I think back in October or November I got the itch to start carrying one of my 1911s, a blued Series 80 Government Model. I had just taken it to the range and it passed my basic reliability test with 230gr HST. Having owned it since the 90s, it's had 1k+ rounds of hardball through it without problems (well, ejection was a little erratic, but it fed, fired, extracted, and ejected fine).

At first, it was in a cheap Uncle Mike's IWB holster because that was all I had that would fit the 1911. I just wore it around the house to give it a try. I liked it. Started wearing it out-and-about. However, I wanted something with more retention, so I bought an inexpensive kydex holster off Amazon that worked out reasonably well. Of course, what I wanted was a Kramer IWB#3 horsehide holster, my favorite for semi-autos.

A couple of weeks ago I ordered a black horsehide IWB#3 from Kramer using some of my stimulus money. With a stated delivery time of 10-13 weeks, I wasn't expecting it until March or April.

Look what came in the mail today:



Woohoo!

Easily passed my shake test, as expected. Nice and comfy. Still a bit snug after a bunch of drawing and holstering, but it's breaking in nicely.

All I need now is the TT Gunleather mag pouch I ordered last month and my 1911 rig will be complete! Well, I may order a double mag pouch at some point.

Kramer holsters are my favorite. Have one for ever handgun I own.

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Smith, and Wesson, and Me.

Hard to wrong with your Kramer. Horsehide?

Randy

Yup. Horsehide. The only way to go with Kramer, IMO.

Kramer sure does make some nice holsters, and yours is one of them.
Here is my Kramer Vertical, because it's, well, vertical. Also horsehide
of course.
Shown with my Model 29 with 4" barrel, a Sparks gunbelt and a couple
of speed loaders in pouches.

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In Omnia Paratus

A Kramer pocket holster is my daily "go to." A true masterpiece of quality in today's so-so, mediocre world.

Count me in as another very happy Kramer customer. Their holsters are the only ones I buy!

That is a nice rig. Well done.

Very nice. Cannot go wrong with Kramer.

I have that exact holster for my Springfield Pro. You are fortunate as I waited considerably longer than you.

That being said, the holster is very well made, as reflected in the price. Despite not having a retention strap, it holds the pistol with just enough friction for me. It is also very comfortable and even though carrying a full-frame auto, distributed the weight well with a proper belt.

As an added benefit I was able to carry the same platform when working uniform as well as "off-duty".

Other officers were taken aback when I told them what I paid for the holster. They mentioned other holsters that were "just as good". I looked it as an investment in my well-being and safety. How do you put a price on that?

There's an old saying, "The only thing cheaper than a cop is two cops. And the only thing cheaper than two cops is a state trooper." (Sigh).

Count me in as a Kramer fan as well. Horse hide is the only way to go. I have given up on the IWB, now pretty much OWB, and one crossdraw for long days in the truck.

Here is one that gets carried a bunch.



I have a Kramer cross draw that is getting to be close to 30 years old. I had given it to my dad a long time ago, and got it back when I bought a Colt Commander from him.

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On the Oak Savannah

I have the same exact Kramer for my S&W 1911SC e series. I also have the dbl mag pouch. Love them!

I've got a couple of horsehide Belt Scabbard's too for my Glocks. My G19 is sitting in one right now that I bought 16 years ago. It's the same model as the one in SA Firemans' photo above. The design works very well for me.

They are very tight when new, it's normal. (Use the plastic bag trick to stretch them, or just use them for 16 years. )

I've picked up a couple of their other models over the years from bargain boxes at the LGS. $5 and $8 respectively. Unfortunately, I didn't fit those two as well and sold them.

The mag pouch came in the mail the other day. Everything works very well together.

For me, this worked great for a break-in. I don't remember where I found the suggestion. Use waxed paper, and wrap your 1911 with a single layer, with the "wax side" out. Put the gun in the holster overnight. As I said, it worked great, and my holster was excellent for a drawing and holstering class that we attended shortly thereafter.

Thanks for the break-in tips. I've been using plastic bags and now I've got the holster where I want it for retention and ease-of-draw.

I'm a Kramer fan also. I've met and talked to him a couple of times.

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Keep your powder dry.

Kramer is the way to go ! Awesome comfort fit and retention.
Have their holsters for multiple guns

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I recently bought my first Kramer. This is a very well made holster that fits perfectly. I’m very pleased with it