Types of 1911 Holsters Explained

To carry a 1911 pistol optimally, choosing the right holster is non-negotiable. It provides you with security and safety, and makes accessing the firearm easy. 1911 comes in big, small, and medium sizes. Also, some may like to carry it concealed, while others prefer open carry. This necessitates knowing the kinds of holsters available so you can select one according to your carry style and pistol model. Read on to understand the different types of 1911 holsters for making the best purchasing decision.

1911 Pistol Categories

Before understanding the types of 1911 holsters, you must know the various categories of this gun, each of which has a distinct frame size, barrel length, and intended use.

Major Types of 1911 Holsters Based on Carrying Position

A carry position is the point where you wear the holster on your body. They differ according to how you want to use the gun, your body type, and your preference for concealed or open-carry. The main categories of 1911 holsters include the following:

Outside the Waistband (OWB) Holsters

OWB holsters are a popular choice for carrying the 1911 pistol. They keep your gun stable and provide you with comfort and quick access. This type of holster attaches securely to your belt and positions your 1911 on the outside of your pants.

Thus, they are well-suited for open carry, range use, or concealed carry, provided your cover garments are appropriate. Due to the weight and size of the 1911, OWB holsters are specifically designed to provide great retention and distribute the firearm’s weight in a way that you don’t feel uncomfortable.

Common Styles of 1911 OWB Holsters

• Pancake OWB Holster – It has two pieces of material, like leather or Kydex, stitched together to form a flat profile. The 1911 fits snugly between the layers. You achieve both retention and concealment. Many pancake holsters for the 1911 have reinforced openings. It makes way for easy one-handed reholstering. The hand-molded construction gives a precise fit.
• Paddle Holster – This OWB holster has a wide, contoured polymer paddle. The paddle goes inside the waistband, while the holster stays outside. Due to the paddle design, you can attach and remove the holster without removing your belt. Make sure that your paddle holster has good retention if you sport a heavier 1911.
• Belt Slide Holster – A belt slide holster made of leather or polymer threads onto the belt. The attachment point slides along the belt for adjustable positioning. This is a low-profile design offering a secure fit. Your 1911 remains close to the body for comfort and concealment.

We have a variety of OWB holsters for 1911, ideal for daily carry, competition shooting, and improving your time at the range. They are made of high-strength leather and ergonomic designs that help with easy access and fast drawing.

Key Features of 1911 OWB Holsters

• Most 1911 OWB holsters are molded by hand or injection-molded to match the dimensions and features of the 1911 to make way for retention and easy drawing.
• Adjustable retention screws, thumb breaks, or passive friction retention keep the gun secure when you are moving.
• Contoured designs and quality materials, such as American steer hide or Kydex, help distribute the weight of the 1911 in a way that prevents printing under clothing.
• OWB holsters are designed to help you attain a full and positive firing grip on the draw. This feature is important for larger models of the 1911.

Inside the Waistband (IWB) Holsters

IWB holsters position the gun between your pants and body and are secured with clips or loops to your belt. It keeps a huge part of the gun disguised under your pants. With this type of holster, you can carry your 1911 with a tucked-in shirt, tank tops, or t-shirts.

Many leather IWB holsters have a customized fit to make concealment easier. Some have an accessible magazine pouch, so complete your concealed carry gear.

Common Styles of 1911 IWB Holsters

• Clip Holster – It is attachable and removable due to the strong clip that hooks to the outside bottom of your belt. Clip holsters are compatible with belts that have widths between 1" and 1-3/4.’’
• Pancake-Style IWB Holster – It features high-ride leather belt straps and tuckable, deep-concealment clips. A pancake holster supports belt widths up to 1-3/4". High-ride leather straps in it are ideal for concealing medium to full-size 1911 pistols, while tuckable clips make the gun in the holster ride lower for enhanced concealment, which is important for compact 1911 models.
• Hybrid Holster – A hybrid holster combines the comfort of a leather or padded backer with the retention mechanism of a molded Kydex shell. It lets you carry a 1911 in various positions for concealment and drawing.

Key Features of 1911 IWB Holsters

• 1911 IWB holsters have a precise, custom-fit for secure retention and effective draw.
• They have adjustable retention screws or friction-fit retention to keep the pistol stable while you move.
• IWB holsters have a low profile to minimize bulk and assist in maximum concealment.

Pocket Holsters

A pocket holster holds guns with small barrel sizes and offers a high level of concealment. 1911 models with barrels up to 3 inches can be carried in a pocket holster. These include the 1911 Colt Defender, Kimber Ultra series, and Springfield Armory Ronin EMP.

However, you must invest in a pocket holster made for the specific model of your subcompact 1911. Otherwise, it will put your safety in danger. Also, consider the pocket size and shape of your clothing. Pockets in different pieces of clothing do not have a universal size, and a mismatch can cause the gun or the holster to shift and make it tough to draw.

Wright Leather Works’s pocket holsters have additional leather coverage for comfort and reduction in printing. We have crafted it for front pocket carry, with points on the upper outside profile to aid in catching your pocket when you are drawing.

Shoulder Holsters

Shoulder holsters use a harness to keep the holster stable. It allows the weight of your 1911 to be evenly distributed across the shoulders. The weapon lies in a horizontal or vertical position under the arm you don’t use for drawing. A shoulder holster has a magazine pouch on the opposite side.

Common Styles of 1911 Shoulder Holsters

• Horizontal shoulder holster – This shoulder holster is worn over the shoulder. It keeps the pistol parallel to the ground. In this position, the gun is carried with the barrel pointing horizontally along your side, and the grip faces forward.
• Vertical shoulder holster - Vertical carry is when you carry the pistol with the muzzle down. The grip faces upward, and the barrel points downward. A vertical shoulder holster is ideal for bigger models of the 1911.

Key Features of 1911 Shoulder Holsters

• To lessen the strain on your body over extended wear, shoulder holsters are designed to dispense the 1911's weight across your shoulders and upper back and not your hips.
• The gun is held through retention systems that guard against unintentional dislodging.
• The shoulder and chest straps can be adjusted for a snug fit.
• The magazine pouch on some holsters balances the rig and prevents your clothes from pulling to one side.

At Wright Leather Works, you can find a shoulder rig package with a shoulder harness, holster, and mag holster. Single-action 1911s are made to be carried cocked and locked and have a thumb break as retention between the hammer and firing pin.

Concluding Words

The varied makes and models of 1911have an equally diverse collection of holsters. From everyday carry to concealed and open-carry, you have many options to explore for your single-stack, single-action, compact, subcompact, and heavy firearm. Wright Leather Works has a range of designs that we customize based on your specific model, carry style, and position. With every option, we aim to give you a solution that meets and exceeds your expectations.