Massad Ayoob on carrying a full-size 1911 concealed

A full-size 1911 is slim for its power but long and heavy, which is part of why fewer people carry one than a polymer striker gun. Massad Ayoob, who has carried them concealed for decades, says in The Armory Life that the answer is in the holsters, belt and clothing around the gun.

Key points

• Start with two holsters: Ayoob suggests a first-time carrier own one outside-the-waistband and one inside-the-waistband holster, because not every pair of pants will fit IWB carry.
• Use FBI tilt: Unless you are built large, a 5-inch 1911 probably needs a holster that angles the muzzle slightly behind you, so the butt does not print.
• Size your pants: For regular IWB carry, Ayoob says your waistband needs to be about two inches larger to be acceptably comfortable.
• Appendix carry: Ayoob points to the manual safety, the grip safety and the option of keeping a thumb on the hammer as reasons a 1911 suits it.
• Carry spare magazines: With nine rounds of .45 or eleven of 9mm at most, reloads matter more. Slim single-stack magazines make carrying two easier, and flat floorplates dig in less.

Quick take

The advice is mostly about the gear around the gun, not the gun itself. If a full-size 1911 still will not work for you day to day, Ayoob points to shorter and lighter versions as the next thing to try.

Read the full story: The Armory Life