Full-Sized Pistol Carry...Who Does it?

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Skadoosh

New member
I have been giving my Colt Combat Commander time away from the safe by letting it ride on my hip in a OWB pancake holster. For decades I have exclusively carried a snubby IWB. But lately I have rethought this option and have decided to give OWB of a semi-auto another chance. I have carried my Combat Commander several times without as much drama as I had previously thought, with the exception that the Combat Commander's weight is considerable

So, I began to look at my 9mm Sig P226 that resides in the adjacent spot in my safe. The 39oz weight of the Commander is comparable to the P226's weight of 34oz, and they have virtually the same length. The grip size being the only major difference. While the grip size of the 226 is a concern, the magazine capacity advantage is double. That is significant. And the grip size issue can be managed with a good pancake holster that rides high and tight...I think.

So, I would like to hear about the experiences of those out there who carry full-sized, high capacity semi-autos...and how you dealt with any issues that they bring with them.
 
I have found I can carry most anything in an IWB holster. I also sometimes carry a Ruger P89 or CZ75 in a pancake and while it prints more, I simply dress around it. I saw a guy IWB a Smith 686 yesterday and you would have had no idea. My normal EDC is a Glock 19 that simply disappears in a CrossBreed SuperTuck.

When I first started carrying I felt like I was walking around naked and everyone knew. Now I realize no one cares and only worry when doing physical activity or bending down to pick something up. I resort to pocket carry a sub compact 9mm if working or I have to worry about those things. A night on the town? Full size!
 
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A great holster and belt can make all the difference especially those that offer adjustable cant and height.

Even the Alien Gear hybrid IWB holster is pretty nice. I use a Beltman Belt

I own a couple P226s but don't carry it yet. I do however carry on occasion my HK P30LS in an Garrett Silent Thunder Fusion holster and that works great for me standing/walking/sitting/driving/napping.

http://www.giholsters.com/silent-thunder-fusion/
 
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Skadoosh, IDK if it truly fits the full-size criteria or not, but occasionally I will carry my PX4 D and, sometimes loaded with the extended magazine. I carry IWB exclusively, and have no issues with it.

Concerning something a little heavier though, once I get a holster for it, I will start carrying my P229 DAK from time to time as well.
 
I have been carrying a Beretta 92F in an OWB holster made in my local area.

I just felt like carrying a full size pistol, so I got the holster and made it happen.

The holster is medium ride with about a 15 degree cant, and holds very close to the body. The gun isn't light, but the holster and belt make all the difference. At the 3:00-4:00 position, the entire rig conceals very well with a relatively small jacket.

I want to add that I'm not a big guy, either. I'm 5'8' and 155 pounds.
 
My primary carry gun is a Wilson Combat full sized 1911, 5" barrel in .45 acp....and I carry it in an IWB Kramer holster with a good belt. To me, the weight is no big deal...and I usually have 1 extra mag on my belt ( so 16 rds )...( that's high capacity enough, in my mind ).

I have a couple of Sig 226's - all stainless...and while I have holsters for them...I could, but I don't carry them / but I don't carry them because I shoot the 1911's way better than a DA/SA Sig.

A good vest ...or a large shirt ...work fine for concealment for me.
 
I tote a SIG Model 227 in a Galco "King Tuk" iwb holster on occasion, both comfortably and well-concealed. But, again on occasion, I also carry a Ruger LCP in a pocket holster. :o When and where and if I carry a particular handgun all depends on where I'm at and when I'm carrying and sometimes, I confess, just on a whim at the moment.
But, yes, I do carry a full-size pistol sometimes-mostly when I'm required to be in a high crime area-and the only "issue that they bring with them" (being bigger and heavier) is best dealt with by using a good holster and belt.
 
I carry a S&W SD9VE (4" barrel, 16 rounds) 85% of the time. I tried OWB concealed carry and could never get comfortable with it, I felt like I was always checking to make sure my shirt hadn't pulled up. I switched to a hybrid-IWB and it made a huge difference, for me. I went with Everyday Holsters, they make a good product that's comparable to a Galco King-tuk for a fraction of the price. Now all that really needed to be concealed by my shirt was the grip. Instead of "high and tight" as the OP stated, I prefer low and tight. A low position conceals much better but I also make sure that I'm not carrying so low that I can't obtain a good shooting grip on my firearm before drawing.

