Are you looking for the best holster for your 1911?
Having the right holster is essential to keeping your firearm safe and comfortable. We have compiled a list of the seven best holsters specifically designed to fit 1911s so that you can make an informed decision when c to pocket holsters with details about each type’s features, pros, and cons.
Whether you’re looking for a concealed carry solution or something more tactical, we’ve got great options suited to all sorts of needs and preferences. With our Ultimate Guide, you’ll find the right holster quickly!
Check out the list of 7 best 1911 holsters.
How We Choose The Best 1911 Holsters?
Finding the best quality 1911 holster can feel like an impossible challenge. Not only are the options seemingly endless, but it’s hard to determine which ones are reliable and top-notch quality.
With so many holsters making tall promises, it takes time to trust them all. Many will make your gun too hard to access or cause discomfort when worn, which you do not want when carrying your 1911 daily.
We get it. That’s why we at How We Choose The Best 1911 Holsters vetted through hundreds of holsters on the market and ranked the best based on comfort, concealability, safety, and functionality. Get the right holster for your needs – choose from our list of top-rated 1911 holsters today!
1.Relentless Tactical The Defender Leather I.W.B. Holster
Why We Love It
Relentless Tactical’s The Defender Leather I.W.B. Holster is a top choice for concealed carry and is crafted from genuine U.S.A. bull hide leather.
This I.W.B. holster offers world-class quality without having to spend an arm and a leg, giving you essential features like comfort, concealability, safety, and functionality, to name a few.
Moreover, it is backed by Relentless Tactical’s Lifetime Warranty – giving you peace of mind when purchasing this 1911 holster.
In addition, the Defender Leather I.W.B. Holster fits most 1911-style handguns with any barrel length, including Kimber, S & W, Colt, Remington, Browning, Ruger, Taurus, Sig Sauer, and more.
American-made with American Pride and designed to be both effective at concealment and quick for access when you need it most – this is the ultimate holster for your 1911 handgun.
Finally, The Defender Leather I.W.B. Holster comes in 3 colors – Whiskey Barrel Brown, Midnight Black, and Charred Oak – so you can choose the perfect design to fit your style.
Key Features:
- Fits Most 1911 Style Handguns With Any Barrel Length
- Made in the U.S.A.
- No synthetic materials or cheap mass-market production
- Lifetime Warranty
- Three colors: Whiskey Barrel Brown, Midnight Black, Charred Oak
- Size: Left Side (Inside the waistband)
- Brand: Relentless Tactical
- Hand Orientation: Left
- Material: Leather
- Style: Classic
- Closure Type: Pull On
2. BLACKHAWK Serpa Sportster Holster
Why We Love It
The BLACKHAWK Serpa Sportster Holster is an excellent choice for concealed carry or range use, crafted from durable injection molded polymer and featuring dependable Serpa technology.
This holster provides level 2 retention with its active S.E.R.P.A. Auto-Lock system and level 1 retention with its passive detent adjustment screw.
It also features a speed-cut design to aid in a rapid draw, target acquisition, and re-holstering – making it perfect for your 1911 handgun.
Moreover, the BLACKHAWK Serpa Sportster Holster has a paddle platform that makes it easy to wear and carry.
It is also versatile, fitting with Shoulder, S.T.R.I.K.E., Quick Disconnect, and Tactical Holster Platforms to customize your holster.
Finally, the Sportster Holster comes in gunmetal gray with black S.E.R.P.A. Auto Lock release – a perfect design to fit your style.
Key Features:
- Fits Colt Government 1911 and clones (some) with or without rails
- S.E.R.P.A. Auto-Lock active retention system
- Trigger finger lock release
- Gunmetal gray holster body with black S.E.R.P.A. Auto Lock release
- Passive retention and audible click upon re-holster for security
- Includes Paddle Platform only
- Size: Size 03 – Colt 1911 & Most Clones with or w/o rails (not full length)
- Brand: BLACKHAWK
- Hand Orientation: Right
- Color: Gunmetal Gray
- Closure Type: Lock
3. Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder System
Why We Love It
The Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder System for 1911 5-Inch Colt, Kimber, Para, and Springfield is crafted using the finest materials and made to withstand the most challenging conditions. This shoulder system is made for semiautomatic pistols. It provides lasting comfort with its patented spider harness that features four points of pivoting, all connected by a unique Flexalon swivel back plate.
