3" 1911 iwb

[cmichael22]

I tried carrying my Kimber IWB and it felt a little weird and uncomfortable is that something that goes away after a while or is it better to just carry 1911s OWB? I also read that carrying 1911s IWB after awhile day in and day out can hurt your your lower back if you have had past problems with your back. I have tried a Bianchi ATB and Galco Stow n go for the 1911.

[MW surveyor]

It will always feel weird and uncomfortable. That's why you bought the Kahr because it doesn't feel weird and uncomfortable.

Heck, I don't know. I've only got the full size 1911 and carry it OWB.

[Bawanna]

IWB takes some getting used to with any gun. I never used to be able to handle it but I've acquired a taste for it. I think it's mostly positioning, finding the right spot where it's handy, but comfortable.

I carry full size and most off my commander, usually in a Garrett Silent Thunder, sometimes a PJ. Sometimes just a little cant adjustment makes all the difference.

I still much prefer my Mernickle OWB. It's the most comfortable for me hands down.

Carrying anything on your belt can aggravate your back especially if you've had back problems currently or in the past.
Sometimes just wearing our belt too tight compounds issues too.

I find same gun, same holster, sometimes I can carry without notice all day long, other days it's like a burr in my saddle. Just a matter of finding the right spot.

I have a Fist Ultra Thin IWB on order for my PM45. Not sure I can leave the Dan Wesson behind but in summer I might try. I like something on the belt and not relying on an ankle rig for a primary.

[Raulf]

Milt Sparks IWB Holster, they are the best.

[CJB]

I use the Bianchi Model 3 "Pistol Pocket" for my Officer's or Springfield Compact (4 inch).

Pistol pockets are not flappy bags, but lighter weight traditional holsters, made for securing IWB with an exterior belt loop tab.

Got one for my 3" Ruger SP101 as well. No issues with either.

Still prefer the warm fuzzy of a Kahr PM45 in my pocket though....

[pappy42]

The following opinions and observations are based on lessons learned in 25 years of law enforcement carry and 15+ years of concealed carry under HR 218.

1) Buy your trousers to reflect you waist size including your IWB rig.
2) Buy the best quality IWB holster and gun belt that you can afford.
3) Once you get the good stuff; follow Bawanna's advice. Wear your rig and experiment with positioning, belt tension, undershirts, and stick with it. Don't give up until you really give it a good try.

If you didn't pick up it earlier; a properly constructed gun belt is equal in importance to a properly constructed holster.

[kerby9mm]

I carry all my guns OWB. As long as you have a shirt on which out in public you probably do why be PARANOID of who is looking at me? How can anyone be comfortable sitting in public or driving with a gun IWB poking you wherever you put it. Then again I guess some people can get used to anything but when there is a choice why do it.

[Barth]

I use a CrossFire Elite pancake cross-draw holster.
It actually runs outside the waist band but inside the belt.
I just get the concealment belt (Galco SB1) 2" oversize for the gun.
That's comfortable with my HK45 Compact Tactical.
A 3" 1911 would be cake.
http://www.anacortesgunshop.com/content/images/thumbs/0009013_crossfire_traverse_holster_300.jpeghttp://www.anacortesgunshop.com/images/image/Crossfire/LOGO.jpg
https://www.t-mobilepictures.com/myalbum/thumbnail/photo17/c0/15/da9b84ca22e5__1365344876000.jpeg?tw=0&th=720&s=true&rs=falsehttps://www.t-mobilepictures.com/myalbum/thumbnail/photo26/93/9b/b31d7f5f71db__1365344890000.jpeg?tw=0&th=720&s=true&rs=falsehttps://www.t-mobilepictures.com/myalbum/thumbnail/photo41/dd/11/ed5efa54daf3__1365347149000.jpg?tw=0&th=720&s=true&rs=falsehttps://www.t-mobilepictures.com/myalbum/thumbnail/photo48/44/32/35446d2a3c24__1365344907000.jpeg?tw=0&th=720&s=true&rs=false

[Alfonse]

I use a CrossFire Elite pancake cross-draw holster.
It actually runs outside the waist band but inside the belt.
I just get the concealment belt (Galco SB1) 2" oversize for the gun.
That's comfortable with my HK45 Compact Tactical.
A 3" 1911 would be cake.


That post made me smile. It is probably comfortable for you with two or three HKs.

[Barth]

That post made me smile. It is probably comfortable for you with two or three HKs.

Are you implying I'm not representative of the average 56 year old guy?
Or that I have some obsession with Heckler and Koch handguns?
Or both?!?!?

I may have to plead guilty on both counts...

[O'Dell]

It will always feel weird and uncomfortable. That's why you bought the Kahr because it doesn't feel weird and uncomfortable.

Heck, I don't know. I've only got the full size 1911 and carry it OWB.

