New to m1911 site...got a question..

[Thrill]

Hello folks...
Obviously I am new to the m1911 site, but not to guns. I grew up outdoors with guns, mostly hunting. I have purchased a new Kimber Compact CDP-II over a Sig P245....which was a tough choice... I wish I could have gone home with both :(

Now my question. I have a CCW and have looked through tons of holster sites for a vertical shoulder holster for my Kimber. I need a vertical, not horizontal, because I ride a sportbike (Aprilia RSV-R) and am pretty much laying forward on the gas tank a good part of the time. The horizontal holsters don't work to well here and my girlfriend actually lost her Sig P245 this way (luckily she got it back) :eek: As anyone who carrys concealed and rides a sportbike would know what I am talking about... any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.

BTW this site rocks :D

Oh yea I believe the barrel is 4" or 4.25"....

[Huevos]

I don't use shoulder holsters and haven't seen one in a vertical but you might try giving Milt Sparks a call and see what they say. If they don't make one they should know who does. BTW, the Compact CDP is a 4" barrel. Good luck and welcome to the forum...

[OD*]

Here's a horizontal that would work
http://www.andrewsleather.com/monarch_c.jpg
http://www.andrewsleather.com/

[ABQShooter]

Galco makes an excellent vertical shoulder holster that will give you a lifetime of service.

[Thrill]

Galco makes an excellent vertical shoulder holster that will give you a lifetime of service.

What model are you refering to? I have looked at the Explorer (vertical), but it is only for a Kimber with a 5" barrel....

Yes Galco has very good horizontal holsters, Miami Classic and SSII ....

OD - that is just how my girlfriend lost her SIG while riding a sportbike....

I heard about a Bianchi shoulder that has a clamshell to hold the gun, but I have not seen it on the Bianchi site.... anyone know about this?

[JACKBURTON1968]

I carried my Colt 1911 Defender.45acp with a Galco miami classic. But shoulder holsters in general make it hard to stay comfortable. It seemed I always had to keep my jacket on or else risk a store full or restaurant full of people giving me the stare down. It also doesn't stay cold inside. having to keep my jaket or coat on got really sweaty.
I went to a Galco Summer Comfort (IWB). All I have to do is take off my jacket and untuck my shirt. It is easily put on and removed with snaps.(when going to the John).

With you riding a bike and all. What you might consider is waistpacking your firearm until you get to your destination, then slide it into your shoulder holster. If you think you'll lose your gun from a shoulder holster, chances are you may lose it from any other style, too.

Another suggestion comes to mind before I close. There are a few jacket makers (Coronado Leather) out there who make a motorcycle jacket with a conceal (pocket) holster especially for handguns.

Good Luck finding the style you like.

[Thrill]

I carried my Colt 1911 Defender.45acp with a Galco miami classic. But shoulder holsters in general make it hard to stay comfortable. It seemed I always had to keep my jacket on or else risk a store full or restaurant full of people giving me the stare down. It also doesn't stay cold inside. having to keep my jaket or coat on got really sweaty.
I went to a Galco Summer Comfort (IWB). All I have to do is take off my jacket and untuck my shirt. It is easily put on and removed with snaps.(when going to the John).

With you riding a bike and all. What you might consider is waistpacking your firearm until you get to your destination, then slide it into your shoulder holster. If you think you'll lose your gun from a shoulder holster, chances are you may lose it from any other style, too.

Another suggestion comes to mind before I close. There are a few jacket makers (Coronado Leather) out there who make a motorcycle jacket with a conceal (pocket) holster especially for handguns.

Good Luck finding the style you like.

Thanks Jack... I will have to make due with a horizontal holster for now. Galco does have a new, and pretty nice Vertical holster, but it is only for a Kimber with a 5" barrel. I have talked with them and I filled out a product request... maybe some day if enough people want a Vertical Holster that have 4" or 3" barrels they might make them... I think with the JackAss holder, where the length of the barrel does not matter, modified to be used vertically would be great...

[Hawkmoon]

Thanks Jack... I will have to make due with a horizontal holster for now. Galco does have a new, and pretty nice Vertical holster, but it is only for a Kimber with a 5" barrel. I have talked with them and I filled out a product request... maybe some day if enough people want a Vertical Holster that have 4" or 3" barrels they might make them... I think with the JackAss holder, where the length of the barrel does not matter, modified to be used vertically would be great...
I don't understand your concern. The grip frame and trigger guard of a full-size (5") 1911 are the same as for a Commander-size (4" or 4-1/4") pistol, so your pistol will easily fit a holster designed for a full-size. So you'll have 3/4" of empty space at the end of the barrel -- is that a major problem?

[OD*]

OD - that is just how my girlfriend lost her SIG while riding a sportbike....

How? Not using the safety snap?

[ABQShooter]

It's called the vertical shoulder holster system ($159.95). It's different from the explorer, but made for a five inch also. I agree with Hawkmoon, you shouldn't notice any difference between the 4 or 5 inch in the holster. I ride bikes too, and I use a summer comfort iwb, or fletch, both are by galco, while I ride and am very comfortable. The weapon is also very secure.