Short answer is yes. I'm 5'9" 175# and under a jacket or coat I've carried both full-sized and Comannder 1911s with a horizontal shoulder rig.

 

Not specific to your inquiry, but I'd reconsider horizontal carry, for safety reasons.
I've used a Galco Jackass horizontal for years, but have become concerned about sweeping any- and everyone behind me (thought about it while driving, with my daughter in the back seat).

 

I’m about your height and weight. I use horizontal carry, Galco rig, but it’s an officer size 1911. If I was gonna use a full size, a vertical holster would be a better fit, I think.

 

I have done both full size and commander in the horizontal rig. I prefer the commander when carrying in the shoulder rig. I like the Miami Classic - Galco.

Welcome to the forum.

Is your 1911 a commander or full sized 1911?

 

I started using a Galco vertical shoulder holster for carrying a full size 1911 pistol a couple years ago. My biggest complaint was the difficulty of getting the tie downs snapped. I found it easiest to remove my belt, put on the holster with tie downs snapped in place and then feed my belt through belt loops and tie down straps. Quite a production. I also discovered that my pistol would slip out the top of the holster if I bent over too far. Not good. I cured this problem by punching a hole through the two layers of leather near the top to prevent the pistol from slipping out but still room for easy insertion of the pistol. All that said, I found that the holster system carried the gun and magazines comfortably enough.
I began thinking that I might prefer a horizontal shoulder rig since I have several for other handguns. I'd heard of the Andrews Monarch system from several sources so I called Sam Andrews and ordered a Shoulder rig with a three mag pouch on the offside. I've been wearing the Andrews rig for about three months and I really appreciate the design. It's pretty easy on and off and is easily the best quality leather holster system I've ever owned. It's expensive and may require a long wait but it's worth it. It is the most comfortable and stable shoulder rig I've ever used.
As for the safety of carrying horizontally, I have no qualms. If you trust carrying cocked and locked with a loaded chamber, Where is the problem? I contend it is just as safe carried in a horizontal position as in a vertical position.
John Mc., I think a shoulder rig could work for you but where any holsters are concerned, you learn the most by trying them out. That is an expensive proposition, I know. Most of us have tried holsters and carry methods that turned out not to be optimal and we end up with a collection of unused holsters. It's the nature of the beast.

 

If you decide on vertical recommend a holster with a belt attachment.

 

Horizontal is my choice. Quicker draw, and more comfortable for me. Use a Galco. I've carried both full-size and Commander with no issues. I'm not concerned with "sweeping" anyone with the muzzle, since the trigger is covered by the holster and my finger is nowhere near it. Only time the trigger is unguarded is when the pistol is in my hand.

 

I echo this. With the pistol cocked and locked and the leather strap over the frame it is quite safe.

 

Also, I carried my full sized Springfield Range Officer full sized in a horizontal rig for about two years. I would also swap to hip carry. I don't remember any issues. I will go looking and see if I still have that horizontal carry for full frame.

 

I use a horizontal shoulder holster by Mitch Rosen for my commander sized 1911s. He makes a great product and it is usually in the mail to me within days instead of weeks or months. I am short waisted so the horizontal carry works better for me. I am 5'11" and about 150 or so, I lost 25 lbs since Christmas so I am refitting this rig a bit. It is made for cocked and locked carry and as above, my finger is not on the trigger until the gun is drawn and my weak side hand is in place and the muzzle is on the target.

 

For clarity..... I omitted a few important words from a section of my response above..... I also discovered that my pistol would slip out the top of the holster if I bent over too far. Not good. I cured this problem by punching a hole through the two layers of leather near the top and installing a chicago screw to prevent the pistol from slipping out but still leaving room for easy insertion of the pistol.

 

I have a DeSantis Nylon chest holster that actually fits a wide variety of handguns and I use it all year when I am out and on my Ranger. It's weak point is the retention strap with a FasTek buckle. I thought I had it secured last spring with my Uberti "El Patron" SA 45 colt. I bent out of the Ranger and the pistol hit the concrete drive. A badly buggered and bent front sight and a small scrape to the right side grip heel. The pistol could have been damaged more but it was bad enough. I double check it now, always!

 

Thanks to all of you for sharing your knowledge . I’m not new to firearms . But, somehow I find 1911 just different than other pistols . Pretty amazing pistol . So, now I’ve been lurking ,and learning about them . My hobby that has taken most of my time is chainsaws . Started with a Stihl 044 , now have 30+ runners . I fix saws for most of the neighbors . They only pay for parts . It’s a hobby ,not a job .

 

It depends on what gun you are carrying. At your size a government 1911 in a horizontal is going to print something fierce, and vertical is really your only option. Officer frame it’s whatever is more comfortable. I think horizontal is a more natural and quicker draw, but many people dislike horizontal due to muzzle sweeping anyone behind you.

