Grettings to all, I just traded my XD .45 "4 Compact for a Kimber Ultra Crimmson Carry .45. This is my first 1911 since retiring from the USAF over 13 years ago. I picked it up new for $830+tax. I wanted something more concealable, and did not want to always wear a vest or over shirt. I was used to carring cocked and locked as a PJ and SP, so that is how I intend to carry this weapon. I have been searching this forum and other web sites looking for apporpriate holsters to meet my needs. I would appriciate any and all feed back from you folks here. Thanks....
Nice choice. I like the Kimber pistols and have owned 3 over the years. I still have two of those. As for a holster, what are YOU looking for? Inside the Waistband? Normal? FBI Cant? Kydex? Leather? What suits your needs/tastes the most? JD
Sorry for for being so vague. OWB, material neg., I did have a Blackhawk CQB SERPA for my XD. Seems they are not available for Kimber. I do like some form of "security", if you will, some way to keep the weapon in the holster until I want it out. We were providing security detail to a Central American airport in 1988 while C130's were unloading "humanitarian supplies", when some kid unloading boxes decided to grab the side-arm of my buddy next to me. I was glad I opted to carry the old M-14, or I would have had to explain a broken plastic stock on a M-16.
I believe I have a Blackhawk SERPA style for my 4" that is OWB and features their level II ( I think ) finger retention system. I can't seem to find it in a quick search, but I will post a picture tonight of it and get the name for you if you like... JD
Yeah, I have seen a black molded plastic, paddle style holster (the name evades me right now), that uses a "tension screw" for retention. I like the Blackhawk system of positive saftey, positive release, though. If BH made a unit to fit the Kimber, case closed. I was amazed at the prices of some of the leather products of the market (on-line) from Galco and others. They look sweet, but......$$$
Yeah, I have tried about everything out there, including an awesome Milt Sparks custom, but I won't turn the knife and show you that one. Here's teh Blackhawk, but I was wrong about one thing, it does NOT have the Level II finger release, it is only the Level I with the screw retention system, but I took the picture with my unloaded T3 in the holster, hanging upside, so you can see that it works. That one should go here: This one is the C1310 from Blackhawk, and I believe it is built for the full size, which I also have and occassionally carry. I am trying the paddle, quick on-off style that came with the unit at the moment. Turns out I too hate it, but I needed to try it for myself before I believed all the internet hype.
And here is a a couple of the other units I have tried: Like the Galco small of the back horizontal and the Nighthawk Brand Yaqui Style: They are both gathering dust at the moment in the back of the closet. JD
With regards to retention systems, the Level II is my preference by far. As far as carrying a 1911 cocked and locked, I would like a holster with a strap between the hammer and striker/firing pin. That may sound "mammy pamby", but, I know too many anti-gun lawyers who would love to string-up some one for an accidental discharge. Especially since the manufactures documentation states not to carry with hammer "cocked" and round "chambered". BTW, thanks for the pics.
I got a DeSantis lefty that has served me well. I can wear a t-shirt without revealing I am carrying. I was carrying when I was in a car accident. I was t-boned and thrown 50 feet from the vehicle. My .45 was still sitting nicely locked and cocked in it's holster on my hip.
I'm a big fan of the FBI cant, open top also. Much more goes into weapons retention than a snap or screw. Those things tend to be relied upon as a crutch, rather than practicing proper retention techniques.
Both my leather rigs are FBI Cant Open Top as well. I really prefer that on my hip, it just feels natural. The Blackhawk in the picture is actually set up the same way with the self adjustable screw set. I don't know of anyone carrying a 1911 with the leather strap between the hammer and slide, but to each his own. *shrug* JD
Thanks Matt and JD, I have narrowed my options to a DeSantis, with a FBI cant, OWB. The only real decision left is thumb snap or open top. Material is immaterial to me; do you guys see any pros/cons leather vs. composite? Next ? is paddle or belt mounted? As always, all opinions are greatly appreciated.
Check out High Noon Holsters. They're the same quality as the big names, but about half the price. Leather is the way to go. It offers adequate protection to the weapon, and once broken in, becomes silent. Your finish will suffer a little at the wear points, but a pistol without holster wear just looks odd. http://www.highnoonholsters.com/
Here is a DeSantis model I kinda like. Model 85 (L) "Premium saddle leather, double seams and a highly detailed molded fit, make this exposed muzzle, tight fitting, two-slot holster a great choice for your favorite pistol. It features an adjustable-tension device. Black or Tan unlined leather. 1 3/4" belt slots. Note: Some models without tension device. 1911 models must be worn cocked & locked." Description taken from DeSantis catalog, 2008, Volume XXXl, p.5 Do you guys have any thoughts on paddle vs belt attach? Or open muzzle vs enclosed? Linned vs unlinned? I also like the the model 1 R) with the enclosed muzzle. Concealment is my main objective here, but I obviously need to get the weapon out and on-target before I am the target.
I prefer the belt attachment, but it means undoing your belt to put it on/take it off. Can be a bit off a hassle, but I prefer the secure fit. Oh yeah...open muzzle and unlined.
Thanks for the input. You reinforced my tendencies. What are the pros/cons of open/closed muzzle holsters? The only thing I can find from the manufacturer's is that it allows foreign debris to pass on through (?). Based on researching the web a and gun show in Lexington, NC on 18 Oct., I will most likely get one of the two holsters I have displayed here. Does anyone happen to own either specifically or have reasonablly depenable 2nd hand knowledge of either? As always, thanks............
I have a Kimber Compact Aluminum and also a Kimber full size 1911. I carry them in a OWB kydex holster made by Fobus. It is a open bottom design and uses a screw to adjust holding tension. I am extremely active outdoors with them and I have never had a problem. Well worth checking them out, and not too expensive either.
