Concealed carry pistol/rig

[rockusaf]

I decided to get a CCW permit and am now on the hunt for the best carry pistol/rig. Not looking to spend a fortune (need some $ left to break the pistol in) so I'm guessing less than 1K. I've got a Safari Arms Matchmaster pistol that I won't even consider carrying so I need advise/input from everyone.
I was looking at the Kimber Pro Carry but I'm not set on anything yet, and I have no idea what type of holster's are out there. I'm doing some checking around now but found this site so I figured I'd give you all first crack. I was also curious if anyone made a way to carry mags in your pocket, since I never carry anything in one of my back pockets I thought a flat piece of leather with something to make it rigid and concealed and you could fit 2 mags in there pretty easy.

[warmrain]

As far as concealed carry I think the Kimber Pro is probably a good choice (if you intend to carry a 1911). I carry a Kimber Ultra CDP that happens to be 100% reliable from right out of the box. That's right, this one didn't require a break-in, though I still put 600 or so through it to be sure.

Generally this is a little large for me except in the winter (and late fall/early spring) when my clothing can conceal it better (OWB). Other times I carry a Kahr MK9 OWB or a Kahr PM9 in the front pants pocket.

So the first thing to add to the thread is: is it a 1911 that you intend to carry, I know it sound like it is.

Next have you thought about where to carry. I think with a 1911 your choices are going to be limited to OWB, IWB, Shoulder Holster.

I often carry my magazine in my left side front pocket in a Milt Sparks PCH-M rig specially made for that purpose. http://www.miltsparks.com/Accessories.htm

For pocket carry of smaller pistols or my 11 oz. snubbie .38 I use Mitch Rosen's PSF. For OWB carry of the Kahr or theKimber Ultra CDPI use a Mitch Rosen UPL. www.mitchrosen.com

If you like Kimbers you might want to look at the Pro length CDP. Though right now there is word that they may be moving the product line (at least some of the smaller 1911s) back to an internal extractor and you may want to wait and see...

[rockusaf]

Sorry, yes I would like to carry one of the smaller 1911's, and I'm thinking I would like an IWB but not sure. I have a Galco OWB holster for the Matchmaster that I used when I did a little combat type shooting a few years ago, so I can probably get away with that for a while if need be.

[warmrain]

I'm not familiar with IWB carry, though I'd like to try it, I'm not committed to the warbrobe change out. I'm pretty heavily invested in the "uniform" required for work and I understand a 2" addition in the waist is required.

I'm using the Mitch Rosen UPL (Upper Limit) with the 3" Kimber because the combination keeps the muzzle quite high, well above the top of the hip pocket. That's high enough to be concealed under a short jacket (e.g. Flight Jacket). My limitation is my strong side elbow cannot be raised above my shoulder.

[horse 91-A1]

I carry a Colt M1991, Bianchi IWB day/evening - it's comfortable and I can adjust the tilt on the holster. At one time I carried two magazines in a rear pants pocket til I found out three fit better and don't move around and need to be adjusted like it was when I carried two mags. The M1911 frame size is thin enough to carry comfortably, but you may want to do a dry run with an empty M1911 inside your waistband for a couple of hours while lounging around at home. If it's comfortable, then go ahead and get an IWB holster.

The Colt IWB feels lighter than my Glock 20 OWB and the IWB is a lot snugger (scientific word) plus you can get the tilt that feels best for you.

The times I've needed to double carry the Bianchi tilts for cross-draw left side and G20 OWB right side or another M1911 OWB.

For great concealment, but slow access a Smart Carry will hold a M1911 w/extra magazine.

Adios,
Bob

[0311 George-Az]

I have worn a Wilson Tigershark for about 4 years. It works well with jeans or a suit. It is reasonably comfortable in a car. It sits high and is covered easily, but the gun is out of the way and still accessable. My agency does not allow shoulder holsters period. I end up taking the gun/holster off several times a day sometimes and the paddle is great for that, some judges don't like weapons in the court room. I have several Wilson Combat leather goods and to me they are really good and only slightly higher priced than the big names like Bianchi. Unfortunately my agency issue is a Glock 19.....

[nitro16]

Rock,

Like you, I continue to search for the ultimate carry gun & rig. I started with a Para Ord 12-45 but the double stack grip was a little obvious under certain clothes. Then I bought a Kimber Pro CDP II, but the full length grip printed through a little too much. I have now gone to the Springfield Micro Compact. It's very concealable if you don't mind giving up a few rounds in the magazine.

For holsters, I have a Galco Paddle, and a Cactus League Slide I bought from Dillon. Neither holster rides quite as high as I would like to keep the tip of the barrel from showing below some shorter coats. I am now looking at a hybrid holster made by Hoffner (the Ultimate Shirt Tucker). This appears to have a number of adjustment screws on it to allow you to position it very high on your hip.

Don't typically carry any additional mags with me unless I'm at the range. If a full mag of 45's doesn't eliminate the threat, I doubt that an extra mag or two would do me any good.

[warmrain]

Rock,

Like you, I continue to search for the ultimate carry gun & rig. I started with a Para Ord 12-45 but the double stack grip was a little obvious under certain clothes. Then I bought a Kimber Pro CDP II, but the full length grip printed through a little too much. I have now gone to the Springfield Micro Compact. It's very concealable if you don't mind giving up a few rounds in the magazine.
Like you too Rock, I went through that scenario and ended up with a Kimber Ultra CDP (3", alloy frame and SS upper).

..Neither holster rides quite as high as I would like to keep the tip of the barrel from showing below some shorter coats...
What works for me is the Mitch Rosen (http://www.mitchrosen.com) UPL (Upper Limit) this is a near vertical, high ride, OWB pancake holster that keeps the muzzle high enough that it won't show even under the bottom of a bomber jacket. I can also wear it in the car without discomfort (but for anything other than a short drive it goes into something more suitable for car carry (e.g. fanny pack, cross draw, shoulder rig).