Holster recommendations for a 1911

I don’t OC but my favorite OWB holster would be a Milt Sparks 55BN. Not inexpensive but the best OWB holster that I have had in over 40 years of carrying.

You will get tons of different answers and almost as many as a lube thread would get.

I like your avatar as it looks a lot like me.

 

I’m not an OCer; however, if I did, I’d likely go with a holster with a thumb-break. My choice would be a Mitch Rosen model as shown here. I own this particular holster sized for a 5-inch 1911.

https://mitchrosen.com/products/express-line/

 

Milt Sparks 55BN, all day long

 

I just got this from Warbird Leather:





It is very similar to the Milt Sparks 55BN, but has a sweat shield and its secondary attachment point is a belt snap instead of a pancake style belt slot.

This particular rig is setup with a high ride for concealment under a jacket. However, the high ride also makes sitting easier.

@WhoIsJohnGalt? brings up a good point. You probably want a Level 2 holster for open carry. The holster above and the 55BN lack any kind of active retention system .

 

Sparks

 

My apologies for a minor thread-hijack here - what an outstanding holster @B81!

 

Have you checked the holster thread on 1911forum? There are hundreds of recommendations there.

 

i have had many leather holsters but now only using 1911 owb kydex holster for my 1911. Works well for me and i'm really enjoy to use it

 

Kramer leather...( Horsehide )...with a forward FBI tilt....in a Scabbard style ( outside waist band ) or in an IWB...they have both, I use the Scabbard for training..the IWB for carry.

 

Sparks Axiom or TT Gunleather High Ride Snap for quick on/quick off the belt. Like mounting a holster and gun out of a gun safe on to the belt.

I have a Tucker HF1. It's hard to beat the comfort of the HF1. A Tucker HF1 is not quick on/quick off. The belt has to be laced through it. Everyone should own at least one Tucker HF1.

 

Check the Ranger Pro out.

http://jeffreycustomleather.com/ConcealmentHolsterRanger.html

I have the older version and it's very nice but drawing a fullsize 1911 out can be a pain. The Pro has a cut out in the front for faster holster clearance when drawing. Seems like it would be a very noticable improvement.

I workday carry a tiny Sig P238. So drawing a full-size 1911 makes me feel like the Joker in Batman pulling that massive revolver out of his pants anyways....

 

I OC on occasion. My favorite OWB holsters are the Horseshoe Leather and Mtch Rosen pancake style.

 

Anybody have experience with Andrew's custom leather?

 

I really like R Grizzle. Beautiful work, great retention, not to expensive, and he’s a great guy to work with, plus he gives away free Bibles!

 

I’m a fan of the Mitch Rosen 5JR.

 

I've had excellent results with Ryan (2 already purchased and in use plus contemplating the third). He'll work with you to get what you need. Beautiful work also.

Michael

 

I dont OC but everything I've gotten that Paul at Warbird made is great. I don't have much experience though.

 

I don't open carry but OWB is definitely more comfortable. With the right jacket sweatshirt etc it's still concealed

 

Galco