Y'all know I harp on gun safety, saying that unless you're carrying it, working with it, or can see directly where it is stashed, the gun should be secured. So, today I wanted to see what it would be like to carry my 1911 for ten hours around the house and back yard. I'm still wearing it.

I also wanted to break in this cross draw holster, which rides just above my pants pocket on the left side. This is actually quite a comfy place to carry--easily I could drive carrying it this way. I have a pilot's holster and a standard web belt holster with the flap. The pilot's holster pulls on just one shoulder, so it gets uncomfy after a few hours.The web belt holster hangs down on the right side; it has a leg tie, which I don't like. It's really a two handed draw, as you have to open the flap with one hand to draw the gun with the other. Sure, the gun is totally protected from environmental hazards, but draws slowly. So I snagged this cross draw. Sitting as I am now typing, the butt sits just above my crotch and the muzzle points sort of rear ward, the angle of the gun nicely straddling my leg.

The weight of the gun requires a wide and thick belt designed for such heavy things as guns. The width distributes the weight of the fully loaded 1911 nicely--an unloaded gun is an expensive paper weight. I did not chamber a round, but I cocked the hammer with a full mag; before I decided on that, I used snap caps to ensure I could rack it nicely and quickly. The holster has a tab that lands between the cocked hammer and the slide, and it snaps shut onto a short tab such that the strap prevents the hammer from moving. When you draw it, you slide your right thumb between the nicely designed tab and the snap, and it pops open easily. It's a one handed draw.

All the above is to prepare you to read that I quickly got used to the weight, and I went about my daily tasks wearing it. I even played acoustic guitar wearing it. The butt does not at all touch the back of my fifty year old Martin D-35, even while singing "Loser," with its opening lines, "If I had a gun for every ace I've drawn, I could arm a town the size of Abilene."

Now I have actual data to support my call for safe storage. Ten hours and counting, and I'm an old fart.

CDFingers

Yup, it needs a large belt. Did you try one or two loaded mags in the other side to balance it out?

Are there pics of said holster here somewhere? Perhaps a mention of the make and model? Sounds interesting.

highdesert wrote: Wed Oct 11, 2023 7:49 am Yup, it needs a large belt. Did you try one or two loaded mags in the other side to balance it out?

Not yet. I have an olive drab double pouch, but it does not match. My cat would be appalled.

wooglin wrote: Wed Oct 11, 2023 8:02 am Are there pics of said holster here somewhere? Perhaps a mention of the make and model? Sounds interesting.

I'll see if I can make one this afternoon.


CDFingers

I have found that the right holster and belt makes carrying even my S&W Highway Patrol man all day not just possible but unfelt. The M-28 is even heavier than my 1911s. For the 1911s I have both IWB and OWB holsters that simply work well; new custom ones and really old mass produced kind/sorta "Duty" ones.

Probably my favorite or at least most often carried IWB 1911 holster is an old Kramer Horsehide Thomas Perfectionist ...
... and for OWB my old Roy's Original Pancake:

I love the color contrast those wood grips provide. Some people say pearl is the way to go for the 1911 but I say they're wrong.

I usually carry at all times (other then when in bed). And I agree, good belt, good holster are paramount.

I’m EDCing a CZ PCR which is right a 33 oz loaded. That weight is a sweet spot for me. Disappears, given the right system. A thick, purpose-built, gun belt, and a solid, sturdy OWB holster. I find a full size K-frame or 1911 at 44+ OZ to be too heavy for all day comfort.
I do like the look & construction. of your Kramer 1911 holster.


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Dang. I can't find my camera. However, it's a Falco holster, and is black leather that appears molded to the weapon. I think that snap I wrote about is called a thumb break. It looks like this one, but it's black, and the belt is black. And my gun is a Springfield 1911 A-1 milspec. Otherwise it's the same. hehe

CDFingers

Outside of grocery shopping, gun shops and the range, I can't think of anyplace I go that doesn't have a no-guns policy on prominent display. I could carry around the house, I suppose, but at that range Tueller drill logic comes into play, and I have a problem with sharp and pointy. i do wonder about the demographics of EDC though. How many of those who carry every day, everywhere, are retired and don't have littles to worry about? How many live in rural settings where gun ownership is common and carrying isn't perceived as paranoia? I legit don't know. But I wonder.

