Posted: 2/19/2003 6:12:20 PM EDT
| For carrying a Kimber CDP 4" concealed do you recommend a holster that has a strap b/w the hammer and pistol? I have been told that the Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 is a good holster and I am looking maybe to buy one. Do you recommend any other good CC holsters for this pistol? Thanks |
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Skeetandtrap, I have carried 1911s with and without retention straps (that's the piece you described which goes between the hammer and firing pin). After trying both, I preferred a holster without the strap. Between the manual safety and the grip safety you don't have to worry about accidental discharges. With a proper fitting holster the gun will be held securely and won't topple out. Kramer and Galco also make fine 1911 holsters. The Milt Sparks Summer Special is worth a look, too. Enjoy the Kimber. |
| Ive been carrying a full size steel 1911 in a Sparks Versa-Max 2 for several years. Its an OUTSTANDING IWB holster. I dont like thumb snaps on concealment leather. This type of holster holds the gun very close to the body, and the strap is going to just slow down your draw. I've never had a problem with the gun coming out of the holster, even during very strenuous activity. |
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Ditto for no snaps/straps on a concealment holster. It is not just the speed of the draw you should be concerned with, but also the comfort, the security/retention factors of any design (many incidents begin as scuffles, etc. and often end with one or both parties on the deck) plus the "consistency" of the draw and presentation. You should be able to take a firm, "shooting grip" (minus, of course the finger on trigger) with the gun still in the holster. You get proper design as well as excellent quality of materials and construction by using high-line makers like Sparks, etc. and while they cost a little more, they are most assuredly worth it when you need that roscoe for real! |
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With a 1911 that is carried in Condition 1 a retention strap is not needed given that one uses a proper fitting holster. This is especially prevalent with IWB holsters such as the VM-2. Once the belt is cinched tight it places an added bit of retention on the holstered handgun. Also, there is no need to worry about an accidental discharge since a the hammer on a 1911 carried in Condition 1 is blocked from moving forward once the thumb safety is engaged. Even if the sear nose was to sear off or a hammer hook was to break the hammer wouldn’t strike the firing pin because it is blocked by the lug on the thumb safety. Unless it’s an agency requirement there is no need so save the ‘suicide straps’ for the “one size fits all” holsters. Buy the VM-2 or anything from the Sparks line and you’ll be very satisfied. I particularly like Flinterfan’s suggestion of the Summer Special.... it’s probably the best IWB ever!! |
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There are several choices. For a more open carry, where the law allows, I would prefer there not being a strap between the hammer and the frame. If I am carrying underneath a coat or jacket, there would be reason to consider that, but that is a personal choice. Check the link at the top of the HOLSTERS page here, to get an idea of what's available. I'd go Kramer, Rosen, Galco, and then on down. FIST is a great compromise for those who don't have the cash for a top-shelf holster, but if you can afford a Kramer, you won't go wrong. |
| I carry a kimber compact stainless in a milt sparks/lou alessi watch six dual tallon. Thin, wide spaced, easy on and off. Very comfortable. No way would I use a holster with a retention strap for concealed carry. It's already slow enough having to go underneath a concealment garment to draw... |
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I carry a 3.5" 1911 Officers Model. I am very interested in the Milt-Sparks Versa-Max for these reasons: Wide design, wide spaced snap loops, has a back piece between the pistol and body. What other models or makes would any of you recommend? Has anyone ever used a Wilson product?? I like their Summer Companion but I like the design of the Sparks better. Any opinions are welcomed and will be useful. Thanks, Michael |
The Alessi/BCP GWH is very nice and much more comfortable than the VM-2, IMO. The GWH borrows some of it's design aspects from the Summer Special and for me both of these holsters have proved to be far better than the VM-2. Either way you really can't go wrong. |
Skeet, I ordered a VM-2 for my Sig P228 on December 14 last year. I received it last Thursday - 6 days short of 12 weeks. Holsters for 1911s may get made more often than mine, but their estimate was right on for me. CPerret P.S. It is a great looking holster and fits the gun perfectly. |
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With Sparks don't forget to check their "In Stock" list. You may get lucky, I did I got a Summer Special II in 5 days. You might also check the www.smartcarry.com concealment and comfort (for me anyway). |
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I got a box of holsters for the 1911. Generally for Concealed Carry I'll use a Milt Sparks Summer Special II IWB. Also have a LFI rig with velco on belt and IWB holster(can't remember model, this one have several for left and right hand for different guns). For outside belt wear I've got some Gordon Davis Libery rigs without straps (one ea for 5" & 3.5" guns). My older Bianchi horizontal shoulder rig does have a thumb break. When tromping thru the woods or open carry my old nylon Uncle Mikes (#1, I think) also has a thumb break (holster also carries my Coonan). And about half a dozen more without thumb straps that I found out don't work well for me. |
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For one, guys: Condition One is generally best left to those people that have taken the time to learn how to safely carry "cocked and locked," and is NOT recommended for newbies! (at least not by ME) The solution is to get the newbies TRAINED ASAP!!!! Cocked and locked is THE way to go, IF qualified, but can get you perforated in a hurry if you don't know what you're doing. Try explaining to the cops how that .452" hole going in and .98" hole going out got in your right hip... |