[SOLOLUCKY]

OK, so i'm starting to carry my springfield armory 1911, micro-compact. (3" barrel)
Was at the gun show and bought an IWB for it. seems most popular and a great concealer. Well, is it the nature of the short barrel? but that thing is a killer to wear. it pokes me in the top of the glute muscle. top of my hip/butt area.
trying it at about 3:30. basically the straps straddle the belty loop on my jeans at that point. but it was a nighmare to carry all day yesterday.
am i doing something wrong? makes me rethink the whole "easier to hide a smaller gun" theory. maybe the longer barrel woulda "laid" against me instead of this short barrel "poking" me!!

any thoughts?
or is it the short barrel thats being a pain on my butt..figuratively and literally.

 

[Bud White]

Depends on holster some i wouldguess and your size

Being the trim 6 foot 300#er i am even the 4 1/4 1911 i had wasnt as comfortable in the same holster as the 5 inch was.. Also depends where you wear the holster and what kind of belt your using as to how much poke you get

 

[CLASS3NH]

I had the same trouble at one time. Try hiding it at around the 2:30 position, just forward of your hip. It might help you, both in the standing, and sitting positions. You can still get the gun into play if need be.

 

[buzzg]

I've tried IWB for my Kimber 3 1/2" with the same result. I switched to a Milt Sparks OWB and the problem went away. Plus I get to wear all the pants that I already had. With IWB I had to get larger waist size to accomodate it. Bud's right on about the belt. Don't skimp there. Get one made for carrying a holster.

 

[AirForceShooter]

try a bikini if you can carry OWB

AFS

 

[Eric Larsen]

It does happen on occasion. The shorter muzzle, holster location, holster style and design and other criteria all lead to comfort or lack there of. Ill bet its an Summer Special style wrap around style holster that puts the loops directly over the gun? Switch to a VM2/Com 3/Max Con V style and youll be amazed how much more comfy it it.
Shoot well

 

[P95Carry]

Do try a good tight fitting OWB belt slide - I am sure you can finish up with gun just as tight in but not then pressing uncomfortable on one spot.

By only real contact point from my SIG is an awareness of contact near my lower ribs from grips. Only me I know, but I just hate IWB!

 

[Tangle]

I like IWB but about the only gun I can carry comfortably IWB is a 1911 full or commander size. I know exactly what you mean about that glute muscle.

 

[Matt Del Fatti]

OK, so i'm starting to carry my springfield armory 1911, micro-compact. (3" barrel)
Was at the gun show and bought an IWB for it. seems most popular and a great concealer. Well, is it the nature of the short barrel? but that thing is a killer to wear. it pokes me in the top of the glute muscle. top of my hip/butt area.
trying it at about 3:30. basically the straps straddle the belty loop on my jeans at that point. but it was a nighmare to carry all day yesterday.
am i doing something wrong? makes me rethink the whole "easier to hide a smaller gun" theory. maybe the longer barrel woulda "laid" against me instead of this short barrel "poking" me!!

any thoughts?
or is it the short barrel thats being a pain on my butt..figuratively and literally.

Some folks seem to be able to wear the 3 inch guns comfortably in a "normal" inside the pants holster but the "poke" you're talking about seems to be fairly common with these short barreled pistols. Sitting alot seems to make it worse. I try to encourage customers to at least consider having the muzzle end of the holster extended and sewn closed. This, in my opinion, accomplishes a couple of things. It effectively tapers the muzzle more gradually so you feel less of the abrupt termination of the muzzle. And it makes the holster longer to get it along side of your glut instead of riding above the curve.

 

[ExSoldier]

Check the EXTRACTOR! I had a Springfield Armory micro that was a POS with innumerable FTF's and FTE's. I'll never own another 1911 that has a barrel under 4 inches. I believe that the 1911 design becomes inherently flawed at sub commander length barrels. Jeff Cooper agrees and it made the lead item in his columns a few months ago. I mention it only as an aside. In my case, I found a faulty extractor, but it was too late. My carry gun is a tool that may someday save my life and or the lives of others. My confidence in the gun was "shot." Forgive the pun. I traded it for some cash and a Sig P245. I've never been happier with a compact. I do however crave a hi-cap 45ACP that's not a ParaOrdnance. So I'm going to soon acquire a standard sized H&K USP for that rold. 12 rounds is enough for me. Well, plus 3 more mags than come with the gun. My micro rode perfectly in a "Galco" Concealable holster; strong side hip at about 4:30 But if you're willing to go with 6rds to start with may I suggest the P245 Sig? It also accepts the std 8rd Sig P220 mags as well.

 

[OD*]

I have always found the full-size Gov't the easiest to carry, for the very reason you stated.

 

[Gary Brommeland]

Howdy!
I concur with Matt's post. He and I both make IWB's with closed muzzles for just the reason that you stated - it minimizes/eliminates muzzle "poke". For many folks, it is the only way to comfortably carry a 3" Micro, or similar sized pistol.
You will also find that such a holster is much more stable in the belt and often carries closer to the body.
Matt does nice work - I have no reservations in recommending his product.
Of course (stand by for shameless commercial plug) I am kinda partial to my Max-Con V as well.
I would suggest that you take a look around - there are a lot of good holstermakers out there, and we all make different products because people are all different. What works well for one guy, is a disaster for another. You may have to try a few different holsters before you find what works for you.
BTW, if you try one of mine and don't like it - I'll swap you another holster for it, or give you a full refund. I don't want to have unsatisfied customers. Good luck!

