Omni

I know there are generic 1911 holsters out there, but I was wondering if there are meaningful dimensional differences between different brands of 1911 (Springfield, Colt, Kimber, Dan Wesson, Taurus, S&W etc....) Are all the slides the same width and radiused the same? Are different safeties or trigger guards something that are considered when making a holster? Is a traditional 1911 the same as some of the radically dehorned/rounded 1911s?

To be specific, I'm wondering about getting a custom leather holster for a Dan Wesson Commander Bobtail. Is there such a thing as a holster for this specific gun, or will any commander sized 1911 fit perfectly? The bottom line is, I don't want approximately the right holster, I want exactly the right holster.

I already have a Del Fatti OWB and a Sparks VMII for other pistols, and they are a perfect fit. Any suggestions for the Dan Wesson CBOB?

Has this question already been answered on another thread that I couldn't find?

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richardoldfield

1911s without a rail are of similar size and they should fit in holsters made for 1911s. If I had a Del Fatti OWB holster I could go to my grave a happy man. Regards, Richard

mavrik46

I have one holster made for my 5" 1911 and another made for my 4" 1911. Both made by the same maker.

Mark Garrity

I think your Dan Wesson will fit in most any 1911 holster of appropriate length. The only 1911s I'm aware of different enough in specs to effect holster fit are the Springfield's. They are thicker and more squared off thru the dust-cover, so may be a tighter fit in a standard 1911 holster. When a customer orders a 1911 holster, I ask if it is a Springfield, and if so I use a Springfield to mold the holster. I know Lou Alessi does this also.
I will also ask a customer what type of rear sight their 1911 has, and if it has a single-side or ambi-safety. An adjustable rear sight like a Bo-Mar that extends further forward of the dovetail can effect the fit in some holsters where the leather comes up high on the slide, and the same can hold true for an ambi-safety.

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tegemu

All 1911's are supposed to be made to approximately the same specifications so they will be about the same size. What you have to consider most when buying a holster is the length of the pistol. The Standard size is 5", the Commander 4.25 inch and the Officers size 3". There are also some that are of different sizes than the ones I listed. Be sure to contact your holstersmith and discuss your needs with him. Take heed to Mark Garrity's comments, he is one of the premier holster smiths.

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p8riot

I have a DW CBOB, and several other Commander size 1911s, and all of them fit the same holster (Brommeland MCV). Be careful that the holster is made for a slide with a 4-1/4 " barrel and not just a 4" barrel. The smaller length pistol will fit the larger of course.

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OD

They changed from the metric receiver circa 2003, any later Springer's should have the Colt style contours on the recoil spring channel and front strap.

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OD
"Slow down, you'll get a more harmonious outcome...."
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"The pistol, learn it well, carry it always ..." - Jeff Cooper

Mark Garrity

OD,
Thanks; wasn't aware of that. Something else to keep in mind.
I think the gun manufactuerers do things like this just to make life interesting for holster-makers!

__________________
"He who makes things with his hands is a laborer, he who makes things with his hands and his head is a craftsman, he who makes things with his hands, his head, and his heart is an artist."
www.garritysgunleather.com

QKShooter

I think the Commander length is absolutely ideal for the 1911...I'm guessing that if J. M. Browning could do it all over again...the original slabsides would have been designed w/ a Commander length slide and barrel.

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OD

You're welcome sir.

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OD
"Slow down, you'll get a more harmonious outcome...."
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"The pistol, learn it well, carry it always ..." - Jeff Cooper