That's legit not meant as any kind of snark at any of the crew, either. I am deeply gratified by the recognition that nobody here has ever had to use a gun defensively, to the best of my knowledge, but i also enjoy seeing the variety in what people carry, and why, and how. Which reminds me, when was the last post in the gun porn thread? Y'alls are slackin', my dudes!

So I guess what I'm saying is, if you can carry, do, and carry what you will. Some of us often can't, and make do. I can wish we lived in a world where people carried because they wanted to, and not because they felt the need.

wings wrote: Wed Oct 11, 2023 8:59 pm Outside of grocery shopping, gun shops and the range, I can't think of anyplace I go that doesn't have a no-guns policy on prominent display. I could carry around the house, I suppose, but at that range Tueller drill logic comes into play, and I have a problem with sharp and pointy. i do wonder about the demographics of EDC though. How many of those who carry every day, everywhere, are retired and don't have littles to worry about? How many live in rural settings where gun ownership is common and carrying isn't perceived as paranoia? I legit don't know. But I wonder.

That's legit not meant as any kind of snark at any of the crew, either. I am deeply gratified by the recognition that nobody here has ever had to use a gun defensively, to the best of my knowledge, but i also enjoy seeing the variety in what people carry, and why, and how. Which reminds me, when was the last post in the gun porn thread? Y'alls are slackin', my dudes!

So I guess what I'm saying is, if you can carry, do, and carry what you will. Some of us often can't, and make do. I can wish we lived in a world where people carried because they wanted to, and not because they felt the need.

Yeah, y'all may have noticed I haven't put up any new pics in the gun pr0n thread. I seem to have misplaced my camera. Maybe I should get a new one. But with respect to "no guns allowed," my experience carrying around the house all day taught me one thing. When you go to take a dump, make sure you are holding onto the holstered gun. Those pants drop down real quick with a couple pounds of shootin' iron hooked on. Landed right on my foot. In the words of Quick Draw McGraw, "Oooch that smarts." I'm pretty sure I heard Babba Louie laughing from the other room.

CDFingers

Darn, INVICTVS138, that's a nice-looking holster.

I also like the PCR (as you know--we've had that discussion). My usual holster for it is an Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5, since I carry concealed when I carry.

I'm fortunate to feel pretty safe at home, so don't always have a pistol in my belt or within arm's reach. My spouse and I live with her elderly parents, who are dealing with age-related memory challenges, and even though my FIL is retired career Air Force SP, I don't really want him thinking about firearms and poking around looking for any. When we moved into this house fourteen months ago, my spouse told her mom that we have guns, but we're careful to not be obvious about them.

If I'm not wearing it, it's in a locked something-or-other (the big gun safe is in the basement, and he doesn't navigate stairs, the EDC lives in a drop-safe when not in the holster, and I have a small wall safe in a discrete spot that holds another couple home defense pieces). My employer prohibits carrying--flammable fumes in the building, for one thing--so I spend a fair bit of time wearing a belt holster with an OC canister (company issued, as I am part of the security team).

BearPaws wrote:Darn, INVICTVS138, that's a nice-looking holster.

I also like the PCR (as you know--we've had that discussion). My usual holster for it is an Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5, since I carry concealed when I carry.

I'm fortunate to feel pretty safe at home, so don't always have a pistol in my belt or within arm's reach. My spouse and I live with her elderly parents, who are dealing with age-related memory challenges, and even though my FIL is retired career Air Force SP, I don't really want him thinking about firearms and poking around looking for any. When we moved into this house fourteen months ago, my spouse told her mom that we have guns, but we're careful to not be obvious about them.

If I'm not wearing it, it's in a locked something-or-other (the big gun safe is in the basement, and he doesn't navigate stairs, the EDC lives in a drop-safe when not in the holster, and I have a small wall safe in a discrete spot that holds another couple home defense pieces). My employer prohibits carrying--flammable fumes in the building, for one thing--so I spend a fair bit of time wearing a belt holster with an OC canister (company issued, as I am part of the security team).

