5 Best 1911 Holsters [2019] IWB & OWB Concealed Carry Holster

Designed by John Browning, the 1911 has made a name for itself as an American legend. Gun lovers across the nation are familiar with the 1911, and if you have one, you’ll be needing a holster that can handle the hype too.

After 70 years of service for the United States, the 1911 became a favorite among those who carry concealed. The age and history of the gun can make it difficult to find the right holster now. Although you can find a 1911 easily, a holster to fit it is a bit of a challenge.

If you’ve purchased other holster’s you might already have your preferences, but there are a few aspects that can help determine a good holster from a bad one.

If you’re trying to find 1911 holster, it’s important to give each aspect a considerable amount of weight when making your decisions.

Value Section

First and foremost, you expect your holster to fit your weapon. It’s always good shopping for a holster with a specific gun in mind. Don’t try to find a “versatile” holster because although many out there claim it, a versatile holster doesn’t exist.

The best you can find regarding versatility is a holster that has one model with many different sizes available. However, we know we’re shopping for the 1911, and that makes evaluating holsters significantly easier.

You want a holster that is comfortable to wear is easy to draw from and uses high-quality materials so it can last if you plan to carry weapon. Keep in mind that the 1911 is heavy to start with, so high-quality materials are very important.

Retention

Retention is one of the most discussed features of the holster, and most of the time people only look for an adjustable retention option. But it goes so much deeper than whether the retention is adjustable or not. There are push-button release retentions, buckles, thumb releases but all you want your retention to do is make sure the gun stays in the holster.

The retention of a holster is meant to prevent the gun from accidentally or unintentionally falling out and injuring someone. If a gun falls out of the holster, there are very dangerous consequences. But there is also the possibility of others trying to remove the gun from your holster.

While many concealed holsters focus on making retention that is easy to adjust and to release with a finger, there are many more options available in out of the waistband holsters.

If you carry your 1911 openly either for work or personal protection, then an active device could bring greater security. These holsters are regularly used by police officers and military members both on the job and for their guns. The extra security is appealing because it makes it very difficult for anyone else to draw your weapon.

So, passive retention is for most people who conceal carry as they only need to worry about the gun staying holstered through everyday situations. If you trip, slip or fall you want to know that your gun isn’t going anywhere. But, passive retention doesn’t keep your gun secured if someone were to try and forcefully remove it from the holster.

Many gun owners prefer passive retention because of its quick draw. This retention is a preference for you to decide. Active retention is extra safe and for the more cautious. Passive retention is for someone who doesn’t intend to get into an altercation.

Environment Resistance

For holsters, environment resistance means 2 different things. For IWB or inside-waist-band holsters, you’re talking about sweat. Sweat guards are easy to purchase aftermarket if your holster doesn’t come with one but it’s best just to buy a holster that has a sweat guard.

Because your body sweats and the gun are sitting between your and the inside of your waistband, it meets sweat. Our sweat contains salt which is corrosive. Many IWB guns rely on your stomach and the belt you have on to act as part of the retention. If your slide is sitting against a sweaty shirt day in and day out you are ruining your gun.

For open carrier’s environment resistance can mean external damage. For those who prefer to carry on their hip, you’re going to bump into things until you adapt your stride to include the weight and addition width of your hips.

Many external holsters are a bit sturdier than the IWB holsters. If you’re looking for something to wear outside the waistband or OWB, looking for something durable. The environment resistance is one reason why police and military hip holsters look so bulky.

Comfort

There is no end to this discussion; if you’re going to carry for even an hour, you need something comfortable. If you end up with a holster that is too heavy or changes your stride, you can cause long-term back damage.

Always wear a holster that is a comfortable fit and if the holster isn’t working for you, try to exchange or return it.  Know that the 1911 is a heavy gun, and many of its holsters need extra weight to protect you and your weapon properly. Be prepared to carry a heavy piece.

Top IWB & OWB Holsters for 1911

1. Blackhawk Serpa Sportster 1911 Kydex holster

• Right and left-hand options available
• Fist 1911 with and without rails
• Auto lock release
• Passive retention

There is the combination of passive retention with a retention screw for adjustment and the active auto lock release retention. This holster for the 1911 uses a belt and paddle attachment system so that the gun sits securely outside your waistband.

The Blackhawk Serpa Sportster is made of Kydex which is a favorite among gun enthusiasts, military members, and police officers. The Blackhawk names also bring in a bit of reputation. Blackhawk as a brand does well in delivering quality products that last for years.

What We Liked

• Auto lock retention system
• Low cost
• Reliable
• Quality materials

What We Didn’t Like

• Not American made
• Many people don’t prefer the paddle attachment system

Our Final Thoughts

Made exclusively of the polymer the form is designed specifically for the 1911. That means the fit is seamless and the retention is what it should be, so you don’t need adjustment. However, if you want to adjust slightly, there is a screw available.

The material keeps out dust, debris, water and many other elements. As an OWB holster for the 1911 this can protect your gun from the damage it is likely to see. The Serpa holster has a button for its auto retention lock system for easy access.

You can also hear the security lock for the system click when you re-holster. Both drawing and re-holstering are smooth and fluid acts.