That's certainly true for me. I have twenty- five or thirty IWB holsters that cost me many hundreds of dollars over the years and I don't use any of them. I've never found one that I liked. Maybe at 5'11" and 160 pounds, I'm just not built for IWB. I either carry a PM9 or LCP in a pocket or it's a larger gun OWB.

[Alfonse]

Are you implying I'm not representative of the average 56 year old guy?
Or that I have some obsession with Heckler and Koch handguns?
Or both?!?!?

I may have to plead guilty on both counts...

Yeah, it is unusual for you to post about just ONE HK, or barrel, or...

Just another reason this forum is so much fun.

[JFootin]

That's certainly true for me. I have twenty- five or thirty IWB holsters that cost me many hundreds of dollars over the years and I don't use any of them. I've never found one that I liked. Maybe at 5'11" and 160 pounds, I'm just not built for IWB. I either carry a PM9 or LCP in a pocket or it's a larger gun OWB.

Though I find IWB and AIWB carry very comfortable with my CM9 and my J-frame, I am finding what O'Dell says to be true with my largest pistol, the PPQ. I tried a FoxX Hybrid (Crossbreed Style) IWB holster and found it totally unsatisfactory. I absolutely could not holster the gun with the holster on me. The curve of my hip pushed the leather backing into the space made by the kydex half shell, not leaving enough room to get the slide past the edge of the shell. I had to take my pants down to holster the gun! Not only so, but it did not hold the gun close to my body. I sent it back for a refund.

On my PPQ thread (http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?t=15737), I asked those who have and like these hybrid holsters to chime in because I would like to hear about their experiences. But no one responded. :(

I am on the queue for a TT Slim IWB EC Mike's Special leather holster (http://www.ttgunleather.com/catalog/i116.html). Going to see how it does. I have high hopes for that fine holster! Tim Thurner says it is his most comfortable IWB holster, and he says the mouth stays open well for holstering the gun.

But I am extremely satisfied with the Aholster Belt Holster (http://www.lefthandholster.com/Belt_Holster_CB81.php) that I got for the PPQ. It is very comfortable, very stable and secure, and it holds the gun as close as a good IWB holster, making it very concealable!

[JFootin]

Yeah, it is unusual for you to post about just ONE HK, or barrel, or...

Just another reason this forum is so much fun.

+1! Barth's posts are always enjoyable! :)

[Barth]

Yeah, it is unusual for you to post about just ONE HK, or barrel, or...

Just another reason this forum is so much fun.

Well, I thought most were so very tired of my multiple barrel posts.
Truth be known, I originally bought a HK45C with a 3.9" barrel.
Then, as usual, I purchased a second barrel for the gun.
The an OEM extended threaded HK45CT Tactical.
This barrel proved uncomfortable for concealed carry with my existing holsters.
The CrossFire Elite allows me to carry my HK45C in full Tactical form.

That is all...

[muggsy]

The only thing comforting about carrying a 1911 is the end result of a gun fight. :)

[jimsea]

I've tried IWB but never got used to it. Pocket carry the PM9 and .40. Holster carry my 1911s. I am carrying all three pistols in this pic........

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y504/grouperjim/IMG_0361_2_zps4bad6475.jpg?t=1366076876

[JohnR]

My Bersa 45 is Officer size and similar in weight, and I could not IWB it until I tried just the right holster. It's a custom leather job made locally, originally for a different pistol, but the Bersa fits perfectly. Simple design, the belt clip is behind the mass of the gun so it doesn't contribute to the thickness.

[cmichael22]

Has anybody tried carrying IWB, but between your belt and your pants? So then it would be a little more concealable than OWB and a little more comfortable than IWB.

[Bawanna]

If memory serves which it most likely don't, that is Barth's preferred method of carry.

Pants a size or two bigger would probably help your comfort issues.

I do suffer from the malady of pants and belts shrinking in use. I can't put my finger on it. Thought maybe the wife was using water too hot but I have nothing to apply to the belt to explain the shrinkage.

[cmichael22]

Does it have to be specifically made for that purpose or can you use any IWB in that fashion? I was thinking if I need one specifically made for that a Milt Sparks mirage or a fist holsters clip holster looked like they would do a good job.

[Bawanna]

Does it have to be specifically made for that purpose or can you use any IWB in that fashion? I was thinking if I need one specifically made for that a Milt Sparks mirage or a fist holsters clip holster looked like they would do a good job.

I've never heard of a holster specifically made for that purpose. Personally I'm not fond of the concept, just doesn't seem right to me but many do it so it has to work.
I don't like the concept of pocket carry either and many are fond of that.

I have a Fist Clip holster on order, I'm not sure what the lead time it, they never responded to that question. I went the ultra thin
The ones I've seen here at work are almost like no holster at all, kind of anxious to see it and try it out.

