I just bought a new RIA 1911 for under $400. I'm thinking about carrying it once in a while during the winter months, but I'm wondering if the weight is bothersome.

I've heard lots of good things about RIA as far as reliability and I won't worry about it getting banged up and scratch from carrying.

Any ideas about holsters?

For anything that flat, my preference is the Mitch Rosen ARG and clones; YMMV.

I have a PT 1911 I carry often. I used to own a RIA 1911 but the sharp edges on the grip safety cut into my thumb and the PT-1911's Beaver tail and features were a bargain so I did a trade.

I have a slide holster from Sideguardholsters.com that I'm fond of. I have a canted IWB of my own design I often use. Either way works. The nice thing with a 1911 is there are TONS of holsters out there for it.

As to weight ... it doesn't get lighter as the day goes on but a good belt and holster can really mitigate that.

Best of luck,

Paul

When I carried a 1911, it was in a Blade-Tech IWB with J-hooks, which worked pretty well. Then I got a Comp-Tac CTAC tuckable which was even better. (Then I decided, after years of familiarization via IDPA and other shooting, that in a moment of real stress, I still don't feel total confidence that I'd remember to switch off the safety, so I carry a revolver now.)

I often carry a Springfield 1911 A1 in a Tucker Gunleather IWB Tuckable holster. They are heavy so summer carry in shorts is not always an option.

http://www.tuckergunleather.com

Joel, what does "YMMV" mean? I've seen these letters before but don't know what it means. Thanks for the holster idea.

Thanks guys. I'll check out all options you've mentioned and let you know what I ended up with. I might buy 2 holsters for different types of clothing I wear.

I think the Versa Max 2 from Milt Sparks (http://www.miltsparks.com) is tough to beat. It's very comfortable, can be worn all day, and I wear it with shorts, pants, summer, winter, whatever, and it can be made tuckable. However, it is a little spendy, and there is a long lead time on orders.

YMMV == Your Mileage May Vary

Yeah. Don't feel bad, Mikie, I remember back in ye olde bulletin board days, I wondered what 'IMHO' meant for about a year.

Mikie,

Did you pick it up locally? If so, where?

2nd on the comp-tac CTAC or MTAC. I use them with a full size 1911 and a Kimber ultra carry. They conceal well in a IWB holster. As Paul said, you will need a good belt for the full size. I use a Filson double thickness, but any good stiff gun belt will work.

http://www.acronymfinder.com/

I alternate carry between a 4" XD9 and a full size 1911. Outter waistband CQC Serpa holster for both, on my strong side.

The weight of either are not a big deal to me. What is usually the deciding factor is whether I'm looking for it to be tight to my body for any particular reason. That, and how much I'll be driving during the day I'm carrying.

The shorter 4" is nicer to have on the belt when sitting in my Civic, and the width is no big deal. When I have my suit on, or suppose that I might conceal at some point during the day, I may incline towards the single stack 1911. The practical decision for me all depends on girth. The actual decision just comes down to what I feel like carrying. I enjoy both.

The steel frame with 8+1 rounds is still slightly heavier than the tuppergun fully loaded with 17+1. But, as I mentioned above, for me that's not an issue.

Once my permit arrives, I will be carrying a PT1911 in a Bianchi 82 Carrylock. I really like that holster. I like the added security of the auto retention.