Questions about Leather Holsters?

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NewGuy1911

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Have never used a holster and would like to know how these two compare, pro's & con's of each?

Nighthawk Custom (Companion?) for a 1911 Commander

Bianchi Askins Avenger #4L, not sure of the 1911 size.

Will one of the above be better adapted to IDPA-type action games?

Will one of the above conceal better, hold the grip in tight to the body. The body shield is a nice feature on the Nighthawk?

And, even though these are not designed to be cross draw holsters would one of these do it better?

Many Thanks
 
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First, you probably will not be allowed to use a cross-draw holster in IDPA events.

It is impossible to draw the gun without sweeping your left arm, and every other person on your left with a fully loaded combat pistol!

The Askins Avenger design is a good one, that has been in use for over 60 years.
It hasn't went out of style, for good reason.

The Nighthawk appears to be a pancake style on designer jeans steroids.
But I have never seen one in real life, and can offer no openion on how well it tucks the gun in.

IDPA says this about approved holsters:
Basically, IDPA-approved holsters will be strong-side hip holsters or inside-the waistband holsters which cover the trigger guard and which have no cut-aways, drop, or offset, except that a limited amount of drop and offset is allowed for women. Holsters must be practical for all-day concealed-carry use. In a nutshell, IDPA requires "working" holsters, not competition holsters.
Similarly, spare magazine pouches, speedloaders, speedloader holders, and belts are approved based on their characteristics.
Click to expand...

My best advice would be to attend a few IDPA matches and see what the top guns are using.

rc
 
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The Nighthawk QR is indeed a pancake holster. The purpose of the design is to distribute the weight of the gun over a wider area of the belt.

The Bianchi Askins Avenger is a copy of a classic Bruce Nelson design...the Nighthawk version is called the Centurion...and is almost the definitive OWB holster.

Most of the preferred holsters used by the faster shooters in IDPA are polymer versions of the Bruce Nelson style holster.

For CCW, I prefer the Nelson style also as the belt loop behind the slide holds the gun close to the body, while the rear slot pulls the gun butt in.

The Pancake style holds to gun closer to larger body types, depending on where it is worn on the beltline
 
Thanks for the responses. I'm still learning my way around. No plans to compete in IDPA matches, will take the intro class though.

I do not conceal carry but like the idea of the IDPA and would like a holster for a 1911 45 acp that someday I can use for what ever.

Happy Holidays
 
I don't know IDPA, but I have used some inexpensive holsters for daily carry, my Tagua holster comes to mind for my CZ. I also carried in a Yaqui-style holster for my 1911s, fit all muzzle lengths and are very discreet when the gun is removed.
 
Their Tactical Assault, Practical, and Adjuster look like one maker. It seems as if I remember somebody mentioning they were from a maker in Florida that used to do IDPA holsters, but I can't remember the name.

The Rapid Response and Summer Companion sure look like Rafter S products, but it seems as if I've seen Wilson deny that elsewhere.
 
JTQ said:
Their Tactical Assault, Practical, and Adjuster look like one maker. It seems as if I remember somebody mentioning they were from a maker in Florida that used to do IDPA holsters, but I can't remember the name.

The Rapid Response and Summer Companion sure look like Rafter S products, but it seems as if I've seen Wilson deny that elsewhere.
Click to expand...
Rafter S used to make their leather holsters, but there was a falling out when the company split.

Their Kydex holsters used to be made by a Bill Roger's company Prezine and Safariland
 
Try this link for their Wilson Custom holsters
Click to expand...
Interesting, I hadn't seen that before.

However, none of those holsters resemble the products on the Wilson site.

http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Holsters/departments/186/

Their Kydex holsters used to be made by a Bill Roger's company Prezine and Safariland
Click to expand...
That is what I was thinking of.

Rafter S used to make their leather holsters, but there was a falling out when the company split.
Click to expand...
No doubt a good move, as there are very few makers that have as many dissatisfied holster/belt buyers than Rafter S has had over the past three years.
 
I know WC uses 5-Shot and Andrews (both well respected makers) for some of their limited holsters, not sure on the standard models. I do have a Wilson styled after the BN SS for IWB use and it is a well designed holster, comfortable enough for all day carry.
 
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