Custom Shoulder Holsters

Leather Shoulder Holsters for 1911

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EXPLORE THE 1911 CARRY

Browning designed the 1911 in the late 1890s. In 1906, the U.S. armed forces were seeking to replace the current standard issue sidearm. The 1911 overpowered the competition, which consisted of firearms including the Savage Model 1907 and the Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) Luger, chambered in .45 ACP. The pistol was adopted and given the official designation Model of 1911, which would later be changed to M1911. Three years later, the M1911 would take part in its first world war; The Great War.

The M1911 saw its first major use during WWI. The large caliber, semi-automatic pistol was a clear advantage over the .38 Long Colt M1892 revolver that it replaced. However, data collected in the harsh conditions of the muddy, bloody, four year war lead to the first major revision of the design. These changes, implemented in 1924, after the fighting had stopped, gave the M1911 its new designation as the M1911A1. Though the changes were largely external (a shorter trigger and a longer beavertail, among others), the intent was simply making the gun simpler and easier to shoot.

You need two world wars to make the opening statement of this article. Starting in September of 1939, we had one. Throughout the war, nearly two million M1911A1 pistols were produced. With increased demand, production was spread among several companies. Even Singer, known for their sewing machines, played their part in producing M1911A1 pistols. While WWII 1911 holsters were far from great, U.S. soldiers managed to deploy the pistols and cross the Rhine. The 1911 went on to be used in countless conflicts around the world including the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf wars. Read more about the history of 1911 pistols.

Photo by Nighthawk Custom

CUSTOM LEATHER SHOULDER HOLSTER FOR A 1911

The best 1911 custom leather holsters will hold your firearm securely. A wet molded leather shoulder holster for 1911 provides outstanding retention and comfort. Does anyone use leather 1911 shoulder holsters anymore?

Yes! A considerable number of gun enthusiasts still use their favorite 1911 leather holster shoulder for everyday carry. The holsters offer reliable stability of the firearm, outstanding comfort, and versatility. Most of all, this carry style will make you feel like a hero. It's your childhood memories and we believe it is worth it!

You will want to show your custom leather shoulder 1911 holster every day. But there are times when the open gun carry is not an option. Is it difficult to conceal a 1911 leather shoulder holster? It may be challenging. But with the right choice of clothes and a well-fitted custom shoulder harness, you can conceal a leather shoulder holster very easily. In fact, this may be the only option to carry and conceal 5" 1911 firearms. Custom leather 1911 shoulder holsters are the best way to conceal your Colt or Kimber.

Everyone who carries a 1911 pistol every day can tell one thing. The extra weight compared to the polymer frames can wear you down. The best thing about the leather shoulder holsters for 1911 is the weight. They distribute the weight of the firearm, and the extra magazines on your harness evenly. This simply makes your life more enjoyable, and your posture better. Bonus? Your back pain will decrease.

You will find the leather rigs perfect for special occasions. Imagine pairing anything else than your shoulder 1911 holster with suit. Well, it is convenient for the formal men-wear. But can you pair a harness with ladies' dress? Certainly not. It does not mean that there are no women leather 1911 shoulder rigs. These simply match other occasions. Ladies can use it for bike riding. As a woman, I love shoulder carry while hiking. Just admit it. There is nothing more epic and adventurous than a woman shoulder holster. Take a look at Lara Croft rocking her 1911 double shoulder harness holster!

If you love the style, be aware that we are custom leather shoulder holster makers. We can make leather holsters for pretty much anything. Some of our custom projects include leather shoulder carry systems for iPhones or knives. We even crafted a hand-made double whiskey bottle leather holster for partners!

Horizontal leather shoulder holster for a 1911
Horizontal leather Shoulder Holster for 1911

THE BEST LEATHER 1911 SHOULDER HOLSTER GUN POSITION

There are two main types of 1911 leather shoulder holsters - horizontal and vertical. Most firearm instructors hate the 1911 horizontal shoulder rigs. There is one simple reason. Your handgun is flagging anyone behind you when holstered. We believe this should not be an issue with a well-trained experienced shooter. The horizontal leather shoulder holsters for 1911 have their place in the world. They offer a more efficient underarm gun draw. It is important to ensure your firearm is well secured. We want to minimize the chance of accidental discharge. If you are new to gun carry and you have doubts, it is always best to go for the 1911 vertical leather shoulder holster. Even better. You do not need to compromise. Our leather ROTO shoulder 1911 holster is the perfect solution for you. The #1 selling item across all of our online stores. It gives you the benefit of the vertical shoulder holsters for 1911 on one hand and the smooth and efficient horizontal draw on the other hand. Our customers simply love the design. And we believe it is the most practical leather shoulder holster on the market. Its only downsize may be that it is not compatible with weapon-mounted lights and lasers. The leather ROTO system allows the holster to unfold. Once the safety strap is released by your forefinger, you're ready to draw.

