My 1911's have Done Hume leather holsters. The best thing about leather is that it molds itself to your body, very comfortable. Plastic, not so much... That, plus leather doesn't squeak!
Made my own holsters for 40yrs, leather is the only material I trust. I carry a .38 special, 6" barrel, western style, with 12 extra rounds in the loops. Open carry with attitude, lol. SEMPER Fi.
My first Handheld was 1911 (Clone). And I got a leather holster with it because leather holsters were on sale LoL. Since then, When I carry full size handheld, it is holstered in a leather holsters. Many call me an old-timer for reason.
I feel the same way. I like Kydex a lot, but I prefer leather for iwb. Owb, I can go either way, but when I first began carrying a firearm in my hip I used a DeSantis pancake holster. I don’t know how I did it back then with a Beretta 92fs, but I lost my way in a sea of Kydex in later years. I have wisened up and see the benefits of both. Good video!
My choice for the past 40 years is the Milt Sparks Summer Special carrying a full size 1911. For outside the waistband I still have a Roy Baker Pancake for the 5 in Govt Model. They just plain work.
Iv had a couple iwb holster including milt sparks stuff. However I do just love to use a pancake holster over any of them for any pistol or revolver...
I'm not a kydex guy but I use Crossbreed holsters... They're expensive but worth every penny!!! From 1911 IWB to PPKS's ... Years of carry and comfy as hell...
My favorite holster (for leather) is MTR Custom Leather (from Ramsuer, NC) they make fantastic leather products, and 1791, which when I purchased my Kimber 10mm I happened to look up, and one caught my eye. I will be complementing my carry holster with one from MTR soon, along with one for my BUL Armory Axe (G19 clone).
I too use leather holsters for my 1911(RIA GI 45) one holster is a replica of a WW2 shoulder holster and the other holster I have is a hip holster that I bought from the Hunter company.
Matt, if you want COMFORT then you need to checkout the N82 (n8=nate, 2=squared* two guys named nate) holsters. Professional has a retention clip, bu the Original does not. Its a oval shaped leather pad that pushes against your skin, and the other side is a holster for your gun! Seriously, it's so freaking comfortable!
Matt, I just got one for my Smith & Wesson 4566 on EBay. It’s beautiful and super comfortable. I haven’t tried my 5” Springfield mil spec 1911 in it yet but it also fits my Beretta 92fs and my smaller Taurus TH9C. My holster is designed for a full size gun with a 4.25” barrel so my Beretta barrel sticks out a little bit but otherwise fits perfectly. In case anyone’s wondering my Masters holster is model number 7345 and according to the label is sized for a S&W M&P 4.25” barrel and the H&K USP. I love it. Thanks for the tip.
I ended up picking up a 1791 gunleather BH1 holster for my 1911 due to my kydex IWB holster isn’t comfortable at all and causes sores on my hip and the leather holster is so much more comfortable to carry with so my next step is to buy a leather IWB holster
I have 3 Glocks, a 19, 43, and a 20. I run Galco King Tuk holsters for all of them. Most comfortable holsters I have used so far. Even with the Glock 20 I don't even notice I'm wearing it most of the time.
Just got one for my 1911 the best gun ever made. For anyone saying capacity is an issue just get a double stack if 9mm is your thing there’s also a 9mm 1911 for you fanboys. I’ll choose a 45 over 9mm any day as well
I like leather for when I carry my 1911 to church, because my custom leathers are pretty dressy. But I'm still OK with my improved Serpa holsters for OWB EDC. For my war belt, I have a universal MOLLE holster.
Those are nice.lucked up on a Masters in a bargain bin .OWB for a Pre model 10 S&W 6”.like a ox blood redish brown. Was a gift to my friend. He loved it
There's something about a 1911 that just shoots dlgreat and carries well on the hip. I have gone back to carrying a 1911 in a pancake over a compact iwb. They conceal about the same for me and the 1911 is way more comfortable.
