Trying IWB carry

[Charger]

I've been carrying and mostly lurking here for a long time. I recently decided to change my carry mode, so I thought I'd share. Up until now I've been carrying an S&W 642 inside my front pocket. A while ago I picked up a Dan Wesson CBOB, wanting to increase my carry firepower. I decided on the 1911 platform since they are much thinner than more modern double stack 45s. I picked up a true carry belt from The Belt Man, and an IWB holster from AKJ Concealco to make it all work.

This weekend I tested it in public for the first time. This is wearing shorts and a normal Tshirt. I have to say I am very happy so far. Printing wise I am not even worried about it. I am 5-11, 230lbs. The wife didnt even notice. You can certainly tell the 1911 is there, but it isnt uncomfortable. Freeing up a pocket sure is nice too. Even though the CBOB is relatively long (8" overall?) sitting is not an issue.

So, for those of you wondering, carrying what is almost a full size firearm is certainly doable with the right accessories.

[C-dub]

I've been carrying IWB for a few months now and I am also getting quite comfortable with it. I started out OWB this morning and switched to IWB after it warmed up a little and went down to just one shirt instead of the undershirt and cover shirt. With a decent holster I think you will like this method.

[USA1]

This sounds almost identical to me. Same height and almost the same weight.
I've also been carrying a 642 in the front pocket and just started carrying a 1911 IWB.

Even with this larger, heavier gun, I find it to be quite comfortable and concealability is not a problem
with my everyday clothes (T-Shirt and Shorts).

I've always been a fan of Crossbreed but I picked up this CompTac and I am equally pleased with it.

[fm2]

Nice job!

[blackdog8200]

A good belt like one of the contoured Galcos will make all the difference with your set up IWB or OWB. They are stiff yet fitted and don't roll or wear out like a cheaper belt. Glock 17 IWB and I forget it is there.....I use the cheap NRA slide holster. Shorts, jeans, dress pants, no worries.

[blackdog8200]

This sounds almost identical to me. Same height and almost the same weight.
I've also been carrying a 642 in the front pocket and just started carrying a 1911 IWB.

Even with this larger, heavier gun, I find it to be quite comfortable and concealability is not a problem
with my everyday clothes (T-Shirt and Shorts).

I've always been a fan of Crossbreed but I picked up this CompTac and I am equally pleased with it.

Now I have Kimber envy.....

Someone quoted Ron White, "Once you own one handgun, you pretty much want to own them all."

[dgindrup]

thats a beautiful holster.. I think I know what Im asking for for Christmas

[dessl]

usa1.....Do you carry with the hammer cocked?

[bigred90gt]

I'm carrying a Para CCO 3.5" 1911 in a Crossbreed supertuck, and it is almost strange how comfortable it is. The first day I went out with a CCW, I carried my XD in a cheap right handed OWB clip on holster carried IWB on the left side, and it was unbelievably uncomfortable. The right holster will make a world of difference.

I think for my next carry weapon, I am going to buy the comp-tac, for the fact that it has the interchangeable kydex bodies, and because it ships from Houston within a few days of ordering it, vs 4or so weeks it took to get the crossbreed.

[USA1]

usa1.....Do you carry with the hammer cocked?

Absolutely! One in the pipe, hammer back, safety on. That's the only proper way to carry a 1911.

[The Annoyed Man]

usa1.....Do you carry with the hammer cocked?

Cocked and locked is the only rational way to carry a 1911 and have a reasonable expectation of being able to use it in an emergency. It is safer than carrying it any other way.

I carried a full sized Springfield Loaded 1911 all day long today - cocked and locked OWB in a Galco Concealable Belt Holster - and had no trouble concealing it. And I'm fatter than all a youze guyz.

1911s are beautiful for concealed carry.

[bigred90gt]

I've been looking at that particular Galco, and am thinking it will be my winter (2 weeks of light jacket) weather holster.

[hangfour]

Thanks for the post. I've been carrying IWB since I started carrying (not that long ago) but I just switched from a S&W snubbie to a Kimber mid-size 1911. It is just as comfortable as my snubbie and much more comforting. I'm waiting for a crossbreed but in the interim I snagged a Bianchi 5" 1911 IWB holster and with my dremmel tool cut 1" off the end ... seems to work just fine.

[Abraham]

Doesn't IWB preclude fast access?

Don't you have to grab your cover garment (whatever it may be) and then pull it out of your waistband and over your carry piece so you may then access it?

If I've explained it accurately, carrying in a fanny pack is about the equivalent in speedy access, ah, alright, not so speedy access...

I sometimes carry in a fanny pack that doesn't look like a typical design, in fact, it looks like it carries binoculars or some other optical or even medical gear. It's designed so if I have to access my pistol I can have it out "relatively" fast, but not nearly as fast as when it's in my OWB synthetic material holster.

So, after all this verbiage, what I would like to know is what advantage is there using IWB vs. all the other ways to carry?

Thanks!

[The Annoyed Man]

So, after all this verbiage, what I would like to know is what advantage is there using IWB vs. all the other ways to carry?

Thanks!

Generally speaking, IWB will provide deeper concealment, and it allows you to wear shorter shirt-tails. I tend to prefer OWB for comfort reasons, but that's just me.