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OWB Holsters for Springfield EMP

How To Choose The Best OWB Holster For Your Springfield 1911 EMP - 4"

When you're shopping for a new OWB holster for you.Springfield 1911 EMP - 4", knowing exactly what you want matters. If you've narrowed it down to a OWB 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 an OWB Holster?

OWB (Outside the Waistband) holsters are a top choice for open carry, range use, and everyday carry when concealment isn’t your highest priority. If you're looking for comfort, accessibility, and all-day stability, an OWB holster for your  Springfield 1911 EMP - 4" is hard to beat.

    Maximum Comfort

    Since OWB holsters sit outside your waistband, they avoid the friction and pressure that can come with inside-the-waistband models—making them ideal for extended wear.

      Fast and Natural Draw

      OWB holsters typically allow for a quicker, more intuitive draw, especially in high-stress situations. Perfect for open carry or range practice.

        Secure Weapon Retention

        With solid belt attachment points and molded shapes, OWB holsters provide excellent stability and prevent shifting or bouncing during movement.

          Better Weight Distribution

          A properly fitted OWB holster spreads the weight of your  Springfield 1911 EMP - 4" evenly across your belt, reducing strain on your lower back or hips.

            Open or Concealed Carry Flexibility

            While traditionally used for open carry, many OWB holsters—when paired with a jacket or longer shirt—can still offer decent concealment.

            Whether you're carrying on duty, at the range, or during outdoor activities, an OWB holster gives you control, comfort, and quick access to your  Springfield 1911 EMP - 4".

            How to Choose the Right OWB Holster for Your Body and Draw Style

            Finding the best OWB holster depends on how it fits your body type and preferred carry position.

              Body Type Fit

              Larger carriers may prefer lower-riding OWB holsters that keep the grip closer to the torso, while slim builds might look for higher ride designs to aid in concealment. Looking for the best OWB holster for fat guys? Go for models with strong belt loops and broad platforms for stability.

                Carry Position

                Most OWB holsters are worn at the 3–5 o’clock position on your dominant side. For tactical or duty use, some prefer a slightly forward cant or even a drop-leg style.

                  Left or Right Handed?

                  Be sure to choose an OWB holster made for your dominant hand. Many OWB models are available in left- or right-hand configurations, and some allow cant adjustments to suit your draw angle.

                  Retention & Ride Height

                  Adjustable retention screws, ride height options, and belt slot angles help you fine-tune how your  Springfield 1911 EMP - 4" rides and draws—especially important if you carry daily or train regularly.

                  Choosing the best OWB   holster for your Springfield 1911 EMP - 4" 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.

                  Holsters for Springfield 1911 EMP - 4" reviews

                  4.0
                  3 reviews

                  Latest reviews

                  Alfonso G.

                  Overall the pistol fits just a small amount of play when carrying cock and lock. In time it will adjust. Great holster. My 3rd one.

                  10/16/2024 United States

                  Doug A

                  Working off of the promise of a custom fit for my particular pistol (a 1911A1) as well as a money-back guarantee, I purchased a leather holster for my Springfield Armory EMP 9mm. $97 and about three weeks later, the holster arrived. The holster fit the pistol very nicely, the leather seems to be of quality grade with decent stitching, and it provided a comfortable cant from the two belt loops. It would have been nice to have the interior lined with a softer material, but the fit is satisfactory and it wears very comfortably on my belt. The problem came with the cut of the thumb strap. Every time I closed the thumb strap around the top of the pistol, the tag end of the strap crushed the safety lever to the off position. This is a serious safety issue with a 1911 design. Nothing prevented this, no matter how carefully I put the snap on. I contacted the seller, who told me I should have stated the cut of the thumb strap was for a cocked-and-locked 1911 when I ordered the holster. When I tried to close the strap over the hammer in the down position, it didn't even come close to snapping shut, so I call bull on this excuse. A holster promising a custom fit to the pistol for this kind of money should not be offering any excuses, never mind trying to tell me something that's not true. I pointed this out and they offered to take the holster back...for a 25% "re-stocking fee". So much for their money-back guarantee. They also wanted a bunch of photos of the pistol in and out of the holster. My final fix? I trimmed the excess leather from around the snap at the tag end of the thumb strap myself and it now snaps shut without touching the safety lever on the pistol. All they had to do was offer to fix it with another holster or just refund 100% of my money and I would have been satisfied with their customer service at least. I like the holster but despite their advertising claims, what I got wasn't a truly custom fit and the money-back guarantee isn't 100%. Minus one star for the poor fit on the thumb strap, minus one more for the song and dance I got from customer service. Otherwise, a nice holster.

                  01/10/2023 United States

                  Don

                  Looks great and works great with minimal breakin

                  12/07/2022 United States

                  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

                  Best Light / Laser Bearing Holsters

                  Light bearing holsters are built for shooters who need secure carry without giving up their weapon-mounted light or laser. Our selection of light bearing holsters is designed to fit popular attachments from Streamlight, SureFire, Olight, Holosun, Viridian, SIG Sauer, Inforce, Nightstick, and more, while still delivering reliable retention, comfort, and everyday practicality across multiple carry styles.

                  Holosun PID Holsters
                  Holosun PID Plus Holsters
                  Inforce Wild 1 Holsters
                  Inforce Wild 2 Holsters
                  Laser Max Ruger LCP Only Holsters
                  Nightstick TCM 550XL 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 Holsters
                  Olight PL-Mini Holsters
                  Olight PL-Pro Valkyrie Holsters
                  Olight PL-Turbo Valkyrie Holsters
                  Olight PL-3 R Holsters
                  SIG Sauer Foxtrot 365 XR Holsters
                  SIG Sauer Foxtrot 1X Holsters
                  SIG Sauer Foxtrot 2 Holsters
                  Streamlight TLR-6 Holsters
                  Streamlight TLR-8 Sub SIG Holsters
                  Streamlight TLR-8 Holsters
                  Streamlight TLR-1 HL Holsters
                  Streamlight TLR-1 HL-X Holsters
                  Streamlight TLR-2 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 TLR-1 Holsters
                  Streamlight TLR-7 Holsters
                  Streamlight TLR-9 Holsters
                  SureFire X300U Holsters
                  SureFire X300U-A Holsters
                  SureFire X300U-B Holsters
                  SureFire X4000U Holsters
                  SureFire XSC Holsters
                  Viridian C5L Holsters
                  Viridian E Series FDE for Hellcat Holsters

                  If you prefer traditional carry without a weapon-mounted light or laser, you can explore our most popular classic holster styles. These include proven carry options such as shoulder leather holsters, OWB and IWB holsters, chest holsters, paddle holsters, cross draw holsters, pocket holsters, duty holsters, and other concealed carry designs. Each style offers a different balance of accessibility, concealment, and comfort, allowing shooters to choose the carry method that best fits their firearm, daily routine, and personal preference.


                  Shoulder Leather Holsters
                  Shoulder Nylon Holsters
                  OWB Leather Holsters
                  OWB Kydex Holsters
                  Chest Leather Holsters
                  Chest Nylon Holsters
                  IWB Leather Holsters
                  IWB Kydex Holsters
                  Concealed Carry Leather Holsters
                  Concealed Carry Kydex Holsters
                  Drop Leg Kydex Holsters
                  Paddle Leather Holsters
                  Paddle Kydex Holsters
                  Cross Draw Leather Holsters
                  Pocket Leather Holsters
                  Duty Leather Holsters
                  Duty Kydex Holsters

                  SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE