Your Suggestion on a 1911 holster

frzburn

frzburn

Regular
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Location
Quebec
I just ordered my first 1911, and I've been shopping for a holster since then but can't settle my mind...

My experience is limited to drop-leg holsters, a canvas Blackhawk (like this one) and a Safariland. The Blackhawk is good to keep the pistol in the holster, but is a PITA if you have to get it out quick. The Safariland, really liked it.

I oubviously have a preference for the drop-legs, since that's all that I've used and I'm comfortable with them. But I'm still open to any suggestions. I'm aware that, without any other gear, a belt holster is probably what's best, and the quickest. One criteria I can't overlook, is a holster with at least one retention mechanism other than friction. I just can't wrap my head having a holster without any.

That said, here's what I found so far. A Blackhawk Serpa (CQC for belt, other models for drop-leg) and Safariland 6355, 6005, 6385, 6377, 6378 et 5187. (All look fine to me at first sight)

It's for a 1911 with a rail, so it quite narrows the choices.

About the intended uses, well, nothing in particular for now, though I'm interested in 3-gun matches and, maybe, IPSC eventually.

So I do have my preferences, but I'm really open to any suggestions and piece of advice you might have. :)
 
I just went through this decision for my Ruger SR1911. Lots of people don't like the Blackhawk Serpa. Your trigger finger apparently can get into the trigger guard on the draw due to how your finger is positioned to release the locking mechanism. I bought a used Safariland 6378 off the EE for a good price. Keep an eye out there. Also ordered a Double Alpha Competition belt from one of the site sponsors.
 
^Actually quite a few ranges and competitions have poo-poo'd them for this very reason...
...if you're just using one "because", I personally don't like additional retention (no-one has made a grab for my side arm at the range!? lol). Look at Solely Canadian, or (flamesuit on) Fobus. I also really like an IWB leather holster but YMMV.
 
Last edited:
I have a Blackhawk Serpa for my m&p9, I have no issues with it but then again I'm very carefull with my trigger finger lol while I draw my handgun. I generally don't holster a loaded fire arm for the most part either lol.

I do however like a kydex holster more, I have one for a TT-33. I'd like to buy or try and mold one for my m&p9, level1 retention for a range toy is plenty. Let's face it most of us don't need more retention than that haha.
 
Safariland's level 2 or 3 retention > Blackhawk Serpa. You may be practiced and you may manage to not blow a hole in your leg, but why even take the chance of you don't have to?
 
Because I don't draw a loaded handgun from my holster, I therefore do not run the risk of shooting myself. I draw, then rack with my finger off the trigger. It's pretty simple stuff, the finger doesn't touch the trigger till I've aquired a sight picture. If it's holstered with a full mag it doesn't have a round in the chamber. For the record though, I can't remember ever drawing and having my finger inside the trigger guard. I've had it and used it regularly for almost two years.

I don't do any competition shooting, if I end up going down that road and require a different style of holster I will pick one up. The only reason I bought a Serpa was it was available locally when I needed it, the bladetech that came with my m&p9 range kit is a right handed holster and I'm a southpaw.
 
I like the Alpha Academy holsters. I got a couple of the PDR ones that are felt lined. Then someone mentioned to me that after a day holstering/unholstering at a dusty range, the felt will trap dust particles and turn it into fine sandpaper and wear the finish faster. Might look into the PDR Pro unlined series.
 
Butcherbill said:
Because I don't draw a loaded handgun from my holster, I therefore do not run the risk of shooting myself. I draw, then rack with my finger off the trigger. It's pretty simple stuff, the finger doesn't touch the trigger till I've aquired a sight picture. If it's holstered with a full mag it doesn't have a round in the chamber. For the record though, I can't remember ever drawing and having my finger inside the trigger guard. I've had it and used it regularly for almost two years.

I don't do any competition shooting, if I end up going down that road and require a different style of holster I will pick one up. The only reason I bought a Serpa was it was available locally when I needed it, the bladetech that came with my m&p9 range kit is a right handed holster and I'm a southpaw.
Click to expand...

Kinda defeats the purpose though, doesn't it? Granted as civilians we don't do much gun fighting nor do we require that level of retention on the range, but if you have to take that many extra steps to ensure your safety...whatever floats your boat, I guess.
 
I shoot holes in paper, that's it. I'm not a shtf gun owner lol. You may be different, which is fine by me. I'm cool with the Serpa, it does what I require of a holster at the moment. I just checked for curiosity sake, when I draw my m&p or my 1911 for that matter my finger naturally rests on the frame above the trigger guard. It's on top of the take down lever when it leaves the holster.

If I was drawing a loaded gun I sure would be paying attention to where my finger was, I wouldn't be thinking about if I left the stove on or if I was going to get lucky that night lol.

OP, sorry for the derail. Let us know what holster you decide on.
 
