[Eightball]

Okay, so I just paid for my CCW permit, and I'm waiting for the local LEA to finish their part and issue me the thing. So, I'm thinking about how to carry what I have, but that requires a little explaining, so here goes:

Live in Louisville, KY, but go to college up in MI. It's constantly cold in MI, and it's going to start snowing soon. Since it's cold, I ususally wear a front-zipping hoodie, an old olive-drab surplus military jacket thingy (Vietnam era, I think), a down jacket, or a "trench"/overcoat that goes to my knees---or any combo of the above as the weather dictates. Following the laws, once I have my permit I will be able to bring/carry a handgun in MI (but obviously not on campus). As it sits, I don't really have a "small" carry piece (working on that), but want to carry something, and the best option I have is my 5" Kimber 1911--which is an ideal "winter" piece for my build, etc, and it would work the best in a strong-side OWB holster.

However, the problem is this--I'm swamped by holster options. The guys at my local shop recommended the Galco Avenger (http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterPG3.asp?ProductID=2406&GunID=173) as the "sure thing"--and indeed, I tried it on and the holster (minus the gun) was comfortable and disappeared on my build easily under just a T-shirt (it's still warm in KY)--but now that I'm looking at Galco's website, I'm really unsure. Do I want the Avenger, or the forward-canted Combat Master (http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterPG3.asp?ProductID=155&GunID=173), or......? All I know for certain is that I'd like a strong-side (right side), leather-ish (non-kydex or nylon), OWB holster for a full-size 1911, but can't really decide. Keep in mind this'll be during the winter months, so there's plenty of "conceal" available--I hope to acquire a smaller option before the snow finally goes away.

Sorry if my thoughts are jumbled on this. I am just confused by the sheer number of options out there. It'll be about a month before my permit is finished and I can start carrying, but I want to finish getting my gear together so that I can pick up the holster and start packing in the same day.

So, thoughts or recommendations?

[The Lone Haranguer]

There are a lot of fine holster makers out there, so I will not try to tell you which one is "best." The "Avenger" (http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=galco+avenger+holster&gbv=2) style of holster, for me, does not conceal as well as a "pancake" with forward cant (like the Combat Master (http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=galco+combat+master+holster&gbv=2)). However, I don't wear long heavy winter coats.

My personal favorite Galco OWB is the Concealable. (http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=galco+concealable+holster&gbv=2)

[Eightball]

Does that work with a 5" 1911, or would the front of the slide be poking through the front? And, is that a huge deal if it is/isn't?

[jfdavis58]

Most all flat OWB holsters will conceal under several loose garment layers. Something you should consider is how you draw the firearm. The Avenger requires a straight up and down motion to draw and holster. The advantage being less arc to bring the muzzle to target. The combat master comes out with a forward sweep of the hand, the muzzle must arc from somewhere behind your body/heel up to the target. So do you like to draw into your armpit or out front about one hands-width in front of your shoulder. Either will require practice, one will be more natural.

[the_fallguy]

If I were you I would give www.bluegrassholsters.com a try. Better quality than the Galco line, and cheaper too. Not to mention he is located right there in Louisville.

[dbriannelson]

I don't have much experience with store-bought holsters, but do have a couple from El Paso Saddlery. I can recommend the "Street Combat" model as being very well made and concealable. I carry alloy J-Frames in mine, but think it would work well for a 1911, as it carries the piece pretty high and tight.

-Don

[acmax95]

I use this holster for my RIA Tactical. I really like it.

[Eightball]

After looking at that "bluegrass" holster company....if I am planning on an OWB holster, would a "sweat barrier" thingy be handy? About 95% of the time, I wear a tucked in undershirt (even with an untucked t-shirt)....would that not suffice?

[the_fallguy]

I like the barrier on close fitting holsters because it helps keep my shirt clear when I'm reholstering, and it is much more comfortable for longer periods of time if you have a little extra around the middle.

[The Lone Haranguer]

After looking at that "bluegrass" holster company....if I am planning on an OWB holster, would a "sweat barrier" thingy be handy? About 95% of the time, I wear a tucked in undershirt (even with an untucked t-shirt)....would that not suffice?
It might keep the thumb safety from poking you.

[freakshow10mm]

Aker Flatsider.

Glock 30
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v239/freakshow10mm/Glock/P8070018.jpg

Pro Carry 10mm 4 inch
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v239/freakshow10mm/Pro%20Carry%2010mm%20Project/P4210004.jpg

[Bluegrass Holsters]

to the OP....I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about my holsters. I would suggest always having the sweatshield on your holsters. There really is not a reason to have a holster made without one in my opinion, and in fact it is standard on all except the pocket holsters (obviously) and one version of my revolver holsters. As for decision on which holster to choose, being new to CCW I would suggest the MasonDixon convertible holster as you essentially get two holsters for slightly more than the cost of the OWB alone. I personally carry IWB the majority of the time and conceal under a t-shirt. In the winter time you would have the option to carry OWB if you wanted, while in the summer you can conceal easier under lighter cover garments.

PM me your number if you would like to speak with me...regardless of whether or not you order from me, I would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding holsters or CCDW as I am an Instructor-Trainer here in Kentucky, too....oh, and Jeff is being modest again, he also makes some great holsters! :D

I am not going to slam any of the commercial makers, but there is a world of difference when you get a custom made holster, not only in the quality and weight of the leather, but the fit is second to none with a good maker. Many customers have specific questions and need an occasional tweak in a design to make the holster fit their specific contours. A knowledgeable maker can help in this regard and truly tailor a holster to the buyer's needs.

Hope this helps a little....and thanks for the reference Jeff!

[freakshow10mm]

Eightball, the sweat guard is a must on all my holsters. I wear a tank top under all my shirts so the holster isn't touching skin. Still very comfortable. On a 1911, the safety will be "padded" so it won't dig into your body as much. I recommend one.

[Matthew Courtney]

Tucker HF1