Hey all, just got my para 1911 single stack in yesterday and I am now in the market for a holster, what does everyone out there use? What material should I go with? Leather? The plastic type? It will be used for daily carry at my ranch. Any input is appreciated!
Leather.
Valovak from Alex Nossar
IBS from 5 Shot Leather
ISP-LP from Matt Del Fatti
The only kydex I have liked for the 1911 so far is from Blade tech, but it is for competition.
Good choices there.
I’d also recommend the Sparks VM-II and Brommeland Max Con V for IWB carry. Just remember to invest in a good belt while you are at it.
AC
I have a thick leather western belt that I wear every day… Will that do? What kind of belt would you recommend?
Thick by itself may not be good enough. However, your belt might be ok. I wear a Matt Del Fatti belt everyday. I also really like Mitch Rosen’s belt. The Beltman belts are of a much lower quality than those previously mentioned, but do the job and are cheaper.
Rigidity is more important than thickness where gunbelts are concerned. Generally, I’d say that if you buy a belt from the same place you ante up for a high-quality holster, you’ll be getting a lifetime product that will serve you well.
AC
AC, as usual, you say it better than I do.
Stubby,
to give an example of AC’s point:
The double thick Filson belt is a very thick, robust belt. It is not a gun belt because it is not rigid at all. The heavier the pistol, the more important it is for the belt to be rigid.
re: gun belts
You want a double stack gun belt, not just a thick belt. The grain, two grain faces are what makes the belt sturdy. The standard gun belt is 1.5" wide, comprised of two 7/8oz straps, which makes for a thickness of almost 1/4" thick. You can also get them in 1.75" & 1.25". Most holster makers build belts so I’d recommend buying your carry rig all together. It makes for continuity between hardware, belt loops & straps and dye color.
Very good point! I’ll have to do some shopping around. Thanks all
For kydex I recommend Dark Star Gear.
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I have been using MTR Custom Leather’s bull hide belts with the added stiffener for a while now and I am very impressed with the quality of the belts. They support a full size 1911 and 2 spare mags with no problem.
Milt Sparks VMII or Summer Special II
You might also check out Kelly Gun Leather and Andrews as well.
Milt Sparks Executive Companion, or VMII, or Summer Special, for IWB. Cannot go wrong with any of them. For owb I really like the Sparks 55BN.
For a belt, 90% of the time I am running a Wilderness Tactical Products. The other 10% I run one of my Milt Sparks leather belts.
The Brommeland max-con v is an excellent holster. I carried a full size in one for years with great success. Make sure you have a high quality gun belt!
Actually, the Max Con V is the only holster I still use for the 1911. I’ve got versions for both 5" and 4" guns, and am quite content with them.
AC
I’ll have to check some of these out…the 1911 commader has been my carry gun for 20+ years & been using horsehide Kramers for decades now and they have held up way past my expectations. Not cheap by my standards, but have not compared cost to those others mentioned.
Just wanted to throw another name out there because she has been good to me.
Kramer holsters have a good reputation. I did not include them because I have never used them. I have seen many though with a lot of miles on them. The ones I mentioned I have used and have first hand experience with.
You are right, the quality holsters (usually the expensive ones) will often last a life time.
I really like the high ride holster system made by Mernickle. I carry my 5" 1911 in their PS6 Series. The system keeps the gun high on the belt which allows me to conceal with an untucked shirt. The holster has a leather wedge placed near the bottom. This keeps the grip tight to the body reducing the weapon’s print. Great system, check it out.
Holster I currently use:
Andrews McDaniel II
Milt Sparks VM II
Raven for 1911/Dawson-rail/x300 Ultra
I regularly spend 15 hours per day with one of these
I think I’m going to order an A2 Dual Carry from MTR Custom Leather for my 1911. I’ve seen several very good reviews…excellent workmanship and customer service.