Can you even compete with a dropleg holster in IPSC? Pretty sure you can't use one for IDPA. When you think about it, drop legs are for guys running plates and chest rigs, which helps get it out of the way of more important things like carbine mags. For competition or even basic range use, there really isn't any reason to go beyond an open top, friction fit kydex holster on the belt. You just add cost, complication and potential rule breaking into the mix.
 
Butcherbill said:
Because I don't draw a loaded handgun from my holster, I therefore do not run the risk of shooting myself. I draw, then rack with my finger off the trigger. It's pretty simple stuff, the finger doesn't touch the trigger till I've aquired a sight picture. If it's holstered with a full mag it doesn't have a round in the chamber. For the record though, I can't remember ever drawing and having my finger inside the trigger guard. I've had it and used it regularly for almost two years.

I don't do any competition shooting, if I end up going down that road and require a different style of holster I will pick one up. The only reason I bought a Serpa was it was available locally when I needed it, the bladetech that came with my m&p9 range kit is a right handed holster and I'm a southpaw.
Click to expand...

1911= cocked and locked when the range is "hot"...the same principal of trigger control applies {the gun won't discharge itself}.
Glock= chambered and ready to rock when the range is "hot". All perfectly safe.
 
frzburn said:
One criteria I can't overlook, is a holster with at least one retention mechanism other than friction. I just can't wrap my head having a holster without any.
Click to expand...

Have you ever tried a holster without a retention device? I use Bladetech holsters for every semi I own and they most certainly will not drop the gun when properly adjusted. The gun locks in place very solidly every time you holster it and is held firmly in place until you draw hard enough to break it loose from the holster. Before you poo-poo them, borrow one and give it a try to see if they are anything like you imagine.

If you haven't guessed, I vote for Bladetech.


Mark
 
You do not need a retention holster for recreational use. Any good leather or kydex holster will hold your gun securely so it won't come out unless you pull it out. Retention devices are to keep someone else from getting your gun out of the holster. In addition to not being a very good holster, you likely not be able to use a Serpa holster for any courses; most instructors do not allow them. If you must have a retention holster, Safariland is a good choice.

Bladetech makes perfectly serviceable, reasonably priced holsters. Solely Canadian and Bravo Concealment are some other options.
 
How is this even a discussion? Buy a soley canadian and be happy everytime you draw the gun whether its loaded or not. Support a local quality made product which seem to be few and far in between.
 
Butcherbill said:
OP, sorry for the derail. Let us know what holster you decide on.
Click to expand...

Hey, no problem, it's more food for thought for me. :)


mmattockx said:
Have you ever tried a holster without a retention device? I use Bladetech holsters for every semi I own and they most certainly will not drop the gun when properly adjusted. The gun locks in place very solidly every time you holster it and is held firmly in place until you draw hard enough to break it loose from the holster. Before you poo-poo them, borrow one and give it a try to see if they are anything like you imagine.

If you haven't guessed, I vote for Bladetech.Mark
Click to expand...

No, never tried one. I guess the key is, as you said, to have them properly adjusted between not enough retention, and too hard to pull out, dragging the holster and the belt with the pistol.


tjhaile said:
You do not need a retention holster for recreational use. Any good leather or kydex holster will hold your gun securely so it won't come out unless you pull it out. Retention devices are to keep someone else from getting your gun out of the holster. In addition to not being a very good holster, you likely not be able to use a Serpa holster for any courses; most instructors do not allow them. If you must have a retention holster, Safariland is a good choice.

Bladetech makes perfectly serviceable, reasonably priced holsters. Solely Canadian and Bravo Concealment are some other options.
Click to expand...


I tend to agree about retention vs recreational use, but a couple of years ago I've done a 3-gun match where, in more than one occasion, a pistol would fall on the ground from the holster. Granted, it was those drop-leg (moves around a lot more while running) 'Universal' Blackhawk canvas holsters (poor fit) and it was probably not properly secured with the snap and the velcro. But I like the idea of a retention mechanism to avoid that.


However, with all the praise for Bladetech so far, I must have a closer look at them.
 
frzburn said:
Hey, no problem, it's more food for thought for me. :)




No, never tried one. I guess the key is, as you said, to have them properly adjusted between not enough retention, and too hard to pull out, dragging the holster and the belt with the pistol.





I tend to agree about retention vs recreational use, but a couple of years ago I've done a 3-gun match where, in more than one occasion, a pistol would fall on the ground from the holster. Granted, it was those drop-leg (moves around a lot more while running) 'Universal' Blackhawk canvas holsters (poor fit) and it was probably not properly secured with the snap and the velcro. But I like the idea of a retention mechanism to avoid that.


However, with all the praise for Bladetech so far, I must have a closer look at them.
Click to expand...
With all the modern Kydex holsters now, you'll need to be suspended upside down and jiggled very hard for a gun to fall out.
My choice is the SolCan holsters. Tim will custom make your holster when you call or text.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom