Best 1911 holster can make your gun carrying easy, comfortable and safe.1911 pistols have been some of the most used for the past 100+ years since its adoption as the official handgun of the Armed Forces.
It’s a reliable gun and it’s favored as an imposing carry weapon for the individual who wants nothing less than the best
The amazing history behind the 1911 sure explain its popularity but doesn’t make the finding of a good IWB holster for it any easier.
As a popular pistol, it has its fair share of the aftermarket. This includes holsters—lots and lots of holsters.
If you own a 1911-type of weapon you would want it concealed, secured and protected and at the same time easily in reach. The 1911 is a heavy gun, and you need a holster that can really support its weight.
Picking up the right holster can help you make best use of your 1911. You need a holster that will accentuate your firearm and give you the options that can take your excellent choice to the pinnacle of concealed carry.
In the following article, we present the top 7 best 1911 holster models.
This article outlines their features and their attributes that make them stand out with the rest of the holster industry.
Contents
- 1. Relentless Tactical The Defender Leather IWB Holster – Best Leather IWB 1911 holster
- 2. 1791 GUNLEATHER 1911 Holster – Best 1911 Holster for Concealed Carry
- 3. Blade-Tech Signature OWB 1911 Holster – Best 1911 Holster Open Carry
- 4. OneTigris Minimalist 1911 Pistol Holster – Best Colt 1911 Holster
- 5. Galco Combat Master 1911 OWB Holster – Best Leather OWB 1911 Holster
- 6. King Holster’s 1911 Shoulder Holster – Best 1911 Shoulder Holster
- 7. Concealment Express IWB 1911 Holsters – Best Kydex 1911 Holster
1. Relentless Tactical The Defender Leather IWB Holster – Best Leather IWB 1911 holster
Relentless Tactical The Defender Leather full-size 1911 IWB holster is the first choice in our list. This holster has gained much reputation for the ultimate durability and concealment. You can consider it as one of the best 1911 holster these days.
Despite its location as a 1911 IWB leather holster, Relentless Tactical wanted to make sure the holster is still easy to access with a quick draw speed in case of emergencies.
Arms examples that will fit include S & W, Kimber, Remington, Colt, Ruger, Browning, Sis Sauer, Taurus, and more.
Relentless uses hard bull-hide leather which is super tough. Though it only has a single stitch line, with the tougher leather, it’s unlikely to go anywhere.
Pros
- Affordable price for most people
- Handmade with high-class quality
- A fantastic carry holster with brilliant concealed feature
- Excellent comfort
- Awesome lifetime warranty
- High-quality leather
- Strong holster clip
- The comfortable feel of the leather
- Great retention
Cons
- May cause some scratches on your handgun
- Some types of sights may catch on the leather
- Holster rides low
Final Verdict
Overall, The Defender Leather IWB Holster from Relentless Tactical offers you world-class quality and comfort without breaking the bank.
2. 1791 GUNLEATHER 1911 Holster – Best 1911 Holster for Concealed Carry
When it comes to just a beautiful and solid leather holster, it’s hard to beat some of the designs by 1791.
It is great for active duty shooters, veterans, sportsmen, law enforcement agents, and enthusiasts.
The medium-priced OWB holster is low profile and easy to conceal. Its draw speed is smooth and quick despite its stiff retention which keeps the pistol securely in place.
The leather used to build this holster shines just right, and it feels soft and well made. The holster comes with a built-in mag carrier to accommodate a single reload.
The material is able to protect the user as well as the pistol being carried. The holster is a pancake style design that utilizes two loops to deliver a slight forward cant.
Pros
- Comes in a multitude of colors
- Easily conceals a full size 1911
- Extremely durable
- Holds one additional magazine
- 100% American-made steer-hide leather
- Double-stitched leather sewing for a strong fit
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
- Will not accommodate railed 1911s
Final Verdict
This holster is great in a tactical situation but can also be useful for hunting or any other time you want to have that gun out quickly.
