Holster issues.

[phantomson9]

I am taking a handgun Defensive course and was looking for a duty style holster for my Colt Government model 1911. Man it is impossible. I thought for sure 1 of the 3 gunstores around here would have something......nope. So i drove out to Pasadena and they only had IWB holsters. Not what i need. Im screwed i cant order anything and get it here in time for this weekend. Its crazy!!! Anyone know somewhere near Burbank that would have a good Duty holster or at least something useable for this class? Thanks guys

[Mac Attack]

A duty holster. Have you checked a uniform shop? Gun stores are not the type of place that carry duty holsters. Do you need a actual level III or IV holster for work or are you looking for a holster you can use for a class?

[phantomson9]

For the class.

[OMGofWar]

i'm taking a Level I handgun course this weekend as well and the place i'm going will rent gear if needed. i know it's not ideal, but is it possible the place where you're taking your class might do the same thing? wouldn't hurt to call them tomorrow.

i know how tough it is to find this stuff when you need it.

[phantomson9]

They actually do offer it. I just dont wanna have to pay to rent a holster. When i could buy one but i guess its a possibility. What class are you taking? International Tactical by chance?

[leelaw]

What length barrel? With light, or without? If with, what kind of light?

[phantomson9]

There is no Light, Its a full size 1911.

[OMGofWar]

They actually do offer it. I just dont wanna have to pay to rent a holster. When i could buy one but i guess its a possibility. What class are you taking? International Tactical by chance?

renting always sucks, but unless you can find something it might be your only option.

actually, my choices were between International Tactical or Civilian Arms Training Source over in Chino. ITTS is much closer to me but i went with CATS instead since it was a one day course. ITTS is two-days correct? my weekend free time is limited.

i'd be interested in comparing notes though. when it comes time to take the intermediate class, i heard the ITTS Level II class is pretty cool.

[Mac Attack]

No need for a duty style holster for a class unless it's what the class asks for. What you need is a nice OWB holster. I would recommend a custom leather holster but your time constraints don't allow for it and leather takes time to break in. I have used Comptac kydex holsters for my 1911's and they are top notch and require no break in period. I would check out their holsters and see if you can get one sent to you with expedited shipping http://www.comp-tac.com/index.php
. Otherwise, any off the shelf holster from Turners or any other gun shop should suffice. You can also trying ordering one from Midway or Dillon and have it expressed shipped to you.

One thing I would recommend regarding holsters - buy the best you can afford. I started with off the shelf holsters and they worked. But when I started carrying daily I found each had some sort of shortcoming. Ultimately I invested in custom holsters from Milt Sparks and Lou Alessi. There really is no comparison between a custom made holster and a off the shelf holster. Would you buy a $50 holster to put your $1k handgun into? I invested a lot of cash into off the shelf's trying to find just the right one. In the end I could have saved money and just purchased custom holster from the get go.

Another thing to keep in mind is a good gun belt is worth it's weight in gold. I would fathom to say that a good belt is more important than a good holster.

[gotgunz]

If you rent a holster and it is the type you were going to purchase by chance, and you ended up not liking it, you will have saved the headache of buying a holster that you don't want.

[leelaw]

I've used this (but a slighly different model for a 1911 with a light) and like it.

Safariland 6280-53-81

http://www.ombexpress.com/p_LG110.aspx?source=GB10000

http://www.opticsplanet.net/safariland-6280-level-ii-retention-mid-ride-holster-basket-black-right-hand-6280-53-8.html

[Cyc Wid It]

Heirloom precision has some nice leather in stock all the time.

http://www.heirloomprecision.com/forsale/holsters.shtml

[scidx]

If not leather, look for a Blackhawk Serpa. The Sportster usually sells cheap. If you can order, they sell for about $25. These are my favorite, inexpensive holster. A leather holster feels good and looks good, but a BH serpa can last forever, offer great retention with a fast draw, and not empty your wallet.

[1911Operator]

I like all my holsters to be blackhawk! I think they are just the best out there. I like the fell, and the level 1 or level 2 holsters are just awesome! I just got one for my glock, and now im lookig for another one for my 1911!

[HighLander51]

Turners carries Blade Tech straight drop injection molded OWB holsters for about $22. They will work fine for your class.