 

How about considering a Hybrid Rotating Vertical holster that pivots to horizontal to draw. I am just about to order the shoulder holster below for a 4 inch S&W M&P Compact 9mm that I carry when driving on trips out of town.

Leather Vertical Roto Shoulder Holster System | Craft Holsters®

This shoulder holster combines an innovative vertical carry with a fast horizontal draw. Whether your firearm is too long or bulky for a horizontal holster, or you simply prefer a vertical carry, this shoulder rig offers the ultimate solution. Our unique ROTO holster tilts upon drawing and is...

www.craftholsters.com

I have had a Galco Miami Classic for a 1911 for 30+ years that I have carried periodically and it is comfortable but I am becoming more concerned with the muzzle pointing at anything behind me. The rotating holster rig would be the best of both worlds and the reviews I've found have been pretty positive.

 

I've been looking at this holster for a while now - for Sig P65XL.

Asking if anyone has actually used one like this?

 

I have a vertical one for my Sig 1911 Ultra (45). I am on the thin side and horizontal is too bulky for me.

 

I bought my 1st shoulder holster, Jack Ass rig, in early 80’s to go with my 1st legal handgun purchased (pre-Miami vice)
& loved it. So comfortable I’d forget I was carryin‘ until I bent forward & it would peek out. Never even thought about the fact I was sweeping everyone for 180 degrees drawing it. I got a vertical rig to try & be more responsible & try as I might could never get a shot off as quickly as the horizontal rig. Currently have both but the hybrid Monarch one’s what I go with 95% of the time.

 

I went with the Galco 3.0 vertical system myself with a DW Guardian (Commander size), partially because I wanted to try something different from the Jackass / Miami Classic style.
I have been very pleased with it.
However the Andrews looks very interesting.

 

I went with the Galco 3.0 vertical system myself with a DW Guardian (Commander size), partially because I wanted to try something different from the Jackass / Miami Classic style.
I have been very pleased with it.
However the Andrews looks very interesting.
View attachment 630949

I like that. Does it need to have a connection to the belt? How is the draw. I really like the draw of the Ritchie with the rotation, but it makes for a wide holster.

 

I been using a shoulder rig for 30+ years now, 7 days a week (wearing it now lol). Few things Ive learned...

I carry at about a 45 degree cant, muzzle down. Tilting the grip up makes the draw so much easier especially when seated as I dont have to reach as far to grab it.
Got tired of the leather no stretch belt loop tie downs 20 years ago.
Been replacing them with suspender parts since. Gives me room to move in comfort and I can wear sweats, shorts or whatever else that may not have belt loops. When you reach overhead no one pays no mind when they see the suspenders hooked to your britches but everyone knows what leather tie downs are hooked too.

Also, get the widest shoulder straps you can. (the part where it comes over the shoulders). Its critical to long term comfort.
I would recommend Galcos Miami Classic harness as they have a 2.75 inch wide option. Then you can mix and match and hang any brand of holster, mag yolk/mag pouch that you want. Thats what I did. I went with Swaprigs offering for the holster part to gain the swap ability.
I also have skins for the holster for 1911's, FN509, P320, P365 etc. 5 min to swap. Same rig so fits the same every day no matter what gun you have it skinned for. I tried having a separate rig for different guns/platforms over the years but every time I switched I had to get used to it all over again. Much easier to just swap skins/gun and keep the rest the same. I also added the retention screw as some one else above stated. Its important. Gun has never fallen out since. I replaced the female side with a Texas concho as an ode to my Texas roots.
Interesting tidbit... the threads in conchos are the same threads as holster hardware screws. Who woulda thunk it. Found out by accident one day lol
I added my key reel long ago to my offside, now I dont have to remember them.
I also have a left hand holster and assorted left skins that I can replace the yolk with and carry 2 guns if the need presents itself.
For me I can draw another gun wayyyy faster than a mag swap so thats how I do it. YMMV
My pair of 226's gives me 54 rounds on board ready to rock... if the need presents itself.
Pair of 365's 30 rounds etc.
Ive paired a 226 and a 1911, two 226's and two 1911's in the past and I all could keep thinking all day is why???
Its ungodly heavy and painfull. Hated it everytime.

Same rig with the MK25 (P226) skin on it. 1911 fits in it the same. Oddly enough I dont have any pics with the 1911 in it most likely because I haven't EDC a 1911 in years.

