Best strong-side OWB option for a 5" 1911?

[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 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, 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?

 

[Polish_Pounder]

I use a Serpa Level 2 CQC for OWB. It is cantable from extreme forward to cross-draw, and has push button retention. It is Carbon Fiber (which I like much better than kydex), and really comfortable. The reason I have retention is that I also open carry in MI, and the retention is comforting. I have had people try to get my gun away from me, but unless you are the person wearing it, it is really difficult even when you know where the release button is. I am wearing it now under a hoodie.

As far as leather, High noon makes an excellent rig called "Need for Speed". It will probably be my next purchase. For summer concealment I use an HBE Com III, which is like a Versa Max 2. Oh, forgot to mention that my carry gun is a 5" Sig GSR.

-Polish

 

[takhtakaal]

I like both the Fletch and the Combat Master from Galco, but they're somewhat limiting due to the width of their belt slots. While Galco's product info states that they'll accept up to a 1 3/4" belt, the fact of the matter is that they're somewhat unstable IMNSHO on anything less than 1 3/4" -- they simply rock back and forth too much to feel stable and provide a consistent draw. Finding slacks, jeans, shorts, whatever, that have loops that will accommodate a 1 3/4" belt isn't always easy; most belt loops on non-uniform pants seem to be 1 1/2".

You might consider investing in something a little better that offers swappable belt loops, namely, a Versa-Max 2 from Milt Sparks. The loops, in comparison to the holsters, are cheap as dirt, and easily switched with an Allen wrench. The holsters can be found for anywhere from $100 to $200, or even more, depending on the popularity of the pistol and the current availability in retail channels. At times it takes up to six months to find one, either through a retailer or through Sparks themselves. Unfortunately, people have been buying and reselling Sparks holsters strictly for the purposes of speculation, which Sparks is trying to stamp out. Check out Lightning Arms, who are easy to work with and a reputable Sparks dealer.

 

[Eightball]

Hey, Mods, I just realized that my OP was an accidental double-post. A merge might be in order? Same forum.

 

[yeti]

I guess I'm a little old fashioned, and up here I really don't have to worry about OC vs CC, either or both works. I find this works real well for me, and makes for a comfortable carry. This is with a Commander size 1911, I have an older similar style for the full size, but this one is newer and nicer.

 

[steelyblue]

I like my Galco Concealable. Fits like a glove and holds the butt of the gun tight against the body. Very comortable holster.

 

[steveracer]

I like the Combat Master for OWB carry of a 5" 1911. I usually carry in a Milt Sparks Watch Six, but for OWB, the Galco is a good holster. I have to respectfully disagree that it's unstable. I have found that with a 1.5" Beltman belt, it's very stable, and has worn very, very well. I liked it so much I bought another one for the Beretta 92, and use the 1911 one for HiPowers, also. The only downside is the cost. It's about $70, and comparable, and maybe better ones from Dillon can be bought for about $60. Hard to say, honestly.
Another very good choice is from El Paso Saddlery. It's called Street Cobat, or #88. It's a very nice rig, and costs $65. I have one for N-frame Smith, another for XD, and another for FNP-9M. All of them are top-notch, and have an adjustable steel insert that doubles as a retention device. I don't have one of these for 1911, but I imagine it's just like the others. I would get one, if I were buying holsters right now.
Looks like this:

 

[steelyblue]

+1 on the Beltman. They kick some major butt

 

[freakshow10mm]

Aker Flatsider.

 

[Matthew Courtney]

The Tucker Gunleather HF-1 is a great holster. Don't forget to get a quality belt.