The range that I shoot at prefers that I use a Kydex holster instead of leather, as they're worried about the leather getting soft and folding over into the trigger well when the pistol is holstered. I've decided not to argue with them. So began my journey into the land of Kydex.
What I've come to appreciate is that not all 1911 Kydex holsters actually fit all 1911's. Naturally, if you have a rail or full length dust cover, this will impact holster compatibility. Less obvious, however, is the fact that thumb safeties, slide stops, and dust cover thickness on "standard" 1911's can vary enough from one 1911 model to another to impact holster fit.
Bravo Concealment is one of the few Kydex holster manufacturers that distinguishes between 1911 models. Unfortunately, they only build holsters for common production 1911's. I inquired about a holster for Guncrafter, Wilson, and Les Baer. Their reply was simply that they don't support any of those models.
One of the guns I shoot is a Dan Wesson Valor. Since Bravo Concealment makes a holster for Dan Wesson, I decided to pick up one of their BCA OWB Kydex holsters. I tested it using my Dan Wesson Valor, Wilson Combat X Tac, and Les Baer Custom Carry.
The fit with the Valor was perfect, as one would hope.
The X Tac fits, but it's a little loose. It looks like this is because the slide stop on the X Tac (the bullet proof extended slide stop) is not as wide as the extended slide stop on the Valor. When the Valor is holstered, the slide stop does make firm contact with the holster and eats up some of the lateral play that would otherwise be present. The holster still has enough retention to be usable for the X Tac, but there is enough free-play that the gun rattles a little in the holster when you move about.
The Custom Carry does fit, despite having a thick dust cover. However, when the thumb safety is on, the lever will interfere slightly with the sweat shield on the holster. It's usable, but I don't like the idea of the sweat shield pushing down even a little on the thumb safety.
One of the nice things about leather is that it naturally adapts to these "minor" dimensional variations. I can use the same Milt Sparks Summer Special 2 holster for all of my Government 1911's.
What I've come to appreciate is that not all 1911 Kydex holsters actually fit all 1911's. Naturally, if you have a rail or full length dust cover, this will impact holster compatibility. Less obvious, however, is the fact that thumb safeties, slide stops, and dust cover thickness on "standard" 1911's can vary enough from one 1911 model to another to impact holster fit.
Bravo Concealment is one of the few Kydex holster manufacturers that distinguishes between 1911 models. Unfortunately, they only build holsters for common production 1911's. I inquired about a holster for Guncrafter, Wilson, and Les Baer. Their reply was simply that they don't support any of those models.
One of the guns I shoot is a Dan Wesson Valor. Since Bravo Concealment makes a holster for Dan Wesson, I decided to pick up one of their BCA OWB Kydex holsters. I tested it using my Dan Wesson Valor, Wilson Combat X Tac, and Les Baer Custom Carry.
The fit with the Valor was perfect, as one would hope.
The X Tac fits, but it's a little loose. It looks like this is because the slide stop on the X Tac (the bullet proof extended slide stop) is not as wide as the extended slide stop on the Valor. When the Valor is holstered, the slide stop does make firm contact with the holster and eats up some of the lateral play that would otherwise be present. The holster still has enough retention to be usable for the X Tac, but there is enough free-play that the gun rattles a little in the holster when you move about.
The Custom Carry does fit, despite having a thick dust cover. However, when the thumb safety is on, the lever will interfere slightly with the sweat shield on the holster. It's usable, but I don't like the idea of the sweat shield pushing down even a little on the thumb safety.
One of the nice things about leather is that it naturally adapts to these "minor" dimensional variations. I can use the same Milt Sparks Summer Special 2 holster for all of my Government 1911's.