1911 Holster Questions

[1948CJ2A]

Greetings all,

I'm looking for a leather holster for a full size 1911 handgun. I prefer leather because I like the look and feel versus nylon or synthetic. I plan to carry off a belt on the waist, probably outside the waistband for comfort, though I'm not ruling anything out at this point.

My question is 2 fold. First, what do you guys who carry FS 1911s use for this described application? Comfort is going to be the top priority for me. Second, has anyone had issues with leather absorbing moisture and ruining a metal finish?

Years ago I carried an LCP in an inside-the-waistband leather holster in the small of my back. One hot summer day proved to ruin the finish when I soaked the holster with sweat. I'd like to avoid that problem again, especially on something nice like a 1911.

 

[JTQ]

I prefer leather because I like the look and feel versus nylon or synthetic.

Nylon is almost always a bad choice.

I plan to carry off a belt on the waist, probably outside the waistband for comfort, though I'm not ruling anything out at this point.

I this a typo? Did you mean to say on a belt? If not, I'm not sure what you mean.

Years ago I carried an LCP in an inside-the-waistband leather holster in the small of my back. One hot summer day proved to ruin the finish when I soaked the holster with sweat. I'd like to avoid that problem again, especially on something nice like a 1911.

Sweat through is less likely with OWB carry, but still possible. If you are a big sweater, kydex will keep the sweat off your gun.

For OWB (Outside the Waistband), there are two basic designs, the Bruce Nelson #1 Professional/Avenger and the pancake. Just about all the holster makers produce one of these holsters. Some of the big names, and places to start are...

Milt Sparks http://www.miltsparks.com

Mitch Rosen http://mitchrosen.com

Kramer http://www.kramerleather.com

Alessi http://www.alessigunholsters.com

There are lots and lots more. If you want more options, there is a thread at the top of this sub forum listing holster makers.

If you find a holster that looks like something you'd like, you can ask about a particular model and we'll be glad to give our opinion

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

I carry a full sized 1911 in a Milt Sparks Criterian IWB.

http://www.miltsparks.com/products-criterion.php

Though I haven't been carrying with this holster for more than a couple years, I've not had any issues related to IWB with my gun at all.

I do not have an OWB holster (yet).

 

[MICHAEL T]

Most of my carry of 1911 is IWB . I do have both type holsters by

UBGholsters.com. I wax my pistols with a good floor or furniture past wax
protects the pistol from , rain, sweat , even to a point bluing wear .

Yes I do my SS guns also

 

[bannockburn]

1948CJ2A

For many years now my favorite OWB for my 1911s has been a Bianchi Askins Avenger Model 4L. I think John Bianchi's Frontier Gunleather currently makes a version of the Askins Avenger as the Model 225.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I use this http://www.epsaddlery.com/pc-226-21-summer-cruiser.aspx

 

[dogmush]

OWB I use an Alessi CQC-S for my 1911's. No issues with corrosion.

http://www.alessigunholsters.com/alessi-holsters-cqc-s-holster-for-colt-guns/

 

[rcmodel]

I've got one of these I like an awful lot.

Came with a paddle, and I ordered the optional belt attachment.

http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Tigersh...and-15-Belt-Black-Shark/productinfo/T1BSR15/#

It's very secure, and very fast.

rc

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

I've got one of these I like an awful lot.

Came with a paddle, and I ordered the optional belt attachment.

http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Tigersh...and-15-Belt-Black-Shark/productinfo/T1BSR15/#

It's very secure, and very fast.

rc

There's something veeeeeeeery fishy about that holster...

 

[340PD]

I prefer my OWB 1911 holsters to have a thumbstrap between the cocked hammer and the frame. When carrying in top quality open holsters, finding the thumb safety had snicked off sometime during the day on more than one occasion brought me to that conclusion.

 

[rcmodel]

The Wilson I linked above covers the safety on both sides.
And positively blocks it in the on-safe position while holstered.

Rc

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

For comfort you can't beat a scabbard-style holster. Too many to name. Davis, Milt Sparks, Rafter-L, Tauris, Ross, and Rybka are just a few makers. Go to their sites and see what they have to offer.

 

[mdThanatos]

I have been using a Desantis Speed Scabbard for my 1911 and find it comfortable and easy to use.

 

[1948CJ2A]

Thanks everyone for their feedback. I think I have a plan now.

 

[zerobarrier]

I like Mernickle holsters. Their medium ride ones (PS6MR), the high ride ones (PS6) seemed too high for me. Any of the designs he does for the high rise ones he will do for the medium ride ones, you just have to call him.

http://www.mernickleholsters.com/bm_perf.html

 

[alexander45]

I use a Bianchi model 56 serpent it's a very well built inexpensive leather holster with a thumb snap and a molded area to hold the safety in the on position

 

[Bula]

I have an old Alessi DOJ and I really like the comfort and ride height. It is a bit of a PITA to put onto a thick 1.5" gun belt.

 

[AZAndy]

For IWB, I like the Bianchi Covert Option:

The full-size one is a bit longer than the one in the picture. The soft panel helps retention, and it's good for one-handed re-holstering. I have them for J-Frame, 1911 compact, and 1911 Government. I've had the .38 size for ten years and have used it nearly every day; still works just fine.