Holster now available for SAM Thunderbolt 1911

T

ted_dent

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Location
S. Ontario
Just a caution to those of you thinking about buying a SAM Thunderbolt for competition. After an exasperating search it appears that there is no holster currently available that will fit this model of gun. I tried a Blackhawk holster that was supposed to work with railed 1911s and it didn't even come close. Tried a Fobus Evolution Roto holster that is supposed to fit railed 1911s - gun wouldn't go in that one either. On the advice of a CGN member I tried Solely Canadian. While they have plans to maybe produce it in the future (possibly the fall) they currently don't make one either.

The only potential workable suggestion that I got from a helpful member (thank P E) was to take a heat gun to a Blade-Tech 1911 rail holster, warm it up and use the gun to move the Kydex forward. He did get it to work but you'll have to be careful or you could end up with $100 pile of melted plastic.

This isn't a knock on the gun as it appears to be well made & nicely finished like the SAM pistols typically are. However, if you're thinking about buying one of these to use in holster type competitions, unless you're willing to draw the gun out of your pocket you're going to be very disappointed.
 
Bravo Concealment will custom make a holster in Kydex and does nice work for about US$70

FF
 
So is the issue you're encountering that the rails are getting in the way of getting a proper fit? You can try taking a look at the Fobus EMC line. The entire area where the rail would be is cut away so it can pretty much fit any railed 1911.
 
Yup we're working on a solution for the Sam 1911r & saraphim armory 1911r, still looking at sometime in September unless i can procure one sooner..




Solelycanadian
 
Just out of curiosity Ted, where does it seem to hang up ? The SAM rail is a bit lower/higher or is it wider/thicker than other brands.

Depending on which you might look to a holster that has the flashlight feature, should give you lots of room on the bottom, or one of the '' suppressor '' style holsters

that are made for tall sights to give you some air up top.

And +1 for Soley. Once again, bonus to have our own peeps stepping up with high end gear for our market.
 
We might be able to do something sooner than September, if there's enough interest i'll jump on it!




SolCan
 
The CR Speed Holsters will fit. The are full adjustable and retained by the trigger guard. Might be a little "fast" for your taste, but will work until you find the "right solution".
 
GSG1911 said:
Just out of curiosity Ted, where does it seem to hang up ? The SAM rail is a bit lower/higher or is it wider/thicker than other brands.

Depending on which you might look to a holster that has the flashlight feature, should give you lots of room on the bottom, or one of the '' suppressor '' style holsters

that are made for tall sights to give you some air up top.

And +1 for Soley. Once again, bonus to have our own peeps stepping up with high end gear for our market.
Click to expand...

The rail on the SAM is longer and perhaps a little wider than, for example, the Springfield Operator which the Fobus is supposed to fit. A holster for a gun with a light might work but they are pretty big & bulky & I'm more interested in something more streamlined.
 
kutter said:
So is the issue you're encountering that the rails are getting in the way of getting a proper fit? You can try taking a look at the Fobus EMC line. The entire area where the rail would be is cut away so it can pretty much fit any railed 1911.
Click to expand...

This would likely work but (and I'm only going by the pics so I could be wrong) it appears to be a thumb break style of holster (strap has to be released). I want to use mine for competition so this system would be a little slow & unwieldy for my purpose.
 
Yup, I found it was longer than other 1911 rails... As ted_dent mentioned I didn't realize that when I bought my Blade-Tech railed 1911 holster. Fortunately, kydex is easy to work with, and I carefully heated both sides with a heat gun. Took a few minutes and a few attempts to fit it, but once the kydex was supple enough it slipped right in. It did result in slightly shiny patches where the kydex was warmed, but at least it worked!

BTW: I LOVE the Thunderbolt!!!! Great shooting 1911 for the money!
 
No problem!,

I'll get on it and hopefully have something very soon!, these will be dedicated (Competition or Concealment) S.A.M thunderbolt & Seraphim archangel 1911 holsters..

SolCan
ted_dent said:
Thanks for the contact Tim. Hopefully you can get going on this sooner rather than later. I would definitely be in for one.
Click to expand...
 
SolCan said:
We might be able to do something sooner than September, if there's enough interest i'll jump on it!




SolCan
Click to expand...

I need one too. I have Ser#002 of this gun. Nice unit, but am in the same boat as the OP. Please make something:) and please make it affordable. I would like a leg style holster.
 
G-Code also makes a railed 1911 holster, but I imagine you might have the same problem with it that you did with the others.

For some of the thumb-break holsters, you can leave the thumb-break disengaged and draw using Level 1 retention only. The thumb-break might come in handy if you run around a lot in 3 Gun, for example.
 
I too have been emailing Tim from Solely Canadian regarding a holster for the thunderbolt, with optional drop attachment. I have been discussing joining classic division through IDPA, but with no holster can't even train. I will wait until September if that's what it takes, because I really enjoy my thunderbolt, and want to support Canadian firearm suppliers. You got one sold here Solely canadian, I am patient, and anxious.
 
Tractorguy said:
I too have been emailing Tim from Solely Canadian regarding a holster for the thunderbolt, with optional drop attachment. I have been discussing joining classic division through IDPA, but with no holster can't even train. I will wait until September if that's what it takes, because I really enjoy my thunderbolt, and want to support Canadian firearm suppliers. You got one sold here Solely canadian, I am patient, and anxious.
Click to expand...

sounds good!,
I'll make sure to have something a lot sooner than September.
 
SolCan said:
sounds good!,
I'll make sure to have something a lot sooner than September.
Click to expand...

That what I like to here! :) let me know if u need a Thunderbolt to mold from, I would have no problem putting mine up for a modelling gig, it's custom SS with black controls....looks great in hogue grips:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom