Holster for 1911 - CCW and IDPA

[Warners]

I'd like to get one holster for my full size 1911 that would work well for IDPA, but could also double as a holster for CCW. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance guys,

Warner

 

[JTQ]

Do you want leather or kydex? Do you prefer inside the waistband (IWB) or outside the waistband (OWB)?

Usually, concealing a full size 1911 means an IWB holster though there are some that do use an OWB holster.

I have a Raven Concealment Phantom that will allow you to wear it either IWB or OWB just by changing out the attachments. If you prefer OWB and kydex, it is one of the more concealable kydex holsters. I have the regular OWB loops that come with the holster, and the IWB offset wings (older version) and the IWB soft loops. I prefer the soft loops over the offset wings.

http://www.ravenconcealment.com

Some other kydex makers are

Blade-Tech http://shop.blade-tech.com/index.php

Comp-Tac http://www.comp-tac.com

Garrett http://www.giholsters.com

Aholster http://www.lefthandholster.com

Talon Tactical http://www.talontactical.com

In leather, some of the better known

Milt Sparks http://www.miltsparks.com

Kramer http://www.kramerleather.com

Alessi http://www.alessigunholsters.com

I don't compete, but I suspect the more competitive guys are using a kydex holster along the lines of the Blade-Tech SRB, or Comp-Tac Belt Holster or their new International model. Those are not very concealable holsters, but I believe they are legal for IDPA use.

 

[JTQ]

Here is an IDPA holster list from a couple of years ago http://www.idpa.com/blog/post/2012/04/21/Blade-Tech-Comp-Tac-Top-Holsters-at-IDPA-World-Shoot.aspx

Here is an older article from US Concealed Carry on kydex holsters https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/ccm-columns/features/the-case-for-kydex/

One thing I find interesting in that article is the author, Duane Thomas, has a preference for straight drop, yet his namesake holster at Kramer Gun Leather, is an extreme cant holster. http://www.kramerleather.com/productDetail.cfm?productID=14&categoryID=23

 

[Warners]

Thanks guys. Maybe it makes sense to get TWO holsters....one for IDPA and one for concealed carry. I really prefer leather over plastic, for CCW anyway......and the Kramer ones look nice. I definitely prefer OWB to IWB as well. Is that just out of the question to conceal carry a full size 1911 in a leather OWB holster?

Thanks again,

Warner

 

[Glocktogo]

If you want a good IDPA holster that can double as a CCW holster, consider a kydex OWB with about a 10° forward cant. The Raven Concealment would be a good choice. If you want a good CCW holster that can double as a decent IDPA holster, get a kydex IWB that's adjustable for cant.

If you're competitive and want the best score you can get, consider separate holsters that do each task the best. For competition with a 5" 1911, I like the Comp-Tac paddle and for concealment the Milt Sparks EX.

 

[birdshooter]

Check out Simply Rugged's Versa Clip.

 

[JTQ]

Warners wrote,
I definitely prefer OWB to IWB as well. Is that just out of the question to conceal carry a full size 1911 in a leather OWB holster?

You can do it, you just need a longer cover garment than the guy with an IWB holster will need. As mentioned above, typically more cant will be your friend. Standard FBI (Forward Body Incline) cant is 15 degrees, which I believe is what Kramer uses for their Scabbard and their Vertical Scabbard (which is normally straight drop) when ordered with FBI cant.

A mentioned, the Raven Phantom standard is 10 degrees, but you can increase the cant by moving the attachments.

While I'm sure the Raven Concealment Phantom is marketed towards the "tactical expert", I think it is an excellent holster for those new to wearing a holster. Because of the ability to change the ride height and cant, and change from IWB to OWB, it really helps the new guy figure out what works and what doesn't, with just the one holster. It may not end up being your favorite, but it will allow you to narrow down your search for your next holster, and you will most likely end up having more than one.

There are a couple of leather options similar to the Raven Phantom allowing you to wear the same holster IWB or OWB just by changing the attachments.

Simply Rugged Cuda http://shop.simplyrugged.com/ecommerce/Cuda-.cfm?item_id=407&parent=669

Pure Custom http://www.purekustomholsters.com

 

[Warners]

You can do it, you just need a longer cover garment than the guy with an IWB holster will need. As mentioned above, typically more cant will be your friend. Standard FBI (Forward Body Incline) cant is 15 degrees, which I believe is what Kramer uses for their Scabbard and their Vertical Scabbard (which is normally straight drop) when ordered with FBI cant.

A mentioned, the Raven Phantom standard is 10 degrees, but you can increase the cant by moving the attachments.

While I'm sure the Raven Concealment Phantom is marketed towards the "tactical expert", I think it is an excellent holster for those new to wearing a holster. Because of the ability to change the ride height and cant, and change from IWB to OWB, it really helps the new guy figure out what works and what doesn't, with just the one holster. It may not end up being your favorite, but it will allow you to narrow down your search for your next holster, and you will most likely end up having more than one.

There are a couple of leather options similar to the Raven Phantom allowing you to wear the same holster IWB or OWB just by changing the attachments.

Simply Rugged Cuda http://shop.simplyrugged.com/ecommerce/Cuda-.cfm?item_id=407&parent=669

Pure Custom http://www.purekustomholsters.com

I like that simply rugged Cuda holster. Think that would work for IDPA also?

Let me know and thanks,

Warner

 

[JTQ]

I think it would work OK. I'll guess you'd be at a disadvantage with the kydex guys, but I think there are guys wearing leather, and some are using IWB holsters.

I believe forum member savit260 has a Cuda for his 1911. He should be able to give you some input. You may want to send him a PM if he doesn't find this thread. I think he spends most of his time on the revolver sub forum, so he may not find this one.

 

[Warners]

I think it would work OK. I'll guess you'd be at a disadvantage with the kydex guys, but I think there are guys wearing leather, and some are using IWB holsters.

I believe forum member savit260 has a Cuda for his 1911. He should be able to give you some input. You may want to send him a PM if he doesn't find this thread. I think he spends most of his time on the revolver sub forum, so he may not find this one.

Thanks....will do!

Warner