The adjustable belt strap and buckle hammer ensure that your firearm stays in place while doing activities such as running, jumping, or exercising. The double magazine pouch has a retention flap to keep your magazines securely. Plus, it’s available in a tan and black finish to choose the perfect one.
Finally, this shoulder system is designed to fit nearly every 1911-style handgun, including A.M.T. Backup, Auto Ordinance 1911s, Browning 1911s, Colt 1911s, and many more. You can trust that this shoulder system will provide the perfect balance of comfort and convenience for concealing your weapon.
Key Features:
- Fits most 1911-style handguns
- Neoprene material
- Strap, Lock and Buckle closure type
- Includes adjustable belt strap and buckle hammer
- Double magazine pouch with retention flap
- Package includes 1 x holster and 2 x magazines
- Made using the finest materials
4.TACwolf I.W.B. Holster
Why We Love It
The TACwolf I.W.B. Holster is ideal for concealed carry or range use. Crafted from breathable neoprene, this holster provides a secure fit that won’t shift during vigorous activity. With its adjustable belt strap and sturdy buckle hammer, you can quickly draw your firearm when needed and be sure it stays in place – no matter how active you get.
What’s more is that this holster is designed to fit nearly every 1911-style handgun, including A.M.T. Backup, Auto Ordinance 1911s, Browning 1911s, Colt 1911s, and many more. Plus, it has two magazine pouches with a retention flap to keep your magazines securely in place. Finally, this holster provides the perfect balance of comfort and convenience for concealing your weapon.
Key Features:
- Fits most 1911-style handguns
- Neoprene material
- Strap, Lock and Buckle closure type
- Includes adjustable belt strap and buckle hammer
- Double magazine pouch with retention flap
- Package includes 1 x holster and 2 x magazines
5. Tideme Leather Shoulder Holster
Why We Love It
The Tideme Leather Shoulder Holster is perfect for those seeking concealed carry and range use. Made from durable leather, this holster provides a universal fit with its unique modular design that allows right-handed and left-handed usage. It comes with adjustable shoulder straps that can easily be adjusted to the ideal length and a padded shoulder with an adjustable elastic waistband at the back point.
What’s more, this holster is equipped with a thumb break holster, allowing you to draw your firearm quickly when needed. The sturdy metal belt clip keeps your firearm in place, even when walking, jumping, exercising, or running. This holster is also equipped with double leather magazine pouches with a retention flap to keep magazines securely in place. Finally, this holster is perfect for concealing your weapon while providing comfort and convenience.
Key Features:
- Universal fit holster
- S.E.R.P.A. Auto-Lock active retention system
- Trigger finger lock release
- Brown leather body with black S.E.R.P.A. Auto Lock release
- Passive retention and audible click upon re-holster for security
- Includes adjustable shoulder straps and metal belt clip
- Double magazine pouch with retention flap
6. C.Y.T.A.C. Colt 1911 Holster
Why We Love It
The C.Y.T.A.C. Colt 1911 Holster is the perfect choice for an affordable, reliable holster for their 1911-style handgun. This holster uses military-grade polymer materials, providing dependable protection in any environment. The adjustable design also allows you to customize the fit of your holster so it fits securely and comfortably on your body. Additionally, this holster features a button closure that locks in place when holstered and releases with a button.
The 360-degree tooth gear system provides superior retention and ensures that your firearm won’t move around while you’re engaged in physical activities. Plus, it’s designed to fit most 1911-style handguns without rails, so you can be sure it will work with your weapon. Finally, this holster has a paddle attachment for easy installation on the web and duty belts up to 2 inches wide.