[cmichael22]

Fist looks like they have a bunch of choices to choose from, but the one thing I don't understand is what is a cant and is it something to have?

[Bawanna]

Fist looks like they have a bunch of choices to choose from, but the one thing I don't understand is what is a cant and is it something to have?

Cant is the angle that the gun rides on your belt. Many like them to lean forward so to speak. This keeps the butt of the pistol further forward and less likely to print as bad.
Since many kind of lean forward on the draw some cant isn't a bad thing.

I personally like straight up or very slight forward cant. I sit full time so while I may lean forward it doesn't change the relationship of my hand to my waist really.

Some who like to carry appendix carry actually prefer reverse cant, have the but angle back so you pull it up and back on the draw, keeping the gun close to body and more rapidly on line with the target.

It's personal choice and another reason for some many full holster drawers.

That is one plus to some like the Silent Thunder, you can easily adjust the cant to work for you.
Cant is also effected by where you wear the holster, the further back like say 4 oclock and back the more cant you might want. I like 3 oclock straight up or slightly more 330 to 4 depending on the day.

[cmichael22]

You will have to let me know how that Fist holster works out for you!

[JFootin]

Does it have to be specifically made for that purpose or can you use any IWB in that fashion? I was thinking if I need one specifically made for that a Milt Sparks mirage or a fist holsters clip holster looked like they would do a good job.

Del Fatti makes a couple of holsters for that purpose:
http://delfatti.com/2011%20BPB.html

[cmichael22]

Has anybody heard if the Sleeping Dog by JBP are good holsters?

http://www.jbpholsters.com/servlet/the-38/Leather-gun-holster-ambidextrous/Detail

[MW surveyor]

There are a whole bunch of people that make that kind of slide holster. They are pretty much one size fits all. They do come in small and large. Retention is not good OWB if you want to do cartwheels. IWB they are OK but I'd plan on wearing an undershirt/t-shirt.

I have one and do use it from time to time. Best way to wear it OWB for a bit more retention is to place it between your belt and pants. The clip works pretty well for the IWB but make sure you wear a belt. :D

[JFootin]

Has anybody heard if the Sleeping Dog by JBP are good holsters?

http://www.jbpholsters.com/servlet/the-38/Leather-gun-holster-ambidextrous/Detail

Not much of a holster, IMO. You spend hundreds on a gun. Don't go cheap on the holster(s) you get to carry it in.

[cmichael22]

What do you consider a cheap holster like anything under $100 or under $50?

[JFootin]

What do you consider a cheap holster like anything under $100 or under $50?

No. There are some surprisingly well made holsters under $50. What I am saying is get something with some substance to it. Thoughtful design, careful molding and stitching, a sweat guard, etc. Put some thought into it. Learn about why certain popular designs work so well. About the most popular design is the leather pancake holster. A good pancake holster can carry that 3" 1911 comfortably, and keep it so close to your body that it is very concealable under a loose shirt. Yesterday, I was wearing my CM9 in a Mitch Rosen 5JR pancake that I got used from a KT member. Here is a superb one that is under $100, the RGrizzle Country Boy (http://www.rgrizzleleather.com/pricingandordering.html) (page down to find it):
http://www.rgrizzleleather.com/P239CBMAHOGANY1.JPG

Good luck with your holster search! :)

[cmichael22]

That does look like a nice holster, but I like the ones that are not looped on the belt and either button or clip on and are easy to put on and take off.
I do not know much about this company, but I hear good things.

http://www.fist-holsters.com/vm.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=44&category_id=1

http://www.fist-holsters.com/vm.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=9&category_id=1

[JFootin]

I don't have any experience with FIST holsters, but I have heard good things and have found many of their designs interesting.

I understand what you are saying about the easy on/off with snap loops and clips. I have many holsters with those features. But think for a moment. How often during the day are you going to be taking off and putting on your carry holster? I decide what gun/holster I am going to carry in the morning, and I don't take it off until at night or bedtime. The reason I recommended that pancake holster is because that design really presses the gun in close to your body, making it very good for concealed carry. It is also very comfortable and it doesn't make your pants sag down like many holsters do, especially carrying a gun with some weight to it. Plus, if you are a righty, you just have to take your belt out of 2 loops to put the holster on. Not much trouble at all. I am a lefty, so I have to take my belt out of all but 1 loop to put the holster on. I do it gladly in order to enjoy my pancake holsters. I have thought about wearing my belt backwards, but that's the way girls wear them, so no. :o

In fact, today I ordered that RGrizzle pancake for my Walther PPQ. And I am presently wearing my CM9 in my Mitch Rosen 5JR pancake. It's been on me all day.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/mba656/guns/DSC03837.jpg

So, you see, I am doing what I am recommending. JMHO. YMMV. :)