Huzar

OK, I've bit the bug and I think I will end up with a 4" Kimber very shortly. Since I will most likely put it on my permit and replace the 4" 9mm that's on there now I will need a holster for it. I've searched through all the threads and I"m kind of lost as to what I want to get. My first and foremost requirement I think is a "slim" holster. So whatever it is, it has to be slim yet sturdy. I don't know if they make Kydex for it, but even if they do, the 1911 deserves all leather so that's what I'll be sticking to.

Any suggestions?

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California CCW board

torrejon224

Check out my post on the Nossar IWB. Even the holster makers on this board say it's the thinnest IWB made (horsehide). Next to that I'd go with an Alessi or Sparks Watch Six.

pogo2

When you compare horsehide holsters to those made of cowhide, you see that horsehide tends to be harder, stiffer and more dense than cowhide. I'm sure that horsehide is difficult to work with because of these properties, but the net result is that a holster made of thinner horsehide will have the same strength and durability as a holster of the same design made of thicker cowhide.

So if your objective is a thin, less obtrusive holster for IWB use, you should really look at horsehide. The Milt Sparks Company does a lot of work in horsehide, and they advertise that their Watch Six horsehide IWB design may be the thinnest IWB holster on the market. I think they may be right in this claim. There are other makers who use horsehide as well - not just Sparks.

On the downside, horsehide doesn't seem to "give" as much as cowhide, so initially the holster may not seem to conform to your body as well. But I have found that horsehide will eventually conform to you, if you simply wear it and be patient. It is a slower process than with cowhide.

QKShooter

The difference in wall thickness between a horsehide rig and one of high quality dense cowhide is negligible/irrelevant for concealment purposes with a total thickness savings of usually less than 1/8" - also remember that horsehide is more abrasive to the firearm finish.
I'm not sure how important that is to you ~ as it's an important factor to some folks and not to others.

I don't see anything particularly wrong with horsehide as a holster material but, I don't see any true advantage to it either that would justify any increased price for horsehide as the base material for a holster. It's somewhat more expensive as there is less quality horsehide in the domestic marketplace than cow and it's more of an uncommon leather for use in the United States.
Horsehide makes a nice holster as does cow if the rig is properly constructed but, horsehide is nothing to put up on a pedestal as being in any way superior for holster work in general.

snowdoctor

ok...slim holster for 4'' 1911....truthfully you need to research Gary Brommeland's Max Con V. it is hands down the best holster for that 4 incher anywhere. I carry an ultra carry II in one and have one ordered for my XD45 4''. This is a superior design and the craftsmanship is second to none. It is barely thicker than the firearm itself, and you can wear it all day, without any problems. I have been wearing one for well over a year now, and I really can't find anything bad to say. Try it, and if you don't like it, I'LL buy the holster from you! I have a 4'' 1911 around here somewhere.
seriously...if you want an IWB that is makes carrying that 4''er fun and easy...it is the max con V

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----DOC-----

--people ask why I carry, and I show them this picture. I think it says it all.--

NRA Certified Instructor--many disciplines

tegemu

The Gary Brommeland www.brommelandgunleather.com Max Con V holster is about as slim as a cowhide holster can get. There is no reinforced mouth so the only added thickness to your firearm is two thin thicknesses of leather.

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People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence in their behalf. - George Orwell

yellowv

Another vote for the Max Con V. A picture tells a thousand words. And that is a Glock a 1911 would be even thinner.

pogo2

If you go to the Milt Sparks website:
Sparks website
and click on the page describing the Versamax 2 holster, you will see that the cowhide version (VM-2) is priced at $100. The horsehide version (VM-2H) is priced at $102. That is a 2% price difference, which seems quite small.

Perhaps Sparks has discovered a low cost source of dead horses?

rocky

If kydex interests you ,PM me. I have built a few for my 1911 SA champ.

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"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." Thomas Jefferson


Nemo Me Impune Lacesset

Link to my kydex builds:http://rocknloadkydex.blogspot.com/

p8riot

Just a heads up. Gary is doing a run of commander size MaxCon Vs in the very near future (I should have mine in about 4 weeks). Get in line now and you won't have to wait as long as some of the guys looking for holsters for other pistols. Of course, they'll be ticked at me for having them wait a little longer.

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