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Craft Holsters - Holsters - 1911 Holsters - 1911 5 Inch Holsters
Holsters for 1911 5 Inch
How to choose the best holster for your 1911 5 inch
Carrying a full-size 1911 requires a holster that matches its legendary performance and balance. Every holster for 1911 5 inch at Craft Holsters is handcrafted from premium Italian leather and custom-molded for a precise fit. Whether you prefer classic OWB carry, deep-concealment IWB, or a tactical duty setup, each design ensures secure retention, smooth draw, and long-lasting comfort. With decades of proven reliability, the 1911 deserves a holster built to the same high standards.
Best 1911 5 inch IWB Holster
IWB Holster w Steel Clip – $89. This leather holster can be carried both IWB and appendix style, offering flexibility in how you choose to carry your 1911 5 inch. The steel clip design is perfect for those who dislike removing their belt when attaching or detaching the holster. It also features a reinforced thumb break strap, adding extra durability and increasing the holster’s natural retention, making it a highly secure option.
Best 1911 5 inch OWB Holster
Open Top Belt Holster – $89. The Open Top Belt Holster is an excellent choice for those seeking easy access and a quick draw. Its pancake design provides a slim, low-profile fit, ensuring that your 1911 5 inch remains concealed even in an OWB carry position. This holster is not only practical but also extremely comfortable for daily wear.
Best 1911 5 inch Shoulder Holster
Shoulder Holster System – $215. For shoulder holster fans, the Shoulder Holster System is the best option for the 1911. This leather shoulder system allows you to carry your gun in a horizontal position, secured with a thumb break strap for added safety. The system includes a double ammo holder and tie-down straps that attach to your belt, offering excellent balance and security. As a bonus, the holster can also be used as a regular belt holster, giving you two carry options in one.
Carry Options for 1911 5 inch holsters
Concealed Carry
Choose this if your priority is sub‑dermal concealment. A 1911 concealed carry holster fits snugly under a jacket or vest. Designed to minimize printing, it keeps your profile sleek while granting full draw capability.
IWB Holsters
Install your iwb holster 1911 5 inch inside your waistband. They maximize concealment and provide a secure fit. An effective iwb 1911 holster uses adjustable clips and sweat guards for comfort and quick access.
OWB Holsters
Offer fast-draw access with reliable retention. A quality 1911 owb holster positions your pistol outside the waistband on your hip or ribs. They balance ease of draw and carry comfort in non-concealed situations.
Shoulder Holsters
Provide horizontal carry under the arm when sitting or driving. A well-designed 1911 shoulder holster distributes weight across both shoulders and secures the grip for fast presentation. A 1911 shoulder holster suits professionals needing discreet yet accessible backup carry.
Chest Holsters
Add a vertical option across the chest for active outdoor use. A 1911 chest holster positions your firearm centrally and locks it against the sternum. Ideal for hunting, hiking, or tactical environments where quick standing draw and stability matter.
Drop Leg Holsters
Positioned on the thigh, offering low draw and body armor compatibility. A 1911 drop leg holster mounts to a belt and thigh straps. It keeps your pistol accessible during kneeling or tactical movements without interfering with vests or equipment.
Cross Draw Holsters
Set laterally across your waist on the non-dominant side. A 1911 cross draw holster allows a quick lateral draw—especially for vehicle drivers or sitting professionals. It positions the gun grip forward toward your support hand.
Duty Holster
Engineered for law enforcement or security work. A 1911 duty holster uses reinforced sight channels and rotating hood or locking mechanisms. This gear-grade 1911 duty holster ensures retention under stress or movement.
Paddle Holsters
Mount without loops or screws. A 1911 5 inch paddle holster attaches via a molded paddle that fits inside the waistband. Offers quick on/off capability while maintaining reliable retention, perfect between duty shifts or casual carry.
Material Options for 1911 5 inch Holsters
1911 Leather Holsters
A leather holster for 1911 5 inch offers excellent comfort and durability, molding to your body and firearm over time for a snug, glove-like fit. Made from premium full‑grain or Italian leather, it provides natural retention and protection while softening with use—often becoming comfier than synthetic options.
1911 Kydex Holsters
A 1911 Kydex holster is ultra‑lightweight and rigid, offering precise, custom molding that securely retains your firearm—even under demanding conditions—without needing a break‑in period. Its material resists chemicals and weather, provides adjustable retention (often reaching Level II–III), and delivers a satisfying “click” on draw and reholstering.
