There seem to be many different styles/brands/quality of holsters out there. I recently purchased my first 1911 (Kimber CDP custom) and as much as some of these things cost, I want to get it right the first time. I realize one of the smaller models would have better for concealed carry, and I have other pistols for that, so I guess I'm looking for comfort, quality, etc. I'm also curious as to which is harder on the finish of a gun, kydex vs leather. I welcome all your thoughts on this as you usually cover an aspect I haven't considered. Thanks in advance, Dave

I prefer Kydex holsters for light weight and durability.I highly recommend FIST Inc.They will customize any of their models the way you want.I own 3 of them and I'm waiting for my fourth.#K2 Kydex High Ride.Good luck to you and enjoy that new Kimber.

Kydex is rough on a finish. I now only buy Alessi Leather for my 1911s. Quality is second to none. You will wait a while for it, but IMHO it's well worth the wait. I just recently bought an Alessi "ACP" for my SA Champion (4", Commander size). That is the most comfortable OWB holster I've ever put on my hip.

If you're worried about the finish,leave it in the gun safe.

Try COMP-TAC

Greg Garrett and his folks make a great Kydex holster in several styles.

I never warmed up to Kydex, so it's always leather for me. I don't think leather is too harsh on the finish based on how many times my Kimber Compact Aluminum has been in and out of various leather holsters. The edges that make contact with the holster have lost some bluing but everything else still looks good. I'll add a second vote to purchase an Alessi holster. For concealed carry the IWB style GWH is tough to beat, while I prefer the CQC-S for outside hip carry if the holster is removed and replaced often. The CQC-S is much better than any paddle holster, IMO. I haven't personlly used the ACP, but I've never seen a poor review of one. I've tried several other makes of holster for the 1911 (Sparks, Rosen, Brommeland, Galco, etc), but Alessi is my first choice. If the budget is tight or you just can't fathom spending a C note for a holster, Concealco makes a very product for the money. Many of the other 1911 holsters I tried ending up on the auction block, but I still have the Concealco IWB. It is almost as comfortable as the Alessi and costs about half as much. Regardless of which holster you buy, be sure to purchase a quality belt. The best holster in the world won't work well unless it's used with a belt that was made for the purpose. I prefer 1.25" width belts for IWB and 1.5" width for OWB.

Thanks for the advice guys. I can't seem to find Allesi products easily...anyone have a website?

I have a blade tech (sp?) that I use when im outside or hunting, haven't gotten my CCL yet but can't imagine using a hard holster for that

the two best holsters i've owned were both by greg kramer. horsehide IWB #2 and a verticle scabbard. they are almost 15 years old and will probaly last another 15. inside holster for warm months and the vert. for colder weather (under a coat, sweatshirt ect).

Good choice for a carry gun.

What is kydex? Quality deserves leather.

Aker Model #132. http://www.akerleather.com I like the thumb break strap between the hammer and frame as this model does with the 1911 carried cocked and locked (condition one). Someone is always asking where they can find one, because it works great

If you carry a gun nearly every day as I do, you’re going to get wear. The finish on my 1911 is worn more outside the holster than inside. I’m like dirtbikerider44, if you’re worried about the finish on this gun, leave it at home and get one you don’t have to worry about using.

quote:

Originally posted by J Stambough:
the two best holsters i've owned were both by greg kramer. horsehide IWB #2 and a verticle scabbard. they are almost 15 years old and will probaly last another 15. inside holster for warm months and the vert. for colder weather (under a coat, sweatshirt ect).

Listen up to J and buy horsehide if you want leather.
It takes longer to break in but wears like iron.

For a plastic holster FOBUS is functional and cheap, BLADE-TECH is very good.

http://www.miltsparks.com/

http://www.blade-tech.com/

http://www.fobusholster.com/catalog/

If the majority of your shooting is on a hot range with mucho draw strokes, or if you compete in IDPA, get a Blade-Tech.

I have a huge bin full of all sorts of holsters for several different handguns. They're ALL leather. But then I like leather. It's my preference.

Anyway -- I like Galco. The local shop sells it, and it's on the rack. I don't have to order, and it's good stuff.

That said, I have about six holsters for a 1911.

OK, maybe the US Army issue military is not really in the mix. But I have one.

Galco, IWB -- clips to the belt, rides inside, rough-out leather to grip the pants.

"Belt Clip" style -- this is just slightly wider than a belt. Gun rests w/ trigger guard covered. Most of the rest of the gun is outside the leather. Very minimal, it's for "concealed carry" and works on full size and compacts.

Galco "pancake" -- rides nice, covers the gun, easy access. I have one for a full size, and one for a compact.

-- But here's the point about a holster for a 1911.

I carry "cocked and locked." That's the standard carry protocol for the 1911. ALL the holsters listed above hold the gun securely, BUT they don't have a "hammer strap."

Hammer strap on any other gun is not necessary in my book. BUT, "cocked and locked" I want a strap between the hammer and the firing pin.

