[Yo Mama]

I'm done I think with Kydex holsters. I first had a Predator 1911 IWB that broke on me, and now a C & S that broke. Both were different in that different parts of the holster broke, but in common is that both fricking companies went out of business, so there is no more warrenty.:banghead:

At this point, I think I want a leather holster, but I can't break the bank here. I saw Galco summer carry as one option, but wanted your opinions on other good leather holsters that are affordable.

I need something very easy to take on and off, and will conceal as much as possible. I don't want a strap over the top also. (I know I'm picky :D)

[rcmodel]

The Milt Sparks Summer Special is the definitive perfect 1911 IWB holster.

Unfortunately, they make them out of Unobtainium?, or real T-Rex leather?, and they are constantly back-ordered.

http://www.miltsparks.com/

rc

[Sam1911]

If you want a very nicely made, and very affordable holster, look at Rays.

http://www.shado.com/Concealed-Holsters/View-all-products.html

or here http://www.shado.com/Leather-Holsters/View-all-products.html

I'm quite fond of the "Sable" model, which is a "Bruce Nelson" or tunnel style OWB which works very well for me.

But he's got lots of styles. I don't think he's got a model that runs over $35, though you wouldn't believe it while holding one.

-Sam

[gunlaw]

check out Desantis. bought a speed scabbard about a month ago for about $65.00 plus shipping. I agree about the plastic. it's ugly and just doesn't hold up.

[spd1303]

fobus makes good paddle holsters

[Souris]

I like my Don Hume

http://www.donhume.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=65&zenid=hctitmkg3a092bv5co7aesvja7

[JTQ]

I'm no holster expert, but in my research there are a few conclusions that I've made.
1. There is no getting around having a box full of holsters (most that don't work for you).
- Everybody is a little different and what works for one person may not work for another.
- Listen to the recommendations of others, weigh the pros and cons, but in the end you're just going to have to plunk down the cash and buy one to see if it works out for you.
2. In general, you get what you pay for.
- You can buy a cheap holster to check out that style of carry, but in the long run you'll be better off with a quality holster since it will work better and last longer.
- The difference between a $50 holster off the shelf at a gun store verses the $100 Milt Sparks custom holster is less than the cost of two Wilson magazines or a couple boxes of ammo.
- If you're carrying a $1,000 1911, that $100 custom holster is not that big of an investment.
3. The industry leaders are leaders for a reason.
- In the kydex world, if you had bought from Comp-Tac or Blade-Tek, chances are your holster wouldn't be broken, but if it did, they would be around to fix/replace it.
- Anybody can put up website or build a holster, but the only way to stay in business for a while is to build a quality product that you stand behind.

You can find some holsters from the custom makers at Brownells (they carry the Milt Sparks Summer Special) or Lightning Arms Sports (they typically carry the Milt Sparks Versa Max II (VMII)) and usually have them in stock for immediate delivery.

[ferretray]

Some people spend an inordinate amount of money on crapola when they could of bought quality from the get-go. I recommend Milt Sparks. There are MANY other custom leathermakers putting out quality products at a fair price.
Allen Yoast sometimes has Milt Sparks holsters in stock.

[rbernie]

The CompTac Minotaur uses a leather backing with a Kydex 'sleeve'. It's proven very comfortable and durable.

[Floppy_D]

No mention of the Crossbreed SuperTuck (http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/IWB/tabid/56/CategoryID/1/List/0/Level/1/ProductID/1/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName)? If you break it, it's guaranteed for life. I don't think it gets more comfortable.

[TimeIsRunninOut]

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=9922/Product/SEMI_AUTO_SUMMER_SPECIAL_2

They normally have this as a stocked item for all the models shown on there site, hope this helps.

[Whitman31]

I've bought two holsters from UBG, very happy with the quality and cost (and turnaround)

http://www.ubgholsters.com/

Check out his gallery

[dkk73]

In general I agree with "you get what you pay for".

However, I do think there's an element of fashion and snob appeal in some of the high end holsters. Not that they're not good, but a lot of less well-known names are still very well-made.

I would highly recommend AKJ Concealco's IWB holsters. Their unique front loop placement makes a huge different. Good pricing and availability time.

Would also 2nd UBG for a more traditional, very nice, IWB rig. Alessi made great stuff, but they are hard to find and fall into the gourmet category, alas.

HTH,
David

[win-lose]

I really like Rob's stuff at simply rugged. Highly recommended.

I have no affiliation with Rob or his company. I'm just a very happy customer.

[DRYHUMOR]

I wore my Crossbreed supertuck all day yesterday, even doing some chores. Comfortable, even with a .45 1911.

[RIATAC45]

I'll have to agree with Bernie, I carry a 5" 1911 all day with no issues in a comp-tac minotar. Believe me at 5'7" and 150lbs, covering up a gov't model isn't easy without a good holster. Comp-tac also offers a 30 day money back return policy, no questions asked.

[geniusiknowit]

I carry my XD45 in a Kholster. It's cheap and ugly, but comfortable after breaking it in and finding the best location to position it. Also, the wait time for receiving your holster should be minimal, and the guy is pretty good about responding to emails.

[MrAiric]

Crossbreed Super Tuck - http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/
Andrew Leather MacDaniel II - http://www.andrewsleather.com/

[The Lone Haranguer]

I first had a Predator 1911 IWB that broke on me, and now a C & S that broke.
I've had a Predator and did not think much of it. It melted after sitting in my car in the sun for a few hours. Granted it was Phoenix in the summertime and the car might have gotten up to 150 degrees inside, but that is a pretty low melting point.

[9mmepiphany]

i like Sparks and Alessi for leather holsters...that doesn't mean there aren't other good makers, but these two have been around long enough that you know they'll be there if you have a problem.

plus their price is very reasonable for the quality of product you are getting...you've already had examples of lessor quality and i doubt you'd want to go that way again.

i agree with the above mentioned idea of getting a cheaper holster of a style to see if you like it before ordering the quality product. you don't avoid the drawer/box full of holsters, but at least you don't have as much invested in it.

the holsters that have stood the test of time were designed by Bruce Nelson and originally manufactured by Milt Sparks . you'll see copies and variations of the the Summer Special and the Professional in just about everyone's lines...the Sable mentioned above is a copy of the Professional (Sparks list it as the 5BN)