I recently bought a Ruger 1911 Light weight Commander. I had a full sized 1911 in the past and carried it in a shoulder holster rig, which was OK. But, I would like some thoughts and opinions on how to carry my new one. I am a big guy 6'3" 250# Some padding, but not much.
Thanks

Crossbreed SuperTuck IWB works well.

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JR

I use a Kramer belt scabbard made from horse hide. It keeps the Colt close to the body and tucked up nicely. I tried IWB, but it just does not compare with the OWB for me.

You may have to try several different options before you find what is right for you. I went through about 10 holsters until I found what works for me. To be fair, I have two main holsters for my Colt Commander, they are both Kramer, both are belt mounted, and one is cross-draw for long car trips (very comfy when seated for long times).

Good luck in your search.

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On the Oak Savannah

I have carried a full sized gov't model on and off since the 70's. I have carried mine in a Milt Sparks summer special IWB. I am the same size as you ( - 2"), and can carry my 1911 under a loose fitting shirt with no issues.

I would agree with this .....and this is how I carry every day..... but to add my personal experience with 1911 and FS guns in general.
My 1911 holster has an open bottom. In fact it look just like this


What happens is the slide slowly cuts a hole in your jeans. Of course a lot depends on position and cant. I carry right behind the hip and the barrel is right above the rear pocket. I'm thinking a completely covered holster would be better but haven't gotten around to buying one

Steelsaver: Look at this man's web site for an Enhanced Pancake. Color choices, FBI cant or vertical, very fair prices, excellent workmanship. Tucks in tight, but doesn't collapse after draw. I own several & am very satisfied.
Hank M.

Been carrying a full-size 1911 daily for the past 10 years or so, and have been carrying one much of the time for the past 47 years. Not difficult at all with a good holster and belt.

One photo shows my carry rig (Enhanced Pancake Model holster, single mag pouch, B8 Gun Belt). Other photo shows my Combat Classic Model holster.

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I have had my eye on this one but just haven't made the order yet.

Lobo Gun Leather - ENHANCED PANCAKE MODEL

His Enchanced Avenger model would probably be a good one too.

I am from the "old school" that believes a loaded pistol should always be carried on the belt, 4-5 o'clock position, pointing DOWN! - pointing down being most important. Just recently I was in a McDonalds restaurant in a neighboring town and there was a weekend commando in there with an S&W M&P in a horizontal nylon shoulder holster, "pointing" his gun at everyone, including me, as he waltzed around at the counter and throughout the dining area. I would like to have kicked him in the shins, but he was much bigger than me. I hate those horizontal shoulder holster things.

A Commander is a very comfortable gun to carry with the right holster and there are lots of good ones these days. Good luck with your search.

I have a drawer full of holsters for my Colt Commander but the Crossbreed SuperTuck IWB works best for me. I am not a real big guy and do have some padding.

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USAF Retired/VN Vet

I carry a CCO size Sig 1911 in a Sparks Summer Special II...... been using Spark's SSs since the mid 80s.

I don't have a commander size, mine is the smaller Officer size (SA Range Officer Compact). But I will switch off between a REMORA IWB holster which is crazy THIN and easy to just slip in and out. And honestly, the holsters that came with the Springfield package for OWB carry which isn't too bad.

It's been a long time since I daily carried a 1911 (a Colt Satin Commander) but when I did it was when I lived in Florida. I carried it in a Roy Baker pancake. I hear that this fellow makes a holster even better than the original: Rodek Leather Works, Inc. - Home

I have had him custom make some things and his communication, skill and prices are excellent.

Thank you all for your insight. I believe I am going to go with the LOBO enhanced pancake.

Galco KingTuck is almost identical for considerably less money...just as good quality for under $60.00 including shipping from Optics Planet.

I carry a Glock 22 100% of the time using it and couldn't be happier.

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Bob | KM4DEO
Sport | Glock 22

For IWB I use a Galco Summer Comfort, for OWB I use either an avenger style holster that I made or an El Paso Saddlery Combat Express which is like a cross between a Yaqui slide and an avenger style.

IWB, Wilson Combat featherweight, Sharkskin.


OWB, Galco SPD212.

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

I am 6'2 skinny. I carry a 45 full size 1911 cross draw with a standard belt fitted leather holster and oversized shirt. I carry the polished nickel version Rock River Arms.
When in the holster barrel actually goes in my pocket for concealment. Comfortable driving, dirty or walking.
If not, I have a Tauuse millennium I put in a belt mounted black widow leather holster and again cross draw. Either gun I carry is fully concealed and accessible. I do something though that others may not do to reach either quickly. I leave my third button un-buttoned. This way I don't take The chance getting hung up on my shirt trying to gain access.
I have another rig for the full size 1911 that goes through the belt and fits in the small of my back. It tool is molded for the 1911, but it all honesty, I don't care for it because I constantly feel the wait on my back and in reality, the gun is not quickly accessed when in a vehicle.

OH , a Commander ! At first glance I thought you were talk'in a 1911 .

Use whatever style holster works for you with ( modern terminology ) service sized pistols generally.

I also like full sized 1911's , and have carried them also , but the carrying of them is * differnt * . Some ways requiring very specific holsters , and specific clothing. Other ways opening new options that don't work for me with normal sized pistols . But either way 1911 specific. But that silly little .75in let's me treat it like a "normal" semi auto.

AKER FlatSider™ XR7

Jason Winnie J101 and/or J122

These all work fine, choose whatever way you prefer.

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Jorge

I use. Milt sparks summer II IWB and a off brand pancake holster for my Colt Commander.

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Riding, Shooting, and Truth

Milt Sparks VMII. Its the only holster I use for my 1911's and Hi-powers. Spendy, but well worth the money.

For "Commander-size" guns I find a favorite to be the "11 Gear" belt paddle holster that came with my Springfield Champion Operator Light Weight. It fits other similar guns with or without rail, except for Sigs.
The model number on the back is "1911-PH1".

It is a minimalist holster with a trigger guard screw for easy adjustment. It is made in Israel so I expect it is Fobus. It is hard and tough but comfortable for me.
It holds the gun close to me, and if I want a tad more insulation from it I slip the paddle under my belt but outside my pants. I don't think that makes it more easily detected, at least on me.
Springfield Armory 1911 PH1 Gear Kydex Holster

As you didn't indicate a desire to get away from shoulder holsters, the Commander size 1911 should fit in any holster that will accept a full size 1911.

Use both Bullard & El Paso Saddlery (OWB) for Officer size 1911's. Good quality products. Like the Tensioning Screw on the El Paso.

IWB works well.

I carry my Commander in a Lobo Enhance Avenger....


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[QUOTE=M29since14;138542872 Just recently I was in a McDonalds restaurant in a neighboring town and there was a weekend commando in there with an S&W M&P in a horizontal nylon shoulder holster, "pointing" his gun at everyone, including me, as he waltzed around at the counter and throughout the dining area. I would like to have kicked him in the shins, but he was much bigger than me. I hate those horizontal shoulder holster things.

)[/QUOTE]

When I get to be president I am going to make it a hanging offense to even own one. Larry