Prefered Holster for 1911

[Dorado]

On 1/10/2017 at 9:59 AM, byggyns said:

My first holster was for my full size 1911. It was a flat back pancake style much like yours. I designed the pattern myself in the holster making class I took at my local Tandy. That class is what really kicked off my hobby.

Yours looks good for a first attempt. As pointed out, there is still much room for improvement, but you're on the right track. For thread, try out the 1.0 mm Tiger thread. I think it works great for holster weight leather & stitch length. 

My biggest suggestion would be to put effort into your edges. The squared edges seem to dig into everything, especially your side. They also tend to fray and fluff out very quickly. Putting a good bevel and burnish on those will make them more comfortable and will let them look good longer.

 

The edges are beveled. I don't have much of a beveler but it is just enough to make it comfortable to wear. I've been wearing it with my finished belt for the past week. I do need an edge slicker though. I've been using Gum Tragacanth and the handle of my mallet. Works well enough, but I'd like to get something I can chuck into my drill press. I've read somewhere that Beeswax gives a nice clean edge. I'd like to try that sometime and see how that turns out.

On 1/15/2017 at 10:21 PM, 1961Mike said:

Hi, I always had a lot of trouble with either Kidney or Appendix carry in the car.  I had a 2007 Subaru and I couldn't have shot a car jacker on a bet.  With a Kidney Carry, the 1911 was behind the seat belt and between me and the seat.  I also have just enough gut to make Appendix carry annoying.  I ended up with a Shoulder holster for in the car.  I also swapped to a itty bitty Beretta for carrying in a pocket.

Just my $0.02

I do have a bit of a problem getting to my gun while seated with this holster but it's doable. It's almost easier for me to just put the gun in my center console while driving and holster it when I get out. Since I'm in Texas I do have legal protection if anyone sees me holster it. Then again, where I live, no one cares.

[TrooperChuck]

Dwight's comments about shoulder holsters are pretty much the same as what I have been telling my customers.  Hollywood has done a great job of convincing folks that shoulder holsters are really cool, but my experience with them is just the opposite.  I was an Alaska State Trooper for 22 years and, like most guys who had to wear a gun on a daily basis, I have a whole drawer full of holsters I bought, tried, and didn't like.  The shoulder holsters are in that drawer.

I've met a few guys who really like shoulder holsters and wear them daily for CCW purposes.  But, I'm convinced those guys are the exceptions rather than the norms. 

The other reason I'm not a fan of shoulder holsters is that I believe you should carry your CCW gun in the same position every time.  In a stress situation you will automatically revert to whatever holster position you've used the most.  If you usually carry your gun on your hip, you're going to reach for your hip when under extreme stress.  When the chips are down and you really need your gun you don't want to find out it's not where you thought it was.