Best 1911 Holsters (Our Top Recommendations)

Hey, nice 1911 you got, there! How are you going to carry that fine piece of iron?

How effectively you carry a pistol largely comes down to which holster you choose, and there are a lot of them out there -- some better than others.

Today, we're going to highlight some of the best 1911 holsters we've used here at Pew Pew Tactical. These include leather, Kydex, premium, entry-level, inside the waistband, outside the waistband, and even shoulder carry options, so there's something for everyone.

Let’s get to it!

1911 Holster Comparison Chart

How We Chose the Best 1911 Holsters

For this article, we focused on 1911 holsters that balance concealability with value and features. Travis Pike took the lead in testing and writing for this article — assessing a variety of holsters based on his experience to determine the best options for carry.

To cover all the bases, we looked for IWB and OWB options. Not everyone carries concealed the same way.

We also made sure to include classic leather and modern Kydex options, Both are good at different things, so most of us actually own both.

Finally, we considered price. If you have a Buch of cash set aside for a holster, that's great! But cost shouldn't be a barrier to carrying responsibly, so we found some nice budget options, too.

Best 1911 Holsters

1. Blade-Tech Total Eclipse - Editor's Pick

Editor's Pick

Blade-Tech Total Eclipse

$69

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$69 at Amazon

Specs

• Style: IWB, OWB
• Material: Rigid synthetic
• Retention: Passive

The Blade-Tech Total Eclipse is a great 1911 holster, whether you prefer to carry inside our outside the waistband.

Converting from IWN to OWB only involves reversing the removable belt clips.

You get a tight OWB fit to the body without pinching and poking as you carry all day. The Total Eclipse offers plenty of support for a loaded 1911, making getting down and dirty at the range a safe and efficient affair.

It features a loud click to let you know your gun is locked in place and secure. The cant can be adjusted, perfect for those who want a little extra concealment.

This is easily the most modular option for the 1911 and gives you more than enough options to end the day satisfied. It's a great place to start if you're looking for your first 1911 holster.

2. Mission First Tactical Minimalist IWB - Best Kydex

Best Kydex

Mission First Tactical Minimalist IWB 1911

$34

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$34 at Palmetto State Armory

MidwayUSA (see price)

OpticsPlanet (see price)

Specs

• Style: IWB
• Material: Boltaron, Kydex
• Retention: Passive

Mission First Tactical makes very sturdy, slim holsters that disappear inside the waistband. The Mission First Tactical Minimalist IWB holster is perfect for tucking away a big 1911.

MFT uses Boltaron and Kydex in its holsters, which keeps them thin but strong. Retention is adjustable with a single screw.

The broad 1.5-inch belt clip is supportive and works with a range of belt thicknesses. It's adjustable for 15 degrees of cant.

It's available for 4- and 5-inch barrel lengths, and both are ambidextrous. Just flip the belt clip from one side to the other.

And don't worry, MFT backs this holster with a lifetime warranty!

3. Urban Carry LockLeather - Best Leather

Best Leather

Urban Carry LockLeather Holsters

$79

at MidwayUSA

Prices accurate at time of writing

$79 at MidwayUSA

Urban Carry (see price)

Specs

• Style: IWB or OWB
• Material: Leather
• Retention: Passive

Urban Carry LockLeather holsters solve one of the biggest problems with leather holsters.

A clever retention mechanism inside the holster grips the trigger guard to keep the pistol secure without adding a step in the draw process.

At the same time, the leather can stay flexible and soft, so these are some of the most comfortable holsters we've used. That's helpful when you're lugging around a 1911.

You can take your pick from IWB and OWB options. IWB holsters come in black, and OWB holsters are available in black or brown.

Since these are real leather, you will need to give them a coat of leather conditioner every once in a while, and there may be a short break-in period. That's easy enough, though, and we have the info on how to do it.

Want to learn more? Check out our Urban Carry LockLeather review!

4. CrossBreed SuperTuck - Best Hybrid

Best Hybrid

CrossBreed SuperTuck

$60

at Sportsman's Warehouse

Prices accurate at time of writing

$60 at Sportsman's Warehouse

Amazon (see price)

Midway USA (see price)

Crossbreed (see price)

Specs

• Style: IWB
• Material: Kydex, leather
• Retention: Passive

Looking for a dedicated strong-side IWB 1911 holster? Then the CrossBreed SuperTuck is tough to beat. Crossbreed uses a hybrid style design that mixes a leather backing with a polymer shell.

The leather portion of the holster sits against your body and provides plenty of protection for the gun and comfort for you.

Heavy-duty powder-coated steel belt clips support the weight of the gun.

These clips are not only supportive, but latch onto the belt with unmitigated authority. When you go to skin that smoke wagon, you’ll have confidence knowing the holster will stay put.

You can change the ride height, adjust cant, and swap belt clips. The SuperTuck is also tuckable if the name didn’t give it away, so dress like quite the dandy while packing a fistful of .45 ACP.

