Looking for a leather holster for my 1911

[mb1900]

I already have two leather holsters for my 1911, and I'm looking for something more suitable for training. Will you suggest a few holsters for me to consider?

First, hear why these holsters don't work so well for me.

My first holster is the Bianchi Carry-lok. It's a fine carry holster, but my biggest problem with it is that the lock prevents a proper grip when you begin the draw. Disengaging the lock with the middle finger also slows you down, and after repeatedly drawing (say, in the context of a course), your hand gets tired fast.

My second holster is the El Paso Crosshair. Whereas the Bianchi Carry-lok has a more or less rigid opening, thanks to the plastic lock, the Crosshair has a more flexible, collapsible opening. But my biggest problem with it is that the holster does not allow for a full, solid grip.

Right now I'm looking at the Milt Sparks 55BN, which seems to give enough space for me to get a full grip. It is also reinforced with metal at the mouth to prevent the holster for collapsing. I'd be glad to hear other, cheaper suggestions!

Thanks!

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[MrBuckwheat]

Well most times you get what you pay for!

Some of these guys make their own. I can't believe how nice a job they do. You need to find a guy making them and have them build just what you want. Since you got two now you should know what you want. Most people don't know what they want.

[sgb]

Well most times you get what you pay for!

Some of these guys make their own. I can't believe how nice a job they do. You need to find a guy making them and have them build just what you want. Since you got two now you should know what you want. Most people don't know what they want.

The MS 55 BN is a great choice, I make a pancake style holster out of 8/9 oz leather which incorporates a wrap around leather reinforced opening. I find the wider belt loop spacing helps distribute the weight better.

[kapnketel]

I have a PureKustom Black Ops Pro. A great holster that has good retention and is easy draw and excellent re-holstering. Its the best holster I own, and like many here, I have a drawer full.

[matthew03]

I like Sparks products, but haven't tried his OWB rigs. My Summer Special II is one of my favorite 1911 holsters of all time.

SGB, those stag's are stellar, would love to have a set. Where did they come from? I really like a set with more dark than light features like those; beautiful.

[GeorgiaDawg]

I've got a Sparks VMII and it covers well. Very comfortable, but it's IWB. I see OWB mentioned but don't have one for my 1911.

[sgb]

I like Sparks products, but haven't tried his OWB rigs. My Summer Special II is one of my favorite 1911 holsters of all time.

SGB, those stag's are stellar, would love to have a set. Where did they come from? I really like a set with more dark than light features like those; beautiful.

Milt Sparks holsters are top notch as are Kramer, both of which were my go to holsters up till I started making my own. The grips I got in a trade a decade or so ago and they've got that aged patina from use that makes them look so good I think.

[RubenZ]

Check out Kirkpatrick leather in Texas. They have website

[houdini]

try crossbreed if you want a Iwb

[Steve J]

look at Fist holsters, I have a couple of carry holsters but they make all kinds

[JDE101]

I have a Galco Avenger OWB holster that I use for carry in the cooler months with a cover garment and I used it in two advanced classes that I took. Resonably priced in my opinion, good retention (adjustable with a screw), and holds it's shape. Opening is reinforced with a band of learther. I got it at Optics planet for less than the normal list price and free shipping, about 3 years ago.

[JHoff45acp]

look at garrett industries, they use a leather lined kydex. great holsters

[357and40]

For an all leather holster the Milt Sparks VM2 is VERY hard to beat as long as you can swallow the wait list.

For anything other than a 1911 I have several Minotaur M-TACs.

[mb1900]

I am discovering there is usually a very long required lead time for holster orders. For such high end stuff, most makers don't have an inventory, it seems, and many are backlogged.

I have a Galco Avenger OWB holster that I use for carry in the cooler months with a cover garment and I used it in two advanced classes that I took. Resonably priced in my opinion, good retention (adjustable with a screw), and holds it's shape. Opening is reinforced with a band of learther. I got it at Optics planet for less than the normal list price and free shipping, about 3 years ago.

I took a look a the Avenger. It seems like the holster extends up to almost touch the top screw of the pistol grip. Does it allow you to grip the gun fully, so you don't have to fix your grip after drawing?

[GeorgiaDawg]

I got my MS VMII from gunbroker.com from an authorized dealer. Only took a few days rather than months. You can keep an eye out for one there but I'm sure there are other quality holsters with a shorter wait time.