There's just something special about 1911s. Not only are they just great guns in general, but their timeless design has been able to withstand every test the last 100-plus years have thrown at them. If you have one yourself, you probably know what I'm talking about. 

But any gun, even a 1911, is only as good as its holster. Without a good one, you can’t comfortably carry or access your weapon. And let’s face it: we didn’t buy a 1911 to leave it sitting in a case all the time. Sometimes we have to show it off, or maybe you want to carry concealed. No matter the reason, we here at Southern Trapper are here to help you find your perfect 1911 holster. Let's get started!

Choosing a Holster for Your 1911: What 1911 Do You Have?

First things first, and in order to find the perfect 1911 holster you'll need to identify the make and model of your firearm. 

This alone will tell you a ton about which types of holsters will fit your gun. Every make and model might be a little different, warranting different holsters. Let's take a look at the barrel length for example. The 5-inch “Government” barrel is one of the most common. But plenty of manufacturers have produced “Commander” variants with shorter barrels - usually about 4 inches. Knowing your barrel length is critical for finding the right holster! 

Second, you're gonna want to think about add-ons. Have you customized your 1911 at all? Just got a new light? What about a red dot optic? If you answered yes to either of these, you’re going to need a holster that accommodates these. 

Last but not least, knowing your gun’s manufacturer will tell you if you're looking at the right holster or not, as they aren't all universal. A holster that you'd use for a Dan Wesson 1911 may not be the same as one you need for a Nighthawk. That’s why here at Southern Trapper, we can mold each holster to fit your specific firearm perfectly.

Concealed Carry or Open Carry?

Your next big decision will be whether you intend to conceal carry or open carry, as these holsters will be very different for each one. There's also various styles of each, such as shoulder holsters, inside the waistband (IWB) variants or outside the waistband (OWB) options. 

Concealed Carry: if you want to stay strapped without setting off any alarm bells wherever you might go, concealed carry is definitely the way to go. These holsters can connect to your belt in a variety of ways, but the point is still the same: to stay hidden until it's needed!