Belt Holster for 1911

[smokeywolf]

I haven't bought a new holster in 40 years. Time for a new holster for the old 1911. When I was a LEO, in uniform I carried "cocked & locked" in a typical basket weave Sam Brown type holster w/thumb break. I never felt the thumb break slowed my draw and not once did the thumb break ever sweep the thumb safety down.

The advantage I found to the thumb break is, it was one more, albeit small, prevention to someone getting your gun out of the holster when you had to physically subdue someone.

Off duty I almost always carried a different gun. Only other way I've carried the 1911 was in a vertical shoulder holster.

Most of the pancake holsters I'm seeing that have the thumb break, show the strap being long enough to snap it either over or under the hammer; that's unacceptable. Can't have it so loose and sloppy that it will go over the hammer. Has to be "snug" over the back of the slide.

I'm looking for fairly high ride, close to the body, condition 1 carry, excellent quality.

Can I get some input from those of you who carry a 1911 in condition 1 on a fairly regular basis.

[Greg S]

Best options I have seen lately are by Bianchi and Safariland (5188?) for holsters with thumb strap retension. Alot of good kydex these days rely on retention through the molding around the trigger guard and one direction withdrawl. For kydex I go with Raven Concealment Phantoms. I have steered away from kydex outside shell with leather on the inside for the same reason. For leather, I've started stiching my own for the 1911 sans strap worn at 2:30 midride/highride with a -0- cant.

[WebMonkey]

I use a blackhawk brand that came with belt and paddle mount options.
It uses a tension screw and also a separate trigger finger button for retention/release. G.I. pattern 1911

I use the same for a g26.
'Monkey

[C. Latch]

Milt Sparks Versa-Max II.

Mine's going on 13 years old. Get the horsehide model.

http://www.miltsparks.com/products-versa-max-2.php

edit: It does not have a thumb break, but you don't need it. You can hang by your ankles; the gun isn't coming out of the holster unless you pull it.

[smokeywolf]

From what I can tell, the Bianchi has the longer strap that is snug over the hammer and sloppy loose under the hammer.
Don't own any plastic guns or plastic holsters, probably won't change that in the immediate future.
Although I have the know-how and the tools to fab a holster. I've way too many irons in the fire to take on anther project.

I use a paddle holster for a smaller pistol that I've carried in the past.

Yup! The 1911 is a full size Government model and to be carried in the 4:00 position outside the waist band. Also, still want the thumb break.

Thanks for the responses thus far.

[Yodogsandman]

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/3222248437/el-paso-saddlery-strongside-select-thumb-break-outside-the-waistband-holster-right-hand-1911-government-leather

[Walkingwolf]

Lately I have been carrying mine daily, but the holster is my own creation. It is highride though, and very tight fit, hard as kydex. No thumbsnap, I use a leather lace on the beavertail. It comes off faster than a thumbsnap, and if the bad guy is pulling up on the gun it will not come off. A little later I will post an image.

[smokeywolf]

That looks like a possible Yodogsandman.

Walkingwolf got the idea. If someone is facing you, the strap is one more obstacle to their gaining control of your pistol. Would love to see a pic Walkingwolf.

[jcren]

Check with harley45. His white tiger leatherworks had some georgous stuff and he shows several models displayed with condition 1 1911's

[sawinredneck]

I have one of these, http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1336163122/bianchi-7-shadow-2-holster-1911-leather
I've never carried it hammer down, as shown in the pics, so my thumb strap is still tight cocked and locked. I ordered the 7L version but they sent me the unlined, it just wasn't worth the hassle to send it back. I bought it back around 2004 and it's held up very well with my moderate use.

[10-x]

Lucked out in the 70's and bought several original Roy Baker Pancake holsters, since have found a few in the $ 5 box in pawn shops. Other than the 2 original ******* holsters bought in Chicago in 79 for 1911 and Browning HP, about the same, use the Roy Baker' s in mild weather, ******* in the cold months and a thin kydex and carry my S&W .45 Sheild in hot months under tee shirt. Good luck.

[Yodogsandman]

That looks like a possible Yodogsandman.

Walkingwolf got the idea. If someone is facing you, the strap is one more obstacle to their gaining control of your pistol. Would love to see a pic Walkingwolf.

Just want to mention that on mine, there's no way I can get the strap over the hammer if it's down. It's very tight with the hammer back.

[smokeywolf]

I think I may have narrowed it down to the "DeSantis 1CL". The only outside waistband thumb-break holster I've found thus far, that the manufacturer states is specifically designed to carry the 1911 "Cocked & Locked".

Only comes in right hand which is fine, but also only comes in black. Not at all a fan of "black" leather.

[Mod42]

http://www.rodekleather.com/site-map/belts

I have been carrying my 1911 in this belt slide for over a year, almost daily. It is for condition one, I also like the thumb strap. It is my favorite holster, and I have way too many to choose from, plus this guy is great to deal with.
http://www.rodekleather.com/images/Belt%20Slide%20Holster%20with%20Thumb%20Break%20Pl ain%20Dk.%20Brown%20copy.png

[silverjay]

I have been very pleased with privateer leather. Mine do not have a strap, but I read he would do that on request. He responds to email very quickly.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I'm vary happy with the holster that I got from http://www.mcssl.com/store/a9856d0dead4463ea8f07338d4d909/owb-holsters
this is the one that I had made http://www.mcssl.com/store/a9856d0dead4463ea8f07338d4d909/catalog/product/a32da5c0f4ed4b6a8045885a05d27bfb

[Dan Cash]

Milt Sparks Versa-Max II.

Mine's going on 13 years old. Get the horsehide model.

http://www.miltsparks.com/products-versa-max-2.php

edit: It does not have a thumb break, but you don't need it. You can hang by your ankles; the gun isn't coming out of the holster unless you pull it.

+1 on the Vwersa Max by Sparks. I have used one for daily carry for close to 20 years. It will last me the rest of my life baring the unforseen.

[DLCTEX]

My son gave me a Gallo thumb break 21 years ago when he and other sons gave me a 1911 for my 50th birthday. It's still in excellent condition.

[smokeywolf]

Anybody have belt, holster or anything else made by 'Tucker and Byrd' in Porter, TX?
https://www.tuckerandbyrd.com/proddetail.php?prod=fp-tb-1

[smokeywolf]

Ordered the one in the in the link above. Also ordered a belt and had a question on the belt, so Saturday sent an email to the address provided. Didn't expect a response until Monday. One of the owners responded within an hour or so. Said I could specify any dimensional change I wished and the belt would be made to my specs.

Pricey, but if the material and craftsmanship is as good as the customer service I'll be a happy camper. Three to four week lead time. Can't wait to see my new belt and holster.

[Kevin Rohrer]

I carry one in Condition-1 everyday, preferring a OWB holster. Nowadays there are LOTS of custom leather makers w/ lots of designs, many of which are modeled after one of three designs: Askins Avenger, Milt Sparks #1 Professional, or Thad Rybka Professional.

Suggest you look in the Holster area on the 1911Forum.

Thad Rybka real and clones:
195276

Askins Avenger and #1 Professional, real and clones:
195277

[smokeywolf]

I should have updated the thread.
Received my holster and belt about 18th of last month. Leather, finish and stitching looks very good. Belt is exactly as I specified. Color is as specified. Only complaint is on the holster. Strap is a little sloppy and I had to stiffen up the snap a little.