Pick me a holster
Looking at a concealed carry holster for the Para 1911. I want an Inside the Waistband model. Based on past reading and experience, I’m looking at the CrossBreed SuperTuck, Blade-Tech Ultimate Concealment Holster, and the Comp-Tac’s come highly recommended.
May 11th, 2009 at 9:58 am
My G30 used to ride in a Comp-Teac CTAC. Pretty comfy and good quality.
My EDC XD45 (5″) rides in the Blade Tech regular IWB, almost exclusively. So simple, yet so comfy. The only knock, not tuckable.
No input to offer on the CrossBreed.
May 11th, 2009 at 10:00 am
I can’t say enough good things about my C-TAC for my Glock. Disappears and even allows you to tuck your shirt. A little tricky to get on and off, but that actually can be a bonus.
May 11th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Have you looked at the Milt-Sparks watch six model. I’ve been using one with my RIA 1911 for three years everyday and I can’t reccomend it highly enough. I think there are some stocking dealers that will send you one without a six month wait if you’re willing to pay a little more.
May 11th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Kramer gun leather is the best, but if you like a ridiculously complicated holster go for the mtac..
May 11th, 2009 at 10:27 am
1 vote for the Comp-Tac Minotaur. That’s what my XD lives in and it is very comfortable. Bonus is I can wear it without a T-Shirt underneath and the leather back is comfortable against the skin. Very important in Texas in the summer time.
May 11th, 2009 at 10:27 am
This is the model I’ve been using for the past 4 years: Thomas Perfectionist. It’s still looks like the day I bought it and rides perfectly. Milt sparks is good but it looks like they aren’t taking orders for another month.
May 11th, 2009 at 10:38 am
my 1911 rides in a Brommeland IWB – available at Coal Creek Amory
http://www.brommelandgunleather.com/products.htm
May 11th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Raven Concealment FTW. I highly recommend this brand.
May 11th, 2009 at 11:09 am
I have had a crossbreed for years. I cut the leather on it so that I could get a better grip on my 1911. It has been a great CCW holster, and I have no qualms about recommending it. I have a Raven concealment holster or two, as well. These are very well-designed holsters from what I have seen, and others around me who have used. I have used mine for OWB carry only, so IWB I cannot comment upon, but they are well-designed, and it is a good brand.
May 11th, 2009 at 11:15 am
Had a Comp-Tac, bought a DM Bullard Dual-Carry & love it. It would be my 1st choice.
May 11th, 2009 at 11:25 am
You can’t go wrong with one from Dave Workman – http://www.danddgunleather.com/ I have 2 of his Undershirt models and a T-Bar 2 and they all work great!
May 11th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Another vote for the Comp-Tac CTAC, which I use for a Glock 19. Comfortable and adds just about as close to zero weight and thickness as possible.
Mine broke after almost exactly 2 years heavy use, breaking at the spot “welds” between two pieces of Kydex. I repaired it to better than original strength (IIDSSMS) with some PVC pipe glue at a cost of about 5 cents. Still going strong 1 year later.
Not as classy as some other holsters, but it works.
I’d be tempted to go with a Milt Sparks Summer Special for a nice 1911, though.
May 11th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Back when I was carrying a Glock G23, I had a Comp Tac shirt tucker. It was ok. The tucking thing never really worked as well as I hoped for, and I could never eloquently draw the gun. I ended up hating the kydex though, cause it would bite into my skin and being rigid plastic. It actually snapped on me one day. I had purchased a new car (Saab 93 SE – big mistake) – wasn’t wearing it when I went for the test drive – but the first time I got in to the drivers seat it snapped the belt loop.
I carry my Colt in a Milt Sparks Versa Max these days – and have been for some time. Can’t speak highly enough about it.
Here it is on my waist. And here it is next to the Colt.
May 11th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
I wanted the Versa Max, couldn’t stand the 1.5 year wait somebody at a distributor told me I’d be up against. Went with the Galco that looks similar, but has two button straps that are closer to the center. Not quite as good a design, but nice enough leather, conceals a full size G22 on my person (34″ waistline on a 210lb dude…I’m a large enough guy that that isn’t that much of an accomplishment, you skinny folk might have a harder time with that), and I got it in four days :).
May 11th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Sebastian,
Make your order for one on the Milt Sparks web page June 1. Looks like they are doing orders month by month. I can certainly see how a distributor would tell you there is a year and a half backlog – they can only order them 2 at a time (for 2 separate guns). But if you go through Milt Sparks directly, you can order on for your specific gun off the web page. Should have it in a month or so.
May 11th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
From their web pag:
May 11th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
More from Milt Sparks
May 11th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Comp-Tac is exactly what I use for my Para.
May 11th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
You have GOT to give the Crossbreed Supertuck a try. They are absolutely incredible! They even have a 2 week money back guarentee! I have one for my Glock 19 and it is the best holster I have tried.
May 11th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
I bought a Comp-Tac CTAC for my GLock 30. That damn holster had pokey bits and pointy spots that drove me nuts.
http://www.rmholsters.com/
I bought a RM Holster Works IWB kydex and have never looked back. For some reason the CTAC poked me and the RM didn’t.
