton, VA Posts: 184	Thanks for the pics- although it looks like the grip digs into your side. How comfy is it when you're sitting down, say driving?