Best 1911 range/carry holster?

I'd get a Bianchi UM-84
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/75...rame-semi-automatic-5-barrel-nylon-olive-drab

You didn't say whether you needed concealment, but here's what I use:
http://www.mernickleholsters.com/ps/ps18.html

On a nice, hefty belt (also from Bob Mernickle) this little "minimalist" belt slide does a fine job with my stainless Commander, my satin nickel Gov't Model, and even with my blued FEG HP.

My personal opinion it's just hard to beat a good leather pancake holster. You can get one form fitting for the 1911 or get a more generic one (cheaper) and allow time for the leather to stretch to a perfect fit.

You can get a very nice fitted pancake from any of the big name brands. Myself I rather save some bucks and help out the little man. I own a few Barsony Holsters and for the price they are great.

http://www.barsonyholstersandbelts.com/servlet/the-206/Black-Leather-Pancake-Holster/Detail

Which they also make real nice slide holsters as well.

The problem with using the UM-84/M-12 for a 1911 is, the flap won't close over a beavertail safety. His Kimber has one. He will need to order the thumb break and lose the flap. Still a good deal if he can find a used holster online or at a gun show.

I find myself using a Blackhawk Serpa for more and more applications.

Any holster will hurt the finish of a pistol. Of course you have a stainless pistol, so there is really no finish to rub off. You will get some wear marks and scratches on your pistol, regardless.

I don't think I'd use a belt slide like the Mernickle for riding on my ATV. It is too easy to hit the barrel end of the muzzle and launch the pistol out of the holster.

The thumb break on the Barsony holster is probably a good idea, which would give more security for a very active environment like ATV riding.

One point I noted with the picture on Barsony website. The holster pictured is a 3-slot pancake which is a pretty common design available from many manufacturers. However, notice in the picture, they run the belt through the bottom slot. That is the slot you would normally use for cross draw with a 3-slot holster. It is possible their's is a different design, but it is also possible they really don't know what they are doing.

Simply Rugged Tribute is another 3-slot pancake available with a thumb break.
http://www.simplyrugged.com/the-tribute/

I'd never own one, since I don't need the features it offers, but the Blackhawk Serpa is a popular holster.

I'm actually a fan of the UM84 and is works fine with my Wilson CQB, just tight over the beavertail.

I also like the Fobus and the Uncle Mikes kydex holsters - I'm not into pushing levers or buttons to release the pistol. I like that the Uncle Mikes keeps the gun about an inch off my body and allows clothing to come between the gun and torso.

Even if you can make it fit, keep in mind, if you are pressing on it, you are deactivating it too.

JTQ said:

One point I noted with the picture on Barsony website. The holster pictured is a 3-slot pancake which is a pretty common design available from many manufacturers. However, notice in the picture, they run the belt through the bottom slot. That is the slot you would normally use for cross draw with a 3-slot holster. It is possible their's is a different design, but it is also possible they really don't know what they are doing.

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Might be a little of both... I personally like it as I sometimes carry at 2 o'clock and there I use the bottom slot which keeps it at 90 degree and out of my hip bone when sitting, I use the top slot when carry at 5 o'clock as it gives the holster a 35 degree or so cant which is good for drawing from at that position.

Didn't think about the flap and the beavertail, good point. For the OP's needs I'd be tempted, if necessary, to modify the flap to accomodate the gun for the added protection it affords.

Also, the Safariland 6377 is a good field holster. It's kydex and quite rugged but suede lined so it's easier on the finish than plain plastic. It has the ALS which locks the gun into the holster but it is easily released with your thumb, no worries about losing it while riding. I've been using one for work for a couple of years now and have been very happy with it.

I have wound up with a couple of extras, and I have toyed with the idea of cutting a slit in the flap and searing the edges to accommodate the safety, but I haven't tried it yet.

ATV riding? I might put a lanyard on the pistol, too.

This is the best one I have found... http://www.7xleather.com/chest_holster

The best part about them is that they come with all the accesseries. I have carried one for a lot of miles backpacking and really like it.

My first holster, IWB, for my new Colt Gold Cup Trophy ... want to ask how you decide how much cant? I'm 5'9" and 160#. Anyone experience with FIST? Thanks,

troneill wrote,
My first holster, IWB, for my new Colt Gold Cup Trophy ... want to ask how you decide how much cant? I'm 5'9" and 160#. Anyone experience with FIST? Thanks,

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Welcome to the forum. It would probably be best to start another thread so you can get more replies.

For the most part cant depends on where you want to wear the pistol.

Here is the recommendation from High Noon.
http://www.highnoonholsters.com/_Questions/_questions.html#52

FBI (Forward Body Incline) cant is typically 15 degrees.

I have no experience with FIST, but they have a pretty good reputation. I'm pretty sure there are some forum members that have them. You may want to try the forum's SEARCH feature to find them.

I like both Galco OWB pancake leather and Comp Tac holsters. They also have excellent customer service. I DO NOT recommend Barsony Holsters, they have failed to honor their return policy, refused to answer emails or phone messages and, in my opinion, the holsters are sub standard.

Good luck....

I like the Galco miami classic for my 5in 1911s.