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Thread: Leather for 1911s

  1. #1
    Boolit Master
    toallmy's Avatar
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    Leather for 1911s

    I have decided I could use a new holster , I suppose for the most part my choices are Galco or Elpaso I'm looking at these . I know the fit and comfort are user specific but are you satisfied with the quality and workmanship ?
    Galco Concealabe
    Galco Fletch
    Galco Combat Master
    Elpaso Crosshair
    Elpaso Dual Duty 3 slot

  2. #2
    Boolit Buddy slam45's Avatar
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    milt sparks BN55... as good as it gets...

  3. #3
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    I've owned and used holsters manufactured by a lot of companies, including Galco, El Paso and Milt Sparks. Those companies all produce holsters of excellent quality.

    I will say that there are a lot of factors involved when choosing a holster, think before you buy. Low ride/mid ride/ high ride? Forward cant, straight drop/ rear cant? Secondary retention (thumb break, etc.) or open top ? Size of belt slots (must fit belt! Don't go for the one size fits all).

    I will say that of the OP's identified choices, only 2 have a thumb break to help retain the pistol - The Galco Fletch & the El Paso Dual Duty.

    For an exposed open carry holster I would NOT use an open top holster (personal choice YMMV) but for a concealed holster an open top design is OK.

    I'm also going to toss out a few other options: Mitch Rosen and Don Hume.

    Mitch Rosen makes some very good gear and if you stay in their "Express Line" the price is competitive with Galco and other good makers.

    Don Hume is my fall back for high quality, hard working leather gear that doesn't break the bank.

  4. #4
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    Oh, and since we're talking holsters for a 1911 platform, if the holster employs a thumb break strap - that strap must fit under the cocked hammer.

  5. #5
    Boolit Master rmcc's Avatar
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    Mernickle for belt. I carry a series 70 Gov model and this holster does not print and is the most comfortable (next to a Roy's pancake) I have ever worn for 1911. Have been carrying one since 1982 and have tried a LOT of holsters, in fact have a big drawer full of them....lol!!
    fools rush in where angels fear to tread...Alexander Pope

  6. #6
    Boolit Master
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    I would call this fellow www.klnullholsters.com/default.htm and talk it through to get as close as possible to your desires. His products are excellent.

  7. #7
    Boolit Grand Master Bazoo's Avatar
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    I've used several galco combat master holsters. Used them till they were soft and wouldn't hold the gun anymore effectively. They are comfortable and good quality.

    I'm fat, and sweat a lot in summer. And being a carpenter I'm always covered in dust. So, being that I carry 24/7, a holster only lasts me bout a year and a half until it gets soft.

    I've also used a couple of Springfield armory brand leather holsters that are modeled after the combat master. I have no idea who made them though. They held up just about the same but the angle was less and they dug into my side more.

    I wear at 3:00-3:30 position. And I find I need a little more angle for comfort. I also find having the butt of the gun up more helps concealment.

    Right now I'm wearing an IWB DeSantis but I've modified it by removing the snap and opening up the mag release area so it doesn't press on the button.

  8. #8
    Boolit Master
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    I appreciate you gentlemen taking the time to try pointing me in the right direction . I'm in the research stage right now . It seems like looking for Quality Comfort & Accessibility , is asking for a lot . Plus ordering sight unseen without touching it is like buying boots online expecting them to be comfortable .
    Back to research since I have a few more names to look through .

  9. #9
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    rmcc, what is in that big drawer of yours, do you have a SUMMER SPECIAL 2??
    It was my favorite till I stopped carrying when I got married years ago.

  10. #10
    Boolit Grand Master
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    If looking for an inside the waist holster, I use the Don Hume "H715MNO.34-5". Surprisingly comfortable and concealable. Clean easy draw and, very surprisingly, easy re-holster.

  11. #11
    Boolit Master
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    Isn't Kydex a better material? Why leather?

  12. #12
    Boolit Master
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    I’m a old stick in the mud sorta fella & just like leather ��

  13. #13
    Boolit Grand Master

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    Kydex is hard and rigid. Leather, even in thick applications is softer and more supple. Kydex is cold, leather is warm. To me those are the operative differences.
    Wayne the Shrink

    There is no 'right' that requires me to work for you or you to work for me!

  14. #14
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    I'm partial to El Paso saddlery!

  15. #15
    Boolit Master
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    It is easy to appreciate the look and feel of good leather.
    Last edited by PB234; 04-09-2020 at 05:07 PM.

  16. #16
    Boolit Master
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    I've used the Galco Concealable extensively, and generally like it. It does not have any retention system, if that is an issue for you. If it were cut for 1-1/2" belts rather than 1-3/4", I could recommend it without hesitation. That 1/4" of slop bothers me somewhat.
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  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by slam45 View Post
    milt sparks BN55... as good as it gets...
    +1 I have one on me right now vary well made
    kids that hunt and fish dont mug old ladies

  18. #18
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    If you've ever read the fine print in the galco warranty, you will never buy anything from them.
    Plus I still have a bad taste in my mouth from a purchase made about 25yrs ago.

    El Paso Saddlery is Really GREAT Stuff. Used 2 custom ordered holsters for My last 15years of Cowboy Shooting, Wonderful Stuff Very well made. Have about 6-7 holsters, just great stuff. Very well made.
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  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by PB234 View Post
    Isn't Kydex a better material? Why leather?
    For me kydex works great OSW. It is extremely uncomfortable ISW in my experience. Leather has more give and is more forgiving for a fat boy like me. Just my experience, ymmv


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  20. #20
    Boolit Grand Master Bazoo's Avatar
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    Me and a buddy de-retentionsnapped a cheap tagua 1911 holster and he wore it a year or so. I wore it a few weaks. Surprisingly it held up good and retention was acceptable.
    Last edited by Bazoo; 04-18-2020 at 03:55 PM.

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