OP, When it comes down to it, you need to find what is going to be comfortable for you. It is great to get feedback and input from other people that carry. But it is a very personal experience and it differs for each person. I prefer IWB, low and tight. Next guy might like the complete opposite. Good luck, be safe!
 
I don't carry a FS gun, but I have carried a FS gun.

I have a Simply Rugged Cumberland IWB holster for an SP01 and it is amazing what a difference a holster can make. Leaning forward it will print if carried at 3-4 o'clock by apart from that it is super well concealed, considering its size.
 
I open carry full sized handguns at work and conceal them to and fro including various errands in between without issue . Lately it's been a 4.25" 1911.
Good belt and good holster makes carry easy.
 
Beretta 92a1 with tlr1 in a smartcarry holster. The full sized guns print at 3:30 to 4:00 for me so I moved to aiwb so I prefer a manual safety.
 
Quote: I went with Everyday Holsters, they make a good product that's comparable to a Galco King-tuk for a fraction of the price.

What fraction is it? I paid $54.99 for my King Tuk (Cabella's) a year or so ago.
 
BigJimP wrote:

My primary carry gun is a Wilson Combat full sized 1911, 5" barrel in .45 acp....and I carry it in an IWB Kramer holster with a good belt. To me, the weight is no big deal...and I usually have 1 extra mag on my belt ( so 16 rds )...( that's high capacity enough, in my mind ).
Click to expand...

My Colt Combat Commander is about as big as I want go for everday carry. And with the all steel Commander weighing in at nearly 2.5lbs, why not take advantage of what the P226 brings to the dance?...specifically being a few ounces lighter and having an onboard ammo capacity of 15+1...without the spare mag. That doubles your carry capacity with the spare mag.

So, a full-sized Sig is as big as a 1911 Commander. Loaded with +P JHP's and riding in a good pancake holster, what's not to love?

Kinda obvious that I am no longer seeing much of an disadvantage in full-size service guns...after decades of my carrying "belly guns". Its funny how one person's carry choices evolve (or devolve depending on your perspective).
 
I made the very progression youre talking about, about 15 or so years ago. I carried Colt Commanders and GM's for years, and moved over to SIG's when getting decent 1911's became problematical.

I went from mostly Commanders to P220's, and then to P229's and P226's. These days, its Glock 17's. Most dont seem to realize that all of them are basically the same size. The difference in thickness between the single and double stacks is very much overblown. Ive carried both in the exact same spots, and never had any trouble at all doing so, nor could I feel any difference.

Ive always found IWB to be about the best way to carry most things. Tried most of the big name holster makers, and used Galco, Blade Tech, Desantis, and Sparks the most. Best value is/was the Blade Tech stuff. Half the price or better than leather, and lasts forever. If you sweat a lot, you most certainly dont want leather.

Carrying a full sized handgun is really no big deal, and is easily done. It seems these days, with all the "little" guns now available, from the comments you hear a lot across the forums, many seem to think it isnt possible. I beg to differ, but I seem to be in the minority anymore.

Get a good holster and give it a try, I doubt youll have any problems.
 
Until I switched over to my G19 for EDC, I carried a G17 for years...they both work well in a G-Code holster. Also carry the 1911 5" on occasion. Depends on the holster how well you can handle the larger guns.
 
Glock 22 IWB with a Desantis. 3/4 o'clock and needs a hoody, sweatshirt or jacket to really cover the grip.
 
Would a full size 1911 count?

Not saying I carry it every day. But I could if I wanted too.
IWB rig is very comfortable. I was supprised.
Some time you just want the full 9 yards.

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My favorite shooter is my Colt Series 70, that has been modified to my liking, and I do carry it from time to time, but for every day carry I have been carrying my Range Officer Compact, which is much more comfortable for me to carry all day.
 
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