1911 IWB Holster
- Thread starter BP Hunter
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smalls
Member
There are hundreds of IWB styles, but I prefer the VM 2 from Milt Sparks, style. I don't own one from him, but a similar style from a different maker. I like the wide wings, to keep it close to the body, and the easy on/off loops are great.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
My favorite by far is this one that member Joel made for me early in his holster-making career:
VERY tuckable. Only the straps show when I've got a thin dress shirt tucked in around the gun.
VERY tuckable. Only the straps show when I've got a thin dress shirt tucked in around the gun.
Yo Mama
Member
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2008
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- 3,230
I'm pretty thin, so to really to conceal I went with the smallest holster and made out of kydex for the weight. THS Holsters out of Mesa, AZ have made my holsters under one name or another as they have gone through some changes in ownership, but the same guy that made mine 7 years ago still works there. They have improved their designs very nicely. You have the option for a sweat guard, which i need in the Summer.
Rail Driver
Member
My most comfortable IWB holster is a Don Hume #10 holster.
Following that, is my Galco NS2 in horsehide. They still make them, but the model I have is discontinued.
I'm also a big fan of deadeyeluke.com holsters. They're light weight, don't hold water, and shaped well for comfort as well as being very inexpensive compared to leather goods.
Honestly, I carry using a paddle holster most often, for comfort.
The truth is, carrying a ~4lb hunk of steel on your hip is never going to be comfortable, but a good holster and a good belt go a long way to being as comfortable as possible.
*Edit to add: I'm 5'7" and 145lbs - I'm not a large man by any stretch of the word.
Following that, is my Galco NS2 in horsehide. They still make them, but the model I have is discontinued.
I'm also a big fan of deadeyeluke.com holsters. They're light weight, don't hold water, and shaped well for comfort as well as being very inexpensive compared to leather goods.
Honestly, I carry using a paddle holster most often, for comfort.
The truth is, carrying a ~4lb hunk of steel on your hip is never going to be comfortable, but a good holster and a good belt go a long way to being as comfortable as possible.
*Edit to add: I'm 5'7" and 145lbs - I'm not a large man by any stretch of the word.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
I'll almost come out and disagree there (
) but only to point out that IWBs like the one Joel made me, with a large, substantial back-piece to distribute pressure against your body and eliminate pressure-points make carrying a full-sized steel 1911 almost perfectly comfortable. I've nearly forgotten it was there at times. No discomfort. I have OWB holsters for other guns that I can't say that about.
Rail Driver
Member
That's a fair statement, and one I don't disagree with if the person carrying it has a little more internal padding than I do (but not too much). Your holster looks like it'd be a bit more comfortable than anything I've ever tried, and I'd love to try something like that, but simply can't afford the cost of a custom holster.I'll almost come out and disagree there (
I've found that even the crossbreed and other similar holsters, whether all leather or a combination of kydex and leather - are a bit MORE uncomfortable for me - The top edge of the large "pancake" shield portion of the crossbreed style digs into my ribs unless I cut most of it away.
Trimming other leather holsters is usually out of the question due to the sewn edges.
Anyone need a kidney? I've got a spare one I don't use, and it seems I need to expand my horizons and try a custom leather holster.
Regardless, it's still not ever going to be completely comfortable strapping on a full size, railed 1911 (I think you're approaching 5lbs or more loaded). Make sure you get a GOOD belt with whatever holster you choose, and don't knock wearing a pair of good quality suspenders if the weight gets to be too much - I've been debating on whether or not to get a pair myself.
jogar80
Member
I'd have to say the KingTuk as well. Very comfortable, concealable, and great price.
45crittergitter
Member
Andrews.
joecil
Member
I have a Galco King tuk but didn't find it as comfortable as my Crossbreed I had for another guns and got a Crossbreed Supertuck for my 1911. I've never looked back and now own three for different guns I carry. I also use Beltman belts with the 7 - 3/4" instead of the usual 5 - 1" center holes for more adjustment when wearing. I've been using Beltman now for a lot of years and look like a conventional dress or casual belt but thicker and designed to support the weight of a gun.
aHFo3
Member
I just ordered a Milt Sparks VM2 for my commander. I'll let you know what I think of it when it arrives in 5 months.
Milt Sparks.
El Paso Saddlrey.
Ted Blocker.
Any one of these places can make you a very nice holster.
El Paso Saddlrey.
Ted Blocker.
Any one of these places can make you a very nice holster.
rodinal220
Member
Milt Sparks EX.
mljdeckard
Member
Supertuck. I don't plan on using anything else.
You are never going to convince yourself there is nothing on your hip. But a good holster that spreads out the weight WITH A GOOD BELT helps a LOT.
You are never going to convince yourself there is nothing on your hip. But a good holster that spreads out the weight WITH A GOOD BELT helps a LOT.
I'm another fan of the Milt Sparks VM2.
The Red Hot Rider
Member
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2010
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- 119
+ 1. I got a copy of it from a guy on ebay. it is exactly like the King Tuk, but about 35 bucks cheaper.
Sergei Mosin
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- Oct 7, 2011
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- 1,918
I've got something similar to what Sam has, but mine came from Dwight's Gunleather. Dwight calls his version the Cactus; the linked page has a couple of pictures (upper left and center) of them. Bought a nice belt from him too. Works very well.
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