Some opinions please

[XCaligulaX]

Hello Calgunners.

My wife and I are looking for holders for CC. I'm looking for AIWB as I am a skinny guy and don't wear baggy clothing, and she's looking for something on her side, under the armpit or at least above her waist.

I've been looking at these three holster and I would love some opinions on what might be best for me. I will be carrying a full size Armscor Citadel 1911.

I don't want a leather holster, and ideally I would like the smallest and most comfortable holster I can get.

http://www.stealthgearusa.com/products/sgusa-aiwb-appendix-carry-holster?variant=979249884

This one catches my eye for the small size, and what looks to be a comfortable backing.

http://shop.blade-tech.com/index.php?cPath=1_13_16#.VHA6AnmKB7g

This one has a backing as well, but it doesn't look like it could be as comfortable as the first one. It also has 2 loops, but I'm not sure how important that is vs a single.

http://bravoconcealment.com/collections/gun-holsters/products/d-o-s-holster

This one is the smallest of the three, but I'm not sure how comfortable it will be without any sort of backing.

In another note, my primary means of conveyance is a motorcycle. Does anyone have experience carrying while riding? Is AIWB practical while doing so?

I would love any input or suggestions you guys have for me. I'd also like to get some suggestions for my wife with her shoulder/waist carry holster, she's carrying a CZ-75B.

Thanks guys

[kjv146]

For me the most comfortable holster I've used has been from Crossbreed Holsters. The mini-tuck with an m&p shield. For a fullsize you'd probably get the supertuck deluxe. Yes they seem big, but sometimes the bigger iwb holsters are often the more comfortable.

I think some of the requirements you want for carrying you'll find quite difficult to do. It is possible to pull off carrying a full size 1911, even by those of use who are skinny and wear clothese that aren't baggy. But carrying it AIWB, won't be very comfortable. Having ridden motorcycles, I would say it would be very uncomfortable carrying AIWB, shooting it'd be uncomfortable sitting down on the couch. AIWB is one of the best places to avoid printing, but for many it simply isn't comfortable, and if the gun is big enough it can seriously cut off blood circulation. If you AIWB a LCP or something like that, then no biggie.

I'd suggest checking out crossbreed for the both of y'all. They're very comfortable, and their customer service rocks, lifetime warranty. However, I have been curious to try something by stealthgearusa. Like others will tell you, you'll more than likely end up with 2 or 3 holsters, if not more, before you find the right one for you. My guess is you may end wanting to find something smaller than a fullsize 1911 and 75b. Weight and thickness are the two characteristics of a gun that you'll notice the most when carrying. The two you have are definitely on the hefty side, especially once you add ammo. In addition to a good holster, a good belt is also necessary to handle the weight of the gun. I'd recommend looking into compacts, even the 1911 and CZ variety of compacts will be better than your current choices, or perhaps something polymer, like an xds or shield.

[postal]

My new AIWB should arrive in a week or 2 for a fullsize 1911.

I have no idea how comfortable it may be until then.

I would *GUESS* that AIWB with a motorcycle would depend partly on if you're a cruiser guy, or a crotch rocket guy.

A cruiser not leaning forward, may be do able... I really dont think it would work at all on a crotch rocket.

I'm skinny and wear loose collared button shirts untucked. I carry at 3:30 right now until I try out the AIWB when it arrives.

I cant help you with your holster choices since I like leather.

[postal]

Another point....

larger (wider) holsters with 2 clips/loops spread the weight over a large area and with my limited experience, is quite comfortable.

That is a concern of mine with the AIWB holster I ordered... It only has 1 loop.. all the weight will be on 1 spot on the belt.... With a full size 1911....

I ride a yamaha R6. (crotch rocket)

I've carried IWB 3:30 no problem with my riding jacket over it. No way AIWB would work I'm sure. It may be do able with a cruiser...

[caliberetta]

To the OP:

I've owned and used one of the holsters you listed, the Blade Tech IWB Nano, for a subcompact 1911.

What I like about it was its very compact size, light weight and good fit.

What I didn't like about it was the belt loops, as I am a person that prefers belt clips for on/off ease. (This holster came with a gun I bought from a Calgunner - reason why I had a holster different than my preference).

Another important point is that on the Blade-Tech website, it is listed as a $60 holster plus shipping. This price is ridiculous.

If you really like the Nano, you can find it brand new on eBay for 40-50% less than that listed price. Also, the quality of the holster, although I find it is "good" does not justify a $60 + shipping expense. There are far higher quality holsters at that price point.

To address one of your other questions, I am also I rider. Although I mostly ride superbikes, I also have cruising and "naked" bikes for the upright seating position. Never will I recommend Appendix carry when riding a motorbike. I also will never recommend carrying on the backside because (1) In the event of an accident, the last thing you want wedged near your spine is a gun and (2) bike jackets are often not long enough to conceal the weapon well. I find the best for motorbikes is a side carry at 3-4:00, just behind the hip bone, and not right AT the hip bone, again for accident reasons . Just my $0.02 on this.

Hope the above helps.