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OWB Holsters for Springfield EMP
How To Choose The Best OWB Holster For Your Springfield 1911 EMP 4 Inch
When you're shopping for a new OWB holster for you.Springfield 1911 EMP 4 Inch, 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 Inch 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 Inch 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 Inch.
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 Inch rides and draws—especially important if you carry daily or train regularly.Check out other holster carry styles
Be sure to check out what other carry styles we have:
IWB Holsters
OWB Holsters
Choosing the best OWB holster for your Springfield 1911 EMP 4 Inch 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 Springfield 1911 EMP 4 Inch 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.
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.
Need a Holster for Another Springfield?
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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