What to look for in a holster for a 1911

[pbwalker]

I'm not necessarily looking for a recommendation for a holster as there are quite a few on here already so I've got my homework ahead of me. What I'm looking to get info on would pertain to what I should look for in particular? I'm open to both OWB and IWB suggestions.

Should I look for a retention holster? Maybe one that has a strap that sits between the hammer and firing pin while holstered? I love my 1911 and want to keep it in decent shape. It will be my formal wear holster as I'd rather carry my G23 at this point (that may change, who knows). What clips would you recommend?

Thanks so much for the input!

-bw

[Mike1951]

I'll throw out a few of things to look for, mostly for IWB.

The holster will be more stable if the belt clips are farther apart. The holster doesn't twist.

The holster will bulge less if the belt clip is not over the holster, but on either side.

Do NOT buy any holster for a 1911 that has a thumb strap. It is useless and has been known to disengage the thumb safety.

I'm not in favor of a thumbstrap on any holster for CHL.

Adjustable retention in a holster if fine, but I dislike holsters with retention devices.

[Mike1951]

Oh, and if it's available, horsehide is thinner and stands up to perspiration better than cowhide.

Here's an excellent site for holster information:

http://www.spw-duf.info/holster.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Check out the rest of the site as well.

http://www.spw-duf.info/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[WarHawk-AVG]

You also want a large slab of hide behind the pistol

My CrossBreed Super-Tuck Deluxe fits great and since the leather covers the hammer..no bite when sitting

[DoubleJ]

here are some of my criterium for a holster whenst I was looking.

I thought about the bottom (muzzle end) of the holster being open or closed. I was buying a 4", but wanted the option of being able to use the same holster if I got a 5". so I got an open holster.

I wanted something on the skin side to keep the tang of the grip safety out of my hide. with another holster, by the end of the day, I had this red indentation in my flank from the aforementioned tang.

you might conside how high it rides in relevance to your beltline, too. lower in the beltline may make draw easier (or harder) but will affect how it lands when you sit down.

don't be afraid of the plastic clips. they make guns outta plastic, too.

[Ace_Inthe_O]

I think the biggest problem with carrying my 1911 is that I need something between me and the gun. The best option I have found is the M-Tac it has enough leather to keep the gun from rubbing and jabbing while sitting down. If you wear undershirts this isn't an issue.

[Oldgringo]

Check out a Safariland 5181-53. Mine does the job and it's affordable and comfy under an over-shirt or jacket, etc.

[Mike1951]

Check out a Safariland 5181-53. Mine does the job and it's affordable and comfy under an over-shirt or jacket, etc.

http://www.safariland.com/product.aspx?pid=5181" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The only good thing I can find to say about paddle holsters is their ease or removal/replacement.

On the few that I have tried, the paddle causes the holster to protrude more than I care for.

[CompVest]

I asked Tucker to make a pancake holster for me where the leather comes up and outlines the whole gun including the grip. It works great. No part of the gun rubs on me or my shirts. We worked on a design that allows the wearer to slide their tumb down between the gun and the back leather piece. I will try to remember to get a picture of it this week.
This is a very comfortable holster. I wore it on a four hour drive in August. No rubbing on me and no sweat on my gun.