I carried a long time without the hammer strap on a 1911 and always worried about sitting and having clothing, furniture, car seats, seat belts, etc. release the safety on the gun. Extended saftey on the "custom" 1911 makes this fairly easy if you're not paying attention.

I developed a "tic" -- checking the safety all the time. And I never felt secure with the gun cocked and not strap between the hammer and firing pin.

Then I got a Galco, pancake style WITH a thumb-break hammer strap. The strap protects the safety from getting moved, AND puts a strap between the hammer and the firing pin on this gun.

Never needed a hammer strap on any other gun.

But on the 1911 it's necessary I think. I rest a whole lot easier knowing I have this added feature on the carry rig.

And yes, I've heard stories about people getting shot in the leg with a 1911 and no strap. (The IWB has no strap, and is not "pointing at my leg")

The best holster I have found for concealed carry is the Milt Sparks inside the waist band.
Usually called the Summer Special.

I have been using them EVERY DAY for about 40 years.

PS, start buying your pants 2" bigger in the waist.

This is a fun topic I must admit. I am a lefty so i got a lefty and a righty holster just incase I loose a hand at sometime and I practice weak and strong hand at the range.
The right hand pancake holseter is a 20 dollar kydex holster made by houston....cheap but wow it has held up better than I ever dreamed for a 20 dollar cheap thing.
My next holster had me a little more concerned and a little nervous because it was more expensive. I have a blackhawk carbon fiber sepra II. This thing is taking me a little while to get used to. It is very difficult to get into and out of my pants...perhaps that is a good thing as I have NO worries that someone will be able to jerk it out of my pants.
I will post more about the blackhawk as time goes on.

Seems nobody has ever heard of Andrews Custom Leather but us guys down here in Florida who've been keeping them six months behind in production for fifteen years. They make some of the finest gun leather available. I own six, plus some mag pouches. Can't beat Andrews. www.andrewsleather.com. They have a variety of styles and their quality is excellent.

Have a leather one made in the configuration you like that is fit to the exact gun. My two pence. Whenever I get a holster made I give up the gun for a month or two while it's made and it's always exactly what I want and perfectly fitted when I get it back.

quote:

Originally posted by 45/70 Govt.:-- But here's the point about a holster for a 1911.

I carry "cocked and locked." That's the standard carry protocol for the 1911. ALL the holsters listed above hold the gun securely, BUT they don't have a "hammer strap."

Hammer strap on any other gun is not necessary in my book. BUT, "cocked and locked" I want a strap between the hammer and the firing pin.

I use a leather pancake beltslide with a hammer strap made by Cobra Gunskins.

That thumbreak strap will noy close unless the hammer is back. the shape of the holster covers the safety too but FWIW I have never liked and will not use an extended thumb safety.

OTOH I will not use a 1911 without an extended slide stop, mostly because it's necissary with my personal taste in recoil springs, my preference for guide rods and my use of "shock buff" pads (all kinda necissary on a 10mm auto)

AD

I still use an old (70's manufacture) Bianchi Askins Avenger model. Has worked fime for many years.

I' a big fan of Safariland holsters. Hear in N.Ireland the police use Glock 17 and 19 and Bianchi retention duty holsters but have been recently given Safariland for off duty/concealed carry

Mernickle Apache slide.....

For concealed carry I don't want any holster, I only carried my 1911 and Browning stuck in my waist band butt forward on the right side and a little back, this carry hides the gun very well, even a larger pistol...If I just had to have a holster it would be and inside the waistband holster which might be a good thing in very humid areas and if you have a blued gun. I carred my colt and Browning Hi Power this way for 40 years but my job required this carry as I might have needed to get rid of the gun in a hurry under some circumstances, and didn't need to be worrying about getting a holster off...I was in Narcotics enforcement for those years.

I've got a Milt sparks for my 1911 frame and it works just great.

Another one I just bought for a Sig 226 was the Blackhawk paddle with the locking mechanism on it. I wasn't that fired up about the locking part until I tired it and think that it's a keeper.

I've used a G Wm Davis inside the waist band holster for 25 years, I prefer it filled with a full sized 1911 to any other pistol I've ever carried.

The "Summer Special" style leather holster just works, but do take the above advice and buy your pants larger.

My Kimber ultra cdp and Sig 229 both ride in the 5JR Mitch Rosen holsters. They wear well and are very comfortable.

Only one mention of Alessi? Wow.
I won't say he's the end-all, but his work is top-notch, his customer service cannot be beat, and he's a real man to boot.
Milt Sparks has some nice stuff as well.
It would seem to me however, that having spent so much on the carry piece, you wouldn't mind as much trying out a few sleeves before settling on one. Don't drop $1200 on a gun and then make it ride in the first $100 holster you get.
[And find neighbors with holsters if you want to narrow down the basic styles.]

quote:

For concealed carry I don't want any holster, I only carried my 1911 and Browning stuck in my waist band butt forward on the right side and a little back...

Mr. Atkinson, did you carry it that way cocked and locked or on an empty chamber? Just curious.