rbernie
Contributing Member
I just picked up a Minotaur Gladiator for a 5" 1911 and thought I'd post a few thoughts.
I wanted a OWB holster for my 1911s. It had to have a sweat shield, since I carry Condition 1 and need to keep my inner garments from catching the safety and sweeping it off. I liked Kydex for the ease of reholstering, and I prefer a paddle over most IWB designs for the ease of removal. This holster will be worn under light jackets and such where the difference in 'hidability' differneces between an IWB and OWB is not that much of an issue and for which I will value convenience more than concealment.
Here's the web page for the Minotaur : http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=101
So far, I'm liking it OK. The belt loop snaps are configurable for 1.5" or 1.75" belts. The forward cant is adequate, but clearly it's a compromise that favors speed of draw over ultimate concealment. It looked on paper like it would be top heavy, but its balance proved fine and it is quite stable in use. The wide leather back distributes the weight of the 1911 well, and when worn with jeans and a t-shirt (with a outer shirt and jacket as cover garments) I have had no issues with chafing or pinching.
The only nit so far is that the snaps for the belt loops are a stone cold PITA to try to re-snap. Although it's advertised for easy removal, getting the snaps back together while the holster is off-body is HARD and getting them back together while wearing the holster is a skill that has so far eluded me.
I wanted a OWB holster for my 1911s. It had to have a sweat shield, since I carry Condition 1 and need to keep my inner garments from catching the safety and sweeping it off. I liked Kydex for the ease of reholstering, and I prefer a paddle over most IWB designs for the ease of removal. This holster will be worn under light jackets and such where the difference in 'hidability' differneces between an IWB and OWB is not that much of an issue and for which I will value convenience more than concealment.
Here's the web page for the Minotaur : http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=101
So far, I'm liking it OK. The belt loop snaps are configurable for 1.5" or 1.75" belts. The forward cant is adequate, but clearly it's a compromise that favors speed of draw over ultimate concealment. It looked on paper like it would be top heavy, but its balance proved fine and it is quite stable in use. The wide leather back distributes the weight of the 1911 well, and when worn with jeans and a t-shirt (with a outer shirt and jacket as cover garments) I have had no issues with chafing or pinching.
The only nit so far is that the snaps for the belt loops are a stone cold PITA to try to re-snap. Although it's advertised for easy removal, getting the snaps back together while the holster is off-body is HARD and getting them back together while wearing the holster is a skill that has so far eluded me.