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Holsters for Colt 1911
How to choose the best holster for your Colt 1911 5 inch
Choosing the best holster for Colt 1911 Government models means prioritizing retention, comfort, and draw speed. The full-size frame of the 1911 demands a holster that supports the weight while ensuring a secure fit. Whether you're carrying for self-defense, duty, or range use, the holster must match the classic 5-inch profile for optimal performance. A Colt 1911 5 inch holster should provide full trigger guard coverage and maintain a consistent draw angle.
Best Colt 1911 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 Colt 1911. 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 Colt 1911 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 Colt 1911 remains concealed even in an OWB carry position. This holster is not only practical but also extremely comfortable for daily wear.
Best Colt 1911 Shoulder Holster
Shoulder Holster System – $215. For shoulder holster fans, the Shoulder Holster System is the best option for the Colt 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 Colt 19115 inch holsters
Concealed Carry
A Colt 1911 concealed carry holster needs to minimize printing while offering quick access. Due to the size of the 1911, smart positioning and holster design are essential for effective concealment. Deep IWB placement, adjustable cant, and slim profiles contribute to both comfort and discretion.
IWB Holsters
A Colt 1911 IWB holster fits snugly inside the waistband, reducing visibility while maintaining accessibility. It should offer adjustable retention and ride height to accommodate different carry positions. Ideal for users seeking comfort without compromising on draw speed, this style remains one of the most practical choices for discreet carry.
OWB Holsters
OWB holsters for the Colt 1911 are perfect for open carry or range use, offering unmatched accessibility and comfort. These holsters sit on the outside of the waistband, allowing for a smooth and quick draw.
Shoulder Holsters
A Colt 1911 shoulder holster distributes weight evenly across the upper body, making it a strong choice for those spending long hours seated or on the move. These holsters keep the firearm easily accessible and can accommodate spare magazine pouches, enhancing utility for both personal defense and tactical use.
Chest Holster
A Colt 1911 chest holster is ideal for outdoor use, offering secure retention in a central position. This style keeps your firearm accessible even when wearing a backpack or heavy gear, making it a top option for hikers, hunters, or off-road travel. The cross-body setup also aids in even weight distribution.
Duty Holster
A Colt 1911 duty holster is engineered for law enforcement or security professionals requiring secure retention and rapid access. It often includes features like locking mechanisms and reinforced construction for durability under demanding conditions. Compatibility with duty belts and tactical setups is a key advantage.
Material Options for Colt 1911 5 inch Holsters
Colt 1911 Leather Holsters
Leather holsters offer excellent comfort and durability, molding to your body and firearm over time for a snug, glove-like fit. Whether you're looking for a general fit or a model-specific option like a Colt 1911 holster leather rig.
Colt 1911 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.
Colt 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.
See Our Holsters in Action
This short video highlights the versatility of our Colt 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
Finding the right 1911 Colt holster military users and civilians alike trust requires matching the carry style with your lifestyle. From the classic Colt 1911 shoulder holster to the rugged Colt 1911 chest holster, every design serves a specific need. Whether you prefer a Colt 1911 IWB holster for low-profile carry or a Colt 1911 duty holster for professional use, the best holster for Colt 1911 Government models will balance comfort, accessibility, and retention.
Check favorite holster carry styles
About Colt 1911 - 5"
Gun Facts
Barrel length: | 5" |
Caliber: | 9/38/45 |
Stack: | 1 |
Width: | 1.25" |
Height: | 5.5" |
Length: | 8.5" |
Holsters for Colt 1911 - 5" reviews
Latest reviews
Brian C.
Beautiful holster, well made, won’t scratch up my 1911.
Jerry E.
Great holster, perfect fit and very well made. It's just what I expected.
James L D.
I have been looking for a verticle carry shoulder holster for my 1911 for a long time and now I have found it. The Vertical Roto system is fantastic. I was a Detective in Law Enforcement for 28 years and have used a multitude of holsters from strong side outside to crossdraw and several types of shoulder holsters with the Miami Classic being the best of those however, I was never comfortable with the horizontal position having the muzzle pointing at anyone behind me. Now here comes the vertical roto and its fantastic. The comfort of carrying a heavy 1911 can't be beat. I almost forget I'm wearing it. My Colt 1911 fits like a glove. Even my Para-Ordnance double-stack 1911 fits exactly the same. Weight distribution is not a problem. Once everything is properly adjusted, its unbeatable. The rig rides close to your body without printing your firearm. I sometimes carry a compact 9mm and I'm going to purchase another system for the 9 also, I'm told I can purchase different attachments for this rig which I fully intend to do. I am totally satisfied with my purchase.
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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