Key Features:
- Fits most 1911-style handguns without rails
- Military-grade polymer materials
- Button closure type
- Includes 360-degree tooth gear system for superior retention
- Paddle attachment fits web and duty belts up to 2 inches wide
- Package includes 1 x holster
- Available in black finish for the discreet draw
7. Massimo GunThumb Break Leather Gun Holster
Why We Love It
The Massimo Gun Leather Colt 1911 Officer O.W.B. Thumb Break Leather Gun Holster 3″ is an ideal choice for any firearm enthusiast or concealed carry user. Handcrafted from top-quality leather, this holster offers a custom fit for any 1911 pistol and is designed to last in even the toughest conditions. The thumb break feature ensures your weapon stays securely in place during vigorous activities, while the adjustable belt strap and buckle hammer provide an added layer of security. Additionally, this holster includes a double magazine pouch with a retention flap to keep your magazines secure.
This leather holster offers superior comfort compared to other materials, such as nylon or plastic holsters. With its breathable material and sturdy construction, you can trust that this holster won’t shift during active movement. Finally, it has a convenient black finish to draw your weapon without attracting unwanted attention.
Key Features:
- Fits most 1911-style handguns
- Leather material
- Thumb break closure type
- Includes adjustable belt strap and buckle hammer
- Double magazine pouch with retention flap
- Package includes 1 x holster and 2 x magazines
- Available in black finish for a discreet draw.
- Fits belts up to 1,5 inches wide. Right-hand use.
- It will NOT fit with the rail.
1911 Holsters F.A.Q.s
What are the different holster options for 1911 handguns?
The different holster options available for 1911 handguns include leather holsters, OWB holsters, IWB holsters, waistband holsters, nylon holsters, gun holsters, pocket holsters, and belt loop holsters. Each option offers its unique benefits depending on your needs and preferences.
How do I choose the best holster for my 1911 handgun?
When choosing a holster for your 1911 handgun, you must consider where you plan to wear it, what type of activities you will engage in while wearing it, and how comfortable it is. Additionally, you should consider the materials used in construction, such as leather, nylon, or kydex.
What are the benefits of a leather holster?
Leather holsters offer superior comfort to other materials, such as nylon or plastic, and provide a custom fit for your 1911 handgun. Additionally, they’re designed to last in even the most demanding conditions and can withstand vigorous activities when combined with an adjustable strap and buckle hammer.
What’s the difference between an OWB and IWB holster?
The main difference between an O.W.B. (Out-the-Waistband) and I.W.B. (Inside-the-Waistband) holster sits on your belt or waistline. An OWB holster will sit outside your pants/waistband, while an I.W.B. holster will sit inside your pants/waistband.
What is the importance of a trigger guard on a holster?
A trigger guard is an essential element of a holster designed to protect the user and the gun from unintended firing. It acts as an additional layer of protection by covering the trigger so that it can’t accidentally be pulled or caught on clothing while carrying or drawing your weapon.
Can I use a pocket holster with my 1911 handgun?
Yes, you can use a pocket holster for your 1911 handgun. Pocket holsters are explicitly designed to fit inside pockets and provide added retention when drawing your weapon. They also help reduce the wear caused by friction within pockets, making them great for discreet concealment in trousers or jackets. Primarily nylon holster is used as pocket hostler as it is lightweight and comfortable.
Wrap Up!
Finding the best 1911 holster for your specific needs can be daunting. We hope this guide has given you enough information to decide which type of holster is right for you.
Whether it’s leather, O.W.B., I.W.B., or pocket holster, we’re sure something out there will perfectly serve your needs.
Be sure to research any holster before making a purchase, and always consider how comfortable it is and what activities you plan to engage in while wearing it. With these tips in mind, finding the perfect holster for your 1911 handgun should be painless! Happy shopping!
Good luck, and stay safe!
