So you’ve opted to carry one of the most iconic, capable, proven, and beloved guns in the history of firearms – the 1911. You will require a holster that gives the admiration that is due to such a fine choice in a firearm. You need a holster that will emphasise your firearm and give you the choices that can take your excellent option to the pinnacle of concealed carry.
With the fitting holster, your 1911 becomes a thing of legend and gives you the benefit that only comes from an adaptable, spectacular firearm like the 1911. The first condition is a significant aspect of concealed carry. You need to be informed that when you draw your firearm, it is ready to go and that it will be lethal. That’s why you came to choose the 1911 in the first place.
| Holsters | Name | Editor’s Comment | Rating | Get The Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Galco International Miami Classic Shoulder Holster | Most Recommended Option 1. Galco is a legitimate purveyor of top-quality holsters | 10/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Milt Sparks Holsters | Premium Option 1. Great brand name and proven customer service and legacy | 9.5/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Man Gear Alaska Ultimate Chest 1911 Holsters | 1. Enables you to use your pistol anywhere and not feel bad about beating it up 2. Top-tier quality for a cloth holster 3. Ultimate adjustability | 8.5/10 | Currently unavailable |
 | Outlaw Holsters Green and Black USA Flag Kydex OWB (Outside The Waistband) Holster | 1. Durable (made from Kydex) 2. Simple 3. Very reasonably priced | 8.0/10 | Currently unavailable |
Aspects to Consider Before Buying The Best Holster For 1911
Don’t buy cheap just to save some money. Sure, people may be up for a good deal, but we understand that quality doesn’t exist everywhere. You can do so for some of the accessories, but you have to be choosy when you choose a holster.
If it’s a value-driven product, then that’s great. However, don’t gamble on a cheap holster just so you can feel good about the budget point. Buy the best you can lay your hands on. Avoid being cheap for the sake of saving some money.
The 1911 is a practical gun, and if you’re buying for your race gun built on a 1911, then go ahead. Get yourself something flashy and with loads of added extras. However, if you want a good holster, look for utility, especially since that’s the bequest of the 1911 handgun world.
Leather is the right kind of material used for the 1911. It speaks to the class, complexity, and the overall adaptability of the gun. That isn’t a must-have choice, but it does fit the gun well. If you aren’t into leather or are looking for more flexibility, then go with a nice Kydex or polymer holster to get the modern advantages of such a design.
There are other options, but these 3 kinds are generally best suited for the 1911. We will show you why as we explain the standing of the design and material aspects of the holsters on this list.
Whatever you do, don’t get a material that won’t last for long. Forget about entirely elastic makes and cheaply finished cloth versions. If you choose to go with cloth make sure it’s a robust kind.
The Best 1911 Holsters – A Review
Let’s take a look at the best 1911 holsters currently on the market, whether it is a concealed carry holster or one versatile holster:
1. Galco International Miami Classic Shoulder Holster
This Galco Combat Master holster fits very well with most gun owners, especially those who are looking for a shoulder holster that has easy adjustments. That way it can fit most shooter frames. The leather was as solid as it can get and it allowed for brilliant retention and concealability. One gun user said that his pistol never bulged every time he wore it.
Shoulder holsters can be used by security officers and even by concealed carry users for the resolution of keeping their pistols out of sight and carried subtly. As a matter of fact, this may just be the perfect holster for anyone who plans on carrying a 1911 pistol as a basic or even secondary semi automatic pistol. Regardless, you’ll be equipped for any danger that may threaten you or people around you from this Galco combat master carry. If you want the component of surprise against your attacker, then this holster just may be what you need to carry.
As classic as it gets, this was made famous by Hollywood, and was made timeless by 1911. If you want the look, balance, and the advantages of shoulder holsters, this is about as good as it gets. The Galco brand is known and proven as one of the best in the firearms industry to carry and the design is about as adaptable and capable as any on the market. Furthermore, it looks the part for the 1911 carry.
With maximum positioning for seated duty, this is the perfect companion for those who can carry legally and don’t mind being spotted carrying. The comfort of this holster is astounding and the weight circulation is among the best in the entire industry, which means a lot if you have to run or go after a target, or if you are carrying the entire day for every day. This saddle leather holster will withstand through years of drawing and re-holstering.
If you are in professional security or just a regular gun holsters owner who carries a couple of pistols at a time on a daily basis, then you’d be crazy to pass up the chance to give this holster your complete attention. It’s got the best retention, comfort, and the ability to make your pistol as concealable as possible no matter how regular you wear it.
The Galco International Miami Classic shoulder holsters is certainly a must-have for any concealed carry practitioner or any security guard who wants accosters to think that they’re unarmed (but will ruin their day in the procedure if and when the opportunity presents itself). This holster is pretty durable in quality, so you shouldn’t be surprised if it winds up being your trustworthy servant for a few years.