The Crossbreed SuperTuck is a superbly comfortable option for carrying a variety of 1911s.

From full-sized government models to Commander variants, and even those teeny tiny, hardly really 1911 Sig Sauer P238s — plenty of options exist for nearly every type of 1911 on the market.

5. Galco Miami Classic II - Best Shoulder Holster

Best Shoulder Holster

Galco Miami Classic II

$214

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$214 at Amazon

OpticsPlanet (see price)

Specs

• Style: Shoulder
• Material: Leather
• Retention: Active

The Galco Miami Classic is undeniably the flag-bearer of shoulder rigs. It set a standard for comfort, durability, safety, and support. Most importantly, it was the star of Miami Vice, where it gained its namesake.

The key to a shoulder holster’s comfort is the user’s ability to move without the rig holding them back.

1911 carriers can move and groove without restraint with the Miami Classic II.

That glorious freedom of movement comes from four independent points that tie into its Flexalon plate. Your straps pivot independently of each other, allowing for a dynamic range of movement and undeniable comfort.

A premium leather design ensures comfort and support, even for a heavy gun like the 1911. The straps measure 1.5 inches wide, so they spread out the weight of the weapon instead of focusing it in one area, which can cause soreness.

Retention comes in the form of a thumb-break device that snaps over the rear of your 1911 and keeps it sitting pretty.

You can choose from tan or black to match your belt and shoes -- heaven forbid you wear mismatched accessories.

The Miami Classic II accommodates nearly every 1911 size. You’ll feel like Bond, James Bond, but with more stopping power!

6. Bravo Concealment BCA - Best Budget

Best Budget

Bravo Concealment OWB BCA 3.0

$29

at Gunmag Warehouse

Prices accurate at time of writing

$29 at Gunmag Warehouse

OpticsPanet (see price)

Bravo Concealment (see price)

Specs

• Style: OWB
• Material: Rigid synthetic
• Retention: Passive

When I say 1911, I think of a standard government profile with a 5-inch barrel in .45 ACP. But maybe some of you who love the 1911 picture an entirely different pistol. The Bravo Concealment OWB BCA has your back.

Bravo’s BCA provides a modern holster design made from rigid synthetic material that holds its shape and facilitates easy re-holstering.

It rides high and tight to keep the gun tucked under your shirt. It makes carrying 1911s -- both big and small -- much easier.

With a Bravo holster, you gain some modularity. This includes attaching paddles, pancake-style loops, and adjusting cant.

At one point, I was training to beat Tom Cruise in "Collateral" for a box drill, and guess what? I did it faster, and I did it with a Bravo Company BCA rig. Suck it, Cruise.

Want to know more? Read it all in our Bravo Concealment review!

7. Blackhawk Omnivore - Best Universal

Best Universal

Blackhawk Omnivore Multi-Fit Holster

$66

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$66 at Amazon

OpticsPlanet (see price)

Specs

• Style: OWB
• Material: Polymer
• Retention: Active

The Black Hawk Omnivore is hard to beat if you want a budget 1911 holster.

This is a quasi-universal holster that accommodates 1911s with a rail, and that includes 1911s equipped with the aftermarket Recover Tactical Grip.

The Omnivore is a budget-busting OWB rig that works for multiple pistols.

This is a big rig, though, so concealment is going to require a bulky outer garment.

This holster fits 1911s oh-so-perfectly and provides a big thumb-driven active retention device, so they’re both secure and easy to draw from.

It’s safe, effective, and ergonomic. Blackhawk includes several various attachments for different hand sizes.

The “click” is satisfying to hear as you holster your gun. That sound lets you know it’s tucked in and locked down. Various 1911s will fit in the Omnivore, including 4.25-, 5-, and even 6-inch models.

The Omnivore is made entirely from polymer and is rock solid in both durability and reliability. I’ve used mine for nearly four years now with dozens of different guns, including a 1911, without issue.

8. Desantis Thumb Break Scabbard - Best Thumb Break

Best Thumb Break

DeSantis Thumb Break Scabbard

$43

at OpticsPlanet

Prices accurate at time of writing

$43 at OpticsPlanet

Amazon (see price)

Specs

• Style: OWB
• Material: Leather
• Retention: Active

The 1911 is a classic gun, and leather options can give you the same traditional feel. However, when choosing a leather holster, you have to be picky — very picky. The DeSantis Thumb Break Scabbard is one I trust.

This holster is an excellent modern leather OWB option. Featuring a pancake design, the Scabbard rides higher and tighter than a Sergeant Major’s haircut.

The Scabbard clings to your hip to increase concealment under casual shirts. A third belt slot lets you pick your cant, and a small screw adjusts retention.

Those little features add up for an easy and comfortable way to carry a big ole’ honking, all-metal 1911. A high ride height makes up for the 5-inch barrel, and the thick leather makes it easy to support the weight of a loaded 1911.

