How do you carry...
 

For those who carry a 1911, what method do you like best and why (IWB/OWB) etc? Also, what holster do you use for this? Lastly, do you carry 'cocked and locked' or do you thumb the hammer down and carry 'uncocked'? Or do you carry empty chamber?

I'm going to start carrying a 1911 now that winter is here, and as I've never carried one before, I thought I'd do a survey. I usually carry either a SigP250 in 9mm or 40S&W IWB or a Ruger LCP 380 in summer usually pocket carry. I'm moving to winter mode as colthing will permit good concealment for the larger platform. Since my other guns striker fired DAO I'm not used to dealing with the exposed hammer. Carrying cocked and on safe scares me a little with the light triggers on my Dan Wessons. I'm thinking about carrying a round in the chamber but thumbing down the hammer and just cocking it if I need it.

OK, lets hear your methods.
Thanks

Lots has been written about in what condition to carry a 1911. Condition 1, cocked and locked, is by far the safest, and the way the weapon was designed.

I'm sure someone will point to a thread that rehashes this. It's an often asked question.

That said, I carry either a commander or officer sized pistol in 45 cal in an IWB holster, most often a Milt Sparks Summer Special 2. They are light, comfortable, and conceal extremely well. I hear very good things about the Versa Max, but don't have the patience to wait a year (possibly an exaggeration) to have one delivered.

Usually I find it reasonable to carry strong side at about 4 o'clock underneath something like a Woolrich CCW shirt untucked. It's reasonable in all but a more formal setting - jacket and tie, in which case, it's easy anyway.

I carry both IWB/OWB depending on weather/clothing. I prefer OWB but it is not always practical. IWB, I carry a Milt Sparks Versa Max 11 or A Lansco COTEP from Lane. OWB I wear a Milt Sparks, Axiom or a Davis leather Omega.I always, repeat always carry cocked and locked. It feels off at first and you will surely get comments from people that may see it and don't know better. I have done some research and as far as I can find, in over 100 years I could not find a documented case of an AD/ND from a properly holstered 1911 on safe. I'm not saying it couldn't have happened, I just couldn't find one. I have enough confidence in the triple redundant safety to carry it cocked and locked. I have some pretty light triggers, if they are so light that they may cause an AD/ND I would consider them nonfunctional, and not safe to carry in any condition. IMHO

Both...in and out...in pocket with a 380 sometimes ankle.....I like IN with the officers model best...

I carry iwb with a Nick Matthews. I currently carry my DW Razorback 10mil. Cocked, Locked, and ready to rock doc.

I always carry locked and cocked, OWB with FBI cant also carry and extra 3 8 mags.

Each person has their own reasons they carry a certain way...............



Clyde

I carry my .45's in condition 1. I use the custom holster Lane made me, as well as my shoulder rig by Mitch Rosen. I also use a custom holster made by 5 Shot Leather for my Ultra Carry. My holsters are OWB, as I'm not comfortable wearing an IWB. I'd have to buy my trousers and belts in a larger size for the IWB.

I carry my 1911s in condition1. I rotate thru a few IWB mostly and an OWB once in a while (easier in winter to OWB). I also carry a backup sometimes on ankle carry and 1to3 mags. Once in a while I also carry SOB. but not very often.
My H&K USP I carry OWB cause its too big to stuff in my pants.

Alex and Mike carry like they a Gang Bangers................


Clyde

This ...

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/c...a/DSCN0153.jpg

Dan Wesson CCO 45 in a Milt Sparks VM2 IWB, Cocked and Locked!!!