No one else seems to have this problem with CTAC, but they just don’t seem as smooth. And yet the Infidel looks interesting.
May 11th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Ayers agent. It’s leather and fits just right with my Glock 27. Would be even better with a thin gun like a 1911.
May 11th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
I have a Crossbreed Supertuck for my Glock 19. I love it. Very comfortable. (Got the horsehide) I have a Wilson IWB for my Delta Elite, but will be getting a Crossbreed for it also.
May 11th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Unc:
I am a fan of blade-tech. I use an IWB for my Para SSP. Mine has the loops, however. Kydex is extremely comfortable to me. I think as long as you find an IWB that fits your wardrobe you’ll be ok. If you’re gonna go IWB I would suggest finding one that is tuckable. Makes life a lot easier.
CC
May 11th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
I’ll second the Brommeland. Most comfortable holster I’ve ever worn. Granted, I’m only carrying a steel commander-size 1911 in mine.
May 11th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
I use the Crossbreed SuperTuck to carry my Dan Wesson CBOB 1911. Very comfortable way to carry a large pistol and keeps it tight to the body so the possibility of a print is minimized. I did not choose the “combat cut” which gives better access to the grip…that reduces the comfort and protection to the pistol. Given that I’m wearing it much more than I’m drawing I thought that was a good tradeoff.
I’ve not used the other holsters so I can’t give a comparison.
Kris
May 11th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
I’ve been carrying my Para 1911 in a Crossbreed for 3 years and like it better than my (expensive custom maker). It’s thin, light, secure, comparatively inexpensive, and the company has very good customer service.
“doc Russia Says:
I have had a crossbreed for years. I cut the leather on it so that I could get a better grip on my 1911.”
This was the only issue I had with mine, and I solved it the same way. Now they offer this cut as an option when you order. Crossbreed will be my first choice when I need another holster for any of my pistols.
May 11th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
If you want the comfort of leather-backing, then go for the Comp-Tac MTAC or Tucker Gunleather’s The Answer. Both are high quality, comfortable. Between the two the MTAC is versatile in that the parts are interchagable… so keep the same shell and clips (and they have a variety of clip styles), but change the shell so you can carry a different gun. The Answer is high quality leatherwork with a comfortable backing, but it’s made specific to each gun. All depends what you want.
If you want a pure kydex holster, the CTAC is fantastic. You have about a gazillion different ways to configure it so you can get the placement, angles and so on just right for you and your gun.
I wear an MTAC but as soon as funds allow I’ll be getting a CTAC to trade between the two. I prefer the MTAC, generally speaking, but with the leather back it does close the mouth slightly… I’ve never had a problem reholstering but certainly the always-opened mouth on the CTAC never has this problem.
May 11th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
I have the Comptac MTAC for my Beretta 92. I wore it to Nashville and back last month without any discomfort.
May 11th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Sorry, brain fade. It’s Akers holsters.
May 11th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
I use Kramer leather more frequently than any other type of concealment holster. They are comfortable and very rugged.
May 11th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
I have been thoroughly and consistently impressed with my HBE Leatherworks IWB holster. His turnaround time for a custom order was two weeks, including shipping, and he was one of the few people, at the time, to stock a PPS mold. I should have gone with a two-clip IWB, but that is my bust, not his. Good construction, good communication, and a generally good product.
May 11th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Hands down, for my 1911 I use an Andrews MacDaniel II. I have one with the body shield option.
http://www.andrewsleather.com
May 11th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
To add to the numerous opinions, I have a XDsubcompact in 9mm in a crossbreed holster. Its comfortable and holds the gun securely. I like it and I would buy another if I get another pistol. I don’t have any experience with any of the others listed.
May 11th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Good reasons for the MacDaniel II:
1. fully adjustable cant. I adjust the cant so the butt sticks up… hence when I bend to pick something up the butt from my full size 1911 doesn’t stick out at all.
2. goes on in 2 seconds.
3. excellent workmanship
May 11th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
I’ve been testing out a CrossBreed around the house with a full-size 1911, and as long as I’ve set it right, it seems to conceal very well, and it’s pretty comfortable. I’ve noticed, however, that I need to get longer shirts, as mine ride up and over the handle when I do yardwork. New shirts are on my to-do list this summer, as well as finally getting my carry permit. I’d recommend it, anyways.
May 12th, 2009 at 6:40 am
I just wear my full-size 1911 on a regular OWB holster with thumb-break, on a separate slim belt under my pants. It won’t shift with my pants. I can use public toilets and just drop my pants, when I’m going #2. The extra leather that makes up the thumb-break helps to prevent hammer-chafe against the skin. I can draw the belt tight up against my body while leaving my pants loose and naturally flowing. There’s no exposed belt clips/loops that might give away your secret to a trained eye. And, you can put magazines holders on the opposite side and position it wherever it’s comfortable.
May 13th, 2009 at 7:00 am
I’m old fashioned, I like leather holsters. IMHO, I think they cause less holster wear than kydex. boomstickholsters.com makes a clone of the Sparks Summer Special. Their prices are reasonable and they do quality work.
May 13th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Hands down, crossbreed supertuck. Period.