(ABOVE: Travel kit for the Colt Combat Commander .45 ACP)
I forget how long ago it was when I purchased this Havana Brown Jackass shoulder rig. It was several years ago and I'm just now getting around to writing a review (shame on me).
If I recall correctly, I bought the rig for concealed carry of my Colt 1911 Super .38 but it has worked just fine with other 1911 pattern pistols of other calibers and barrel lengths. The "Havana Brown" moniker for the color of this rig's main components (holster and magazine pouch) may have been a salute to a popular Miami based TV series that had the main character outfitted with a Galco shoulder rig that later became the "Miami Classic" in Galco's line of shoulder holsters (just for the record, I never watched a single episode of Miami Vice). I seem to recall that the Jackass rig was resurrected on a major Galco (FKA The Famous Jackass Leather Company) anniversary.
How often do I shoulder carry a 1911? Just often enough to stay familiar with the realtime nuances. Truth be told, IMHO Glocks carry easier and are a bit more reliable (I don't recall ever having a malfunction when shooting with any of my Glocks) than are the 1911 pattern pistols (which, for the most part have proven to be pretty darn reliable for me over the many years, provided that magazines and ammo are agreeable to the personality of the individual pistol). The 1911 pistols are a slimmer carry, albeit somewhat heavier. Glocks win on ammo capacity. To read my take on a Jackass rig for Glocks, CLICK HERE. Some of what's in that blog post may cover stuff I was remiss to mention in this post.
Most Colt 1911 pistols fit the Jackass holster pretty close to the same, but some of the other brands (an older Wilson CQB, an older Springfied Armory, and possibly a couple of others that I don't remember offhand) have slightly thicker frame dust covers, slides, and / or trigger guards that required tuning with the holster's retention screw.
The Jackass holster does favorably angle slightly muzzle up and butt down which is very conducive to hiding pistols with longer barrels. HOWEVER, if one chooses to use a holster-side tie-down and wears it tight the holster and pistol tend to ride close to horizontal. For steel frame 1911 pistols the offside (ammo side) tie-down is essential to counter the weight of the pistol. The holster tie-down I use only on occasion. With the ultralight aluminum frame Colt Defender I find the rig can work comfortably sans tie-downs altogether.
The above photo on the left is the side of the magazine-pouch that faces away from the body.
The above photo on right shows the side of the magazine-pouch that faces the body.
The screws down the middle of the pouch are for magazine retention adjustments.
All standard size magazines (including the shorter officer model mags) work in this pouch.
The retention straps are too short to cover the extended 10-round mags but the retention can be adjusted with the screws to hold them if a person absolutely had to carry them. NOTE: I am not recommending this, I'm just saying that it is possible.
The above photo on the left is the side of the holster that faces the body.
The above photo on the right is the side of the holster that faces away from the body.
The retention adjustment screw is just below the trigger guard and the snap for the holster tie-down is away from the body. If the muzzle is angled too far up the tie-down strap can interfere with getting a fast grip.
In summary, I really like the Jackass rig. It suits me. As always, your tastes may differ.
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😎
Please practice safe gun handling and storage.
Support your local shooting range. You may live to be glad that your did.
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