1911 Nylon Holsters
Nylon holsters are lightweight and cost-effective, made from durable, breathable materials like ballistic or Cordura nylon, making them ideal for concealed carry without adding bulk. Semi-universal designs molded around your firearm—and often compatible with similar-size guns—offer decent retention through body and belt pressure, especially for IWB use.
See Our Holsters in Action
This short video highlights the versatility of our 1911 5 inch holsters. Watch as we demonstrate the ease of draw, stability during movement, and the comfortable fit that supports all-day concealed carry.
Summary
When it comes to carrying a full-size 1911, nothing beats a holster that’s made specifically for it. At Craft Holsters, you’ll find the best holster for 1911 5 inch models—each one handcrafted from premium Italian leather and molded to the exact contours of your firearm. Our collection includes OWB, IWB, shoulder, cross-draw, and duty-grade designs, all engineered to deliver a perfect balance of comfort, retention, and quick accessibility.
Every 1911 5 inch holster we make undergoes precise hand-finishing to ensure a snug fit and lasting durability. Whether you’re a range shooter, professional carrier, or simply appreciate the classic 1911 platform, our holsters provide unmatched security and style. Backed by a lifetime warranty and decades of leatherworking tradition, they’re built to perform—and to age beautifully with time.
Check favorite holster carry styles
About 1911 1911 - 5"
Gun Facts
| Barrel length: | 5" |
| Caliber: | 38/40/45/9 |
| Stack: | 3 |
| Width: | 1.25" |
| Height: | 5.3" |
| Length: | 8.5" |
Holsters for 1911 1911 - 5" reviews
40 reviews
Latest reviews
Eddie W.
The Wolverine holster for my 1911 is very well made. The short time that I have been wearing it is very comfortable.
09/08/2025
United States
Ollie B.
Great holster, when you treat your holster and you put gun in a plastic bag, then get your vacuum sealer out and vac seal it, it sucks it real tight, helps form fit it
08/03/2025
United States
Tim
Well built, fits great and arrived in great time. Would buy again.
06/02/2025
United States
Need a Holster for Another 1911?
Best Gun Holster Accessories
Choose the right accessories below that will enhance your carry. Don't forget that a proper magazine pouch, a belt or a concealed carry bag are always good choices.
MAGAZINE
POUCHES
Get yourself a custom mag pouch or speedloader pouch. Because there is never "enough ammo" right?
See Magazine Pouches
GUN BELTS
A solid and stable gun belt is what you need to prevent your holster and the rest of your EDC from sagging.
See Gun Belts
care kits
Don't forget to get yourself a handy kit that contains everything you need to make sure your holster will last you a lifetime.
See Care KitsLight bearing holsters are quickly becoming a preferred choice among firearm enthusiasts for their functionality and innovative features. Whether you're in search of a light bearing leather holster or a light bearing nylon holster, Craft Holsters has a vast array of options to cater to your unique needs.
What is a Light Bearing Holster?
If you're an aficionado of cutting-edge firearm accessories, you've likely come across a light bearing holster. This special type of holster is designed to accommodate a handgun equipped with a tactical light or tactical laser, providing the perfect amalgamation of functionality and style. Initially adopted by law enforcement and military professionals, these holsters are now becoming a staple among civilians, especially those who prefer a holster with light for nighttime use or low-light environments.
Key Benefits of Light Bearing Holsters
- Modern and innovative design, marrying style and function
- Suitable for both concealed and open carry with light bearing iwb holster and light bearing owb holster options
- Exceptional balance and premium comfort when carrying
- Quick and easy access to your firearm, especially in low light conditions
- Can accommodate various handgun models with tactical lights
- Ideal for larger pistols with light attachments
- Often features additional compartments for ammunition storage
- Easy concealment with styles like the light bearing iwb holster, even in warmer months
Main Types of holsters with light
Craft Holsters specializes in bringing a wide range of light bearing holster choices to cater to different preferences and needs. Here's a sneak peek into our major categories of light bearing holsters:
IWB Holsters
Just like the name suggests, IWB holsters with light are a type of concealed carry holster worn inside the waistband, most frequently attached to the 1 o’clock or 3 o’clock waist area.
