1911 holster recommedation?

[sfwdiy]

I need to get a new 1911 holster. The tricky part is that I need a holster that will fit both a 3" and 4" barrel 1911. I have a Springfield EMP and will be getting a Kimber Eclipse Pro II shortly. The EMP is a 3", the Kimber is a 4" barrel. Must be OWB, it's primary purpose will be open carry in AZ. Leather preferred, but I'm open to other suggestions. Ideas?

--B

[DarkHorse]

I currently use one of these around the house


I just ordered one of these, because it was inexpensive, and to see how I like the style.

Things to consider are:
1) Thumbstrap or not?
2) Belt loops, removable, paddle-style?
3) Length of coverage - If you wanted a closed-end holster, you are limited to the same barrel size or shorter, whereas an open-ended holster can fit all barrel lengths.

[derwiking]

What level of retention are you looking for? Personally I use a Blade-tec currently for OC and have used Serpa's and Safari-Land's in the past and would recommend any of them. The only reason i'm using a Blade-tec currently rather than a Serpa is- well, let us just put it any one who is left handed will understand. It is the only holster I was able to find at the time that I didn't have to special order. Either way, I am very happy with the Blade-tec.

Here is a link to a comparable model: http://www.consumerscastle.com/revol...ource=googleps

No thumb break, just level one retention although it is very secure for a level one. Not something I would wear for duty, but for casual OC it works great. For duty I would still prefer the Serpa in level two or three. If you're looking solely for a leather holster, go Safari-land. Period. As with all of the holsters I mentioned, they should fit either a 3" or 4" with out any issues I believe.

[IrishPirate]

in your hand, at eye level, thumb on the safety...always.

[Huzar]

I need to get a new 1911 holster. The tricky part is that I need a holster that will fit both a 3" and 4" barrel 1911. I have a Springfield EMP and will be getting a Kimber Eclipse Pro II shortly. The EMP is a 3", the Kimber is a 4" barrel. Must be OWB, it's primary purpose will be open carry in AZ. Leather preferred, but I'm open to other suggestions. Ideas?

--B

Ummmmm the EMP Is slimmer... not by much but by enough to make it impractical to use one holster for both. You'll either start with a good fit for the EMP and teh Eclipse will loosen it up or you'll start with a good fit for Eclipse and the EMP will be floating in there.

Also if open carry, I do recommend retention and if we're talking retention then we're back to the topic of making sure it fits right....

[derwiking]

I did not know the EMPs had a slimmer frame, I thought they were the same width but cut down in size. Good to know, thanks.

[Huzar]

Kimber (.45 ACP) is about 1.28 W
Springfield EMP (9mm) is about 1.06 W

[EOD3]

A Galco Yaqi (sp?) or a Bianchi Minimalist would be my choice.

[sfwdiy]

Ummmmm the EMP Is slimmer... not by much but by enough to make it impractical to use one holster for both. You'll either start with a good fit for the EMP and teh Eclipse will loosen it up or you'll start with a good fit for Eclipse and the EMP will be floating in there.

Also if open carry, I do recommend retention and if we're talking retention then we're back to the topic of making sure it fits right....

You sure the EMP is slimmer? I thought it was the same size from the trigger forward. I'll have to measure it with some calipers and compare it to the eclipse when I get it. I have an MTAC Minotaur for a 3" 1911 that works fine with the EMP, no issues. I guess we'll see if I'll just have to deal with different holsters once I get the Eclipse.

At any rate, I did decide to pick up a Don Hume JIT slide just because they're so cheap I figure I can't lose. I'll report back once I try both in the same holster.

--B

[Huzar]

You sure the EMP is slimmer? I thought it was the same size from the trigger forward. I'll have to measure it with some calipers and compare it to the eclipse when I get it.

I'm pretty sure it is. That's supposed to be the argument for going with EMP rather then a 45ACP 1911.