 

[QKShooter]

"I'm Mellllltingggggggg...ahhhhhhh!!"

That quote is from the Wicked Witch in The Wizard Of OZ


Hey...you can get your firearm SUPER~MELTED like this Custom Carry from CLARK.

 

[JerryM]

I also had the problem of the muzzle end poking me. I find the Sparks ExC, which has a skirt, forms to my body, and corrects that problem. When it gets down to it an IWB will never be as comfortable as an OWB.

I generally wear my shirttail outside, and it covers an OWB holster. When that is not good enough I go to the ExC. Others make a similar model, but that is what I have and am entirely satisfied.

Jerry

 

[RSSZ]

Here we go with the sub 4" bbls(4" must be a "magical" figure) and the "Gunners Guru" thang again. I feel it "my duty" to respond to that.At the age of ?? do we all believe that Mr. Cooper writes(or proof reads) all his"own"
articals ?? How many manufacturers make a sub 4" gun? Why do they make them if they all are "inherently flawed"? --------- I have tried the IWB type rigs both for 5" and 3" bbl weapons. To me,it's all about how high the main part of the frame rides above the beltline. Also/and how far the muzzle sits below the beltline. To me, a shorter bbl'ed weapon with the correct "rise" in holster has just gotta be comfortable and easy to conceal. I mean,you just got less gun. You might have the right holster ACCEPT for the rise or lack of rise. Most of my friends carry IWB. Several carry(?) Beretta 92's and full size Glocks. They all have a drawer full of holsters. We need to start a holster rental buisness.(by the day)-----------

 

[QKShooter]

The SUB guns are not inherently flawed. It is just much more important that they leave the factory properly fit and configured and with the correct magazine & recoil spring weights.
There is no reason why they cannot function (feed and eject) just as well as the longer pistols.
That fact was proven Many Years Ago when the custom gunsmiths radically CHOPPED the full size .45 to even shorter lengths than the ones being "factory produced" today.
If the machine work is good...and the barrel throated properly...and the "breech face" smooth - with a tuned extractor...then they should function just fine.
Logic dictates that "smaller" is ALWAYS easier to conceal than larger.
That fact just cannot be argued. Ask the CIA or KGB about that.
PROPER holster selection is much more important than many folks realize.
That is why those of us that have been carrying for many years have a closet full of holsters.
That is because (years ago) many holster styles sucked for good and proper concealment.
Thank God for the holster makers of TODAY who refined holsters to the point where concealing a full size pistol is now actually a pretty easy thing to do.
People absolutely NEED to buy a great holster AND...AND a good thick stiff Gun Belt.
One does NOT work without the other!
The very best holster will not work with a crappy belt.
Holster - Belt - Belt - Holster ~ They are like Brother & Sister ~ Mom & Pop ~ Rum & Coke ~ Adam & Eve ~ Rogers & Hammerstein ~ Simon & Garfunkel ~ The Devil & Mrs Jones. :biggrin:
You need both to properly conceal a large firearm.

 

[tanksoldier]

I have the same problem with the cheapie clip-on Bianchi IWB rough-out that I carry my 2.75 barrel revolver in.

My solution is to rotate the revolver grip forward to vertical, sort of like I had a canted holster. This in turn rotates the barrel end up and back. Problem, of course, is that I have to keep doing it throughout the day, and if I push it too far the hammer drops below my belt line possibly causing a snag if I have to draw.

I might have to go with P95's advice and carry OWB... or buy an expensive custom holster from one of the fine craftsmen represented here. Shall we make it a vote? :wink:

 

[XD40]

I might have to go with P95's advice and carry OWB... or buy an expensive custom holster from one of the fine craftsmen represented here. Shall we make it a vote? :wink:

New holster or new gun, the choice is yours. I vote new holster.

 

[Zundfolge]

What kind of IWB holster are you using?

Cheap nylon holsters like Uncle Mike's are worthless.


A good dual loop or dual clip holster (like an HBE Com or Milt Sparks VersaMax) will carry any gun more comfortably then a $12 Uncle Mike's.

 

[SOLOLUCKY]

THE IWB in question that 'had' been giving me so much discomfort is a Don Hume model, w/ snap straps. i would consider this a "factory custom" holster. not a true custom piece.
i took some "advice" from the folks here since the money is already spent on it and don't wanna toss it in the dreaded "holster box" for eternity and added some "tailing" leather off the bottom edeg and it is MUCH more comfortable now. wore it all day yesterday and its great now.
Thanks all for the advice.
I really wanted to buy a n inexpensive (not cheap though) one to see if IWB was a good alternative for carrying this piece.
now that i know it works a more "custom" holster can be added to my wish list...maybe xmas.
I just was not willing to wait 6 months for a holster that may not work upon recieving it.
i bought an IWB for my 38 snubby back in june and am expecting delivery in about 2-3 weeks. ok, i expected a bit of a wait but 5+ months was too long to wait and go without even knowing if it was a viable holster.