3. Blade-Tech Signature OWB 1911 Holster – Best 1911 Holster Open Carry
The holster from Blade-Tech comes though with plenty of good things, not only a badass design.
This holster is a great option for those looking for a minimalist type design that will also not break the bank at the same time.
This kydex-based holster is contoured to reduce hot spots and features a positive lock trigger guard. The loops fit nearly all belt widths.
The holster’s thinner profile reduces weapon printing and helps the gun and the holster to virtually disappear when worn.
Users give The Blade Tech Phantom Holster a 4.5-star rating commenting on how this is one of the best 1911 holster and describing how the holster’s grip is easy to adjust which enables the gun to be removed and re-holstered effortlessly and reliably.
Blade Tech’s belt slot designs are well done and make it possible to carry the weapon for an extended period of time comfortably.
Pros
- The positive lock trigger guard
- The holster is highly versatile
- Adjustable retention
- The retention is good, the draw is fast and clean
- The holster comes with lots of options and a low profile
- This one is very affordable
- Perfect for a concealed carry
Cons
- The ride height could use more adjustability
Final Verdict
An amazing holster with a minimal design aesthetic with a great price tag. Without a doubt, this will be one of the nicest, high end holsters you will ever have.
4. OneTigris Minimalist 1911 Pistol Holster – Best Colt 1911 Holster
This is made with some legitimate integrity, both from the maker’s perspective, and the design perspective.
This MOLLE pistol holster can easily be attached to all tactical gear with MOLLE webbing, including battle belts, MOLLE drop leg panels, and MOLLE tactical vests and plate carriers!
This is a great, heavy-duty holster that works well with almost every manufacturer’s gun.
This OneTigris belt holster features two levels of safety with two top securing straps.
This ensures that your pistol will not fall out while in the field, keeps your gun facing downward and provides quick cross-draw capabilities, lets you reach and draw your weapon within seconds.
Pros
- Quick release plastic buckle for easy access
- 1000D Nylon – making sure long-term sturdiness.
- Provides quick cross-draw capabilities
- Hook & loop strap to fit most pistols
- Can be attached to MOLLE webbing or belt
- Tons of Velcro accessory factors
- Universal design to fit most pistols, such as Glock 1911 45 92 96
Cons
- No thumb break
- Velcro closure is slow
Final Verdict
Why this holster is so much popular is shown in the quality of OneTigris’s work, high level of customer service, and the affordable price they offer. Everyone can afford to use this great holster and enjoy easy and comfortable gun carrying.
5. Galco Combat Master 1911 OWB Holster – Best Leather OWB 1911 Holster
If you are a big fan of the classic models, the creation of Galco Combat Master Belt Holster is for you. This one of the best 1911 holster gives it the maximum level of support you need.
They are tested for quality and are made durable to hold your 1911 5” Colt, Kimber, Springfield, or Para handguns.
With optimal positioning for seated duty, this is a perfect companion for those who can carry legally and don’t mind being seen carrying.
Galco made this holster with a butt-forward cant to help conceal this OWB holster allowing easy access with premium quality leather and hand-molded fit.
Double stitching perfectly follows the curves of the holster’s profile, looping around each belt hoop.
This unique harness also allows each strap to pivot independently for added comfort. The entire barrel of the gun is covered, keeping it protected from scratching or cloth irritation.
Pros
- High-quality, thick leather
- No wear on the gun
- Well-formed and fits any 1911 length
- Good concealment for an OWB
- Lasts a long time
- Great retention
- Smooth draw
- Double stitched
Cons
- Gun may touch your body directly as you wear it
- 1911 with rail may be too tight
Final Verdict
Durable, well made and reliable for your 1911, we recommend the Galco 1911 holster to be a good option when in need.
6. King Holster’s 1911 Shoulder Holster – Best 1911 Shoulder Holster
This holster from King Holster is a, what else, a classic nylon shoulder holster. This holster is more than a shoulder holster, it also sets the standard of shoulder holsters quality.
