Good CCW holster for a 1911 Commander?

Question

Im looking for a good holster for a Commander sized 1911. I not sure about iwb vs owb, j hook, Kydex vs leather...

Answer 1

It's a very personal preference and the only real answer is you need to try some and see what works for you.
IWB can be uncomfortable if you don't regularly wear an undershirt and you need to have your waistband bigger than you normally would to accommodate the extra inch or so it creates. OWB obviously needs a jacket to cover things from view. I wear a 46 jacket and 35 waist and wear an OWB leather belt slide with my Hi Power and an IWB with my small revolver and small auto, with either my jacket or my shirttail worn out. The OWB needs to have the belt taken off to remove it and the IWB just snaps off quickly, which is very convenient. I like a good leather and Bianchi is the one I usually buy.

Answer 2

Here is the deal. Kydex holsters are cheap and effective. However they are very rough on your pistol's finish and they are generally butt-ugly.

Ballistic nylon holsters are cheap and effective, but they are also butt-ugly and are generally bulky.

J-hook holsters are generally speaking better than the older model belt clip holsters, but not by much.

My preference is for leather. And one holster won't be perfect for all uses. Most of us gun cranks end up with a drawer full of holsters we've tried and discarded, or only use for certain ocassions.

I've often used Inside Waist Band holsters, and let me tell you, for a fat man, they are not the most comfortable carry method. IMNSHO, the very best of the breed are the Bianchi Pistol Pocket and the Milt Sparks Summer Special.

I am more fond of belt holsters than any other type. I often carried my Colt Officers' ACP in a Tex Shoemaker Belt Slide. This is a very good holster to use at those times when you might need to stash your gun and remove your cover garment. Unless the viewer is another gun crank, not many people will notice the belt-slide holster, especially if you have the holster body between your belt and waistband.

My friend Rob Leahy at Simply Rugged Holsters (http://simplyrugged.com/ ) makes an assortment of great IWB and OWB holsters for pistols and revolvers. Check them out and tell Rob I sent you.

Doc

Answer 3

Leather US M7 Shoulder Holster for Autos Classic Military Style used by the Air Force, AH64D Longbow Apache Pilots and ground crews, tankers or anyone in the service that could get their hands on one, fits 1911 and other large frame autos. Military - Mfr# LEG195

Or

Bianchi: T6505 Tac Holster, Black
Based on the best selling M12 hip holster, the standard issue for our U.S. Armed Forces.

I have and use both on my 1911 Commander SS.
SH or HH depending on what I'm doing.

Answer 4

Fobus makes one of the beat in polymer holsters. I have a paddle holster for my Glock 22, and it is great. Cost is about $23.