IDPA holster for 1911 questions

[Katitmail]

Hi!

I want to try my 1911 Kimber Custom II for IDPA. This is standard size 1911

Question #1:

Is there holster that works best? Brand/model?

Question #2:

If I get 2011 later, will this holster work or I will need different one? Is there differences between IDPA and USPSA holsters?

 

[Sam1911]

There's not one that's just plain THE BEST EVER. But there are some that are popular and appear on the hips of some pretty fast shooters. For speed, go with kydex. Bladetech and Comptac and Ready Tactical, etc. All will have strong-side straight-drop holsters for a 1911 that are specifically IDPA legal.

There are holsters which are specifically "competition" style which are legal in USPSA but not IDPA. (No drop-and-offset type rigs, no skeletonized "gun hanger" holsters.) But any IDPA holster is legal in USPSA.

Check with the manufacturer to make sure that their products will accommodate both the 1911 and 2011 designs. They probably will, but things like squared off trigger guards might be a snag.

 

[Katitmail]

I use Comptac with P7 for IDPA (paddle) and like it, but it's most expensive one.

What about their "International"? Is that legal for IDPA?

 

[Sam1911]

I wouldn't expect so. Too much offset away from the body. Look for one that tucks the gun in nice and tight against your hip.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Kydex is fast.. so are 'minimalist' designs like the G-slide. There's no 'best'. Kydex can be rough on a gun's finish. They can be had (usually) for a lot less expense than leather.

I use a Galco very much like this: http://www.amazon.com/Galco-Quick-Concealment-Holsters-QS212H/dp/B000KOVI5M

 

[Resist Evil]

I use a Garrett Industries STX Champion Silent Thunder holster. It's made of kydex and lined with smooth leather. It is legal for IDPA.

 

[kimbernut]

Blade Tech

I,m no IDPA champ but I've been very impressed with the Blade Tech Eclipse. It snugs up nice and tight for normal everyday carry and IDPA also. I use mine with a Sig 228, my son with an EAA Witness Elite, and my SiL with a Browning Hi Power.

 

[Marc257]

I've built several kydex holsters for IDPA use, including my own for Kimber 1911. I would also recommend Master-Tac holsters. The owner is a very active IDPA competitor.

 

[Jim Watson]

I shoot with the makers of Master-Tac and Ready-Tac holsters.
They know what is needed.
My Ready Tac 1911 holster will not accept my 2011 gun.
My Ready Tac 2011 holster is ok with both.

 

[Katitmail]

Ordered Blade tech from Amazon. Kit was cheaper than one holster from other companies.. Will see how it works.

 

[Livnoutdoorsxd9]

I made this holster and mag holders for my first idpa classifier. I'm going to use my Kimber custom II as well

 

[Bovice]

I have been using a yaqui slide to good effect for some time now. It won't work so great at the beginning, but when the leather wears in and you get the tension screw just right, it's nice. Won't score up your finish as quickly either. If dirt/grit gets in the leather, it will. But kydex is guaranteed to strip the finish in no time.

 

[wkuban]

The Fobus holsters are inexpensive and work just fine. Note that the Kydex holsters wear the finish faster than a lined leather holster will. Safariland makes lined plastic holsters. I have 2 for revolvers. The lined ones aren't as fast as the plastic ones but they are more gentle on the finish. I have a 586 revolver that has a lot of character from a Kydex holster.