1911 Leather or kydex Holster.

[LAKings22]

I'm in the market for a OWB holster for my 1911 and can't make up my mind. I've kind of narrowed It down to a OWB leather holster made by Savoy Leather (all black w/ no graphics) or a Raven Concealment OWB.

Purpose of this holster is to open carry my Springfield TRP at the range. I'm looking a holster that is comfortable. I've only used the holster that came with TRP 2 times, it feels cheap and I really don't like it.

Both holsters are around the same price $80-$90 range.

I currently have a kydex IWB for my G19 and it feels comfortable when I used it around the house for few hours. I don't have any experience with leather holsters, I just think they look nicer.

Anyone info/help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[dobek]

You're gonna get both answers -

It all comes down to personal preference -

Me personally - I don't like Kydex at all and prefer Leather.

Steve
EDC - Colt Combat Elite

[Lead Waster]

For speed in competition, kydex is good. But kydex is notorious for wearing the finish on guns. Leather is less damaging to a finish.

[350skylark]

I prefer leather to kydex, especially for my 1911. I had a kydex when i had my g19 and was thinking about selling it and buying a leather one. I Like the look and feel of the leather. Kydex to me just seems to have that cheapy feel, i know its really tough but it doesn't feel tough. The way leather wears the gun finish seems more subtle to me also.

[mr2ndamendment]

You want the classic look even though it may be slower re-holstering or un-holstering? Leather all the way.

You just want arguably the best thing for practical reasons? Kydex all the way.

As a 1911 carrier I've gone through both options but ultimately I've never been as happy with any holster as I have with Kydex. I'm not in it for the looks though, I do lots of high-volume and holster drills on a constant basis. Mine is a HSP G-code IWB holster but Raven is at the same level.

[The SoCal Gunner]

I've owned both and like both but would go with kydex for utility purposes. Leather if I want to something more classy.

[sholling]

I like kydex for a lot of uses including anything requiring speed, but a fine 1911 deserves a beautiful leather holster unless you plan to compete. I'd look at one of TT-Gunleather's offering.

If you decide on a Kydex range holster then take a look at Comp-Tac.

[hermosabeach]

Trigger

If you have a wide trigger on a 1911, go with leather.

Kydex retains off of the trigger guard. The wider triggers and match triggers can trip the trigger with the edge of the retention set up on kydex.

With the safety on, pulling the trigger should not fire the gun. But not worth the risk to me.

If you are going to shoot a lot from a holster, I prefer 100% kydex over 1/2 kydex (crossbreed) or leather.

[marathonman]

Check out what I bought...a kydex/leather hybrid from Garrett Holsters.

[bsg]

Milt Sparks 55BN (BN=Bruce Nelson):

https://www.miltsparks.com

[350skylark]

Trigger

If you have a wide trigger on a 1911, go with leather.

Kydex retains off of the trigger guard. The wider triggers and match triggers can trip the trigger with the edge of the retention set up on kydex.

With the safety on, pulling the trigger should not fire the gun. But not worth the risk to me.

If you are going to shoot a lot from a holster, I prefer 100% kydex over 1/2 kydex (crossbreed) or leather.

What??? Ive never seen a 1911 trigger that sticks past the trigger guard..

[LAKings22]

Thanks for all the great info. I really like what both options have to offer. I have a feeling I will end up with both.

I think I've decided to go with the leather holster first. Although I don't care much for wear marks on my TRP, I have other 1911's for collecting purposes that see some range time and they get babied.

Since I don't plan on any tactical training or any competition shooting anytime soon, it seems the leather is the right choice to pick up first.

I also like what the Kydex has to offer and makes my choice easier when I look for holsters for my Glocks.

@sholling thanks for recommending TT-Gunleather, I'll check it.

Thanks again for all the help.

[LAKings22]

Milt Sparks 55BN (BN=Bruce Nelson):

www.miltsparks.com

I found alot of great reviews on this holster but it's a 8-12 week wait.

[L84CABO]

You want the classic look even though it may be slower re-holstering or un-holstering? Leather all the way.

You just want arguably the best thing for practical reasons? Kydex all the way.

As a 1911 carrier I've gone through both options but ultimately I've never been as happy with any holster as I have with Kydex. I'm not in it for the looks though, I do lots of high-volume and holster drills on a constant basis. Mine is a HSP G-code IWB holster but Raven is at the same level.

+1. G Code makes a very high quality product. And if you go with their RTI wheel/mount it can be adapted to a lot of different applications (ie belt, low ride, drop leg, chest rig, etc.).

[bsg]

I found alot of great reviews on this holster but it's a 8-12 week wait.

i know the wait time is considerable. if you're sold on the 1911 and know it's not one you will unload, the wait is worth the patience required. Milt Sparks gunleather has always been high quality. after the passing of the late Milt Sparks, Milt Sparks Holsters, Inc. has continued to put out excellent gunleather.

there are many examples of this holster on the online auction circuit, especially with the popularity of the 1911; ebay and Gunbroker most always have examples. the downside of online auction purchases on Milt Sparks gunleather is high cost; frequently you will pay much more at auction to avoid the wait period of buying from the maker.

all examples of the 55BN that i own are OldSchool Milt Sparks (made during the lifetime of the late Milt Sparks; marked 'Idaho City'). with patience, i have picked up several pristine examples at rather low cost.