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New to this forum, but not to carrying concealed or 1911s. I'm going crazy looking for the right belt or paddle Holster - several tried and none make me happy.

Here is my problem - I'm a bit short in the trunk and long in the arms. Meaning in order to pull a .45 from a belt holster I have to lean pretty far forward or to my left to get my hand on the grip and clear leather (I'm right handed and carry on the strong side). I'm thinking that if I find a holster without a thumb release that sits a bit lower on my hip I can clear the holster without all the leaning. Flexibility isn't the issue, and I practice a lot to facilitate the draw.

I'm currrently using a Galco Fletch High Ride on the strong side and carry my Gold Combat Kimber (soon to be replaced by a sweet 5" custom 1911). The reason I use this holster is it is the lowest sitting (in the relationship to the belt) FBI canted belt holster that I have seen. My eyes are going bad looking at websites and comparing the relationship to the belt and trigger guard. The Galco Quickslide and Horsehoe MLS look like they may be a bit better.

Any suggestions are welcome (I'm also looking hard at converting to a 4" carry piece to help this situation too).

JeffVN

Jeff - I have on occasion been called a “leather snob” so you may want to bare that in mind while you read this.

I’m not a fan of paddle holsters or Galco products in general ‘cause both never seem to really work the way they should. Paddle holsters tend to not only make concealment a challenge but they also seem to have a hard time staying put. As for Galco products, they look okay but, IMO, their execution is, shall we say, sub-par compared to what else is available. Plus most everything they offer is just a poorly copied example of a custom holster makers’ product.

I think the only real viable alternative to a paddle holster, i.e.: an outside the waistband holster that can easily be removed, is Lou Alessi’s CQC-S. Having used one on a somewhat limited basis I also think the CQC-S may solve your ride height problem, as the holster sits relatively low compared to other more traditional OWB designs. There are other manufactures such as Milt Sparks, Matt DelFatti, and Josh Bulman that are making holsters similar to the CQC-S and although I have not had any personal experience with their CQC-S “like” holsters I can say they all make gear that is well worth the wait, cost, and your time to investigate their products.

I too am a bit “short in the trunk” (not too long in the arms though) and what I have found works best for me is an IWB holster with a high or moderately high ride. Something along the lines of the Sparks Summer Special or better still a comparable Alessi product would be my recommendation. A 5” 1911 is very comfortable in this carry mode and, as with other strong side holster designs, I see no need for any type of retention device so long as the holster is properly and correctly fitted to the gun.

If you’re looking for a holster to tote your new fancy 1911 I would give Lou Alessi a call and let him make you a holster that will do nothing short of amaze you.

Thanks for the input. I'll check them all out - web based anyway.

I'm sure that an IWB is more secure than an OWB. My concern is being able to effectively draw from that type of holster (not to mention the new suits and jeans that I will need to get with a bigger waist measurement). For my own education, what exactly is the waist increase that I would be looking at to go IWB (2 inches)?

I presume practice is what it takes, just like it did with the OWB that I'm using now.

JeffVN

Jeff – I’ve never found an IWB to be measurably more secure than an OWB. Either will provide adequate retention and security without the use of a retention strap so long as it is made correctly.

I personally find an IWB easier to not only carry but also draw from because of the way the holster is retained and bound to ones body by the belt. I don’t subscribe to the logic of buying your pants one or two sizes larger in the waist if you plan to carry in an IWB (I buy my belts bigger but generally not my pants) but for some it is required.

Jeff,
I am very partial to Lou Alessi's work, owning probably eight of his holsters. However, PLEASE don't learn the tough lesson everyone here has. Meaning buying one of every holster on the market trying to figure out what is good and what is crap. Here is a good rule of thumb. Don't buy a leather holster under $50.00-60.00 bones. Some of the other holster craftsman that are a must to look at are Gary Brommeland and Bulman gunleather. Matt Delfatti is another you don't want to overlook. Like guns some of these guys have wait times. Having the opportunity to talk to every one of them, if you catch them on the phone they will treat you well and give you a few minutes of their time.

Good luck. There are some photos of different holsters here on the forum.

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Jeff,

FWIW I carry a 5" in an Burns(can I say that here?)- Alessi GWH IWB. It is an super nice rig. I am long in the trunk but, a bit short waisted (and I have long arms and shallow pockets ) and this works great for me. I am in the Houston area and would be glad to meet you and let you give it a try. I get up to Central Market about once a month. I am a bit South of Houston. Let me know and good luck.

Jim

Kip

I appreciate the Offer to view the holster. How far south of Houston?

I only live about 10-15 minutes drive from Central Market (I was there this morning in fact - shopping for steaks). But I shoot at the Bayou Rifles gun club on County Road 57, just of 288 south of Beltway 8 by about 15 minutes.

Jeff
PM sent
Jim