I have been looking for a leather holster for my 1911 since I bought it last year. Have probably read up, looked through dozens and dozens of holsters. Seen probably every manufacturer's website a multitude of times. The biggest purpose for the holster would be for range use, however, I do have my CCW permit and would like to be able to carry concealed. The first holster that stood out to me Andrews Leather's MacDaniel II, which is priced @ $105 w/bodyshield.

Through my search I found these holsters appealing as well.
Brigade Gunleather's M-11 $115

Overland Gunleather OGL-AXE or OGL-HA $85


Kelley Gunleather C-Flex or Ranger $75 & $70


TT Gunleather's Reinforced Mouth $110

Pure Kustoms Black Ops Pro $175


If I were to pick a holster strictly for range use not concealed carry (given my size & the fact that it is a full-size 1911). I really like the looks of Adam's Leatherworks Avenger $90 w/sweat shield.


I really don't have a ton of money to start a holster draw, which somewhat makes me lean towards the most expensive of the ones mentioned--Pure Kustom's Black Ops Pro. Really driving myself crazy trying to decide, any thought, suggestions would be appreciated.

Side note: in my search I have also checked out these manufacturers:Alessi, Brommeland, Del Fatti, Nossar, Milt Sparks, Bulman, D.M Bullard, Garrity, K&D, Tucker, Mernickle, Kirkpatrick, Mitch Rosen, Kramer, 5 Shot, Lobo, Side Guard, Galco, Haugen, Desbien, Simply Rugged, Ritchie, Occidental, and probably several others that I can't think of off the top of my head. Posted the ones that stood out to me for different reasons.

Those all look basically the same to me. I mean one's not a shoulder holster or an ankle holster, they all look like IWB holsters made of leather.

Why not just pick one and use it for a while. If you don't like it, you'll know what it is about it you don't like and you'll be able to pick a better holster immediately.

Then you can sell your old holster for probably almost what you paid for it.

Just a thought.

You haven't really lost your mind - more like paralysis by analysis. So many good options that you can't pick one. If they were twenty bucks it wouldn't be as hard. If it didn't work out like you thought, hey, it's only twenty bucks. Something that costs a Franklin is a little different.

All I can say is for me a slide shield is a must. I prefer a thumb-break too, but many do not so that's personal preference. If CCW is even a small part of the equation, use that as your determining factor. A good CCW holster will be fine for the range, but a range holster may not be all that good for CCW.

Good luck.

The old standard for concealed carry was always the Sparks Summer Special. I don't know much about holsters any more, but you might want to check into that one.

As for use at the range, if you just mean to hold your gun, anything at all will work. If you mean to practice competitively for a specific event, that's another matter. If you are just putting it in something while you walk back and forth to the targets (where allowed), I like a paddle holster so you don't have to fiddle with your belt. I have a Galco, which I believe is called a Fed Paddle, or something like that. It is very nicely made, handsome, and has given good service. Sometimes I see them on sale and I think they are well worth the money.

All of your examples seem to be copies in some form of the Milt Sparks VM-2. Any of which will do a great job for you. Buy one of them and move on....you CANNOT go wrong with this time proven style!
Randy

From looking at those pics, it seems some have better grip clearance than others..big factor in a CC holster...

We have two great holster makers that offer that style who are members here on the forum...check them out.

Lobo Gun Leather - IWB style, for revolvers and autos

BELL CHARTER OAK CUSTOM HOLSTERS INSIDE WAISTBAND (607) 783-2483

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

I have used Milt Sparks IWB holsters for 1911's, 4" Mod 29's and when by Dept rules I had to carry a Glock I got one for it too.

The IWB's are one of the best ways to carry concealed.

Here is a hint, I buy ALL of my pants 2" bigger in the waist, same for the belt.

I have been carrying IWB soince 1967, way before there were quality holsters. We carried with out any holster, it was called Mexican Carry, as it was popular in Texas in hot weather near the Border.

It is not a very secure/safe way to carry a handgun. In todays word, an IWB holster is a much safer better way to carry.

Excellent point. No matter what holster you use, you should be able to get a complete grip on the handgun before you start the gun out of the holster.

Thought processes like this is what you should primary be concerned about. For example though I've not tried the first holster I can tell already that unless you have a fitted belt to go along with it, the gun and holster are going to tilt forward on you.
I have a box of unused holsters and now before I plunk down my money I study a holster design. Most of the time it works out.

Between all of the designs (besides Adams Leatherworks Avenger), the IWB break down into 2 categories:Milt Sparks VMII style, and Andrews Leathers MacDaniel II design.

Sip in reference to the gun clearance, are you refering to the clearance between the front-strap of the firearm and the top of the holster? When looking at all the holsters there doesn't appear to be much difference between the sweat shield clearance.

APS, I had the same thought about the tilting on Andrew's, but thought it might be beneficial while sitting to have the movement. Guess it really depends on how far forward the tilting occurs, hopefully the tension on the belt would keep the opening from going underneath the top of the pants. Looks like in Overlands OGL-HA and Kelley's Ranger, they both mounted loops on the frontal part of the holster to eliminate the forward movement.

Holsters are very personal items. There's no way that people on the internet can tell you what's best for you.

Resign yourself to the fact that you will buy lots of holsters until you find the one that works for your body and how you carry. Buy several quality holsters and try them all out. Sell the ones that don't work for you. Best wishes in your search.

The one holster here for the 1911 that get's the most usage is the Bianchi M84.

Just sayin'.

Drew

Holsters by RGrizzle

Don't know about their 1911 product, but I really like the Cross Breed Holster product for CC. One size larger on the belt size and don't know it's there. Of course, a Smith plastic is easier to carry than a 1911.

One good hostler for large guns even if they are larger barrel for concealment if you have a CCW is a shoulder hostler. I have seen a shoulder holster work well with a model 29 8 3/8" barrel. Access to the weapon could be quite quick. Just a thought.