Armed Polite Society

Main Forums => The Roundtable => Topic started by: Ron on March 09, 2021, 04:42:23 PM

Title: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Ron on March 09, 2021, 04:42:23 PM
Looking for an OWB carry holster that is slim with good retention.

Leather would be nice but if the best option is kydex then I'm open to plastic.

All of my gun sport time was with plastic, I just thought a leather carry holster would be nice.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Jim147 on March 09, 2021, 04:50:56 PM
I have mine in a Don Hume First Agent. No extra retention. Very comfortable and easy use. I'll look and see if I can find something similar with retention.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Ben on March 09, 2021, 05:36:31 PM
I have a Milt Sparks 55BN for my commander size S&W1911. It is the bomb. I have been moving to plastic for a lot of my guns, but the 1911 still gets mostly carried in this holster. Great retention, great draw.

I find it to be very slim OWB carry. OWB is my favorite carry method for both comfort and draw, and this holster carries almost like IWB from the concealment perspective. Milt Sparks has a really long lead time, but this one was worth it to me.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Fly320s on March 09, 2021, 05:37:49 PM
Looking for an OWB carry holster that is slim with good retention.

Leather would be nice but if the best option is kydex then I'm open to plastic.

All of my gun sport time was with plastic, I just thought a leather carry holster would be nice.

Leather holsters with retention are rare, except for thumb break holsters.   You may be able to get a leather-clad holster that has metal or kydex in it if you want the leather look and better retention.  Look to Bianchi for the first option and Safariland for the second option.

I'm curious why you want retention.  For open carry? For working around your property and you don't want the gun to fall out?  Just because?
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Ben on March 09, 2021, 05:41:36 PM
When I mentioned retention on the 55BN, I was referring to friction retention. It doesn't have a snap or anything.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: T.O.M. on March 09, 2021, 06:40:31 PM
If I remember correctly,  Ben is a southpaw, so that might limit some options.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Ben on March 09, 2021, 06:52:03 PM
If I remember correctly,  Ben is a southpaw, so that might limit some options.

Well, I got mine. It's Ron who's lookin'.   =)
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Lennyjoe on March 09, 2021, 08:04:34 PM
My Kimber Pro Carry gets leather.  Desantis is my choice.  I carry cocked with safety off so I like the Thumb break Scabbard for it.

https://www.desantisholster.com/thumbbreak-scabbard-c-l/
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Ron on March 09, 2021, 08:30:30 PM

I'm curious why you want retention.  For open carry? For working around your property and you don't want the gun to fall out?  Just because?

Both of those and also potentially on day hikes.

Good friction retention is fine, not looking for a thumb break.

Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Ron on March 09, 2021, 08:36:24 PM
My Kimber Pro Carry gets leather.  Desantis is my choice.  I carry cocked with safety off so I like the Thumb break Scabbard for it.

https://www.desantisholster.com/thumbbreak-scabbard-c-l/

I would have to break years of muscle memory to switch to a thumbreak holster. That's a beautiful holster though.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Hawkmoon on March 10, 2021, 01:30:39 AM
My preference has been Horseshoe Leather. Unfortunately, the owner of the company is ill and by now probably isn't taking new orders. There was a long lead time even when he was healthy.

Since that's not likely an option, my fall-back source is Don Hume Leather. I have two or three Don Hume holsters, as does a good friend of mine. We're both very happy with them. FWIW, you can buy Dun Hume holsters cheaper from Gunners' Alley than you can from Don Hume.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Jim147 on March 10, 2021, 07:11:24 AM
If friction is fine I would go with a Don Hume any day.

The only problem I ever had was with my Springfield XD. The ambi mag release is not covered and the tractor seat ejected the mag once.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Kingcreek on March 10, 2021, 07:27:51 AM
A good leather holster can offer tons of friction retention. Mine is horsehide with elephant trim and was so tight it took weeks before I could draw gun without giving myself a wedgie.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Jim147 on March 10, 2021, 07:38:14 AM
A good leather holster can offer tons of friction retention. Mine is horsehide with elephant trim and was so tight it took weeks before I could draw gun without giving myself a wedgie.

