Paddle holster v Belt loop holster v other

[geophysicishooter]

Well, I suppose this is the right place for this question so here goes.

I guess it's a good dilema to have but I need to figure out the best way to carry my new 1911. I'm kinda proud of it. I got a good price on it, I'm confident. But it doesn't have a proper home just yet. The few times I've taken it out of the house, it's been down the front of my pants which is not the most reliable way to do it.

I've been carrying my .40 cal with a Fobus paddle holster and I like the way it feels. It feels solidly attached, the draw is smooth, and reholstering is solid and affirmative. So I figured, 'get one just like it for my new .45' right? So I went down to (chain box outdoor store) and sure enough, they've got them. 'Hey, "govt 1911" that's me' So I get one. Well i get this thing home and I'm dry fitting it to the gun and it's just loos as hell. It doesn't feel at all like the other one feels in it's holster. I monkey around with it and adjust the tension and nothing, it just doesn't fit. It comes close but never meets to my satisfaction. I take it back the nest day and they give me my $$$ back. I checked to see if they have any other makes for my pistol but the best I could do would be a nylon belt loop job.. not what I want.

So I head down to the local friendly gun show and paruse to see if I can find something that will work. The best I can do is a galco yaqui (had to look it up). So I paid the man and took it. I had one like this before and returned it because I just didn't like the way it drew. If I tension it tight enough that I feel like it won't rattle loose, it won't draw smoothly and vice versa. And it won;t stay put on my belt. This thing must be made for officer dress applications or someone with alot more bulk around the waist than me cause it just doesn't feel like I think it should feel. I'm a (dare I say) skinny guy. It's not nearly as functional for me as the fobus paddle holster.. It's a gorgeous piece of leather but it just doesn't do what I want it to do.

Any thoughts? What are people using as a daily carry holster for 1911's?? Mine's a commander size STI Ranger.

 

[Gordon]

While I carry mine in a discontinued Mad Dog Gunglove, This one is close and still available:

http://www.gunnersalley.com/product/COMPTACBELT/CompTac_Speed_Belt_Holster.html

this holster is good too and $20 cheaper

http://www.gunnersalley.com/product/GCODEBELT/GCODE_Kydex_Holster.html


The Blade Tech holsters are good too but a little bulkier and about the same price as the superior comptac.

I CCW a S&W 1911PD which is Commander format and sometimes a combat rcommander in the same holster.


Paddles blow IMHO, unless you go into jails or somewhere you are constantly removing it. Fobus holster SUPER blow.

While I have many Milt Sparks (the summer special is good and I carried the 55BN for years) and other top holsters, carrying around big pieces of leather is so 20th century! If your skinny an IWB holster can work good for all day carry, but most have all this extra parts and weirdness. Try the Liger belt, it is 1 1/2" and you will never go back and prolly never need another! The Comp Tac with 1 1/2" loops on a Liger belt is the Schizznit for 24/7 365 carry under any or none concealment garment. And it is IDPA legal and a great gunfighting rig!


http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc...dCategory=16&gclid=CJ6Dt97O2I8CFRsFagoduV8x8Q

 

[birdbustr]

I've got a paddle holster for my H&K .40cal Compact by Galco (I think). I like the fact that I don't have to thread it through a belt. Then again, if you don't have a good, tight waistband or belt to hold on to the paddle you will pull the whole holster when you go to draw.

I just tighten my belt a little extra and the paddle holsters will do fine. Like with any holster, if you want a loose fitting waistline, you are going to have to go with a shoulder holster or ankle.

 

[Ringer]

I have a Comp-Tac paddle that I bought for use to and from work so it could be easily removed. Other than that for my Commander:

IWB - Milt Sparks VMII
OWB - Galco Concealable

That's what I prefer anyway.

 

[Gordon]

I have one of these too, although without the paddle attachment. It is thin and very versitile. Once you pull from a good quality Kydex rig and reholster with a click, you'll never go back to the bulkier leather.

http://www.gunnersalley.com/product/COMPTACSETTABLECANT/CompTac_Settable_Cant_Holster.html

 

[ShunZu]

I've been a Bianchi bigot for too many years... but have to admit, times & technology changes.

I've been carrying my .40 cal with a Fobus paddle holster and I like the way it feels.

My G23 in a Fobus paddle make the leather Bianchi and my Gold Cup feel like I"m carrying an anchor on my hip. The G23/Fobus has replaced the anchor.

And the P3AT has replaced the G23/Fobus in summertime with shorts on with the T-shirt.

But it's WINTERTIME! Yea. Jackets on. Heavier heat is in vogue.

 

[geophysicishooter]

Thanks you guys! Y'all have made some good suggestions and turned me onto some new sites and new options. I've been checking out that Comp-Tec system. It looks pretty good.

Has anyone used the blackhawk with the side button release? That's the one STI recommends on their website. Also, any idea why the fobus would have had such a poor fit?

 

[ShunZu]

Also, any idea why the fobus would have had such a poor fit?

In what manner are you meaning poor fit? If you mean it's tight and doesn't clear the holster without a very hard upward yank, it was designed that way. (Do a search here for Fobus and you'll see several discussions on tricks to make yours clear more easily). Personally, a little light sandpaper fixed mine right up.

 

[geophysicishooter]

nah, just the opposite. it was loose loose loose. up and down, and side to side..

 

[fineredmist]

Look at the Blackhawk CQC line, they are well made and offer both a paddle and belt loop attachment for each holster. I use them for my Glocks and I am pleased with them.