1911 CCW holster... What are you using?

[Bad Dog]

I'm 6'1" 185 lbs and I carry a full size 1911.
I've tried a few holsters, I like the IWB concept but I've yet to find one comfortable enough for me to tolerate it for long. So two questions:

What are all of you using to carry your 1911 and why?
Does a gun belt really make a difference?

Thanks in advance for your input.

[Shooter45]

A good gun belt, and holster, makes all the difference in how a pistol carries and the comfort and support it provides. You need a heavy duty belt to support the weight the pistol gives in the holster; otherwise your belt will fold and not be as secure as it could be. You can take two routes on the belt. Western belts are usually a lot thicker than most standard dress belts and work well. I use a Milt Sparks belt usually but occasionally just use my standard western belt you can pick up at Murdoch's.
For holsters quality is huge. I use the Milt Sparks Axiom both for a commander and full size 1911. They are super comfortable and I have been using mine for a little over 7 years now if not longer. They are still very tight on the fit and the most comfortable I've ever used. Now these cost money and take time to receiver, but well worth the wait and cost to me when you carry often or for a living. I've never found IWB holsters with a 1911 to be very comfortable just because of the size of the pistol. Now I have IWB holsters for them for when I'm in a suit if I have to have ultimate concealment depending on the situation but 99.9% of the time I use an OWB holster for everything.

[Bad Dog]

Great feedback Shooter45... Thanks!

[wctriumph]

I use the Tucker Gun Leather belt, holster and single mag carrier for my Colt 1911. I have been wearing this rig for over 10 years, top shelf rig.

For some unknown reason it will let me upload a photo.

[Irving]

A good gun belt, and holster, makes all the difference in how a pistol carries and the comfort and support it provides. You need a heavy duty belt to support the weight the pistol gives in the holster; otherwise your belt will fold and not be as secure as it could be. You can take two routes on the belt. Western belts are usually a lot thicker than most standard dress belts and work well. I use a Milt Sparks belt usually but occasionally just use my standard western belt you can pick up at Murdoch's.
For holsters quality is huge. I use the Milt Sparks Axiom both for a commander and full size 1911. They are super comfortable and I have been using mine for a little over 7 years now if not longer. They are still very tight on the fit and the most comfortable I've ever used. Now these cost money and take time to receiver, but well worth the wait and cost to me when you carry often or for a living. I've never found IWB holsters with a 1911 to be very comfortable just because of the size of the pistol. Now I have IWB holsters for them for when I'm in a suit if I have to have ultimate concealment depending on the situation but 99.9% of the time I use an OWB holster for everything.

Pretty much this. Having a sweet holster but a crappy belt is like having a powerful engine with worn out engine mounts.

[Great-Kazoo]

1.5" heavy leather belt & HBartactical OWB Leather holster

http://www.hbartactical.com/

[Bad Dog]

Great advice all... I'm going today to see what's available locally.

[thedave1164]

Desantis 1 3/4 inch belt and Milt Sparks VM2

Topgunsupply.com has VM2s in stock usually, about $150 with no wait

[rondog]

I have a Milt Sparks VMII that works great, but it's only for Officers Model 1911's, not full size. I recently bought a Bianchi 3S from another member for $20 that works very well, I like it a lot.

[Sackett]

I use a belt from browncoattactical.com and love it. Previous to that I was using, and still have, a double-layer leather belt. With both I use a custom IWB holster from HBE Custom Leatherworks.

[longrange2]

My absolute favorite for the 1911 is the silent thunder from Garrett. It is a quality Kydex holster lined with high quality leather. After I wore the finish off one Les Baer in Bladetech Kydex holsters, I bough one of these holsters when I picked up another Les Baer 1911. It offers good retention but is also quieter on the draw stroke allowing for a discreet presentation if needed.