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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
Start by identifying your primary use: everyday carry, range use, duty, or tactical setups. Focus on retention, comfort, draw speed, and concealability. Decide on material preferences like leather, Kydex, or hybrid. Choose an adjustable retention setting and mod‑compatibility for optics or lights. Ensure compatibility with your full size 1911 holster and any added accessories. Select a holster with proven durability and user reviews supported by real-world feedback.
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 1911 iwb holster 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.
Appendix Holster
Sits in front of your belt between your hips. A 1911 appendix holster secures the firearm with a slight cant. Offers extremely fast draw but requires strong retention features for safety and comfort.
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 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 1911 leather holster 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
Choose the best 1911 holster by matching your lifestyle and mission. Select from íwb, owb, full size 1911 holster, or appendix holster for carry comfort. Opt for a 1911 shoulder holster, chest holster, drop leg holster, cross draw holster, or paddle holster for duty or tactical conditions. Choose a 1911 holster with light if you use weapon accessories. The right option—be it a 1911 owb holster, duty holster, concealed carry holster, or 1911 45 holster military—ensures secure, comfortable access and reliable performance with your full size 1911 holster.
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
52 reviews
Latest reviews
F.M.
I've now purchased two IWB leather holsters from Craft fit and finish is top notch. And both are comfortable to wear all day, also good concealment for full size pistols.
08/15/2025
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
Great holster
This one I did not need to break in. It fit great the first time. The clip is sturdy, I like it.
08/03/2025
United States
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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 Kits
