If you’ve spent much time in the world of firearms, you’re familiar with the 1911 and its undying legacy. Most of us have at least one 1911 in our collection, and for good reason. They’re reliable and, in my opinion, are downright gorgeous.
And while the 1911 is an iconic handgun that seemingly screams confidence at every angle and even makes me drool a little just thinking about it, choosing the right concealed carry holster can be a bit of a head-scratcher for some. The 1911 is notoriously large and heavy, so finding a that’s comfortable, secure, and capable of actually concealing the “old slabsides” is no small feat.
Luckily, though, I’ve spent a good bit of time with the 1911 platform, having owned several over the last 15 years or so, and I’ve found a few holsters that fit the mold.
Pun intended.
But before I go listing those holsters and their specs, let’s first discuss what you should look for in a concealed carry holster for your 1911. Because in the end, the holsters that I’ve found that work for me aren’t the end all, be all of 1911 holsters, and you may find something that you like a little more.
What to Look for in a 1911 Concealed Carry Holster
While there are a few variations of the 1911 (Government, Officer, Commander), I’m focusing on the full-size Government model as it’s A) the hardest to conceal, and B) I’m kind of a purist. That said, when choosing a holster for daily carry with a 1911, there are a few key features that can truly make or break your experience.
Retention
Most holsters feature some sort of built-in weapon retention system, often categorized as passive retention systems (using friction) or active retention (requiring you to release a strap or press a button). I tend to gravitate toward holsters with passive systems for concealed carry as my draw is just a bit faster with them, but that’s just a personal preference. Regardless of your preferred method, any good concealed carry holster should offer some level of retention to ensure your handgun is properly secured.
But how do you test a holster to make sure it fits the mold? Simple.
With your handgun inserted, you should be able to hold a 1911 holster upside down without the gun falling out or shifting. At the same time, you should be able to draw your gun with a single, intentional motion. Finding a balance is key — too tight, and it becomes a pain to draw; too loose, and, well… you get the point.
Don’t skimp on retention ratings just to save a few bucks. I promise it’s worth the extra sheckles to ensure your 1911 is safe and secure.
Construction and Durability
If you’re at all like me, you’re going to put your holster through 40 different kinds of hell on any given Tuesday. You’re going to sweat, probably bump into things, trip over your own feet, and maybe even spill your third cup of coffee on it. That’s just me? Well, anyway, you get the point; where you go, your holster goes, and it’s going to experience your daily highs and lows along with you.
High-quality materials, like Kydex, Boltaron, and leather, are often the go-to choice for everyday carry. They’re sturdy, and, believe me, they can take a beating. I often gravitate toward synthetic holsters (Kydex and Boltaron), personally. They’re impervious to water and chemicals (like gun oil and grease), and they provide that bit of extra protection I need. Especially if I’m heading out for a trail ride on my Trek Marlin mountain bike, but that’s a discussion for another time.
While I love the look, feel, and smell of a genuine leather holster, I have a hard time being willing to expose them to the elements, and I don’t feel like they provide the same level of retention as synthetic holsters do. That, and they require a bit more maintenance (oiling, specifically) than synthetic holsters to keep them in tip-top shape. I’ve seen leather holsters dry out and crack, and I’ve also seen them lose their shape during prolonged storage. Again, that’s just me, but it’s something to think about nonetheless.
Comfort
This one is kind of important. If your holster is uncomfortable to carry, you’re less likely to want to carry it at all. Comfort matters, especially for concealed carry, as you’ll be strapped and packing heat for hours on end.
When comparing the options, I recommend looking for holsters with built-in padding or breathable materials to prevent irritation and chafing. Man, there’s little worse than irritated, raw skin and chafing in high-friction areas like your waistline. If the holster digs into your side, your 1911 might find itself taking an early retirement from your EDC lineup, and nobody wants that. It’s okay to prioritize your comfort when it comes to concealed carry; no one will fault you for that.
Top Holster Types
Now that we’ve discussed what to look for in a holster, let’s talk more about the two main holster types for concealed carry: Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) and Outside-the-Waistband (OWB). Each has its pros and cons, and they’re most definitely not created equal.
Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) Holsters
IWB holsters are typically the preferred choice for concealed carry because, as the name implies, they fit inside your waistband, which maximizes concealability and reduces the risk of “printing” or showing through your clothing. These holsters are particularly nice with summer attire, where you’re likely to wear more fitted clothing.
However, comfort can be a concern, especially if you’re carrying a full-sized 1911. They’re a bit cumbersome, and it can feel like you have a big ole brick attached to your hip if you’re not used to it. But fear not; a high-quality IWB holster with plenty of padding and a built-in sweat guard should mitigate this issue. It might still take some getting used to, but it’s not impossible!
Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) Holsters
On the other hand, OWB holsters are a bit more open and often offer better comfort since they sit on the outside of your waistband. They’re easier to access and provide a more natural draw compared to IWB holsters. However, they’re usually harder to conceal, especially with a larger firearm like a 1911.
That said, OWB holsters are great for colder weather, where a coat or jacket will provide better concealment.
Top Concealed Carry Holsters for 1911s by Safariland
Now for the real meat and potatoes of this article. Safariland offers some of the best concealed carry holsters ever to hit the market. And I’m not just saying that. Just one look at the Incog X, and you’ll know what I’m talking about. So, it should be of no surprise that Safariland has plenty of holster options that offer plenty of comfort and concealment for the beefy and somewhat heavy 1911.
I’ve tried several holsters over the years, but there are only a few I’d trust my life with. Let’s take a look at some of those options.
Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle Holster
The Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle Holster is near and dear to my heart. It’s survived harsh wintery conditions and withstood a few hard hits during tactical training events, all while keeping my handgun safe, secure, and ready to go.
Equipped with Safariland’s renowned Automatic Locking System (ALS), this holster provides a super-tight lockup, meaning your gun ain’t going anywhere until you want it to.
But despite that tight lockup, the built-in thumb break is all too easy to use, and I’m able to draw and present my 1911 on target with no problem whatsoever. That’s a big win.
Further, the 6378 ALS has an incredibly sleek and smooth profile, offering relatively reliable concealment despite the 1911’s beefy contours. The hip paddle fits comfortably against your body, too, which is an added comfort factor.
Obviously, the 6378 ALS is an outside-the-waistband holster, so it’s not quite as easy to conceal as an IWB holster. But, with the right clothing and a quality gun belt, like my favorite NexBelt EDC belt, I can conceal my 1911 with no problem.
Safariland 27 IWB Concealment Holster
The Safariland 27 IWB holster is a unique holster that manages to conceal my full-size Government model 1911 with no problem. Using a J-shaped belt hook, this holster sits close to the body, which makes it the ideal 1911 holster for warm-weather clothing. I’ve comfortably worn the holster with jeans and a T-shirt, as well as with full-length shorts and board shorts. Magically, the hefty contours of the 1911 disappear with ease.
The 27 IWB holster has a semi-rigid SafariLaminate body and an open-top design with a polymer insert. This makes it easy to draw and holster the 1911, without the need to remove the holster from your waistband. That said, the 27 IWB holster utilizes a passive retention system rather than an active retention system like a thumb break.
I don’t know that I’d trust the open-top design and lack of a locking mechanism to keep my 1911 in place if I were hung upside down by my toenails. But that’s a rather unlikely scenario, so I’m not too terribly worried.
Wild Card: Bianchi Shoulder Holster
Now, if you’re looking for something a little different (especially for cold-weather carry), a Bianchi Shoulder Holster might pique your interest a bit. I mean, a shoulder holster definitely makes you look cool, but they’re also incredibly reliable. The vertical design provides a super-fast draw while keeping your 1911 close to your torso for maximum concealment under your flannel shirt or cold-weather jacket.
Plus, Bianchi shoulder holsters are so stinkin’ comfortable. Instead of placing the weight of your 1911 on your waist, a shoulder holster evenly distributes the weight across both shoulders. All that said, though, I would really only suggest using a shoulder holster with cold-weather clothing. Well, that is if you’re planning to conceal your 1911. Otherwise, go nuts.
Strap Up!
So, there you have it. If you’re looking to add your 1911 to your concealed carry rotation, give it a shot! It’s easier than you think to carry a 1911 (yes, even a full-size Government model), and honestly, why wouldn’t you want to?
Most 1911 pistols offer exceptional accuracy and reliable stopping power. With a longer barrel and solid design, it’s easier to shoot accurately compared to many compact or subcompact pistols.
It’s also no secret that the .45 ACP round packs a big punch. Some might argue that a smaller caliber, like 9mm Luger, is easier to carry and control, but the 1911’s balance of size and weight darn near eliminate recoil. Sure, you sacrifice some of your carry capacity, but the 1911 and the .45 cartridge are a force to be reckoned with.
There’s a reason the 1911 has been in service for more than 100 years. It’s built like a tank, and when properly maintained, it’ll outlast most other firearms on the market. Sure, it might be easier to conceal ole slabsides during the colder months, but don’t be so quick to dismiss giving summertime carry its fair chance, too. You might find that the 1911 is your new favorite carry gun!
