What holsters do you wear when carrying a Government 1911? I have been using a Kydex IWB holster for about a year, but I think I may want to try a shoulder holster, but the ones I have seen look like they are designed poorly. Does anyone have any suggestions on ones that they like?
1911 holsters for Government 1911
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LoboGunLeather
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Hard to go wrong with a strong-side forward-cant pancake holster worn just behind the hip bone (about 3:30 on a right-hand shooter). One of the best combinations of comfort, accessibility, and concealment you will find.
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Galco and Safariland paddles for range, woods “open carry.” Generally 3:30-4:00.
Ken Null Gibraltar Speed Scabbard (Best, in my opinion) for the 5” models for concealed carry. (Look him up, he makes great leather.). It tucks in tighter than the paddles. Again, 3:30-4:00.
I have an older Dillon “SOB” for 5” and 3” models that I wear about 5-5:30 that conceals well too. It flips the gun up a bit more than a normal forward cant. I think Mitch Rosen made them back in the day. No, I do not literally wear it in the middle of my back. This rig works well (comfort) in a car.
My double stack is carried in a Wilson paddle, the discontinued Tigershark. It has an optic and it works well. Not good for concealment, unless it’s cold and I can wear a coat/jacket.
Motorcycle use and other concealed use, Galco Miami Classic. That said, if I needed another shoulder rig made, I would reach out to a leather guy who just made a hunting rig for me for my 6” 10mm. He is in NC. PM for contact info if desired.
Ken Null Gibraltar Speed Scabbard (Best, in my opinion) for the 5” models for concealed carry. (Look him up, he makes great leather.). It tucks in tighter than the paddles. Again, 3:30-4:00.
I have an older Dillon “SOB” for 5” and 3” models that I wear about 5-5:30 that conceals well too. It flips the gun up a bit more than a normal forward cant. I think Mitch Rosen made them back in the day. No, I do not literally wear it in the middle of my back. This rig works well (comfort) in a car.
My double stack is carried in a Wilson paddle, the discontinued Tigershark. It has an optic and it works well. Not good for concealment, unless it’s cold and I can wear a coat/jacket.
Motorcycle use and other concealed use, Galco Miami Classic. That said, if I needed another shoulder rig made, I would reach out to a leather guy who just made a hunting rig for me for my 6” 10mm. He is in NC. PM for contact info if desired.
Marshal Tom
Member
I have used a number of them over the years but have most often used a Milt Sparks Summer Special, an IWB rough side out with a metal reenforced, leather covered opening for re-holstering so the top doesn't close up when the pistol is drawn.
Chubbs103
US Veteran
I was a strong proponent of the Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 for decades...then my body changed. When I got love handles, the VM2 was still comfortable, but the butt printed more than it used to. Smaller guns, like my P200SK still work just fine in a VM2.
I've recently switched to the Milt Sparks Criterion for Commander length, and it seems to work really well for me. I recently got one for Gov't length as well. I haven't worn that one enough to to be sure.
I've recently switched to the Milt Sparks Criterion for Commander length, and it seems to work really well for me. I recently got one for Gov't length as well. I haven't worn that one enough to to be sure.
Galco Miami Classic II. It's the one that finally made me a believer. Full leather, excellent fit for the 5" 1911, adjustable harness, and it comes with a double mag carrier on the off-side for balance. The horizontal draw is fast once you practice the cross-draw motion, and it conceals surprisingly well under a loose shirt or sport coat. I've worn it on road trips and in cooler weather for hours without hot spots. It's not "poorly designed" like some of the cheap nylon ones you've probably seen, the Miami Classic has been refined for decades.
stansdds
Member
The Government Model is a pretty heavy pistol, I've not found heavy handguns to be comfortable when carried in a shoulder holster. That being said, I have found Galco's shoulder holsters to be the most comfortable. The Government Model is also a long pistol, so concealment can be an issue. Either a vertical holster or one that holds it at about a 45 degree muzzle up angle will provide the best chance at concealment. Galco does make vertical holsters and their ******* holster provides a 45 degree angle. Drawing the handgun from a shoulder holster is a whole 'nother animal. I find it to be a bit awkward and slower than from a belt holster unless I am seated. Just my opinion and your mileage may vary.
Started doing exactly this a couple of month ago, switching from single belt loop OWB holsters. Pancakes are a pain to put on, but real comfortable in use and mostly even conceal a 4" N frame under a sweater or shirt. Love it.
It's getting warm here, a shoulder holster would force me to wear a jacket on top, which I don't like.
Regarding brand, I'm partial to Don Hume; government 1911 (Valor) on the right.
For the rare cases that I want to carry on my upper body, I'll use a "shoot me first vest" from Venado:
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LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
I have my own favorites also.Started doing exactly this a couple of month ago, switching from single belt loop OWB holsters. Pancakes are a pain to put on, but real comfortable in use and mostly even conceal a 4" N frame under a sweater or shirt. Love it.
It's getting warm here, a shoulder holster would force me to wear a jacket on top, which I don't like.
Regarding brand, I'm partial to Don Hume; government 1911 (Valor) on the right.
For the rare cases that I want to carry on my upper body, I'll use a "shoot me first vest" from Venado:
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I’ve been a long-time fan of the Summer Special style IWBs for a 1911. They just work well for me.
As for OWB, I’ll echo the comments above about the utility and comfort of a quality pancake-style OWB holster. For me, the best for a 1911 in this category is the out-of-print Milt Sparks Roadrunner, aka their “old-style 60TK.” The current edition of the 60TK is a fine product, too, but the Roadrunner just does its thing better for me. It rides high and has a nice forward cant.
At least as of a few years ago, Sparks would still craft the Roadrunner for 1911s and Browning Hi Powers on request.
The one shown below came to me via a WTB ad on a 1911-centric site.
As for OWB, I’ll echo the comments above about the utility and comfort of a quality pancake-style OWB holster. For me, the best for a 1911 in this category is the out-of-print Milt Sparks Roadrunner, aka their “old-style 60TK.” The current edition of the 60TK is a fine product, too, but the Roadrunner just does its thing better for me. It rides high and has a nice forward cant.
At least as of a few years ago, Sparks would still craft the Roadrunner for 1911s and Browning Hi Powers on request.
The one shown below came to me via a WTB ad on a 1911-centric site.
This is a 1911 Commander in a Kramer scabbard, but I think a government model would work well, too.
The best I have tried is Milt Sparks. The lead time is long but there are a few dealers on their web site that stock them. I got mine from here https://investmentsthatshoot.com/. Had it in a few days.
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Best Pancake by Roy's Leather Goods Magnolia, Ark Model GOV. Hard to find but the original detective holster from the 70s.I bought mine new to use in the just beginning "Practical Pistol" game..used by most cops at the time as well.
Doriangray6
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I prefer leather holsters and carry my Remington R1 in a Hunter Pro-Hide High Ride holster with a thumb break.
They make several other holsters for 1911s including a paddle style and a shoulder rig.
They make several other holsters for 1911s including a paddle style and a shoulder rig.
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Have several Jack Ass shoulder holsters that are Very Good. Not sure what their name is now but bought one for a Walther PPK/S few years ago. Out of town so no pics.
cowboy77845
Member
El Paso Saddlery Tom Threepersons suits me fine.
OWB leather: Milt Sparks
IWB synthetic: WTP
IWB hybrid: Warrior Land
IWB synthetic: WTP
IWB hybrid: Warrior Land
I have a couple of these holsters from this Texas maker. They have what I call a pretty good "Texas Tilt", but are comfortable and conceal well. (If you can find one.)
warren5421
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Andrews Custom Leather for Shoulder holster: http://www.andrewsleather.com/
Kramer IWB #3 horsehide: https://www.kramerleather.com/collections/iwb-gun-holstersSIMPLY RUGGED Holsters OWB: https://www.simplyrugged.com/store/Cuda-FOR-AUTO-LOADERS-Leather-Concealed-Carry-Holster-p592384499
I use the above 3 to CCW a Government Rail gun or a STI 6" PERFECT 10 in 10 mm. Having worked in a no GUN company I did reports to the management, using them, was never called about being armed
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I have Galco Miami Classic and Jack ass shoulder rigs. I promptly retired the Miami Classic because it points the barrel at anyone behind me and my torso is not deep enough to conceal it well. The Jack ass is not quite as bad but still sweeps anyone close.
A vertical shoulder rig would be safer and conceal better.
A vertical shoulder rig would be safer and conceal better.
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Jack asses are adjustable so pistol does not " sweep" everyone.
Autonomous
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In line at a checkout the Jack ass still violates standards.
Was gifted a Bianchi X15, back in the early '80s.
Been carrying 1911’s since the early ‘70’s and I can’t tell you how many holsters of every type that I’ve tried. Finally settled on three to meet most of my needs. They are Sparks Summer Special for IWB, Roy Baker pancake for OWB and El Paso Saddlery Tortilla, also for IWB. I occasionally use an old military shoulder holster when I’m hunting and want to carry the gun off my belt and handy under lotsa clothes. Good luck - 1911 holsters can be a real deep rabbit hole!
hostageamos
Member
I got my Milt Sparks Summer Special 2 last year. I love it. If you don’t want it customized, they usually have the tan ones in stock. Mine is for a 5” Colt Government Model. It shipped within 6 days of my order. For OWB, I use a Desantis Speed Scabbard.
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This on is from our own Lobogunleather
This one for IWB
And this on for a rare occasion I think a shoulder rig is in order.
This one for IWB
And this on for a rare occasion I think a shoulder rig is in order.
My Commander 10mm edc
I wore a full sized 1911 for at least a dozen years, carried in an IWB, Galco King Tuk. When I transitioned to a Colt Defender I kept using the same holster. It was good, sitting, standing, walking or even driving. (The black one is the King Tuk, the brown OWB one is my design) I have not been able to improve on Galco's holster.
I will say that as shoulder holsters go, I have tried many of them, while they look good, I found it miserable to have a full-sized, loaded 1911, bouncing around on my chest. That is not to mention that the only way to conceal it is to wear a coat. If you wanted something to try, find a usable M-3 military holster; it is not for concealment, but it carries the pistol on your chest.
I will say that as shoulder holsters go, I have tried many of them, while they look good, I found it miserable to have a full-sized, loaded 1911, bouncing around on my chest. That is not to mention that the only way to conceal it is to wear a coat. If you wanted something to try, find a usable M-3 military holster; it is not for concealment, but it carries the pistol on your chest.
Attachments
Here’s one from Garrett Industries, their Ranger model. What is unique about it is that it is kydex on the outside but lined with leather. I got it for range use — I have no plans to carry a full size, all steel 1911 — for my 9mm Dan Wesson Pointman to avoid scratching it.
