1911 Holster recommendation?

[jgcoastie]

Just picked up a Taurus PT1911 as noted in another thread... Now I'm looking for a decent quality (read less than $100) CCW holster for it... I'm a lefty, so please keep that in mind... I've had good results with Comp-Tac and Blackhawk holsters for my Glocks, Safariland for my J-Frame, but I'm looking for something such as a thumb-break type for the 1911 to ride between the hammer and pin...

I prefer something that rides extremely high for OWB, but IWB is preferred... Any ideas???

[Technosavant]

For OWB, I'd recommend a Blackhawk Serpa- not a thumb break, but on a 1911 it's unnecessary (the finger release is easier and quicker to use anyway).

For IWB, I tend to prefer non-retention holsters (the holster will hold the gun securely enough and nobody else knows it's there). Even the quality ones aren't much more than $100 (I like the Milt Sparks VM2, but any IWB leather holster with widely spaced loops should carry just as well).

[fairview mick]

I have a Kimber Grand Raptor. I have tried, I think, five holsters for that gun. The ONLY-ONLY one that I'll use is the Blackhawk Serpa. It's quick, your finger is on the trigger when you pull the gun and IT DOES NOT MARK THE GUN!!!!!!!!! I've had a Serpa for five guns and they are the best thing since
Swiss Cheese!!!!! That is my unbiased opinion and I do not have stock in the company!
Mickey
'

[Kreyzhorse]

I'm a lefty too and use a Galco Fletch holster for my 1911. It has a thumb break, it's OWB and rides pretty high. It's a well made holster and I'm very comfortable with the design, so comfortable in fact that I also use that same model for my S&W snub and my Glock.

Being a lefty, check out Packing Heat. Great prices, outstanding customer service and order turn time. Additionally they have everything in left handed.

http://store.packinheatleather.com/index.html

This is a link to the Fletch Holster:

http://store.packinheatleather.com/galfletblac1.html

[bald1]

You say IWB preferred, so let me recommend the two I've ended up with after trying a lot over the past several decades:

(1) Andrews Leather MacDaniel II with body shield http://www.andrewsleather.com/
Similar to the Milt Sparks SS except that it has one wide pivoting belt loop that allows cant adjustment and tailoring to belt width with optional loops. The SS only has 1.5" loops.

(2) Kramer IWB #3 http://www.kramerleather.com/home.cfm
Again similar to the SS but instead of rough hide out cowhide, this one is molded horsehide and offers option belt loop sizes.

As for OWB, again after trying a lot of stuff (I'm a sexagenarian :) ), I ended up preferring a minimalist approach with the Galco Yaqui slide in both leather (YA0212) and the discontinued tactical cordura flavors (T-TS212).

[AK103K]

I'd go with a Blade Tech IWB. I know you said you wanted a thumb break, but its not necessary, and can actually be a detriment.

I used my first Blade Tech daily for 10+ years, I still have it, and its still as functional today as it was when I first got it. I also had basically zero rust from that first day on too. Sure beats buying two leather holsters a year too. That works to to be about $5.40 (and actually less as time goes on) a year for the Blade Tech vs $170 for leather.

[AZAK]

If you want a good holster that can be either OWB or IWB, and want to keep your dollars fairly local and in your price range, check out:

www.simplyrugged.com

Rob makes holster that live up to the name. I now have three of his holsters for different guns and wear them pretty much daily.

If you want the IWB option make sure to let him know, it is an extra $10 and he has to make the holster for both options; also let him know that you are a lefty. Look at The Cuda.

This is the holster that I carry my Government models in. And about the retention strap, I have only one 1911 holster with a strap (got a great deal on it new on sale - Bianchi) however, after the first few days of trying it out, there it sits in the holster drawer; yes, I have a drawer with nothing but like new holster sitting in it. But if you must have the strap, check out Rob's The Tribute.

[tom234]

IMHO Thumb break IWB is a bad idea.
CrossBreed Super-Tuck Deluxe
http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/beltslide.html

[AZAK]

Forgot to mention that Rob also has a chest strap system that you can purchase adding to his holsters that allows for chest carry in addition to IWB, OWB, and cross draw; here fishy, fishy, fish!

I have not tried this one out yet, but have heard from some who have that it works just fine.

[cornbush]

I have had god luck with galco, ross, and bianchi