I prefer leather absolutely, but out here in the wild west desert, especially working outside all day, sweat is a very real issue. Couple minutes in the 120's and a leather IWB would be thoroughly SOAKED in salt. Everyday salt soak? :( Not a fan of kydex, but it's the solution. Wearing-up the finish on a 1911 doesn't concern me one bit. I don't and won't G1F. A well-worn-tool has character, and it's just that, a tool, not jewelry. Wish it was quieter sure, but If I need to stealth draw, that means I have time to draw slow ;) Leather belt hooks/loops on kydex seems to print more for me, but I've had a kydex clip crack. I was always very careful not to over extend? it, it was simply years old with daily use is all. Always inspect your kydex for integrity folks, and always keep spare clips! I'm not saying keep one in your pocket at all times, but clip fails in the field are a bad day.
HaHa! It's gonna happen, Matt. You can't stop the aging process. I've always been more naturally drawn to leather myself. Thanks for another informative video.
Matt, can’t agree with you more. Purchased an Alien Gear Holster and it cracked in a couple weeks. That’s after one of the holster screws backed out and fell on the floor. I’m going leather in all future purchases.
I watched you vid went on ebay and ordered one in black,just got it today i offered 35.00 and got it.i have a ruger sr1911 in 10mm and it has bomar rear sight on it,at first the gun didn't want to seat all the way in, but i think it will conform to it when it breaks in.
I discovered Milt Sparks Summer Special holster years ago and haven't looked back. Its not for appendix carry but works well every place else. Galco makes one that's similar in horse hide. Its not cheap but will last forever. Thank you sir for another excellent video.
I got a kydex holster and a leather one. The Kydex one just ppkes my side, while the leather one fits my body. Now I have two leather holsters for my guns. (Versacarry)
What position do you where the IWB holster? I typically carry appendix but with a crazy 4.2 in barrel for a carry pistol seems a bit to long. I tried a 3.9 in barrel at 4:30 which was very uncomfortable. So I was wondering what position iwb you carry? Thanks
Really don't care to much for IWB. That's just my preference. I've been using a leather pancake OWB from Urban Carry. Has a nice adjustable retention clip on the inside. Pretty comfortable for a full size 1911. Virtually no printing with a loose fitting shirt. I've always preferred high quality leather. Thanks for the video.
+Matt Stamp nice holster. I’ve been moving towards leather holsters as well. Mostly with the @1791gunleather holsters but OWB only so far. For the price, the holster that you feature looks good! Thanks for sharing.
Hello Matt. So it’s been 3 years since this video was posted. Are you still rocking the leather holster? Picked up a 1911 for my first gun and am not close to getting a concealed license but just curious about it nonetheless.
Matt, I generally carry a sub compact, (Sig P365XL, 365. Glock 43X). How difficult is it to re-holster? Meaning does your belt squeeze decrease the opening . I carry around 3:30-4 (right Hand)and have a screwed up left shoulder. That is why I like the kydex as the opening pretty much stays the same shape to re holster. I to Would like to try leather just for the same reason you stated, Comfort. Thanks
Leather is elegant, softer, gets a nice patina with age, has character, but a well made leather, especially Cordova leather (horsehide) is much more expensive. Leather also absorbs sweat and starts to stink if you don't let it air out and dry. Can't leave out in the rain, snow, or salt. I apply boot oil like Obenauff's or Obenauff's heavy boot cream every year or so. To keep the leather soft and water proofed. Kydex is cheaper, much cheaper. Weather proof. Let it rain, snow, salt spray. Wonr absorb sweat or stink. Skide down a hillside with a kydex and cover it with scrqtches and gouges. Who cares wirh a kydex. Start crying if you have some nice Milt Sparks or Galco. I bought two "1791" for my 1911s and new SA 35 and am very impressed with them. They are also very reasonably priced. It uses thick heat formed leather and looks very luxurious and feel very nice and confirms to thr SA35 or stretches a tiny bit for thr 1911. One if these days I wouldn't mind getting a matching stingray belt and holster with the diamond on the belt buckle and on the holster. It woukd look so coop fir my Ed Brown or Les Baer.
I am personally a big fan of OWB holsters. I find the IWB holsters to be uncomfortable. The OWB however is great. Only thing is, here in Florida, you have to wear a big ass shirt or a jacket to hide the gun if using an OWB, but those IWB just don't cut it for me. Great video. Thanks!!!