Yeah, I don’t carry when I go into the office as well (1 day a week) but I am allowed to keep my firearm locked in my vehicle at work. I have 5 kids, 3 of whom are little so I always conceal (even in the home) as well; I just prefer the OWB type of holster and untuck my shirt. I also always build a retention device into every holster, just as an extra insurance policy for little kids around. I haven’t ever had a pistol fall out of a holster, but have lost a few mags and speed loaders loose in my pockets to the couch cushions. Needless to say, any pistol not on me is locked away in my safes.

My continued carry is more a vestige of some very, real, past threats to my family; that are likely not a factor any more - but who knows. Threats or not, I consider EDC part of my lifestyle and overall general preparedness philosophy. People can call it paranoia if they want. I’m pretty religious about my pistol training as well, training every 2 weeks or minimum once a month.

One of the few times during the year I open carry is generally Halloween - I always incorporate a holster rig into my costume build. In fact, I was working on the one in the left this evening .
Not quite done (needs a toe plug sewn and a few other finishing touches.) I built it to carry most of my medium sized autos: 1911, Sig, CZ, Zastava & S&W.


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wings wrote: Wed Oct 11, 2023 8:59 pm Outside of grocery shopping, gun shops and the range, I can't think of anyplace I go that doesn't have a no-guns policy on prominent display. I could carry around the house, I suppose, but at that range Tueller drill logic comes into play, and I have a problem with sharp and pointy. i do wonder about the demographics of EDC though. How many of those who carry every day, everywhere, are retired and don't have littles to worry about? How many live in rural settings where gun ownership is common and carrying isn't perceived as paranoia? I legit don't know. But I wonder.

That's legit not meant as any kind of snark at any of the crew, either. I am deeply gratified by the recognition that nobody here has ever had to use a gun defensively, to the best of my knowledge, but i also enjoy seeing the variety in what people carry, and why, and how. Which reminds me, when was the last post in the gun porn thread? Y'alls are slackin', my dudes!

So I guess what I'm saying is, if you can carry, do, and carry what you will. Some of us often can't, and make do. I can wish we lived in a world where people carried because they wanted to, and not because they felt the need.

I'm retired and carry everyday, all day..No kids to worry about except my grand daughters, the REASON I EDC..but if they have a sleepover, All but one goes into the safe. One in a by the bed lockbox.

I live in bluer than blue Colorado and 'carrying' isn't something anybody knows about..why it's called 'concealed carry.

I carry because I want to, to protect me and mine. Too many weirdos and wackos 'out there', many who are legal gun owners. Like the guy who shot up the grocery store..and the tattoo shooter, and the Club Q shooter, and....etc. etc...

Sure like the designs on those flaps. Those are snaps, so I wonder whether they can be drawn with one hand? The US old style cavalry holster I have has that brass stud with a ball on the end that squeezes through a button hole in the thick leather. For me, I have to use two hands. I think the stud style is great if you're riding a horse, but there's not much all for that any more. I haven't tried yet, but I suspect I easily could ride my bicycle with my cross draw holster. If California eventually allows unpermitted open carry, I'll try it. The pilot holster I have is designed to be worn while sitting, and it's an easy draw from that position. Not as comfy for me as the cross draw. What are your thoughts on drawing from your holsters?

CDFingers

Retired and living alone and any loaded gun is on me or locked away.

I open carry or discrete carry quite often. Live along the border in deep south Texas in an old farts community.

Today this is my carry selection:
It's one of my Colt 1903 Type III. This one was made in 1923 so has a special significance this year. The holster is a Bucheimer Concealer; much younger than the gun and most likely made between 1960 and 1975.

I keep a gun locked in my car while at work. If I carry, I carry my G17.5 in an Alien Gear Shape Shift 4.0. There are some places that are posted no firearms but the signs do not carry the letter of law here. They can ask you to leave if they see you are carrying and you can be trespassed if you don't. We have the prohibited places law, federal and local government offices, etc.

That's a beauty sig, what caliber is it? Striker fired pistols were around long before Glocks.
https://www.coltfirearmscollector.com/A ... R-1923.htm

highdesert wrote: Thu Oct 12, 2023 8:58 am That's a beauty sig, what caliber is it? Striker fired pistols were around long before Glocks.
https://www.coltfirearmscollector.com/A ... R-1923.htm

It's 32acp/7.65 and even though it is marketed as the Pocket Hammerless it is really an internal hammer.
My oldest striker fired pistol currently is my Savage 1907 that was made in 1913.