This is the holster to purchase if you’re seated all day and need to feel confident that you have the most adaptable holster on the market. Make sure that you understand the concept of the shoulder holster, as it is not for everybody, but rather for shoulder carry users.
2. Milt Sparks Holsters
Many new users are really impressed with what this holster can provide. Not only are they happy with how comfortable it was for every day carry, but they also find it to be the best concealability possible. One user even said that it felt like he wasn’t carrying anything at all, though he was sure that he was ready for any threats that may cross his path. The construction is solid and did not rip or tear easily.
Made from high-quality leather, this pushes the other leather best 1911 holsters out of the water when it comes to quality and the capability to go much longer in shelf life and firmness. The leather is comfortable to a point where it didn’t elicit any skin irritation. On top of that, it is pretty firm and kept the pistol well-retained without giving much room to shift around or fall out of the holster. The presence of the open-top made drawing quick and easy, which is certainly needed in some applications.
If you’re looking for a flawless leather IWB holster (Inside Waistband) holster for the 1911, you don’t have to look further. This Milt Sparks piece was made to address everything you have on your wish list for a perfect IWB, and they did it with such great material and build style. There is nothing perky about this holster, and yet, it has every creature comfort requirement you will find on any holster at the top of the market. This one has everything without being over the top for open top design for law enforcement.
The leather material and brand history are sufficient to sell this holster, but there is an added value in the design concept. The leather surface texture holds the IWB surroundings (clothing and your hip) well and the serious workmanship means you are buying a lifelong holster.
This may be the go-to choice for any 1911 5 inch user that wants nothing but the finest in comfort, concealability, and reliability. It’s a leather holster that looks good and functions well. That’s pretty much all you’ll need if you are searching for something that will be a great fit for your 1911 pistol.
The Milt Sparks holster is one of the superior quality choices that you can find on the market for a 1911 5 inch pistol for law enforcement agencies. It’s a high-quality holster that is made to give you a comfortable, more reliable every day carry for as long as possible. As long as the leather keeps firm, this will definitely give you the maintenance your pistol needs.
You won’t buy the Milt Sparks 1911 holster unless you want something truly special for your 1911 daily carry. The features and advantages read like a laundry list of perfect holster design ideas. That’s just what Milt Sparks do. They have exceptional base model offerings that perform at the top of the market.
3. Man Gear Alaska Ultimate Chest 1911 Holsters
This holster is great for both right-handed and left-handed users because it is obtainable in either hand orientation. The drawing for each hand is quick and easy. They say that their 1911 pistols continued in place and were quick to access if and when needed. Furthermore, new users said that the drawings formed no snags and made re-holstering less of an effort.
Chest holsters may not be so collective compared to non-hip best 1911 holsters like your shoulder or ankle holsters. Nevertheless, they still distribute a solid amount of concealability depending on the pistol. This will be great for you if you are looking for nothing more than a holster that will easily conceal a 1911 while making sure that you are comfortable all day long.
When you aren’t sure of the condition and need the ultimate in adaptability and on the fly adjustability, then this is a good choice. The construction quality is top notch for a Cordura best 1911 holster and the features are great for the gun money. It may be expensive, but it works like a charm in a best 1911 holster for concealed carry holsters.
The universal build style and the superior quality on a cloth holster make the Alaska Ultimate Chest rig a serious competitor. It may not be the most concealable, but it’s not really made for that intention. It’s a perfect 1911 holster for hunting, tactical situations, or high-risk professions where a gun can be carried easily and in an optimal position.
The hardware used on this 1911 rig is top quality, and you won’t be disappointed in the build quality. You can assign the holster to a pack or other rig or carrier as well.
We believe that this 1911 iwb holster can be valuable for users who are looking for a cold-weather carrying holster or a subordinate holster for when you are looking to carry 2 pistols at the same time. Either way you use it, you’re going to have a really great time putting this to use while practicing at the shooting range.
The Man Gear Alaska Ultimate chest holster is the real deal if you are looking for something that will give you inconspicuous concealed carry for your 1911 IWB holster. If a hip holster can’t get the job done for you, then you may want to consider an alternative. Of course, you can even use it for when you are carrying two pistols at the same time so you are more prepared for any state. This holster does every job well and looks good while at it. If you ever need versatility to carry in varied situations, this is a great choice.
4. Outlaw Holsters Green and Black USA Flag Kydex OWB (Outside The Waistband) Holster
One of the recent buyers of this 1911 non IWB pick holster bought this after hearing so much about Kydex and how great of a material it is. He said that the drawing was perfect and it didn’t snag on him ever. He said that in a heartbeat, he abandoned his flimsy and disappointing nylon holster for this OWB holster. Generally, the rest of the new users said that the concealability is unnoticeable and top-notch passive retention.
