Craft Holsters - Holsters - Kimber Holsters - Kimber 1911 Holsters
Shoulder Holsters for Kimber 1911
How To Choose The Best Shoulder Holster For Your Kimber 1911 - 5"
When you're shopping for a new Shoulder holster for you.Kimber 1911 - 5", knowing exactly what you want matters. If you've narrowed it down to a Shoulder holster, you're already on the right path. Below, we’ll walk you through why this carry style might be the ideal fit, how to find the best model for your body type and setup, and what materials and add-ons to consider.
Why Choose a Shoulder Holster?
Shoulder holsters are a classic and practical carry option for those seeking comfortable concealed or open carry, especially when waistband carry isn’t ideal. Worn across the shoulders with the firearm positioned under the arm, this style offers balanced weight distribution and easy access.
Ideal for sitting and driving
Shoulder holsters excel for users who spend long periods seated, such as drivers or office workers. Your Kimber 1911 - 5" stays accessible without digging into your waist or being blocked by seatbelts.
Even weight distribution
Designed to spread the weight across your upper body, shoulder holsters reduce pressure points, making them comfortable for extended wear, especially with full-size pistols.
Great for concealed or open carry
Depending on your clothing, shoulder holsters work for both concealed and open carry. Wearing a jacket or overshirt keeps your Kimber 1911 - 5" out of sight while maintaining easy access.
Room for extras
Most shoulder holsters include off-side magazine pouches, allowing you to carry spare magazines or accessories without needing additional belt gear.
Balanced and secure
With dual-strap harnesses and adjustable positioning, shoulder holsters stay in place, providing stability, comfort, and control while you’re on the move.
Best for full-size firearms
Shoulder holsters comfortably support the weight of full-size pistols and revolvers, making them popular among professionals, outdoorsmen, and those carrying heavy handguns.
Whether you’re carrying for duty, travel, or everyday concealment under jackets, a shoulder holster keeps your Kimber 1911 - 5" secure, balanced, and ready.
How to Choose the Right Kimber 1911 - 5" Shoulder Holster for Your Body and Lifestyle
Body fit and harness adjustability
Choose a shoulder holster with fully adjustable straps to fit your chest and shoulders comfortably. Slim builds may prefer tighter harnesses, while larger frames benefit from wider straps with padding.
Vertical vs horizontal carry
Vertical rigs hold your Kimber 1911 - 5" pointing downward for better concealment and security with full-size pistols. Horizontal rigs allow faster cross-body draws, often preferred for mid-sized handguns.
Gun size compatibility
Ensure your holster is molded specifically for your Kimber 1911 - 5" for proper retention and safe carry. Shoulder holsters work best with mid to full-size firearms.
Handedness
Select a holster designed for your dominant hand. Right-handed users carry under the left arm for a natural draw, and left-handed users carry under the right arm.
Retention and safety
Look for holsters with strong retention systems such as thumb breaks to keep your firearm secure during movement while still allowing for a quick, smooth draw.
Comfort features
Choose models with breathable, padded harness materials to reduce irritation during long wear, especially if used under heavy jackets or tactical gear.
Check out other holster carry styles
Be sure to check out what other carry styles we have:
Choosing the best Shoulder holster for your Kimber 1911 - 5" comes down to fit, comfort, and confidence. Whether you carry concealed every day or need something rugged for outdoor use, this carry style delivers dependable performance.
Check favorite holster carry styles
Holsters for Kimber 1911 - 5" reviews
Latest reviews
Dan P.
Love it Followed the plastic bag break in and now gun fit is snug but not too tight. Put it on adjusted the strap and have it on now Great product!
Chuck A.
My second holster from Craft. This fits my 1911 perfectly. Did not require any break in. I will purchase more in the future.
Tim
Very good quality holster! Very comfortable & works great!
Need a Holster for Another ?
- Kimber Aegis - 5"
- Kimber Aegis Elite - 5"
- Kimber Carry II - 5"
- Kimber Carry II - 3"
- Kimber CDP II - 4"
- Kimber Covert - 3"
- Kimber Crimson Carry II - 3"
- Kimber Desert Warrior (w Rail) - 5"
- Kimber Eclipse - 5"
- Kimber KHX - 4"
- Kimber Master Carry - 5"
- Kimber Pro Carry II - 4"
- Kimber Rapide (Black Ice) - 5"
- Kimber Raptor II - 4"
- Kimber Stainless - 5"
- Kimber Stainless II - 5"
- Kimber Super Carry - 5"
- Kimber Tactical - 5"
- Kimber TLE II - 5"
- Kimber Two Tone - 5"
- Kimber CDP II - 3"
- Kimber Ultra Raptor II - 3"
- Kimber Warrior (w Rail) - 5"
- Kimber Camp Guard - 5"
- Kimber Classic Carry - 4"
- Kimber Compact II - 4"
- Kimber Custom II - 5"
- Kimber Gold Combat II - 5"
- Kimber Gold Match II - 5"
- Kimber Hero - 5"
- Kimber KDS9c Stainless - 4.1"
- Kimber RCP II - 3"
- Kimber Rose Gold II - 3"
- Kimber Royal II - 5"
- Kimber Sapphire II - 4 "
- Kimber Super Jägare - 6"
- Kimber Super Match II - 5"
- Kimber Target II - 5"
- Kimber Team Match II - 5"
- Kimber EVO SP
- Kimber Evo
- Kimber Micro 380
- Kimber Micro 9
- Kimber Micro 9 (Laser Grip)
- Kimber Micro 9 Rapide - 3.15"
- Kimber Micro 9 STG
- Kimber Micro 380 Eclipse
- Kimber Micro 380 Two-Tone
- Kimber Solo Carry
- Kimber R7 Mako
- Kimber K6s - 2"
- Kimber K6s - 3"
- Kimber K6S DASA Target - 4"
- Kimber K6xs - 2"
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