Need Holster Recommendation for Les Baer

[usmcveteran]

I realized I don't even have a holster for it! I am not sure what type I should get (OWB, IWB, Shoulder, ect) and am open to ideas plus what type should I get that won't ruin the finish or will ruin it the least?

Thanks!

[Cory]

I carry in a SHTFgear. Its a kydex/leather hybrid. BUT. A 1911 seems like an affair for leather. I think kydex is rougher on finish then leather,

If you plan to concealed carry it I would go IWB.
http://www.miltsparks.com/VM-2.htm
http://www.miltsparks.com/Summer_Spec.htm
http://www.galcogunleather.com/royal..._8_7_1253.html

If it's going to be a range only gun than a simple pancake style leather holster should do. You can find them made by most of the highend leather holster makers Milt Sparks, Des Santis, etc. Or you could go with the mass produced quality and slightly cheaper Galco. You can pick them up at Gander. I know New Hartford has them in stock.

I wouldn't go shoulder holster. That's mostly my own personal preference.
A: It changes your muscle movements. The switch from IWB to OWB uses the same drawstroke with your dominate hand, and muscle memory carries over. Shoulder holsters totally change your movement to something that will take longer to become second nature.
B: The majority of people who draw from shoulder holsters flag themselves. Shoulder holsters that are horizontal under the arm make most people flag there left arm when drawing, it can be corrected with training but seems silly to me. But people have managed to shoot themselves drawing from the waist so YMMV.
C: They aren't fast to get to if your coat is zipped, and you can't take off your coat if concealing. If just going for a hike this doesn't apply I guess.

If you were going to get a shoulder holster I would look into an older style M3 "Tanker" holster. Not for concealment but would probably be okay at the range or hiking. It's a little less armpit and a little more cross draw... never worn one. But it has a lot of history that I think is cool. I would get one with US stamped in it cause I just got out of the Army... but you can get them with USMC if your a devil dog.

[usmcveteran]

Wow thanks for very informative reply!

[Lord Timelord]

I would look at a double belt clip nylon holster for that gun. Since it's expensive and you want to protect the finish on it, a nylon holster is just about the only one that you can use that won't scratch the finish up. Look at this selection of Nylon 1911 Holsters that have dual belt loops or dual clips.

1911 Holsters

You'll want the dual loops/clips to keep the firearm secure due to it's weight. I bought a "Desantis Tuck-This II" for my XDm .45 so I could tuck in my t-shirt and still carry it IWB. However the gun weighs 32oz. empty. I don't have a scale that can weigh that light of a weight, but the additional weight of the Mag and 10+1 Rounds makes it a heavy package.

With only one belt clip, the gun rocks forward and backward on the belt depending on how I'm sitting. It is VERY annoying as I want my firearm to remain rock solid in it's holster. That's why I bought the Raven Concealment Kydex Holster, as it holds the gun very securely, and their C-Style Belt Clips anchor the holster like Steel-Reinforced Concrete. As you know however, a Kydex holster is going to cause major finish wear over time. The best alternative is a Nylon holster like I linked above.