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This is one of my first posts here. I am trying to find some alternative methods for carrying my 1911. I am a short fat guy and my 1911 is a full size. I normally don't carry off duty. However I live on the MS gulf coast and since Katrina I feel the need to be armed. I am aware of the thunderware stuff but was hoping that you guys could know something better. I am looking for comfort. It does not need to be pretty. With my build it needs to ride low from the waist. I know nothing about shoulder rigs but assumed that they really were'nt an option. I am looking for any input here (other than lose weight ).

<><> Lou Alessi's

. CQC-I...

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<><> Raspy <><>

Try an inside the waistband that rides low like a Sparks EX.

_________________
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒE
Thunder Ranch THG & UR(x2), Gunsite 250C,
Yavapai Firearms Acad HG1(x2), HG2, & SG,
Shootrite Prvt Inst HG, NRA Life Member

When I was larger than I am now I had the same problem as you. I was a 44" waist. Shoulder holsters and IWB holsters were definiteley out of the question. Too uncomfortable and hard to reach.

I agree with Raspy. I found Lou's CQC/s(for snap-on) the most comfortable and easily put on and removed due to the snap-loops. The holster rides just low enough that minimal arm/shoulder rise is needed to present the weapon.

The only other holsters I found that were a really low-ride were kydex models like Blade-Tech. However, you loose a lot in concealment with them.

_________________
"No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave."
Calvin Coolidge

<><> Al,,, I was thinking of the
CQC-I (IWB I think)...

When I was heavier,,, that was the
only IWB that I could wear that
was comfortable... It rides much
lower than any of the other IWB's
that I own...

The design of it keeps the butt of the
weapon in close to the body...

I have a CQC-S on order,,, so I can't
comment on that one yet...

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<><> Raspy <><>

Al, I run between a 44 and 46 waist depending on whether my Liver is inflamed. I don't have any problems with shoulder or IWB holsters. I do enjoy wearing belt holsters also but, most I own are IWB.

Gary

I'm a 52" waist Zydeco, and I have some input for you . I think to answer your question we would have to know your mode of dress . Are you referring to off duty in casual clothes ? In cool weather ? Is it always the 5" 1911 ?

My favorite holster , along with many members here , is an Alessi CQC-S. That's my candidate for a comfortable holster. Like any good rig though , it's dependent on a great gunbelt like Uncle Lou's . Another fantastic source is Josh Bulman. I use only their belts now after trying many . If you need an IWB holster , our resident holster expert , Jason Burton, would recommend Lou's PCH . You can read all about it here: http://www.louderthanwords.us/forum/vie ... php?t=2257

Skinny people tell me that we generously endowed folks have an advantage in carrying. I think that might be true in some ways , but it's problematic in others . For example, I have a problem with my pants slipping down when I'm carrying a heavy steel pistol in a belt holster. I've learned that a holster worn forward as far as is practical minimizes that tendency. Sometimes I have to wear suspenders, other times I carry a lighter gun. If I use a wide footprint holster, such as a CQC-S or a Bulman PDL , wear it at 2:30-3:00 , I might get away without the suspenders. I also prefer a lighter gun, but this varies with dress and time of year.

I have no problem with a shoulder holster as long as it's Lou Alessi's Bodyguard with the pull through snap retention method. My chest is a 57" and Lou made me one with a 4" bigger harness. It's all thin harness leather , custom made, and I won't embarrass Lou by telling you how long I waited for this rig, but it is the most comfortable thing you could imagine (thanks Louie). I could ride cross country and never take it off without complaining. However , I limit the guns to a Commander sized gun at most. The others are all smaller. I have 4 holsters for it and they change with a Chicago screw .

When the weather gets hot I use a Kahr PM9 in a PCS Blackbird pocket holster. The gun has been 100% reliable since new and I trust it . Many others prefer a J-frame and lately I've been thinking about the advantages of winter pocket carry with that small .38.

I really don't find it necessary to stray very far from a belt holster of some kind , and I'm going to list a few that I've tried and found to be super ! I have to dress around the gun and it always requires some thought but I manage to work it out . Sometimes I know I'm not a fashion plate . In the winter I think a lot about how long it would take to deploy my weapon and in the summer how I'm going to conceal it. Both equal problems. I find myself buying bigger pants, bigger and longer shirts, more fleece and sweaters and vests as cover garments. Darker polo and T-shirts and tall sizes instead of just BIG .

Holsters I like very much, not limited to use for a 1911. Some are for an H&K P7, a BHP, Revolvers, the Kahr PM9, and many others but mostly a Commander sized 1911.

Alessi CQC-S, Burns/Alessi GWH, Heinie/Alessi DOJ-S, Alessi PCH, Alessi Watch Six Dual Talon, Alessi ACP, Alessi Talon Plus and Talon.
Brommeland Max Con V
Bulman PDL, Bulman QRH, Bulman QFDS, Bulman TSAP
DelFatti SLP
Ken Null UNS
Milt Sparks VM-II, Watch Six, Summer Special, 55BN

Two things that from my perspective cannot be denied or minimized. A great gunbelt is critical . Not just good . I like Alessi and Bulman 1 1/2" belts best. The second is that for me , nothing works like an Alessi CQC-S with a relatively light gun for comfort. The Bulman PDL might be my favorite IWB . The juries still out on that one ...Tom

Raspy, I tried IWBs, I found the holster pulled the belt across the waist, in a flatter position, and made it uncomfortable for me.
I filled my "holsters from hell" box before finding the few that actually were designed well enough to work properly.

_________________
"No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave."
Calvin Coolidge

<><> Al,,, I know what you mean about
the "holsters from hell" box,,, only mine are
in a couple of drawers in my desk...

When I got my CQC-I,,, I also got an extra
set of loops from Lou that would position the
holster at a 3-4% cant... Needless to say,,, Lou
was correct in his design,,, I went back to the
original loops... Now that set-up is my EDC...

In fact I have another one on order along with
the CQC-S...

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<><> Raspy <><>