The complete 1911 leather shoulder system comes in a package of 4 components. The 1911-specific leather holster, and counterbalance- a 1911 magazine pouch. Fully adjustable leather shoulder strap plus the tie-down leather adjustable straps. You will never run out of extra ammunition again. The counterbalance sits under your shooting hand. The leather 1911 holster is under the opposite arm. This makes the 1911 firearm accessible to your strong hand.

You can play around with the attachment. Create a dual shoulder holster for 1911 with one right-handed and one left-handed leather holster attached on each side. The last but not least, each leather shoulder set includes tie-down straps. these secure both, the holster and the counterbalance to your belt. This is a very important part. The strap truly does the trick when adjusted. 

All of our leather counterbalances, holsters, and harnesses use the same attachments. It makes them completely interchangeable. This way you can get an extra compatible part if needed. No need to invest in a complete rig again. Imagine. You recently bought a laser/light for your 1911. You do not need to buy the whole set. Just get a holster for 1911 with laser/light and attach it to the harness and magazine pouch you already have. 

PREMIUM 1911 HOLSTERS LEATHER FULL GRAIN

When the first 1911 firearms emerged, so were the first 1911 holsters created – leather ones. Since the formation of the first holsters, cowhide has been the primary material for their production. In those days it was the only material suitable for holster production add remains in high demand until today. Leather as a material has excellent properties and ensures high comfort and durability. An undeniable pro is leather’s aesthetics, offering a wide range of options from contrast stitching, initials embossing, or coloring even the edges.

A common feature is an added Suede under layer that increases the level of gun protection.  Practically any holster design can be found in a leather form. The production process is overall demanding since it consists of several phases such as cutting the cowhide, molding, drying, tanning, setting out, and finishing. This is the reason behind its longer production terms. Of course, not every leather is equal and today there are 4 main leather types commonly used for holster production:

Types of holster leather
Different types of leather holsters left to right

Basic 1911 Leather Shoulder Holster

Holsters are made from hard leather, which is usually available only in black color. These holsters are made for those, who are looking for a cheap, yet functional holster. This holster type has only a basic construction requirement.

Soft Leather Shoulder Holster from suede

Suede shoulder holsters are made from nice soft natural leather in combination with hard leather mainly for reinforcing the most important parts such as holster security straps, belt loops, and the opening of a holster. This kind of leather is comfortable to carry and brings a very nice appearance.

Classic Leather Shoulder Holster

Classic Leather shoulder holsters are made from first-class leather. Usually, this leather is pre-tanned and lacquered in the tannery, so the holster producers just hand mold and sew. These holsters offer a reasonable price/quality ratio.

Premium Leather Shoulder Holster for 1911

Some producers use the term “premium” leather. With the premium leather holster, the whole production process lies in the hands of a custom leather holster producer. The supplied natural full grain leather is in premium quality and untanned. The manufacturer hand colors, oils, treats, and fat liquors the leather. The result is a holster with its characteristic smell and details. For example, Falco Holsters uses 0.11”-0.12” thick full grain cowhide (only 1 out of 4 cowhides fits this requirement)

With the right usage and care, the lifespan of a leather holster Is equal to that of a gun itself.

Why Breaking in the leather is Important

Brand new leather can be hard to work with because it’s so tight, but when it comes to your handgun that can affect your draw. It can also make it difficult to holster your pistol since it won’t accept the frame as easily as non-leather.

Whether you’re part of law enforcement, concealing, or competitive shooting, a clean draw is imperative. It can be the difference between life and death or a victory, so breaking in a leather holster should be near the top of the to-do list. Find the directions in our Break-in Guide