I got a P320-M17, but the slide on these guns are really easy to scratch. I'm thinking about wrapping a rag around the gun before I holster it, so it doesn't scratch. If that's a common problem, maybe you can do a video on that. It seems like kydex might scratch easier than leather... so I might have to go leather.
Not a fan of the M17/M18 finish. I love the color scheme, but can’t stand the finish. It comes off so easily leaving white marks. I don’t think there is any real way to fix that. Leather holsters fade finishes over time and literally pull it off the gun, where Kydex scratches and gouges it. If you work it in and out of any type of holster it’s going to happen. For me it’s not such a big deal, but I do wish they chose a different finish. I worry about rust issues overseas, the finish just doesn’t seem to protect the pistol. For me a pistol is a tool and If it’s scratched and faded.... that’s a badge of honor, it means you train daily.
I was watching masters holster video and looking at your Suicide Charlie board. Just wondering what unit you were in. Semper Fi brother. I’ll be looking into these holsters. Thank you
Semper Fi Matt. Have you ever tried out a holster called Versa Carry? I have one for my 38+p lightweight that i carry sometimes when i ride. But i also haver them for my full Springfield Armory 1911 and my 4.25 inch 1911. Love to know what you think.
Looking on the used market you can find kydex but nothing older then five years, that's still usable. On the other hand you can find leather from your granddad's time that's still going strong.
I have a bunch of kydex and to be honest I hate the clicky scrape draw I hate the way it doesn’t conform I started with leather and I’m transitioning back to leather
Matt I have the same holster in blk for my 5" 1911 and your absolutely right. It sits perfectly where it needs to be and disappears under a t-shirt. I bought it as you on ebay for the same price. Great holster. I actually like it better than my desantis.
I love the way Kimber looks and both my brothers own a Kimber and they both have said they’re not worth the price and they traded them at a gun show for something That works and my 1911 goes bang every time I pull the trigger
Gotta give kimber a nod they fixed mine (changed out the slide back to internal ejector) it’s been fine since. I think kimber has had some serious QC issues but they made it right and I’m very happy.
Nothing beats long term wearing, especially in summer, for an IWB made of leather. Though I would buy one with a metal reinforcement. You do have to keep mindful of when the leather finally loses it's integrity though like you saw on that ITS article. Granted, that guy just had a crappy holster.
While leather will rub/ polish off a guns finish, kydex is absolutely horrible for the finish on pistols! I've had an argument or two(2x is about right) with people over round counts and whether I really EDC a couple of my hand guns because the finish on them is in such good shape. I have to explain that I us soft sided holsters and rarely use kydex then pull off my slide and show the barrel and slide wear.
Good choice young man. Take it from an old fud, leather works. Its been around for years and works. Call me an old fart but carrying my handguns in those plastic things scares me. I just don't want to scratch my investments on a holster. I have some younger folks at work tell me, "Hey grandpa this kydex thing rocks". Well great, still carry in leather, and always will.
Damn I wish I bought this holster when you posted this, only has this style in black or for 4.5" anyone else have any recommendations to something similar?
You still like this one? I want something for my 1911 I just bought to carry on "special occasions". I have a kydex for my edc that works great but it does wear the finish off my shield (very miniscule). The 1911 is just too god dam beautiful for that so I'm looking into something a bit softer for it...
1911 ftw. I bought a hellcat to carry, havent found a holster I like and I suck with the hellcat. Striker guns I suck with, subcompact is another level of suck
Well Matt, I'm just going to go through your channel and watch your videos before I ask anymore questions 😂 I ask a question and then I see the video containing my answer 🤣
Congratulations on choosing leather over kydex. I have been custom building leather holsters for years, and here is a pro tip for you. Invest in a quality lined leather holster. They do cost a bit more, but your guns finish will thank you for it.
My P-229's ride in a Mitch Rosen Presidential every day. I may roll .357SIG or .40 when the mood suits but the holster stays the same without question.
The looks I get when I put my Wilson CQB into kydex lol. Like a CB super tuck for IWB. Hell I put my HK P7 into kydex one day. Thought the guy next me was going to have "The Big one"😱 5G kills.😉😁
I know Kydex can be molded easier than leather, but it just looks like cheap 1970's vacuum form, and isn't going to break in over time like a leather holster will.