ltwguns.com

Hey all,
Another question that I hope isn't stupid. Since I'm kind of a noob, I need help differentiating the difference betweent the different construction styles of holsters, and more importantly, the pros and cons of each. If you read my other post, you know this is for my first custom 1911 and CCW is NOT an option for me, so concealability isn't a concern. I DO want something that will last "forever" and stand up to a lot of range use (drawing, re-holstering, etc). A bonus would be something that is somewhat concealable in the even I get to move out of this God forsaken state.

So which would be better; pancake? front wrap? Other?

Thanks so much
Rich



FWIW, I'm going with something either from Mr. Bulman or Mr. Garrity.

Rich,

Of course, the top holster makers can craft you a great holster, however, lasting "forever" depends on your age and usage. Notwithstanding, if you can find one in excellent condition, the Gordon Wm Davis Realist #1145 will satisfy you needs. Lined with thin steel (not heavy), extremely fast, and concealable with a jacket. Hope the pictures come out.

HTH,
John

Sorry, I'm retarded; I can't get the pictures to post even after using the LTW instructions to post from my kodak gallery.

Totally personal preference -

Pancakes take up a lot of belt space because their loops are spaced so wide. The wide loop spacing gives the holster a bit more stability, but it would be hard to argue that this was a great benefit when comparing holsters of high quality.

Scabbards (Wrap around) are more trim. I feel that they hold their shape a bit better, since by their design they conform to the shape of the gun, whereas a pancake started out flat.

If you want easy on/off, an Alessi CQC/S Style is the way to go.

For concealability, you have to look at your wais size, and see which one fits your shape the best. In my opinion, they all conceal exactly the same, given quality construction and a good fit on a GOOD belt. One might pull this or that in tighter, but you still have an unbending chunk of steel on your hip. The only way one is better than the other is if said holster can dig the gun into your hip further (which hurts a lot!). Placement has more to do with hiding the gun - it needs to go where all of the elements of the holster work their best. For most this is probably just behind the hip, so that the butt of the pistol is resting against the lumbar area of your back. If you are really big you can put it just about anywhere.

BTW - cant/rake doesn't do a lot for concealability - just get what is comfortable for you. I did a little experiment to see how to minimize the footprint of a 1911 by playing with the angle. I was able to shave off 1/2" from the overall width (by going to 30 degress)! Between 0 and 15 degrees the change is almost unmeasureable.

John

_________________
I will never forget you Lou......February 21, 2009

John Ralston
5 SHOT LEATHER, LLC - Finely Crafted Custom Handgun Leather

http://www.5ShotLeather.com

I’ll second what John has said above... it’s almost six in one and half a dozen in the other and likely it will come down to which one you find more comfortable once on the belt. I personally prefer the “pancake” style for an OWB rig that will be worn on a day-to-day basis but the Nelson #1 Professional style rigs (“wrap style”) are certainly workable under concealment and I know quite a few knowledgeable gunmen who prefer this style of holster. Many find it a bit more accessible due to the way the tunnel loop/trailing loop pulls the butt in close and creates a bit more clearance at the hilt of the gun.

One thing I have found is that, for me, the differences in these styles of holsters is hardly be noticeable during the draw stroke and holstering of the pistol. Most peoples preference will come from the little details such as how stable the gun is or, as John pointed out, how much real estate the rig takes up on the belt. Due to design, the Nelson #1 Professional style rig may help hide the butt of the gun better than the “pancake” style rig but a great deal of that will depend on holster positioning and the wearer’s build.

Either is a sound design and I would take a look at the following rigs... my favorite the Alessi CQC (not CQC-S) and the new PSS as well as the Bulman FBS and SDS. And as a final thought, you may want to check out the holsters John Ralston @ 5 Shot (who posted above) is making... I had the chance to meet him and take a look at some of his work a few weeks ago and I was very impressed with his attention to his products as well as the overall “fit”, molding, and stitching of the holsters.

_________________
Heirloom Precision
http://www.heirloomprecision.com

<><> I know of only one holster maker
(there may be more that I don't know
about) that offers a lifetime warranty
on his holsters---Lou Alessi---as he says
his lifetime...

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<><> Raspy <><>