While it may not be red, white, and blue, this OWB holster really brings out the best in the American culture. Indeed, it is American-made so you can expect nothing but the best when it comes to quality. It’s not like regular-sized holsters, however it covers enough to where you can conceal carry safely and steadily. To top it off, it also lets you to easily and quickly draw for your pistol without dragging or snagging passive retention.
The devotion that comes in the form of an American flag overlay is just a minor part of what makes this OWB holster a great option for the 1911 passive retention. With standard 1.5 inches belt clips and customizable add-ons that tolerates you a ton of options for mounting both positional and stylistically passive retention, this is a great essential unit for a holster system.
It is an uncluttered build with a very good footprint that lets you have just enough coverage to keep your 1911 gun safe from dents and dings but also keep it in a harmless position. The rigid Kydex OWB is both mild on the finish of your firearm and comes with a no-sag profile to keep you in a static position every time. It is lightweight and drama free, with a slim profile to complement the 1911.
Kydex OWB is popular because it is awesome. It is form-fitting for your firearm, able to hold shapes and be reshaped to meet your requirements, and built durably to last nearly forever. If you prefer the Spartan design aesthetic and want legitimate results, then choose this OWB holster for passive retention.
If you are searching for an OWB holster that can last you a long time while providing steadily fast draws and discreet concealability for passive retention, your search may pretty much end here. It’s the perfect holster for anyone who is also searching for a bit of a minimalistic design as opposed to something that may cause a bit of anguish when it comes to keeping your pistol on the down-low. At times, minimal is better than having more material for a combat master belt holster.
The Outlaw Holsters Kydex OWB (outside the waistband) pancake holster will cover your basic bases when it comes to giving you a concealable carry, a fast draw, and an all-around trustworthy holster that won’t fall apart on you like how some others would. The design is minimal but this OWB holster is worth it once you put it to good use on a consistent basis for a paddle holster.
Conclusion
It’s relatively simple: buy what makes sense for you, but trust the content you read on here. We may know a thing or two about iwb holsters, about the 1911, and we feel assured that our choices make the most sense for the use cases we outlined in our reviews which ultimately assist you to get the best 1911 holster.
Here is the thing about holsters: how you use them regulates their true value. For some, the shoulder rig we like best just does not make sense. So look at another of these options for inspiration instead if that’s you. Don’t be afraid to consider several holsters at a time. You may never know you need a diverse holster until you try a different holster.
Of course, we think that as soon as you’ve put all this time into choosing a perfect holster for your needs, you should be self-assured in your choice. We also think you should be able to squeeze the most flexibility possible out of your firearm IWB holster, because that’s part of its DNA, which is why you chose the 1911 iwb holster in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I choose the best holsters for my 1911?
You want something that retains your firearm well because, while it’s a small gun, it’s not necessarily a lightweight gun. Having a rigid IWB holster, regardless of material, is the best way to do that. Safety must be a top priority too.
When carrying your gun, you will want to know that you aren’t going to get a careless discharge IWB. However, you should always feel safe carrying (a holster can help achieve that peace of mind) and forget about neglectful discharge, as most safety concerns can be fixed with proper training and a 1911 firearm safety IWB mindset.
At the same time, you also want to maintain concealability. Having a minimal holster design can be quite accommodating too. If you select the right features in a holster, it will allow your gun to be the pivotal point and do its job best.
This doesn’t mean you have to withhold IWB (inside the waistband); it just means you should be buying a holster that allows the gun to shine as the central point of your 1911 setup retention device. Brand name means something too in this IWB, but not just because the original 1911 was made by John M. Browning, or because it has become an icon that few brands are able to replicate with a single gun, let alone practically every gun made in its looks. Brand matters because holsters have long been a part of the conventional gun culture, retention device and have had winners and losers.
A winner holster isn’t just a company that markets well, it is a tried and true performer. Brand matters because in the commodity world of the IWB (inside the waistband) holster market, only the best brands are able to survive. Some are younger than others, but quality counts for everything here in an ultimate belly band holster.
What Are IWB Holsters And OWB Holsters?
IWB and OWB refers to the type of the holsters on the market. OWB stands for “outside the waistband” whereas IWB stands for “inside the waistband” which is more preferred as a concealment holster.
Hello there, it’s Michael here. A gun lover since young, served the country for the last 20 years. I started the blog to share my experience and gun-related knowledge accumulated throughout the years. Hopefully, you will find something useful over here or just have fun! You can learn more about me here.