Help deciding on a CC holster

[jpatterson]

I'm finally taking my CCW class this weekend, and I have a little idea on what I'd want in a IWB holster, but could use a little bit of feedback.
What I'm thinking so far:

The handgun I'd be concealing would be a Kimber Custom II 1911.
- IWB, not interested in OWB at all.
- Leather (I'll probably be using this for a long time, want something that'll last)
- Probably sitting just behind my right hip, 4 o'clockish.
- Something that has a button on it for good securing over the back.
- Preferably something that has a solid means of securing it to my belt.

Anyone have any recommendations? I know, I hate questions like this too, but I really am at a loss for holsters. So many choices... :banghead:

 

[JTQ]

- Something that has a button on it for good securing over the back

Are you referring to a thumb break?

It isn't normally needed for a concealment holster, especially one that is IWB. Many of the top holster makers don't even offer it. Some do, but be careful and read up on the model to make sure you can use the thumb break with a 1911 in Condition 1 (cocked and locked). Galco offers several holsters with a thumb break, but specifically says the holster is not designed for use with a 1911 in Condition 1. Not all purchasers seem to read that caveat before buying.

The current gold standard for IWB seems to be the Milt Sparks Versa Max II (VM2 as it is often referred to). Sparks also has a couple other designs that are very popular, most notably the Summer Special and Summer Special II.
http://www.miltsparks.com/

Milt Sparks typically has a deliver time of about six months, but you can often find the Versa Max II at http://www.lightningarms.com/products.htm and the Summer Special II is usually available at Brownells http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/cid=39/k=/t=S/mfg=/Products/Holsters

Kramer makes a couple of fine holsters along the lines of the Summer Special
http://www.kramerleather.com/products.cfm?categoryID=23

I think Concealco has an interesting design
http://www.concealco.com/

The MacDaniel II from Andrews Custom Leather also is very popular
http://www.andrewsleather.com/

I also like the simplicity and versatility of the Simply Rugged Cuda with the inside out straps.
http://www.simplyrugged.com/store/index.html

There are lots of good ones out there. Good luck with your search.

 

[sohlman]

Also the Minotaur MTAC Holster from Comp Tac. It is a kydex leather hybrid that is very comfortable. you can also tuck your shirt in to make it more concealable current lead time is 7 days
http://www.comp-tac.com/catalog.php

Holsters by Eric
http://www.hbeleatherworks.com/

Great holsters much longer lead time

 

[MCgunner]

Don Hume 721. It's high quality for a low price. I don't like IWB. I have found OWB not to be MUCH harder to hide. I pocket carry in the summer, smaller guns, but I've gone OWB in the winter with bigger guns and under a Hawaiian style baggy shirt, I can carry OWB in summer, too. I buy 'em oversize so they hang low. I normally don't carry on the belt in summer, like I say, but there are times.

Found this deal with a quick google. Not sure why the pic shows a revolver on the 1911 page.

http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?ed...-google-_-ewbbase-_-Sports&CAWELAID=382270418

 

[ichiban]

I can't let this thread go by without championing my favorite - Silent Thunder by Tucker Gun Leather. It is leather lined kydex with adjustable cant and tension. I have a couple and really like them for IWB. It is also "tuckable."

[/IMG]
http://rlcompanyusa.stores.yahoo.net/sithky.html

 

[The Bushmaster]

jpatterson...I'm afraid that no one on here can tell you what holster will be right for you. You are just going to have to start a collection just like everyone else on here has in a drawer somewhere in their home.

I would recommend that you do all the searches and reading you can before putting out the money for a GOOD (not cheap) holster. Enjoy the "collecting" of holsters...

 

[JTQ]

You are just going to have to start a collection just like everyone else on here has in a drawer somewhere in their home.

This is right on the money.

No matter how many good suggestions you get you will never know until you try. Even if you make an excellent choice on the first try, you will most likely see something that may look like it will work better. The collection begins.

 

[P97]

I've tried many and the Milt Sparks VM2HS is the Best I've found for me. I like the Horsehide because it is better for sweating in the summertime.

 

[sleepyone]

D.M. Bullard in Azle, TX. One man shop. everything made by hand with Herman Oak Leather. You can get his top of the line dual carry holster for under $100. He also makes awesome gun belts for only $59.95.

 

[dogbaloo]

Do a little research on leather... there are certainly pluses and minuses to leather and kydex.

I'm playing with a Comptac CTAC kydex right now for a P229 and so far, I like it. A couple of others out there that people seem to like are the leather/kydex hybrids like the the Comptac MTAC or the Crossbreed Supertuck.

One thing that I've found (YMMV) is that kydex generally takes up less room than leather does, and doesn't hold moisture like leather either. As has been said, it's tough for anyone to tell you what works for you. All you can do is study, consider...and start collecting.

I will say this: I've never found a single holster that works for every different situation. You may find, as just an example, that a Raven Phantom with pancake attachment for OWB is a nice rig with a long shirt as an alternative to the "shrinking" pair of favorite pants you have.

Good luck and happy hunting!

 

[dareposte]

One I didn't see mentioned is high noon holsters. I use the Hidden Alley any time I carry IWB. It's tuckable, and affordable at about $35. The downside is it's not a molded holster, so if you draw it tends to collapse and you have to use both hands to reholster your pistol.

I would also recommend against a thumb break for IWB carry, a tension screw is a must but a snap or strap over the back is not desirable for this type of carry. For strong side belt carry, or shoulder holster carry, a thumb break is good IMO.

 

[Frank Ettin]

I like the Milt Sparks Versa Max 2.

 

[jpatterson]

Seems the consensus is no thumb break, makes sense the more I think about it. Took my CCH class yesterday and the instructor actually had a lot of great examples. He mentioned the same thing many of you posted about having to have a collection before I know what works just right for me, but I don't have the budget for that

MCgunner - I hear you on preferring an OWB. After trying on a few both IWB and OWB at the class, I think I'd agree with you. I just don't think I've got enough size on me to conceal a 5' 1911 with the kind of clothes I have, especially in just a t-shirt.

Bushmaster and JTQ - I'm sure this will be a long, expensive process! But thanks for the advice.

Seriously, thanks all for the great replies. I'm looking into all of them!

 

[The Bushmaster]

It is an adventure. Soon you will be making the trip through Wally-World. I use an IWB for summer and a OWB in winter and carry a Kimber UCC II .45 ACP...Or a M43 Firestar...Or a S&W Mod 19...Or a.........................I have summer and winter holsters for all three.