OWB holsters
These are mainly used for outside waistband carry and they fall under the category of open carry holsters.
Shoulder holsters
Explore our collection of pistol holsters with light for shoulder carry that allows you to carry your light-equipped pistol with utmost convenience and style. In general, shoulder holsters offer probably the highest level of comfort and are quite easy to conceal, especially in colder months.
Materials
At Craft Holsters, we utilize a range of premium materials to craft the perfect light bearing holster for you. Here’s a glimpse into our craftsmanship:
Leather Holsters
Our light bearing leather holsters are renowned for their quality and durability, promising a lifetime of utility and elegance.
Kydex and Nylon Holsters
Apart from leather, we also offer a range of light bearing kydex holsters and light bearing nylon holsters, promising durability and a comfortable carrying experience.
Light Bearing Holsters FAQ
What is a Light Bearing Holster?
A light bearing holster is a specially designed holster that can accommodate a handgun equipped with a tactical light, providing easy access and secure storage for your firearm. It is an essential accessory for those who prefer carrying a pistol with a light attachment.
How to Make a Light Bearing Holster?
Creating a light bearing holster involves utilizing premium materials like leather, kydex, or nylon, and crafting them to fit specific handgun models with light attachments perfectly. At Craft Holsters, each holster is carefully designed to provide a secure fit for your firearm with a light. However, making one at home would involve precise measurements and skills in crafting materials. It is recommended to consult detailed guides or seek professional assistance.
What are the Best Light Bearing Holsters?
The best light bearing holsters are those that are crafted with precision and quality materials, offering a perfect fit for your firearm and ease of access. Our top recommendations at Craft Holsters include:
- IWB Holster w Steel Clip (Light/Laser)
- Shoulder Holster System (Light/Laser)
- Comfortable Belt Holster (Light/Laser)
How to break in a light-bearing holster?
If you get one of our holsters with light molded exactly for your gun and tactical light or laser, you most probably won’t have to bother with holster break-in. However, in case your new holster feels a bit too tight, just follow our Break-in Guide. And if you don’t have any break-in solution at hand, feel free to get our Small Break-in Kit, which comes with everything you need for a successful shoulder holster break-in.
Most User Recommended Tactical Lights
There are many tactical lights on the market, we created a list of the most sought after pistol lights and we have custom made holsters ready for them. Here they are
Holosun P.ID plus Holsters
Inforce Wild 1 Holsters
Inforce Wild 2 Holsters
Lasermax Laser Max (Ruger LCP Only) Holsters
Nightstick TCM 550 xl Holsters
Nightstick TSM 14G Holsters
Olight Baldr Mini Holsters
Olight Baldr PRO Holsters
Olight Baldr pro R Holsters
Olight Baldr S Holsters
Olight PL 3 Valkyrie Holsters
Olight PL MINI 2 VALKYRIE Holsters
Olight PL MINI VALKYRIE Holsters
Olight PL PRO Valkyrie Holsters
Olight PL Turbo Valkyrie Holsters
Olight PL-3 R Holsters
Sig Sauer alpha foxtrot s15 Holsters
Sig Sauer foxtrot365xr Holsters
Sig Sauer foxtrot 1x Holsters
Sig Sauer foxtrot 2 Holsters
Solofish laser light combo Holsters
Streamlight TLR-6 1911 Holsters
Streamlight TLR-8 sub Holsters
Streamlight TLR-8 Holsters
Streamlight TLR-1 Holsters
Streamlight TLR-1 HL Holsters
Streamlight TLR-1 HL X Holsters
Streamlight TLR-2 HL Holsters
Streamlight TLR-7 sub Holsters
Streamlight TLR-7 SUB Glock Holsters
Streamlight TLR-7 SUB Hellcat Holsters
Streamlight TLR-7 SUB SIG Holsters
Streamlight TLR-7A Holsters
Streamlight TLR-7X Holsters
Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X Holsters
Streamlight tlr1 s Holsters
Streamlight tlr7 Holsters
Streamlight tlr7a Holsters
Streamlight tlr 9 Holsters
SureFire X300U Holsters
SureFire X300U-A Holsters
SureFire X300U-B Holsters
SureFire x400u Holsters
SureFire xcs Holsters
Viridian C5L Holsters
Viridian E Series FDE for Hellcat Holsters
