1911s are great guns. Their timeless design has withstood every test the last 100-plus years have thrown at them. But a 1911 is only as good as its holster. Without a holster, you can’t carry your gun around. And let’s face it: we didn’t buy a 1911 to leave it sitting in a case all the time. Whether it’s for concealed carry, open carry, or any other reason, Southern Trapper is here to help you discover your next 1911 gun holster.

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

You need to start somewhere when choosing a gun holster for your 1911. And usually, you’ll need to begin with the make and model of your firearm.

First, barrel length. For 1911s, the 5-inch “Government” barrel is most common. But plenty of manufacturers have produced “Commander” variants with shorter barrels - usually about 4 inches. Second, add-ons. Have you customized your 1911 with a light? What about adding a red dot optic? If you answered yes to either of these, you’re going to need a holster to reflect that.

Finally, your gun’s manufacturer can have a huge impact on which concealed carry gun holster you choose as well. The gun holster you use for a Dan Wesson 1911 may not be the same as one you need for an Ed Brown, or a Nighthawk. That’s why at Southern Trapper, we can mold each holster to fit your specific firearm snugly.

Choosing a Gun Holster for Your 1911: Concealed Carry or Open Carry?

In addition to the type of 1911 you have, you’ll also want to consider how you’re going to use this gun holster. Do you need a concealed carry gun holster? One for open carry? A shoulder holster? They each have their own advantages and pitfalls. They include:

Concealed Carry: if you want to stay strapped without setting off any alarm bells, concealed carry is the way to go. They can connect to your belt at a variety of positions. Appendix carry using an inside-the-waistband (IWB) is one popular technique today.