[TheRedScare]

I am starting a thread about holsters to share all info and experience we have had with carrying the 1911. This is very important, because when purchasing a holster we rarely get the chance to try it before we buy it. I currently own 4 holsters; 3 for the 1911. I will be sharing pics, carrying styles, and a short review in the days to come.

 

[Paul F.]

This is what I normally wear on the range:

The one on the left is what I wear for "styling" on a belt with the USMC Parade buckle!:

And this is the CCW holster:

The top holster is cheap at $50... the second is $100 and the Galco Royal is $175. :roll:

 

[TheRedScare]

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This is the holster I purchased in anticipation of CCW legislation to be passed in Wisconsin. Unfortunately it did not get voted past the governor's veto. It is the Milt Sparks Watch 6 inside the waist band holster (ITWB). It is very similar to the Milt Sparks Versa Max except it lacks a reinforced mouth.

This is a very comfortable holster and it readily conceals a commander size weapon. I own a Para-Ordnance LTC steel body and it conceals well under a loose t-shirt. My girlfriend didnt even notice it until she hugged me. It is made from horse hide which is much more rigid than the lether holsters I own. This costs a bit less than the Versa Max and actually I dont know why anyone would want the Versa Max over this design because of how thin it really is. It may be the thinnest ITWB holster on the market and I think that is its biggest asset. Its costs about 65$ and the only problem is they are all custom made and will take about 3-4 months to get. Over all I think this is one of the best conventional ITWB holsters on the market. I do not recommend purchasing a good leather belt for this holster as my common wrangler belt retains it fine. I recommend this buy![/img]

 

[TheRedScare]

Hey Paul

What do you use to clean your leather??? I use Meguiars Gold Class Rich Leather. It was recommended at a different site to use a car leather cleaner. So I purchased the seemingly best product on the market. It works pretty well and smells nice too. I also heard that saddle soap was bad....

 

[TMats]

I really like the grips on your 1911, Paul. Are those Tru Ivory?

 

[Paul F.]

TMats, those pics are stock of the website of the holster maker. I have two fancied up .45's and one has real ivory and the other has vintage first cut stag grips. I'm going to put checkered ebony on the Model of 1905, as I think it looks better on the nickle. :wink:

 

[TMats]

Thought I'd revive this string since it is a good one (and I'm largely responsible for side-tracking it this winter).

I prefer leather over Kydex--even when shooting IDPA. Truth be told, if I was fast and accurate enough to be concerned about the fraction of a second gained in wearing Kydex, I'd probably use it. I have an Uncle Mike's paddle/Kydex, but came to realize that I would not wear it on the street and felt it went against the spirit of IDPA to wear it to a match.

I currently use an El Paso Saddlery #77 Tortilla holster. This model has a thumb break, a reflection of the protection against loss I wanted given occasional horseback carry and other back-country forays. El Paso also makes a #88 Street Combat model, that does not have the thumb break. I'd like to have one of these as well.

I went with El Paso after reading a revue from Jim Wilson in Shooting Times, a writer I respect a lot. I highly recommend El Paso holsters after owning one for a couple years now and would encourage any of you looking at new leather to check out their line.

T

 

[wired]

I like the good ol' Galco FLETCH, myself. I love it for my GP100, and I love it for my 1911.

 

[BigDog]

I'm debating on holsters right now - but am leaning toward a Kramer belt scabbard - FBI forward tilt. But you're right - I can see having to buy 2 or 3 before I really settle on what works best for me (since my "belt line" in a little overpadded - especially in the front ).......

 

[Magilla82ABN]

I carry my 1911 in a Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 and for a large frame pistol I can barely notice it is on my hip. I am now looking for a holster for my Para-Ord. Custom Pistol, it is built of the Nite Tac body. I am looking for a new holster, If anyone has a suggestion please let me know.

 

[ArbrnInf]

I'm glad this topic is still active. I should be picking up my Kimber Utlra Covert in about 3 weeks, and I am not sure of what holster would be best for concealed carry for a 3" 1911. Any suggestions? Obvioiusly winter is easy, but in summer I generally just wear a t-shirt untucked, so I need something that can be concealed in that attire. Thanks for the help.

 

[ECHOONE]

BLACKHILLS LEATHER, Rudys a great guy,can get a really good deal when he's running his specials. As you can see excellent craftsmanship,quality leather,very comfortable, I couldn't ask for a better owb holster![/img]

 

[Chuck]

I seem to be in the minority, but I have found my Galco shoulder holsters to be the most convenient and comfortable way for me to carry my 1911's. I don't do it often, but I have carried a Beretta 92 in a Galco shoulder rig and I find them very comfortable. I generally wear sport coats or jackets and the shoulder holster works best for me. If the weather heats up, I carry a Kimber tactical ultraII in an El Paso Saddlery IWB holster.

Your body size may dictate what and how you carry. I am 5'6" and 150 pounds. The shoulder hoster is best for me.