I put this one together for my X Compact. I didnt like how it was full horizontal so I modified that part later to achieve the 45ish degree muzzle down attitude I like but still cant get on board with the thumb break design. Slows me down terribly, It will prolly join the drawer of perfect holsters or get traded/sold off lol
I wound up just getting the 320 skin for the other rig,

So thats been my experiences with shoulder rigs and where I evolved too. Long winded, hope it helps tho.

 

My preference is a vertical holster. Especially for a full size pistol, I think it conceals a little better and no one gets muzzled. I've seriously contemplated replacing my original series Galco VHS with their 4.0 series vertical system.

 

Skip Richie makes an excellent horizontal and vertical rig. LINK

Ares Tactical makes great kydex holster. No extra straps. both gun and mags lock into the kydex by friction fit. LINK

 

I tend to carry a GM vertical but everything else is horizontal and my choice of holster body material is kydex,I'm fortunate to have a custom maker nearby.

 

I have three of the original jakass rigs and a couple others. I carried professionally as an executive protection officer for government officials all over the world. I carried two handguns and the commander size 1911 was always in the horizontal position. shoulder rig. Getting a gun out of a holster while sitting in a restuarant of car is slow, horizontal is the fastest way. That said, we were under a terrorist threat most of the time, we did not care if the gun pointed at someone behind us.

That said, I do not carry like that for CCW as a retired guy. In some locales it is illegal because the gun is pointed at another person, even if concealed. I have carried horizontal on horseback and 4 x 4 riding, but really had not reason to do that, I just like the easy of carry. I will say that even the best rig can have that thumb snap come loose if you are moving fast, and you face the risk of dropping the gun.

So, I recommend vertical carry if you are going to be around people at all. They are banned to my gun club just for that reason, nobody wants to be looking at the front of your loaded gun.

 

Forgive me if the subject has been covered . But, I’m in the market for a shoulder holster .
The weapon will be a 1911. I’m normally about 6’ tall ,185# . So, I don’t have a large frame to begin with . Been fighting cancer for about 9 years ,and this recent bout has gotten me down to around 165 . So, my question is , would a horizontal carry work for me . Or, would a vertical carry suit me better ? I am looking at the Wright leather Works for horizontal carry , and the Galco system for vertical carry . Thank you for any tips ,experience , opinions that you can give .

Vertical! Much more comfortable.

Check out the Roto holster from Craft Holsters. They will custom make it for you.

 

I like galco horizintal also

 

The only way you will know for sure is to try both, I use vertical (51 years a truck driver) carry in an m7 when hunting.

 

Thanks again for the replies . I went with the Wright Leather shoulder rig without the mag. Pouches . The plamis to rig the weapon to hang at approximately 45 degrees . It’ll be a cool weather carry holster . Before I where it in public , it’ll get a good bit of time being worn around my property . As for EDC , have either a Bond Bullpup , or Sig P365 SAS that I pocket carry . ( Studying the IWB holsters I see here ,and other places as my next purchase .)So, I have plenty of time to be sure the shoulder carry is what I want ,and that I am proficient at using it .

 

As I stated above, I have been doing the shoulder rigs for 30+ years. This is my assessment of what you ordered vs what you are trying to accomplish.
The rig you ordered will not carry muzzle down at a 45 degree angle because of where the front side attachment point is located on the holster itself.
I go thru this all the time and have had to modify them to get the 45 degree muzzle down orientation i like.
Here is why...

If you look at the red line you can see that most of the weight is to the left of the red line. You could not even connect the back side strap and it will still never hang muzzle down without modification. In fact it will hang will grip down, muzzle up no matter what you do. The attachment point MUST be closer to where the blue line is.
Some holsters dont cotton to the modification because of the way they are designed. You have to have a place to move the attachment point outward too.

On my EDC rig I moved my attachment point from the factory point (red circle) outward like you see to achieve my desired orientation which you can also see how it hangs now.

This is a thumb break style like the one you ordered. I had to modify it as well to hang like I want. Thumb break styles tho are a little tricky as the only place you can move the attachment point to is out onto the break itself, like this...

Hung like this pre-mod... You can see that due to physics it will never carry muzzle down

And like this post mod...

Not trying to be a know it all and Im not trying to rain on your parade but I figure at the price point its stuff you should at least be aware of before you open it and start the process of break in etc.
Once you put holster ease or leather conditioner on it, place the gun in a bag overnight to help break it in etc it becomes non-returnable. So I wanted to share my experiences before you committed to it, thats what it entails to achieve 45 degrees muzzle down orientation.

The people that design these things obviously dont wear them much. I wear my rig 100+ hours a week, in and out of semi's, excavators, dozers, crawling around underneath them in the mud, snow and ice etc. Now that Im retired nothing has changed. If Im awake my rig is on me no matter if I go anywhere or not and i stay that way til I go to bed. Thats just my life.
Food for thought, thats all I got.