2. Galco Combat Belt Master 1911 leather holster

• Passive retention system
• Belt loop attachment
• Made in the USA

Available in both tan and black the Galco Combat Master delivers a mix of history and quality. The leather is nearly unbeatable, and it’s made with the 1911 in mind. Because Galco has been around for so long their reputation as a quality manufacturer lets you know you’re only getting top of the line products.

With a passive retention system, it uses friction to limit the pull on the gun and keep it secure. Although it uses friction retention the draw is an easy and rapid draw is possible with a practiced hand. The Galco hugs your beltline better than any other OWB option as it’s attachment point is with the belt loops.

The belt loops are a clever alternative to clips and help disperse the weight of the 1911. Because the weapon is heavy, it relies on your belt’s tightness to stay up and keep the extra weight off your stride.

What We Liked

• 100% leather
• Classic choice
• Galco brand quality

What We Didn’t Like

• Price

Our Final Thoughts

Although there is a lot to love about this holster, there are a few aspects to consider. First is that its an OWB holster with no active retention. It would be easy for anyone to confront you and during a struggle grab your gun.

The other issue here is that the cost doesn’t justify an all leather holster. There are a lot of ways to fall in love with this holster. The history of the Galco brand and the Colt 1911 is enough to buy the holster for value. But as a functioning holster, you’re paying for the Galco brand.

3. Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0 1911 IWB Holster

• IWB holster
• Belt loop attachments
• Hybrid materials
• Passive retention

Alien Gear is known for making amazing holsters, and the Cloak Tuck 3.0 is one of their best models yet. The Alien Gear Cloak Tuck is an IWB holster that relies on your stomach and belt for retention. It’s constructed of high-grade materials including polymers and soft materials that are natural and don’t chafe.

The Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0 is a great option for anyone who carries their 1911 daily. With extended clips, the Cloak Tuck won’t rub your skin and keeps the weight of the 1911 on your belt and not your stomach.

What We Liked

• Reasonably priced
• Great fit for the 1911
• Quality passive retention

What We Didn’t Like

There is nothing about the Alien Gear you couldn’t love. Unlike other Alien Gear models, the Cloak Tuck is appropriately priced and still uses high-grade materials.

Our Final Thoughts

The Alien Gear Cloak Tuck is becoming the first choice for many as their hybrid holster uses Kydex to preserve the life of your gun and offer superb protection but soft and natural materials to protect your skin. The Cloak Tuck is an unremarkable blend of comfort and security.

4. The Blade Tech Phantom

• IWB Holster
• Belt loop attachment
• Kydex mold

A top choice if you prefer to conceal carry, the Blade Tech Phantom delivers excellence in safety and comfort. As it’s one of the cheapest options available here, it’s important to note that it’s also one of the slimmest designs as well.

This slim design is an advantage for a concealed carry, but the IWB holster relies on only 2 belt loops to stay in place. The Blade Tech Phantom is known to slide a bit which can chafe your skin even through a shirt.

The constant rubbing is only 1 issue. Another issue is the weight. Because the Blade Tech Phantom uses belt loops to carry a heavy gun the belt will indent at the point of connection.

And, where the belt indents from the connection, you’ll feel the extra pressure. Aside from the connection design, the Blade Tech Phantom is a great holster with an easy draw.

What We Liked

• Quickdraw
• Kydex mold
• Slim design
• Great price

What We Didn’t Like

• Connection method

Our Final Thoughts

In the end, the 2 leather belt loops make the Blade Tech Phantom the second choice for many gun owners. Although drawing and re-holstering are extremely easy, the weight distribution isn’t great for daily carrying. If you plan to carry every so often, this is a great option.

5. Galco King Tuck

• Clips
• Galco brand
• Leather

This IWB holster is a great 1911 holster option. The belt loops are spaced far enough apart to help weight distribution, while the leather is soft on your skin and doesn’t chafe.

The Galco King Tuck uses both leather and metal. While the leather rests against you, the gun sits inside a polymer cradle for passive retention. Finally, the metal clips and bindings keep the whole unit together.

The King Tucks offers easy to use of the metal clips easily grab onto your best but take a substantial amount of intent to remove them. The 1911 doesn’t move or slide around while you’re doing everyday activities like walking or reaching.

What We Liked

• Hybrid materials
• Galco quality

What We Didn’t Like

• Size

Our Final Thoughts

As an IWB holster, you anticipate the holster to be small. However, the Galco King Tuck is a different story as it is large. Even if you look past the size, you’re paying for a mix of high-quality materials.

So, if size isn’t a problem for you, this is a great option for your 1911.

The Clear Winner…

The clear winner here is the Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0 because of its focus on comfort without losing any security. The extended clips help distribute the weight and save your skin from some serious chafing. They also keep the gun secure even while running.

Although the Alien Gear Cloak Tuck only uses passive retention the fact that its an IWB holster makes the passive retention reasonable. This model easily keeps a full sized 1911 in place and concealed.

Hopefully, on this list, you’ve found the right holster for your needs. An amazing gun like the 1911 deserves high-quality material to keep you and it safe.