The Thumb Break Scabbard design means you have an active retention device. Your thumb falls naturally where the thumb break sits, and is easily defeated with a natural draw stroke.

Plus, it gives you that cool, old-school detective feel as you unsnap the thumb break.

9. Safariland 7378 ALS Concealment - Best Retention

Best Retention

Safariland 7378 7TS ALS

$57

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$57 at Amazon

OpticsPlanet (see price)

Safariland (see price)

Specs

• Style: OWB
• Material: SafariSeven
• Retention: Active

Safariland is one of the premier holster companies out there. When it comes to 1911 holsters, we prefer the Safariland 7378 7TS ALS.

ALS stands for Automatic Locking System. This retention system requires you to manipulate a thumb lever and draw the weapon upward. If that lever isn't deactivated, the pistol isn't moving.

The Safariland 7378 series clings tight to the body for concealment under a jacket or loose shirt, and the paddle system provides comfort. Safariland also offers belt loops, MOLLE adapters, and quick-lock adapters if you prefer a battle belt or off-body carry bag.

The Safariland 7378 features an non-abrasive internal material that keeps that beautiful 1911 finish intact.

Countless police agencies choose Safariland holsters. The United States military even chose Safariland for the Sig Sauer M17 and M18 series.

These holsters are some of the most duty-proven rigs on the market. Admittedly, it’s rather large for concealed carry, but it's there for you if you need it.

10. GunfightersINC Kenai - Best Chest Rig

Best Chest Rig

Gunfighters Inc. Kenai

$139

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$139 at Amazon

GrabAGun (see price)

OpticsPlanet (see price)

Midway USA (see price)

Show all prices

Specs

• Style: Chest rig
• Material: Kydex-nylon blend
• Retention: Passive

Can strapping a 1911 to your chest really count as concealed? Actually, yes. And the GunfightersINC Kenai is the holster we'd do it with.

The holster iteself is made from a Kydex-nylon blend that's light, rigid, and strong. Drawing from this passive retention holster is super easy.

The wide harness is supportive enough for a heavy 1911, and large buckles make it easy to put on and take off.

GunfightersINC offers lots of colors and custom options, so you can account for a light or add a mag carrier, no problem.

Vortex GlassPak Pro

$129

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$129 at Amazon

OpticsPlanet (see price)

Scheels (see price)

Lots of people like to use these holsters in the backcountry, and it's easy enough to be discreet with this holster if you toss on an outer garment or layer it under a bino harness.

How to Pick the Best 1911 Holsters

Before we dive headfirst into the best 1911 holsters, we need to discuss some critical holster considerations.

Safety

First, is the trigger wholly covered when the gun is holstered? If not, toss it.

Concealment

If you're planning on carrying concealed, look for an IWB holster that keeps your 1911 out of sight. These are big pistols, but it can be done.

Draw Stroke

Does the holster hug the gun too tight? Or does the holster tend to shift and move when the weapon is drawn? These accessibility issues are unacceptable. Your holster should stay put when the gun is removed.

Fit and Retention

Does your 1911 holster flop around like a cat in a bathtub? If so, toss it. It’s dangerous. A good holster will sit snug and hold your pistol nice and tight. A good gun belt will help.

Fit also refers to how your pistol sits in your holster. Keep in mind that not all 1911s are the same. If you have an accessory rail, pistol light, a red dot, taller sights for a suppressor, or even an oversized or ambidextrous thumb safety, you'll need to factor that in when picking the best 1911 holster for you.

Retention refers to keeping your pistol holstered until you draw it. Most holsters use passive retention, meaning they're tight enough that friction is enough to keep your pistol in there.

Others use active retention. Think of this as a lock that you have to deactivate before you can draw. If you train with these, they're just as fast as a passive-retention holster.

Meet the Experts

Heading up this article is Pew Pew Tactical author Travis Pike. Travis spent a lifetime shooting and hunting before joining the United States Marine Corps, where he spent five years as an infantryman. Travis is also an NRA-certified instructor and concealed carry instructor in the state of Florida.

Editing this article is Scott Murdock. Scott is a Marine Corps veteran who competed and qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. In addition to shooting, Scott has written for a variety of publications, testing, researching, and evaluating guns and gear. He brings that knowledge and skillset to this article, editing and fact-checking for accuracy.

Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.

Final Thoughts

The 1911 may not be my choice for a concealed carry pistol, but it is the choice of thousands of people across this great country. The good news about popularity is that it breeds options.

From modular optics to hybrid to light-bearing, hopefully, we’ve given you enough holster variety to find a model you can confidently carry your 1911.

Latest Updates

• June 2025: Added the Gunfighters Inc. Kenai, Mission First Tactical Minimalist IWB, and Urban Carry LockLeather. Added a comparison chart and updated supporting content.
• August 2024: Removed Floodlight from list.