1911 holster source?

[SDS knife guy]

I just bought a S&W 1911PD and would like to get a nice looking and good quality holster to go with it. I want an OWB, open top (no thumbstrap), leather holster preferably with some type of exotic skin reinforcing lip (shark, stingray, etc.) but don't want to break the bank buying one. I'd like a full exotic leather holster but they are just too much $$ for me right now.

I found some incredible looking holsters at donnergunleather.com but their holsters go as high as $725!! Thats more than I paid for the gun! I'd just like to find a good holster for this gun around $100. Less is better of course but I also realize that you get what you pay for most of the time.

Anyone have any suggestions on where to look??

[6285108]

www.lightningarms.com

[SilverState]

Gunner's Alley (http://www.gunnersalley.com/)

[dirksterG30]

I've found this site very helpful in selecting a holster:
www.rigrate.com

[ceptor781]

If you can stand the three month wait go to the source Milt Sparks (http://www.miltsparks.com/) and save a few bucks. Other wise I'd have to say Lightning Arms Sports (http://www.lasports.biz/products.htm) as well for instant gratification.

[Drjones]

Originally posted by 6285108
www.lightningarms.com



Yes, go to Lighting Arms and get a Milt Sparks holster and belt.

[federali]

Galco makes very attractive holsters at prices mid-way between common holsters and custom jobs. Another great company is High Noon Holsters out of Florida. High noon has really taken off and you'll have to wait a few weeks for most numbers. But, they're beautiful holsters at well under $100.00

[Short Cut]

http://www.miltsparks.com/images/Milt_Sparks_holsters3.gif

You can get a few Sparks OWBs in horsehide with sharkskin trim. If you go with cordovan dye it will look something like this.

http://home.comcast.net/~1911brass/Cust_CDP_VM2.jpg

They dye their holster after they are completely assebled. The sharkskin takes the dye differently which makes it look black and gives the holster a nice two-tone appearance.

[kraigster414]

Lord knows I've tried them all. My VERY favorite is the Tucker Texas Heritage IWB. The most comfortable, the most concealable 1911 holster I have ever owneed. End of story (and that includes the Milt Sparks Versa Max 2).

[Short Cut]

Originally posted by kraigster414
Lord knows I've tried them all. My VERY favorite is the Tucker Texas Heritage IWB.

Nice looking holsters from Tucker. I dig the look of this one.

http://store1.yimg.com/I/rlcompanyusa_1866_12801147
http://store1.yimg.com/I/rlcompanyusa_1866_12904348

[kraigster414]

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/kraigster414/SW1911sc/tuckertexasheritage1911commander.jpg

I got a boat load of 1911 holsters and this is the only one I use - The Tucker Texas Heritage - yeah, I'm left handed. You got a problem with that! ;)

The thinnest, most comfortable, most concealable 1911 holster out there. And I've tried them all.

[freepatriot]

I'm with Short Cut on the Milt Sparks.

<a target="_blank" href="http://freepatriot.com/imagewarehouse/1911-thanksgiving/DSCF3314.jpg"><img width="700" src="http://freepatriot.com/imagewarehouse/1911-thanksgiving/DSCF3314.jpg" border="0"></a>

In fact, I got this one FROM Shorty. ;f

You can click the pic to make it bigger.

[kraigster414]

Tied for second place IMHO for concealed carry after the Texas Heritage, is the Mitch Rosen (top) and the Ted Blocker with thumb break under the hammer - the only one Condition 1 thumb break holster I ever had that didn't interfere with the ambi safety, worse "encourage" it to disengage.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/kraigster414/SW1911sc/rosenandblocker001.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/kraigster414/SW1911sc/rosenandblocker002.jpg

[JByer323]

I've got that same set that Short Cut posted, but in black and for a Glock.

That stamping pattern is crosscut, and it's a sight to behold.

[SDS knife guy]

Great!! And here I thought this was going to be a reasonably easy decision to make!

[Magical_Merlin]

Dont forget about uncle Lou!! The CQC/S w/ sharkskin trim is my favorite.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/Magical_Merlin/Alessi1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/Magical_Merlin/Alessi2.jpg

[Rinspeed]

I have several by both Lou Alessi and Milt Sparks. Both Lou and Tony are super nice and make some of the nicest holsters I have ever come across.

[popcap]

It looks like most of you guys are using OWB holsters that do not cover (protect?) the thumb safety. My only 1911 holster is the Alessi Watch Six Dual Talon. It has a notch for the thumb saftey and seems to protect it.

I am also looking for a good OWB for a full size Smith. Am I wrong to not consider holsters that do not cover the safety? Isn't an uncovered safety more dangerous?

thanks for any insight :cool: