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OK, I'm going to start wearing my full size 1911 with an IWB holster (Lou's Dual Talon Watch Six). I'm anxiously waiting for Lou's PCH (Professional Carry Holster). Obviously hiding the butt is always a challange.

Seems like I'm able to hide the butt easoer when it's almost parallel to my side. But I've seen them worn half way between the middle of the back and the hip. Also, just behind the hip by about 1-2 inches.

Any photos or suggestions on best placement of gun?

I wear mine at the 4 o'clock position. It seems to hide the frame of the gun easier. Makes it a little more comfortable as well.

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I follow Steve's lead, and sometimes it slides a bit further back then that. Anything further forward, and I'm printing big time.

JeffVN

So further back means it's almost completely behind your back, but not in the middle of the back?

Hoser – I’ve never had any trouble hiding the butt of a 5” 1911. My problem always seems to be the tang on the grip safety of the rear sights poking out when the gun is covered with a T-shirt or the like. But everybody’s build and gun choice is going to determine allot.

When I wear an IWB, which is everyday, I put the centerline of the gun at about 3:30 or just behind the point of my hip. With a holster that has a slight muzzle rear rake (like the PCH, S/S, VM-2, etc), the 3:30 placement generally settles the top of the rear sight at right about 3:00. This is the perfect placement for me and affords the fastest and most convenient draw stroke. Any further forward and the gun will dig unmercifully into my hip. Any further back and I feel like the gun may as well be in an MOB rig and the draw stroke seems very unnatural.

Depending on your build I would wager that the position I described above will work for you once you get your PCH from Lou. I also suspect you concerns about hiding the butt of the pistol will be greatly reduced. I found the PCH to tuck the butt of the pistol closer to my side than any IWB I’ve used or tested in the past... and that’s been a few. The belt loops on the PCH seem to be a pivot point of sorts. Once the belt is secured and cinched tight, the leather extension at the front of the holster pushes the rig outward from ones body causing the rig to pivot at the belt line and force the exposed portion of the gun against the wearers side. Very trick design!!!

Now if I can only get my PCH from Lou, I'll be set! The wait is killing me!

I know how you feel...

Geeze, I hope I ordered mine before all of you. I hate the wait!


Brian

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Brian

I would agree with Jason. 3:30 is just about ideal. Luigi is bending a nice radius around the front edge of the holster, so it should fit nicely into your hip and not creep around. The best thing to do is try a few different positions and find what is most comfortable. There is no ideal placement that works for everyone. I would suggest that you try to wear the IWB at the same location as you wear a belt holster if possible.

Josh

Agreeing with Josh and Jason, I generally carry around 3:30 position with the pistol's slide-top/rear sight at 3:00. But everyone's physical build, manual dexterity, motor skills, and choice of clothing is different, so what works for me may be out the question for you. This is something you really have to experiment with on your own. And don't just stand in front of a mirror and look at yourself from the front; look from all angles, bend over, etc. and see when, where, why, and how the gun prints and adjust accordingly.

Another thing to keep in mind, different pants will cause the pistol to ride differently with an IWB, or any belt holster. A pair of jeans generally rides lower on the waist than khaki's or especially dress pants. A set-up that conceals great with jeans may ride too hide with a dressier pair of pants and not conceal as well, even with the exact same top concealing garment being used.

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The picture showed the PCH in the 4 o'clock position. I can slide it forward a bit so the straps straddles the belt loop (3:30 o'clock).

Like Mr. Bulman, Garrity and Burton said, try it around a few spots on your waist. There is a "sweet spot" that you'll find the set up most comfortable. Sweet spots are different for everybody. Mine may not be the same as yours.

Good luck.

Howdy, guys!

As many have already mentioned, everyone is built a little different, and what works for me may not work for you. Having said that, I can easily hide a 5" 1911 under a tee shirt with a Max-Con V - at about 4:00 - 4:30 it tucks the grip in that hollow spot just below my bottom rib.
For that reason, my IWB's tend to have a bit more rake than is common(about 24 degrees) to help facilitate a draw from further back.
But again, everyone is different...

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