is a full size 1911 too big for concealed carry?

[jknight4652]

I recently bought a kimber 1911. I currently carry a s&w .40 cal but I'm thinking of carrying the 1911. Is it too big for concealed carry?

 

[S&W645]

Depends on the build of the person carrying it.

 

[jknight4652]

roughly 6'2'' about 215.

 

[Txjeff3243]

Not if no one knows you have it ...

 

[Treo]

I don't think it's too big but you are going to have to dress around it

 

[cmj0968]

I carry one (when not carrying the XD), Springfield double stack, I'm 6'0/200... but I don't care if it prints. Jeans and shirt with a straight bottom that's a little longer like the 5.11 casual wear.

 

[MilShooter]

I recently bought a kimber 1911. I currently carry a s&w .40 cal but I'm thinking of carrying the 1911. Is it too big for concealed carry?

First, welcome to the forums. If you haven't already done so, please visit the new user forum and introduce yourself.

Second, I envy your latest purchase. I would love to have a Kimber but I just can't justify its price to myself. Thankfully, I am slowly losing the argument with myself, so maybe this year is the year.

As to carrying the Kimber concealed, others have pointed-out that your size and build are a factor. Your self-description suggests that you are large enough to carry it. And Treo makes an excellent point - you will have to "dress around" the pistol in order to keep it concealed and comfortable. I carried a full-size 1911 for about a year. I used an OWB leather holster, custom made for me, but it was still a real drag on my waist. Then I bought a "real" pistol belt from The Beltman and it became easier because it was properly supported.

Lots of people here carry a full-sized 1911 every day, many of them in the Super Tuck holster. Apparently, the gun just "disappears" in this holster.

Later, I bought a Colt Defender and was immediately more comfortable with its size and weight savings over the full-sized 1911. I should note that the Defender has a 7-round magazine, so I gave-up nothing in capacity - just size and weight.

While I like the .40 caliber, I prefer the .45 ACP for absolutely no scientific or logical reason. I just like it more. The same goes for the 1911 design. I just like it more than the other alternatives.

Good luck with your new Kimber. And again, welcome to the forums.

 

[jknight4652]

thanks milshooter for the welcome. I will certainly check out the new user forum.

 

[Ringo]

I recently bought a kimber 1911. I currently carry a s&w .40 cal but I'm thinking of carrying the 1911. Is it too big for concealed carry?

Nope, not at all.

Link RemovedLink Removed

 

[Treo]

And Treo makes an excellent point -

A frequent occurence :biggrin:

 

[Rayb]

Only you can answer that question. Your size is a factor as well as dress and circumstances.

 

[jknight4652]

ringo where did you get that holster? its perfect. that will work better that the one I'm currently using.

 

[Ringo]

ringo where did you get that holster? its perfect. that will work better that the one I'm currently using.

KL Null Nulvam (Vampire) Crossdraw Driving Holster.

K.L. Null Holsters Home Page

Link Removed Link Removed

 

[KKoonce]

As long as your 1911 is single stack you should be fine. Length could be an issue though. Inside the waist or a Yaqui holster may serve you better

 

[PathinAZ]

I carry either my Ruger SR Alaskan .454 IWB or my Colt 1991-a1 in a IWB holster; I can tuck my shirt over the Colt with almost no imprint & I'm 5'10 220lbs. So it can be done. Good luck.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I carry a full size 1911 in a crossbreed supertuck, its very easy to conceal and very comfortable.

 

[rogrrr]

I'm 5'8", 150 Lbs and always carry a full size 1911 in 45. You cannot tell I'm carrying.
IWB, 2 OClock or 4 OClock.

 

[Stan45]

The answer to your question is NO