In professional carry of a 1911 or other pistol, the reliability of a holster is just as important as the reliability of the gun. Think on this, and it will become apparent.
In 45 years of military and law enforcement, including Vietnam combat- I have gravitated to the best leather steerhide and horsehide rigs available. Didn't always think the very best, until I looked closely at the design - workmanship compared to the ergonomics and economics-the cost.
The bottom line is the best holsters must be carried day after day, in an evalutive formula of comfort, utility, and reliability. It doesn't take long to find the flaws in a poor holster, either due to design flaws or leather execution. I have tried most of the major makers from the early 1970 revolver days until the present. Seventrees, Chic Gaylord, Milt Sparks, Thad Rybka, Red Nichols: this is far from an all-inclusive list. Currently there is Warbird, El Paso Saddlery, Ronin, Sparks and a host of others out there. Just as in custom 1911 names, there are names that stand out making almost custom carry rigs. An interesting consideration mentioned is cost: a really well-made custom holster by Milt Sparks is not inexpensive, and you just might have to wait. Like a custom Randall knife, quality may involve time and a waiting list. Personal preference also enters into the selection formula.
As an Agent or Criminal Investigator, the IWB or OWB style: both may be necessary at times.
The flat outline of a 1911, Browning HP, or Glock semi-auto places different requirements on holsters. One of the best steerhide rigs I ever used for a Colt 1911 was an early Roy's Custom Pancake Holster that had a leather shop afix an IWB leather snap strap -Sparks-styled. It worked really well , high quality leather, and I still have it. Favorites and hard to find: Seventrees-NY and Berns-Martin Red Nichols.
In 45 years of military and law enforcement, including Vietnam combat- I have gravitated to the best leather steerhide and horsehide rigs available. Didn't always think the very best, until I looked closely at the design - workmanship compared to the ergonomics and economics-the cost.
The bottom line is the best holsters must be carried day after day, in an evalutive formula of comfort, utility, and reliability. It doesn't take long to find the flaws in a poor holster, either due to design flaws or leather execution. I have tried most of the major makers from the early 1970 revolver days until the present. Seventrees, Chic Gaylord, Milt Sparks, Thad Rybka, Red Nichols: this is far from an all-inclusive list. Currently there is Warbird, El Paso Saddlery, Ronin, Sparks and a host of others out there. Just as in custom 1911 names, there are names that stand out making almost custom carry rigs. An interesting consideration mentioned is cost: a really well-made custom holster by Milt Sparks is not inexpensive, and you just might have to wait. Like a custom Randall knife, quality may involve time and a waiting list. Personal preference also enters into the selection formula.
As an Agent or Criminal Investigator, the IWB or OWB style: both may be necessary at times.
The flat outline of a 1911, Browning HP, or Glock semi-auto places different requirements on holsters. One of the best steerhide rigs I ever used for a Colt 1911 was an early Roy's Custom Pancake Holster that had a leather shop afix an IWB leather snap strap -Sparks-styled. It worked really well , high quality leather, and I still have it. Favorites and hard to find: Seventrees-NY and Berns-Martin Red Nichols.