When carrying full size weapon like a 1911, weight is always an issue for shoulder holsters, which can results in shoulder and back pain later.
To save you from that, our holster offers wide straps and balanced weight distribution.
The holster has incredibly adjustability and can be fitted to men and women without much work.
The weapon is worn under the weak arm, and on the opposite side, you get a double magazine pouch.
Pros
- It’s made of nylon and has a good built
- It’s very easy to use and quite dependable
- The holster is versatile and fits many types of gun
- Easy to conceal/re-holster, remove
- Sturdy, lightweight and form-fitted
- Effective concealment
- Smooth draw
- Easy one-handed holstering
- Affordable over-the-shoulder
Cons
- Some adjustments are limited in their range
Final Verdict
This heavy shoulder holster is an outstanding option for concealed carrying a 1911. It will accommodate the heavy weight of the gun without issue and provide you with a concealable, strong, and easy to access holster.
7. Concealment Express IWB 1911 Holsters – Best Kydex 1911 Holster
If you are looking for something AIWB that’s super light (less than 3 oz.) yet effective and still comfortable you should check out this one of the best kydex 1911 holster from Concealment Express.
Like most Kydex holsters, you can adjust the Concealment Express to different cants and retention with a simple screw. It holds well but this holster may prove to be a little floppy with heavier pistols.
The rigid Kydex is both gentle on the finish of your firearm and features a no-sag profile to keep you in a static position at all times
It’s ideal for someone who wears relaxed jeans most of the time. This can be partially attributed to the Glock 19, not the ideal gun to conceal carry inside your waistband.
There is almost no chance of it coming off when you draw but it may feel a little weak as it’s quite small and lightweight. In this holster you’re getting a helluva lot of features for a very good price.
Pros
- Black oxide hardware finish
- Thread lock on all fasteners
- Anti-scratch configuration
- Smooth cross draw
- Adjustable retention pressure & carry angle
- Posi audible retention lock system
Cons
- Leaves black streaks on trigger guard and slide scallop
- Doesn’t grip the trigger guard as much
Final Verdict
They are affordable, simple, durable, and comfortable everyday carry holster with a variety of attachment options. Great for a beginner inside waistband (IWB) carry holster that doesn’t break the bank.
Things to remember before buying a 1911 holster
Material: Firstly, the material is an important element that you should always keep in mind. Among the current materials, leather is our recommendation for comfortability and durability.
Concealment: The next feature is, of course, concealment, a priority when you are buying a 1911 holster. Many jobs out there requires hidden firearm, so a holster with adjustable concealment is something you shouldn’t miss.
Price: There are plenty of options out there to choose from, always try to choose the best one according to your budget and always remember, the price is not the determiner here!
Versatility: Both the leather and the nylon shoulder holsters are adjustable. But while choosing holster, try to look for a holster compatible with both IWB and OWB use.
Fit: Fit is a very important thing to consider. You will never carry a holster that is not fitted for my gun. Both tight and loose fit of your holster is disturbing, tight fit hampers quick and smooth draw while the loose fit will cause your firearm to move.
Feel and Aesthetics: Leather is a clear winner on this section because this material is both functional and looks nice. In terms of aesthetics, leather holsters tend to be more superior to their nylon options.
Conclusion
A 1911 pistol is a great choice for anyone who wants to carry and thanks to the list of the best 1911 holster above, we think that you can find your right partner to make your carrying set complete.
The thing about holster is: how you use them determines their true value.
No matter which method of concealed carry you choose, you need to practice your draw and re-holster often to make sure you master it.
We’ve discussed 7 best holsters for 1911s in this article, each of which has their own useful applications and with our list of reviews, It’s almost impossible to do it wrong.
Buy with confidence and good luck!
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Hi, I am Margaret J. Garcia. Involved in paintball industry for around 10 years now. Loved to share my experience, expert opinion here in Paintball Magazine.