CDFingers wrote:Sure like the designs on those flaps. Those are snaps, so I wonder whether they can be drawn with one hand? The US old style cavalry holster I have has that brass stud with a ball on the end that squeezes through a button hole in the thick leather. For me, I have to use two hands. I think the stud style is great if you're riding a horse, but there's not much all for that any more. I haven't tried yet, but I suspect I easily could ride my bicycle with my cross draw holster. If California eventually allows unpermitted open carry, I'll try it. The pilot holster I have is designed to be worn while sitting, and it's an easy draw from that position. Not as comfy for me as the cross draw. What are your thoughts on drawing from your holsters?

CDFingers

They can be drawn one-handed, they are line 24 snaps. I’m not a fan of the Sam Browne studs you describe. However, these holsters aren’t really “speed holsters” and aren’t really designed as such. Even though one handed, they require you to flip the snap with The firing hand prior to getting a firing grip. These are more closely designed to be “field holsters.” But in actuality are more costume holsters than anything else - but fully functional. In the field, I wear the same holster I do for EDC - a thumb break OWB.

For “duty” carry, I vastly prefer the thumb break as you can get a firing grip whilst manipulating the retention device.


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INVICTVS138 wrote: Thu Oct 12, 2023 3:42 pm --snrps--
For “duty” carry, I vastly prefer the thumb break as you can get a firing grip whilst manipulating the retention device.

That's how I operate mine. The thumb slips in there to unsnap the snap and is then in the right place to get a grip to draw and fire.

CDFingers

CDFingers wrote:

INVICTVS138 wrote: Thu Oct 12, 2023 3:42 pm --snrps--
For “duty” carry, I vastly prefer the thumb break as you can get a firing grip whilst manipulating the retention device.

That's how I operate mine. The thumb slips in there to unsnap the snap and is then in the right place to get a grip to draw and fire.

CDFingers

Yup I’m a huge believer in training to the same manual of arms every, single time. All of my carry pistols (& DA revolvers) lack a manual safety and are carried in a thumb break retention holster. I love 1911s and single actions but I only ever carry them as a backup, usually in a cross draw configuration. I just don’t train to a manual safety or a single action revolver.

Even when at the range I forget to disengage the safety in my 1911 when I’m intentionally shooting! Live to shoot my 1911, don’t really carry it.

For some reason when hunting with a cross bolt safety, shotgun it doesn’t seem to be an issue.


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sig230 wrote: Thu Oct 12, 2023 9:33 am

highdesert wrote: Thu Oct 12, 2023 8:58 am That's a beauty sig, what caliber is it? Striker fired pistols were around long before Glocks.
https://www.coltfirearmscollector.com/A ... R-1923.htm

It's 32acp/7.65 and even though it is marketed as the Pocket Hammerless it is really an internal hammer.

1903-02-small.jpg

My oldest striker fired pistol currently is my Savage 1907 that was made in 1913.

Savage-02c-small.jpg

Another beauty sig. I'm very fond of the old JMB designed 32 and 380 pistols. Many were in circulation during WWI and were copied by Spanish arms manufacturers making Ruby pistols.

highdesert wrote: Fri Oct 13, 2023 11:36 am Another beauty sig. I'm very fond of the old JMB designed 32 and 380 pistols. Many were in circulation during WWI and were copied by Spanish arms manufacturers making Ruby pistols.

The 1911 and the Ruby are an interesting tale of how to respond to the needs of major conflicts.

In both cases the starting point was a successful design and specification. And in both cases the demand far outstripped the capabilities of the contract winner and so additional makers were added. But the former included really detailed drawings and specifications AND a requirement that pieces parts from any supplier would mate and work with minimal to no hand fitting. That included magazines. In the case of the Ruby though that latter requirement was not included. This lead to a situation where a Ruby would pass the functional requirements for the French government as long as it was tested with the two magazines that came with each unit, Unfortunately magazines were swappable between guns from the same maker IN MOST CASES but not in a pistol made by another of the brazillion makers. This also applied too often to all of the pieces parts. It made maintenance a nightmare. Ding up a magazine or lose it in the mud and the pistol was just a paperweight. Borrow a magazine from a buddy and it almost certainly wouldn't work. They tried solving it by having makers marks on pistol and magazine but that was simply a cumbersome and ineffective solution.