I carried a 1911 of some sort for upwards of 16 hours a day, 5-7 days a week, depending on the deal. I rode in/flew airplanes and helos (C-206/210, C-402, C-12, Cheyenne, Slowtations (Citation IIs), UH-60, AS350), cars, laid out on landing strips, etc. Used a Sparks Summer Special, then went to the EX. Found the EX to be the most comfortable IWB at the time (
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My agency's weapons policy was abruptly changed, but we could still carry our choice of DA autos. I (eventually) settled on the G-23/27 combo for plainclothes, and a G-22 for the helo. assault rig. I carried the G23 in a Sparks EX and tried the Bladetech IWB and Ky-TAC Braveheart. Went back to the EX for comfort.
I changed positions and got out of the aviation side of the outfit. Only flew a desk and a single-engined Ford. Shortly thereafter, our firearms policy was again changed, and we were mandated to carry issued G-19s & 26s. I have to take off my gun every time I go into a federal courthouse to testify, so I stuck with the EX and pocket holster. I soon found myself wearing the G-26 in a pocket holster around the office, and leaving the G-19 in the satchel for search warrants and the street. Decided to get a paddle holster for the G-19 and quit searching after I got a Wilson Tigershark. The decision for a paddle holster was simply convenience and being able to quickly double my armament w/o taking off my belt/pants and threading a holster through. This is also known as laziness, but having an SUV G-ride w/o a lockbox prevents me from keeping my 870, MP-5, and AUG-P as handy as I would like. I figure two small guns are better than one.
Recently, I got one of Dane's GWH IWB holsters by Alessi for my 1911. Good news and bad news. Gun more stable, holster/gun does not shift around, and seems more concealable and comfortable. Gun rides a bit higher. Bad news: Holster not as easy to take on and off. This is no big deal if you're wearing it for extended periods of time. The advantages in concealment & comfort far outweigh this quibble, and the GWH's method of attachment to the belt is much more stealthy. (Contrary to what you have heard, I cannot overemphasize the importance of being able to re-holster your weapon one-handed.)
Ever since the last two policy changes, it has been my custom to ditch the issue guns and put on a 1911 when I get home and off duty. Since the GWH was brought to my attention, my 1911s ride in it. I guess you could say the moral of this tale is: If I had to wear a G-23/19 in an IWB holster all day, I would unhesitatingly get a GWH or an EX. I would really rather carry a 1911, though. Buy a belt and get your 1911 and G-23 each a GWH from Dane.
But wait, there's more bad news: Using the GWH will spoil you. I find myself thinking I should buy a GWH for the GOVERNMENT's G-19, since it will make the balance of my career more... well, "comfy". Reason sets in: When I retire, I won't even need to carry a Glock! I can use that money to buy another GWH, or maybe...
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Andy on 2001-10-11 03:10 ]</font>