It might be the no sleep but that cracked me up.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Fly320s on March 10, 2021, 07:58:31 AM
Both of those and also potentially on day hikes.

Good friction retention is fine, not looking for a thumb break.

In that case, I second Ben's recommendation for Milt Sparks.  Great holsters.   

Other people mentioned Don Hume and Desantis.  Also good choices.  I think Wilson Combat still makes holsters, too.  I have a OWB Wilson that is good to go.

Yep.... https://shopwilsoncombat.com/Commander-_-Compact/products/722/
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: cordex on March 10, 2021, 08:26:15 AM
I got a used Wilson Combat holster with a pistol.  The holster mouth was unreinforced and buckled slightly in such a manner that it could have caught the trigger when holstering.  I cut that holster up for scrap leather to prevent any risk of an accident.

Because of that I always choose holsters with reinforcement for the mouth and regularly check leather holsters for signs that they are breaking down.

And also carry with Kydex more often.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: MechAg94 on March 10, 2021, 08:35:50 AM
I have a Dan Wesson ECP.  I currently have a De Santis, but I am always looking for a better holster.  I will have to look them up.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Grandpa Shooter on March 10, 2021, 10:36:30 AM
I have a Fobus holster for any of the side arms I carry.  That is usually the first thing I do when and if I buy something new.  I even have Fobus for my revolvers.  The paddle style fits my hip nicely and the gun takes a strong pull at just the right angle to draw.  The newer ones are adjustable for cant and retention strength.  I highly recommend them to new gun owners.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Kingcreek on March 10, 2021, 10:37:56 AM
Mine is from 5 shot leather by Larry Ralston. Very nice holster and spare mag holder.
Took forever to break in. Had to leave the gun in it for weeks. It's great now.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: RoadKingLarry on March 10, 2021, 11:15:42 AM
I picked up one of these for my Kimber Aegis Elite Pro.
Haven't carried it much yet but when I have I like the fit, and angle and retention hasn't been an issue.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/957137380?pid=668243 (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/957137380?pid=668243)
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Phantom Warrior on March 11, 2021, 10:38:07 PM
I have a Fobus holster for any of the side arms I carry.  That is usually the first thing I do when and if I buy something new.  I even have Fobus for my revolvers.  The paddle style fits my hip nicely and the gun takes a strong pull at just the right angle to draw.  The newer ones are adjustable for cant and retention strength.  I highly recommend them to new gun owners.

This, for all these reasons.  And for $30 you can afford to not like it.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: MechAg94 on March 12, 2021, 08:54:56 AM
I think I have had similar holsters to the Fobus.  Not sure if I ever had theirs.  At the least, it looks like a decent general purpose holster for the guns I don't conceal carry.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Ron on March 12, 2021, 10:44:44 AM
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm still undecided.

A lot has to do with budget and how long I'm willing to wait.

I have a Wilson Combat Summer Special II and I just don't find it comfortable to wear around doing normal stuff. I'm hoping OTW is going to be more comfy with a "heavy" gun. 
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Ben on March 12, 2021, 01:28:59 PM
I'm hoping OTW is going to be more comfy with a "heavy" gun.

I can guarantee you that, as long as the holster has a design that cinches it up nice and tight to your waist. Belt slots seem to do that better than clips and whatnot. I have a couple of holster I don't use anymore because the way they attach to my belt makes them stick out too far.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: charby on March 12, 2021, 02:26:19 PM
Before I lost all my firearms in a tragic sailboat accident, I like to owb snub nosed revolvers and compact semi autos in leather pancake holsters. Not sure how that would work with a service sized handgun.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Ben on March 12, 2021, 02:37:30 PM
Before I lost all my firearms in a tragic sailboat accident, I like to owb snub nosed revolvers and compact semi autos in leather pancake holsters. Not sure how that would work with a service sized handgun.

