Variants:
1923
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Craft Holsters - Holsters - 1911 Holsters - 1911 4.25 Inch Holsters
Holsters for 1911 4.25 Inch
How to choose the best holster for your 1911 4.25 inch
Choosing the right holster for your 1911 4.25 inch means balancing comfort, retention, and accessibility. Look for a design that contours to your body and provides secure trigger guard coverage. Material matters: leather offers classic comfort, while Kydex delivers rugged durability and consistent draw. A good fit prevents shifting and ensures stable carry whether you're moving or seated. Prioritize holsters specifically made for the 4.25-inch barrel to avoid poor retention or excess bulk.
Best 1911 4.25 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 4.25 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 4.25 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 4.25 inch remains concealed even in an OWB carry position. This holster is not only practical but also extremely comfortable for daily wear.
Best 1911 4.25 inch Shoulder Holster
Shoulder Holster System – $215. For shoulder holster fans, the Shoulder Holster System is the best option for the 1911 4.25 inch. 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 4.25 inch holsters
Concealed Carry
1911 4.25 Inch holsters offer various levels of concealment. For concealed carry, choose holsters with higher concealment, such as an IWB holster. For open carry, prioritize comfort with an OWB holster.
IWB Holsters
An IWB holster offers deep concealment by tucking inside your waistband. A quality 4.25 inch 1911 IWB holster should offer adjustable retention, a slim profile, and a sweat guard to protect your firearm. Look for options with reinforced clips or loops to keep the holster stable throughout daily wear. Comfort is key for IWB, especially when carrying a full-frame pistol like the 1911 Commander.
OWB Holsters
OWB holsters ride outside the waistband and are ideal for open carry or concealed carry under a jacket. A 4.25 inch 1911 OWB holster delivers quick access and a secure fit, often with molded contours that lock the firearm in place. Choose one with adjustable cant and belt loops for a custom draw angle. These holsters work well for range use, casual carry, or winter setups.
Shoulder Holsters
Shoulder holsters distribute weight evenly across the upper body, making them a good choice for extended wear. A 1911 4.25 inch holster in shoulder configuration should balance draw accessibility with solid retention. Padded straps improve comfort, and horizontal or vertical carry positions allow for personal preference. They work best when worn under jackets or coats for discreet access.
Material Options for 1911 4.25 inch Holsters
1911 4.25 inch Leather Holsters
Leather holsters offer excellent comfort and durability, molding to your body and firearm over time for a snug, glove-like fit. A 4.25 inch 1911 leather holster made from premium full‑grain or Italian leather provides natural retention and protection while softening with use—often becoming comfier than synthetic options.
1911 4.25 inch Kydex Holsters
Kydex holsters are ultra‑lightweight and rigid, offering precise, custom molding that securely retains your firearm—even under demanding conditions—without needing a break‑in period. Their material resists chemicals and weather, provides adjustable retention (often reaching Level II–III), and delivers a satisfying “click” on draw and reholstering.
1911 4.25 inch 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
Experience the precision and comfort of our 1911 4.25 inch holsters in this brief video. Observe the seamless draw, secure retention, and discreet carry options that make our holsters a reliable choice for everyday use.
Summary
Finding the right 4.25 inch 1911 holster depends on how and where you carry. Whether you need a discreet 4.25 inch 1911 IWB holster, a versatile 4.25 inch 1911 OWB holster, or a supportive shoulder rig, the key is proper fit and comfort. Each option supports different carry styles while maintaining reliable access and retention for your 1911 4.25 inch.
Check favorite holster carry styles
About 1911 1911 - 4.25"
Gun Facts
| Barrel length: | 4.25" |
| Caliber: | 45/9/38 |
| Stack: | 3 |
| Width: | 1.45" |
| Height: | 5.5" |
| Length: | 8" |
Holsters for 1911 1911 - 4.25" reviews
19 reviews
Latest reviews
Trevor
Exceptional holster. Top quality should last a lifetime. This particular model was in stock and only took about a week to receive. This made my 5th craft holster purchase. Im 100% satisfied with all 5 of them. I would purchase another without hesitation.
06/23/2025
United States
Ernie P.
I ordered a craft shoulder holster and the holster is crap is was cut wrong and it fit on crooked. Craft support blames EVERYTHING except the Holster. It was a simple order. "Magnum Research Desert Eagle 1911 C 45 ACP. Overall Length: 7.78in, 8 Rounds. " They are still trying to get out of replacing the holster or a refund. I have picture if anyone wants to see it.
01/29/2025
United States
George K.
Great paddle holster. Well made and nice looking. Very pleased with this and all of my craft holsters!
01/27/2025
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
