just can't get comfortable carrying. I'm 5'9" 160 lbs. slim build, I've tried shoulder, OWB, and IWB, I've spent a small fortune.

My preferred carry gun is a 1911 in compact or commander size, OWB. I normally wear blue jeans or Khakis. It's just not working for me; it pulls on my clothes too much.

Anyone my size with suggestions? Thanks.

You’re carrying a pretty heavy gun, but with a proper gun belt, it shouldn’t be an issue. I used to carry a s&W 5946 in a Desantis OWB holster and it was fine. I also have a 4566 I carry occasionally and with a good belt it doesn’t sag.

If that doesn’t work you’re gonna have to choose a lighter gun. A Shield in .45 would be much lighter.

As far as I'm concerned, carrying a side arm is a PITA no matter how you do it. Regardless of which firearm and/or which holster/carry method. Whatever you feel the most comfortable with I guess.

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SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS

What does Clint Smith say? Carrying a gun is not mean to be comfortable, it's meant to be comforting.

1911, you're doing something wrong. Being reasonably tall and slim should make it easier to carry a gun; we short, chubbettes are the ones with issues. But I have solved them long ago.

Your 1911s might be some heavier than the guns I choose but, still, right belt and holster should be no problem.

This is me - something else might work for you:

Daily - inside the pocket, all steel J frame in a good pocket holster in jeans or slacks. Pants must fit well and the belt must be snug to support the weapon.

Also daily - because I switch - IWB Walther CCP 9mm in a Kydex holster designed specifcially for that gun. Top quality gun belt to support the weapon and my pants and when wearing a gun IWB my jeans or whatever pants will be a size too large in order to accomodate the weapon.

Covering the gun will either be a shirt worn untucked or a vest or a jacket.

Note: I have leather for this gun, too, and I can wear it OWB if I want. Then I just adjust what pants I choose, the belt is the same, as are the coverings. Spare mag always has a place somewhere if I decide to bring one along.

HOWEVER, in loose, cargo pants, using a Remora pocket holster, I can carry this gun in a pocket all day long.

I also occasionally carry 2" S&W K frame revolvers IWB or OWB. Same rules apply.

So, if an old, short chubby can carry a gun every day anyone can do it.

Sometimes my pants might sag. So that can happen to anyone, anytime. Hoist'em up, go on about my day.

YMMV

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Come and take it!!

Do a search for Will Sherwood leather Texas.
He has a facebook page. Builds a "Burke style" holster for 1911. He worked with Mr. Burke prior to his passing and gives credit to him. If u get a good belt should be able to carry without flopping around. I carry full size to kimber ultra no difficulty. Check it out. Might work for you

"it pulls on my clothes too much" (quote).

That phrase caught my attention. What types of clothing do you usually wear?

Softly woven fabrics tend to be somewhat clinging and can easily catch on parts of the handgun or holster.

Closely tailored clothing can bind up around anything projecting from the body.

Back in the days that I transitioned from uniformed duty to plain clothes I learned a few valuable lessons:

1. Full cut clothing is better than closely tailored.
2. All of my suit coats and sport coats were modified with a strip of light canvas around the torso area. This prevents tearing of the jacket linings and keeps the weapon and holster from binding up in softer fabrics. I also had my trousers modified by moving the belt loops to locations that did not interfere with holster placement.
3. Clothing with some "body" (broadcloth, canvas, leather, etc) is better than soft weaves (light T-shirts, polo shirts, sweaters, silk, satin, etc).
4. Hard grip materials tend to bind in cloth much less than soft rubber grips.

Some suggestions to consider. The old phrase that comes to mind is "dressing around the gun".

I'm considerably bigger than you, but like you I have tried a lot of holsters.
I have settled pretty much on Outside Waist Band (OWB). I carry just
behind my strong (right) side hip at about 4 O'Clock. The holsters that
work best for me are the pancake styles, worn high and fairly tight, can
usually be concealed with just an untucked shirt.

A good pancake for the 1911 is Bucheimer's Concealer shown on the left
below. I carry cocked and locked so kinda like the extra measure of
safety of the strap between the hammer and the firing pin.

If I was going to be driving some long distance, which I don't do much
anymore, I prefer a crossdraw like this Hunter 55L 2nd from left.

If I happened to be invited to a BBQ I would probably show up with
the Heiser 728 shown 3rd from left.

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In Omnia Paratus

I too like a pancake style holster and a stiff belt for heavier / larger guns. One thing not addressed is your gun itself. Is it steel frame? That's a lot of uneeded weight if so.

