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Which holster for 1911? Thoughts?

brokeasajoke

Silver $$ Contributor
So I was out shooting with my neighbor shooting at a dueling target tree and I didn't have a holster on me. I have a leather belt holster but rarely wear a belt and that holster is a universal which also fits short 1911s so it doesn't extend down around the muzzle. The gun in question is a Kimber master carry custom (full size). I definitely want leather and probably brown. So what do you guys carry and why? I've looked at a few Galco, DeSantis and the one I have is Tagua. I want one long enough to extend completely protecting the slide and muzzle end from what ever I bump into. Paddle or belt? Thanks for your thoughts. I normally don't carry this pistol except when I'm out shooting, though it does ride in the vehicle sometimes. Thanks.
Josh
 
I have a few from Mitch Rosen and they are very well made and hold up extremely well.
I have his basic pancake holster for my duty weapon going on 15 years and it still looks brand new.

I also have a Galco that is good but didn't hold up to well.

Nick
 
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If you want pretty, there are many like Milt Sparks, with exotic skins/ trims.
If you want comfortable, a leather/ kydex hybrid can't be beat.
Like most things shooting, the buy once/ cry once rule applies.
Everyone has a holster box/ drawer in which the 'cheap' holsters they bought turned out to be expensive mistakes.

Edit to add:
You'll need a good gun belt for anything to work for you.
 
The exotics are pretty but like you say I don't want to purchase one only to dislike it and find some hing else. A pile of holsters can dent a wallet fast. My LGS dosent carry anything but plastic and cordura and mostly uncle Mikes so I'll probably be ordering one of the net.
 
I have 2 holsters and a belt from D.M. Bullard, Azle TX. 1 holster is the Bodyguard, pancake style, in Mahogany, and 1 is the Combat in Saddle Brown. The belt, I'll never wear it out! All very well made and good folks to deal with too! This is the Bodyguard in Saddle Brown.
 

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A full length holster is a must to prevent carry "rash". I' not sure how durable that kimpro II finish is on the slide. I'e thought about sending it to the custom shop to have an eclipse treatment done to it and leave the black in the recesses.
 
A full length holster is a must to prevent carry "rash". I' not sure how durable that kimpro II finish is on the slide. I'e thought about sending it to the custom shop to have an eclipse treatment done to it and leave the black in the recesses.
That kimpro finish 3 times tougher than a bare polished slide, especially when holster wear plays in on it.
 
If I was you I'd go to a large gun store that has multiple brands . It's like asking what pair of shoes would you recommend. Most gun shops will let you try them on and put your pistol in them to see how they fit .
 
I had a number of different holsters for a 1911. My favorite, by far, was a Galco Yaqui slide.

Yaqui_Slide_in_use1500x1500_t.jpg


Please note that this is shown carried in the correct 'Condition 1'.
 
I have ejoyed the Don Hume holsters I have owned. I have several that are 25 years old. They make a nice brown leather holster. You must decide if you want belt or paddle, in or out. My personal experience with a 1911 full size is that I would have preferred a outside belt holster. Inside bites my hip and a 1911 isn't small, or soft. A real gunbelt is a must. I HATE paddles. They make my side ache, and are really not any better at convenience than unbuckling. You gotta do that anyhow to get it off...
 
I'm with NickB1075 on this one - the Mitch Rosen holsters are excellent and are very durable.
 
Good suggestions so far like the rosen. Im fortunate in that my wifes uncle is a saddlemaker so he makes me some very nice holsters exactly how i want them. See if you can find a saddlemaker close to you. They love doing different stuff and will mold it to your exact pistol. Out of all the holsters i have for different pistols i find myself carrying my nighthawk with a clip grip what they call “mexican style” shoved in my pants since i dont wear a belt and dont tuck my shirt in outside of work. Quick and easy.
 
So I was out shooting with my neighbor shooting at a dueling target tree and I didn't have a holster on me. I have a leather belt holster but rarely wear a belt and that holster is a universal which also fits short 1911s so it doesn't extend down around the muzzle. The gun in question is a Kimber master carry custom (full size). I definitely want leather and probably brown. So what do you guys carry and why? I've looked at a few Galco, DeSantis and the one I have is Tagua. I want one long enough to extend completely protecting the slide and muzzle end from what ever I bump into. Paddle or belt? Thanks for your thoughts. I normally don't carry this pistol except when I'm out shooting, though it does ride in the vehicle sometimes. Thanks.
Josh
I have several 1911s and several holsters -for range work I like an old Bianca it's well broken in no drag at all. I bought it second hand for $10.00 another I paid $20.00 - black hand made not bad but still tight if I had to draw it out quickly I'd be in trouble. For carrying I just slide it in my waist band with no belt works fine..
 
I am a fan of Brommeland Leather. When I got his holster, I cleaned out a lot of space in my drawer.

That said, holsters are like shoes in that what works for one doesn't work for another.
 
If general carry...sounds like not...I'd recommend a hybrid IWB. As it sounds like you are talking general carry for the range and shooting where conceal is not necessary, I would go with a paddle for convenience.
 
Yea I don't conceal this one. I'm usually in shorts and a tshirt. Normally I have a 380 or keltec 9 on me though I'm considering a kimber micro. I bought a springfield xd 40 subcompact but its honestly not comfortable to carry.
 

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