A 1911 is a style of gun that is modeled after the .45 ACP caliber 1911 Colt Pistol introduced in April of 1912 by John Moses Browning. The retention holster is designed to hold the gun inside the holster with some resistance. The retention holster is typically worn on the belt line on either side of the thigh. A retention holster with options like this allows for left and right handed wear, and the barrel up and down wear which leads to a better statistical shot.
Conclusion:
Choosing a holster off the rack for your 1911 is an option.

Comparison Chart For Best 1911 Retention Holster
SL | PRODUCT IMAGE | PRODUCT NAME | RATING | ACTION |
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1 | ![]() |
Safariland 6280 SLS Level 2 Retention Duty Holster |
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2 | ![]() |
Safariland 6360 SLS or ALS Level 3 Retention Duty Holster |
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3 | ![]() |
1791 Gunleather 1911 Holster – Thumb Break Leather Holster – Cocked and Locked Carry – Right Hand OWB Holster for Belts – Fit 4 and 5 Barrels (Signature Brown) |
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4 | ![]() |
Safariland 6280 SLS Level 2 Retention Duty Holster |
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5 | ![]() |
Orpaz 1911 Holster Fits Colt 1911 Kimber 1911 Sig Sauer 1911 and Springfield 1911 (Right Hand |
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Best 1911 Retention Holster Reviews
Safariland 6280 SLS Level 2 Retention Duty Holster
Product Highlights:
– Safariland 6280 Level 2 Retention Duty Holster. Level 2 retention. Mid-ride belt position for excellent protection and quick easy draw. SLS (Self Locking System) rotating hood-protection against snatch attempts. Suede lining helps protect the gun’s finish. Exterior front is injection molded
– SafariLaminate. Outter hole patterns 58-13.
– Safariland 6280 SLS (Self Locking System) Level 2 Retention Duty Holster
With todays prolific pistol being made of modern engineering plastics, the traditional material of leather to protect the firearm just doesn’t work for this world. SafariLaminate nylon is tough, durable and protects your firearm’s finish. Safariland creates their accessories tough, just like they intention to accomplish with their holsters. Brought to world by Holster, SafariLaminate products street level prices and dominate the industry with groundbreaking technology.
The 5917 series enables the operator to feel quick and secure, all while having adjustability and security, such as the SLS Rotating Hood System that features SLS Self Locking System to protect against attempted takeaways. The lining on the 5917 series is suede that protects the weapon’s finish while giving the operator a level 2 retention and some serious padding.

Safariland 6360 SLS or ALS Level 3 Retention Duty Holster
Product Highlights:
– * Level 3 Retention offers exceptional strength and speed in cutting down the risk of escalation
– * Mid-Ride “ride height” which offers a more universal fit for a variety of body types
– * Both ALS and SLS to ensure a customized fit
– * Self Locking System (SLS)
– rotating hood for protection against attempted takeaways
– * Safari Laminate thermal-molded construction protects and safeguards handgun and sights
– * Adaptable with both hand and left-handed orientations, fits belts up to 2″
The Safariland 6360 Level 3 Retention Duty Holster comes with a rotating hood which provides protection against attempted takeaways. The pistol case is created from a Safari Laminate thermal-molded construction which also protects a weapon and its sights. Moreover, the Safariland 6360 Level 3 Retention Duty Holster includes a tension adjustmenter and comes designed to fit 2″ belt loop.

1791 Gunleather 1911 Holster – Thumb Break Leather Holster – Cocked and Locked Carry – Right Hand OWB Holster for Belts – Fit 4 and 5 Barrels (Signature Brown)
Product Highlights:
– -A concealed cocked and locked 1911 holster that protects your firearm at all times.
– -Handcrafted for a precise fit.
– -Available for 1911 guns with 4.25″ to 5″ barrel lengths.
– -Fits belts up to 1 & 3/4″.
– -Available in left or right hand draw.
Commanding an authentic Chris Reeve Collaboration. by “Doc” Bushong. The Cross Draw. No matter what concealed carry means to you personally, it means something. For me, it’s never-ending hours on the drawing board attempting to make the perfect holster. Of course, there is no perfect holster, even for me. But the joy in the process of trying–and there is joy in this process–makes it worth the effort.
So, I’m going to let you in on the process that goes into designing a 1911 cross draw holster. The 1911 Automatic was designed for the military around the time of World War I. From its advent, few realized that its grip was too large for most of the soldiers. It was only after the war that the rest of us became aware of this design flaw.

Safariland 6280 SLS Level 2 Retention Duty Holster
Product Highlights:
– Custom fit for Colt 1911 Government
– Two Layer Construction: The backing features a 1680 Denier Ballistic Nylon and mesh lining for custom fit and added durability.
– Mid-Ride: Sits just above the belt. Level 2 retention: The patented Self Locking System (SLS) Rotating Hood
– with the OVER-RIDE clip offers increased protection against attempted takeaways.
– Top Draw & Straight-Drop Cant with Suede Lining for Protection of Weapon’s Finish
– Will accomodate heavy tactical equipment when properly used with all tacgear duty belts.
When that day comes and you finally need to use your weapon, it is important that you have a holster which is designed to protect it. For these situations, you need a holster with protection on multiple levels. The Safariland 6280 SLS Level 2 Retention Duty Holster provides these features. Designed for protection: Many duty holster models protect the weapon only with which it is involved up to a certain point.
The Safariland 6280 is designed from the ground up with a feature called ‘SLS: Self Locking System rotational hood’. This allows you to yield your weapon up to a full 180 degrees. There is no need to move or twist the weapon to disengage it from the holster.

Orpaz 1911 Holster Fits Colt 1911 Kimber 1911 Sig Sauer 1911 and Springfield 1911 (Right Hand
Product Highlights:
– -The Paddle Attachment is designed for detectives to easily remove the holster, and to prevent the holster from being pulled up and away when the handgun is drawn
– -Custom molded with Nylon 6 Polymer and combat tested, it is strong, elastic and highly resistant to abrasion and chemicals.
– –
– Thumb Lock & Release mechanism that provides you with quick access and level 2 retention.
– -Fully adjustable with a M5 Allen key (included) for retention and rotation.
– -Made in Israel by a veteran of the Israeli police SWAT unit.
The new Orpaz 1911 Holster can fit Colt 1911, Kimber 1911, Sig Sauer 1911 and Springfield 1911 on the right hand side. This paddle holster features a thumb lock and release mechanism that provides you with quick access and level 2 retention. The holster is fully adjustable with a M5 Allen key which also come with the holster and made in Israel by a veteran of an Israeli police SWAT unit.

Frequently Asked Question
What size holster is a 1911?
The 1911 is a full size holster.
Should I conceal carry a 1911?
Yes, if you can shoot it well.
Is the 1911 a good carry gun?
Yes, it is. It is a very good carry gun.
Is a 1911 good for self defense?
Yes, but it is not the best choice.
How safe is 1911 cocked and locked?
The 1911 is a very safe gun. It has a grip safety, thumb safety, and firing pin block. The only way it can fire is if the trigger is pulled.
Conclusion
Recognizing which type of concealed carry holster you prefer will help you pick the holster that suits your activity and lifestyle, as well as your comfort level and individual use habits. Making a choice about which concealed carry holster you want to buy is a personal decision. The best 1911 retention holster for you may not be quite what best fits the needs of your spouse, partner or friend.