I often carry an aluminum frame Kimber officers sized .45 1911. I believe it weighs 25 ounces, same ball park as a plastic pistol.

Larry

Have you tried El Paso saddlery?

I carry a Kimber Ultra Carry in a Milt Sparks VMII which I find extremely comfortable for this size of 1911 format.

I’m 5’10” and 220lb.

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I'm going to echo a couple of previous posts.

A good belt is very important. I like Beltman double-layer belts. I've tried both a 1.5" bullhide belt and a 1.25" horsehide belt, and they both do a good job supporting my Govt Model, carried IWB. They also make belts with additional reinforcement, and there are a variety of good quality belt makers who make similar quality belts.

Clothing is important. I use button-down short-sleeve shirts with dark patterns (to disguise any printing) a size larger than I need. I only have a cheap Uncle Mike's IWB holster (for now), and it doesn't print significantly more than my PX4 Compact (grip frame is about Glock 19 size) when bending over. I imagine with a better quality holster, like a Kramer IWB #3, it'd print less. I've done the same with a Beretta 92FS.

As Lobo said, grip material and texture can be a factor. The Govt Model I've been carrying has Hogue checkered cocobolo grips, and I find they don't snag my shirts. I use granulated Talon Grips on my PX4 Compact. While they come with an aggressive texture, I sand them down before installation so they'll still give me a good grip but won't snag on my clothing. My snubs use either smooth wood or smooth plastic grips. What I have found is that if my shirt does get snagged, it's usually one of two situations: 1) getting caught on the bottom edge of the backstrap, or 2) getting caught between my body and the gun. While it may be more extreme than holster/belt selection, having your guns bobtailed or round-butted may help.

One suggestion, if you haven't tried it already, is to get a holster with more of a forward cant (20-22* instead of the usual 15*). The Kramer IWB #3 and TT Gunleather's IWB Mike's Special both do that. They'll also pull the butt of the gun into the body for better concealment. I don't know of any OWB holsters offhand with a more forward cant.

While I am not your size, I do recall reading about a FBI Special Agent who was 5'6" and 155lbs, IIRC, who regularly carried concealed a Sig P226.

Hope that helps. Good luck in your search.

A VMII-style holster is a good suggestion. It'll probably give you the lowest profile of any belt holster. The Mike's Special I mentioned in my previous post is a VMII-style.

I'm 5'9" 165lbs.......

My "normal" everyday carry is a S&W3913 in a Milt Sparks IWB Summer Special holster with one or two extra mags. Belts are key; I use a Wilderness Tactical Frequent Flyer Belt (5 stitch) about $40 or a Bianchi B12 leather 1 1/2" x 36 ( Since the mid/late 80s) about $65.... at about 4-5 O'clock

Either belt will also allow me to carry guns like 3" 66 and 2 speedloaders..... Smith PC Shorty-9 (6906) or a Beretta 92 Compact/Centurion and one or two spare mags.

Another good holster is the Sparks "Executive Companion" which sits a bit lower than the SSpecial... I'm still using Sparks holster that dated back to the late 80s (PPK) and 90s................

Been carrying concealed since about 1985 on a daily basis... back in those days it was a Walther PPK with a suit and a 2 1/2" Model 19 or Colt Commander on weekends.... always with at least one reload.

I'm practically the same build as you (OP). I'll echo what everyone here has said about belts. Get a good one that stays stiff but fairly comfortable. I, personally, don't like IWB holsters. Living in a more northern climate I can get away with OWB most of the time...

I, like crazyphil, carry owb, and have carried that way exclusively for many years. I have a number of options when it comes to weapon of choice but generally it’s a .45 in either revolver or full size 1911.
While at one time I was a bit of a “leather snob” (I still am with my wheel guns ), today I usually carry my 1911 in a kydex from 2A Holsters, and am embarrassed to say how many of his (Tom) that I now have. They are excellent. I should add that these days I only carry with some form of paddle or similar easy on/off method. 2A Hoster has come up with his own version, not a paddle per se but is a unique and very secure method. If you are open to kydex you might think of Tom at 2A, and tell him Shimon sent you .
BTW, I am 5’ 11”, and these days around 160lbs.

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!אחרי
144:1

This is why we all have the big box o' holsters in the corner. Even with the same body style and size and same gun, what works for one may not work for another. Good suggestions above. I'll add one. I'm bigger than you, but not by a large difference. When I'm feeling 1911'ish, I carry a Sig Sauer Fastback Emperor Scorpion Carry, 4" bbl., in a Galco Speed Paddle Holster. For me, and Walt Longmire, it's very comfortable and serviceable.

Good luck with your search.