I have to say that as much as I love my 55BN for 1911s, I also really like this style holster for absolute "thinness" under an untucked tshirt or whatever:

(https://www.crossbreedholsters.com/media/catalog/product/cache/5e93f0ea6f358c912e6ce7c1dfff6087/s/n/snapslide_blackcow_wg_1536x1100.webp)

I have one from Crossbreed. The one negative for me is that the gun barrel on a full or commander size sticks out a ways, so it can bang around on stuff. Zero problems when just out and about, but I've tried wearing it doing farmwork and the exposed barrel always seems to be smacking on something. for that kind of stuff I prefer a full holster.

Even thinner than the above are the Yaqui slides.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Perd Hapley on March 12, 2021, 11:21:15 PM
I'm hoping OTW is going to be more comfy with a "heavy" gun.


I found that to be very true with the 1911, when I transitioned from I to O. Having the belt close around the waist meant it supported the holster much, much better. I use an El Paso tortilla.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Ben on March 13, 2021, 07:59:57 AM

I use an El Paso tortilla.

(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.c5WBIIL9Ug0jf5TKUNSmhwHaHa%26pid%3DApi&f=1)
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: castle key on March 13, 2021, 01:18:59 PM
Having carried firearms as a police officer for more than three decades, I have pretty strong opinions.

A good holster is perhaps the most important safety item.

I like leather, OWB, thumb break, leather over trigger, and specific for the gun (not a leather bag).

A holster seems like a place to save a few dollars, but that's a bad choice.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: MechAg94 on March 13, 2021, 02:22:44 PM

I found that to be very true with the 1911, when I transitioned from I to O. Having the belt close around the waist meant it supported the holster much, much better. I use an El Paso tortilla.
That holster does look pretty good.  I don't typically use a thumb break carrying concealed, but it has the leather backing to keep it off my skin.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Fly320s on March 13, 2021, 03:39:56 PM
(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.c5WBIIL9Ug0jf5TKUNSmhwHaHa%26pid%3DApi&f=1)

You're from California.  You don't eat that crap.  Are those even allowed to be sold in CA?
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Ben on March 13, 2021, 04:18:36 PM
You're from California.  You don't eat that crap.  Are those even allowed to be sold in CA?

Ha ha - I don't think I ever even saw them in a store there. Even the chains sold the local ones from Santa Barbara.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Ron on April 05, 2021, 04:15:06 PM
Sooo, I'm perusing the net checking out the recommended holsters in this thread and I'm struck with a sudden realization while looking at the Galco.

I'm pretty sure I already own this holster.

I finally got around to digging around through all my stuff and low and behold I found the holster along with matching double mag pouch.

Some twenty years ago or so I bought this holster then not long afterward started playing gun games. I bought a kydex holster with no cant for combat shooting and never even used the Galco. It's for all practical purposes brand new.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: RoadKingLarry on April 05, 2021, 10:53:09 PM
Put some leather conditioner on it and give it a go.

It's like Christmas when you find something you forgot you had. I've been cleaning out my shop so I can make room to do a little wood working again and the stuff I've found buried on my workbenches amazes me.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Ron on April 06, 2021, 11:39:54 AM
The holster is black and so is the gun belt I used to use.

Apparently the gun belt I used to use shrank over the years and I won't be able to use it any longer.

I don't really wear anything a black belt would be best with, I nearly always wear a brown belt.

Is it a fashion faux pas to wear a black holster with a brown belt?  :rofl:

Theoretically nobody will see, it will be concealed.

Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Ron on April 06, 2021, 11:40:55 AM
ooops
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Fly320s on April 06, 2021, 11:43:02 AM
Yes, wear black and brown together.  If anyones criticizes you, call them a racist and yell Brown Belts Matter!
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: Ron on April 06, 2021, 11:45:15 AM
Yes, wear black and brown together.  If anyones criticizes you, call them a racist and yell Brown Belts Matter!

It is the less expensive option.

All gun belts matter.
Title: Re: OWB holster for Colt Commander
Post by: cordex on April 06, 2021, 12:32:22 PM
Apparently the gun belt I used to use shrank over the years and I won't be able to use it any longer.
Man, don't you hate it when belts just up and shrink?