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

+1 on the Galco paddle. I have one and it’s a great leather option.

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!אחרי
144:1

1. Just held a .45 Shield for the first time, significantly thinner than I expected. Good trigger. Might help for IWB.

2. I’ve had great luck ebaying unliked holsters. Cuts the loss.

What kind of belt are you wearing? What specific holsters have your tried?

Here is a picture of Sparks VMII

Another good choice would be DeSantis HRT. When the FBI
Hostage Rescue Team went to 1911s they went to DeSantis
for holsters.

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In Omnia Paratus

Larger than you, and did 3 decades as an LEO, about half that in plainclothes. A lot of time in vehicle and a lot of time afoot.

Usually armed with a duty size weapon, from a M66 4" to various M1911's for OD and ended with the last two autos being a M1076 and 4566.
- Tried a LOT of different holster designs. Most officers just took whatever the Quartermaster handed them for plainclothes. Usually a so-so quality pancake design.
I experimented with shoulder rigs (young guys love trying them out), small-of-back., various pancake designs, paddle rigs and settled on what would become known mostly as the Bruce Nelson design OWB scabbard style holster with neutral cant, worn about ~4:30 to 5 o'clock.

The scabbard style uses minimal leather (important in hot/humid locales, like Summer where I worked) and does an outstanding job of 'tucking' the butt of the gun in, enhancing both comfort and concealability.
The benefits of the scabbard design are all tied to having a quality gun belt. Basic dress belts make most of the benefits evaporate.

Whenever I would advise that to fellow Detectives, it was obvious they didn't wanna spend money on a real gun belt when their Sears/JC Penny /WalMart belt was holding up their pants just fine.

The scabbard design is about all I use anymore, from a variety of makers - Lobo (old and new owners), Hume (JIT style), Wild Bill's Concealment, Haugen, El Paso and a few others. But - it's gotta be on a decent gun belt, be it leather, or what I find myself using a lot these days, reinforced nylon.

Good luck.

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

1st, a lightweight Commander carries easier than a steel frame. 2nd, as noted several times above, you need a good belt... department store belts are not up to the task.

I've carried a Commander as my main 'go-to' for ~30 years, IWB or OWB depending on the weather. In that time, I've boiled down to two primary holsters...

For OWB, I like the Askins style straight cant, just in front of the hip. A second choice is the typical 'pancake' style, behind the hip. Both of these have more than one loop to stabilize the weight.

IWB, I use a Galco holster that is much like the Sparks VMII shown above. Widely separated snap loops for stability, and it doesn't stack 'width' on the same axis as the gun. Over the years I've come to the opinion that clips (steel or plastic) suck, and single loops allow the whole package to move around too much. For a small, light gun, I will use a 'Summer special' type holster, but not for a full size.

6'2 x 180#, 34W, after having gone through a bunch the Wildnerness Frequent Flyer 5 Stitch or Hank's Gunner 1.5" are my EDC belts. The Wilderness can be adjusted to the micro level. Hank's is better for heavier pants such as jeans. Without a good belt, there are no good holsters.
Us lean folks are more 'sensitive' to carrying any kind of extra weight, cause we don't, so consider carrying a lighter framed weapon.

Like LCC said, without a good belt there are no good holsters. I have an old G. Wm davis gunbelt from the late 70's. Still stronger than any of the current belts I have tried. I prefer an Askins Avenger holster or a Milt Sparks I O slide. Carries My 1911 just ducky.

What you need is a quality double thickness gun belt.

I carry (if I legally can) from the moment I put my pants on in the morning until I take them off at night. I carry a pretty hefty S&W 5906 (over 2lbs) in an inside-the-waistband High Noon holster (their low end Mister Softy model). I generally wear untucked Polo style shirts that are loose fitting and jeans. It's so comfortable that I often forget I'm carrying a firearm.

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Jason Winnie DB1.75 double layer belt and J122 IWB holster and you'll be all set. This set is so comfortable, once it's worn in you'll almost forget you are carrying a gun...



In this picture you'll see a single layer belt, which is my personal EDC. Back when I was on duty I did wear a double layer belt. It works perfect for me.

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Jorge

I have back & hip problems that prevent wearing a hip holster or carrying a heavy gun. My cold weather carry is a 340PD and an LCP in warm weather, both in a pocket holster. Shoulder holsters don’t work for me, too uncomfortable.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

38 in a front pocket. Anything else is a pain. Maybe more effective, but a pain.

Groo here
As you dress in what would be called "outdoorsey"
or "western" , I might suggest a carry vest.
Mine is a "Wyoming Trader" that is western cut and shorter [good for car/truck /chair]
The vest can be had in various weights [summer winter]
The holster is an elastic pouch style and can hold both revolvers and autos.
I tested it with 2[two] officers light weight 1911, 4[four] 10 round mags, all loaded with 56 rounds of 230gr ammo...
Went a full day ,walking and car travel ...
Yes it is heavy but doable..
Now carry a single officer with 2 10 rounders. no sweat.
Ps , the vest is made for horse back wear so the holster
leans to security over speed.
PPS mine is also the shorter style . just to belt level or so.
so to others , it looks like I am not carrying because you can see the belt
sometimes..... no holster to show...

I never could get used to IWB. For hiking I prefer a shoulder holster for 1911's. El Paso Saddlery makes good stuff. For EDC I've grown to like paddle holsters and LW pistols. That means polymer. I know that's a dirty word for some but it's a tool like a shovel, not safe queen or a range toy. Paddle holsters are easy on, easy off. If you going to driving for awhile just pop it off until you exit the vehicle.

I'd tell you what my rig is but it doesn't matter. Polymer single stack 9's are light and paddle holsters are comfortable.

US gov't type shoulder holsters were designed for air crews and tankers. They work great for 1911's and revolvers.

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That's just somebody talkin.

I am 5' 9 1/2" and weigh 165. I spent some time testing the best carry position for me before settling at 2 o'clock (just in front of my strong side hip bone) for inside the pants carry.

I found that my thick 1.5" double-stitched gun belt is a must to keep my weapon tucked in close to my body.

I carry either an S&W 3953 or an S&W 4053 in a Don Hume H715-M WCS holster and often forget I'm wearing my EDC even though the loaded pistol with holster weighs 32 and 37 ounces respectively.

Milt Sparks on a Milt Sparks belt. Any of them will do. Pick your poison.

There are plenty of options out there but every Milt Sparks I have used has been great.

Thank you all for the feedback and suggestions. Part of my frustration was my Crossbreed 1.5" gun belt would not thread into my new Milt Sparks horsehide/shark holster for my new WC EDC-X9.

After your encouragement, I called Milt Sparks holsters. They were very helpful and suggested I do the stretch procedure using a plastic bag on the belt and stretching the loop. The same way you use on breaking in a new holster. I was too frustrated and I was concerned about messing up the holster beyond replacement.

Anyway, I've managed a day wearing it and it seams to be working.

Again, thank you all.

Carrying a gun for a living, I figured out a long time ago that a proper pants belt (leather) is a requirement for comfortable carry. Midway sells a very good belt for such activities as well as many other professional leather manufacturers. IWB never worked for me as in and out of a car always seemed to either jab me in the side while being uncomfortable. Wearing pants a waist size too large does make it doable but without the gun, you get the droopy drawers thing going on. Open top pancake style in leather are my go to holsters for revolver or auto on a good belt.

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S&W factory revolver armorer

FWIW, I lean to IWB holsters and my favorite, hands down, are Aliengear. Ever tried one of theirs?

I haven't carried a 1911 in one, but I have carried a Taurus PT145 double-stack 45ACP in one, and it is about the same thickness & height as an Officer model 1911, and probably more weight (due to the ammo load).

With a good belt they are incredibly comfortable. With a smaller gun it is easy to forget you're even wearing it. Easily the most comfortable holsters I own, and I have a bunch of holsters of various styles for several different guns.

Lifetime warranty, free exchange of shells if you change guns, extra shells are only $16 if you want to use the same holster base for different guns. I'm a big fan.

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Send lawyers, guns & money...

Sounds like more of a belt problem than a holster problem.

I'd say this is "on target". A good belt and holster along with a wardrobe that lends toward easier concealment.

Carrying a serious handgun daily 12 hrs a day is not ever 100% comfortable. As said above it's "comforting", not comfortable. You do become accustomed to it eventually. I carry a 3" 686+ from the time I wake up til bed-time in either a SimplyRugged pancake OWB or a Milt Sparks Summer Special IWB. I don't really notice the gun most of the time, I'm just used to it being there I guess.

The Cure:

Gun Belts – Amish Made Belts

There are many options on the web. This it just what worked for me.

Wilson Combat Lo-profile, OWB, very concealable and comfortable.

[QUOTE=crazyphil;140972948]I'm considerably bigger than you, but like you I have tried a lot of holsters.
I have settled pretty much on Outside Waist Band (OWB). I carry just
behind my strong (right) side hip at about 4 O'Clock.]

Phil has got to be the best dressed guy I know, BBQ or not.

Have a blessed day,

Leon