[nchristie]

Good morning all.

I am looking for a holster suggestion / source.

Gun - 1911 4.25" barrel no rail (specifically, Dan Wesson Guardian or Valor).

Specifically:

• Paddle holster.
• Designed for or easily adjustable to crossdraw (I'm right handed, so I'll wear it at 10:30 ish)
• Back of the holster high enough against the body to prevent the safety / rear of the slide contacting my belly
• Leather holster.
• Leather paddle, retained by a "ridge" and not "hook(s)" and wide enough to stabilize the rig - so it's easy to don and remove
• Hold the firearm low enough that the center of gravity is as low as possible - preferably the lower edge of the belt

I've been looking and cannot find anything that meets those needs - closest I can see now is some imported eBay item that I'd rather stay away from. Decades ago, I had one that was close - maybe a Ken Null? - the paddle was rough-out leather and the retainer was a ridge of thick leather sewn horizontally on the paddle....but it's long gone (and was maybe for a Hi Power anyway).

Ideas? Suggestions? Any custom makers want to work with me on designing and making one?

THANKS in advance.

Neil

 

[jtq]

Leather paddle holsters are relatively rare, and I'm not sure any of them cover all your needs. I'll list the leather paddle holsters I'm aware of and let you decide if they meet your needs.

Kramer Paddle Gun Holsters

High Noon Leather Paddle Holsters - High Noon Holsters

Ted Blocker TRP (Tri-Paddle) Concealment Holster

Black Hills You searched for paddle - Black Hills Leather Store

Mernickle https://www.mernickleholsters.com/shop/search?keywords=paddle

Tucker Paddle Holster

Galco Product List

DeSantis DeSantis Holsters

 

[VF-1]

Personally, I don’t believe you will be pleased with a paddle holster (JMO). Paddle holsters tend to be a little sloppy on me. My recommendation would be a Milt Sparks Criterion with magnetic snaps for easy removal. You might find a gently used Criterion in the classifieds, but even if you order it - it’s well worth the wait. Best of luck!

 

[nchristie]

Leather paddle holsters are relatively rare, and I'm not sure any of them cover all your needs. I'll list the leather paddle holsters I'm aware of and let you decide if they meet your needs.

Kramer Paddle Gun Holsters

High Noon Leather Paddle Holsters - High Noon Holsters

Ted Blocker TRP (Tri-Paddle) Concealment Holster

Black Hills You searched for paddle - Black Hills Leather Store

Mernickle https://www.mernickleholsters.com/shop/search?keywords=paddle

Tucker Paddle Holster

Galco Product List

DeSantis DeSantis Holsters

Thanks -

KRAMER - not crossdraw, BUT I could re-configure it since the paddle is held on with two screws. Apparently.

HIGH NOON - Thumb safety exposed.

TED BLOCKER - not a crossdraw.

BLACK HILLS - Thumb safety exposed.

MERNICKLE - Thumb safety exposed? Not crossdraw.

TUCKER - hmmmm - looks like it could be crossdraw configured.....maybe....

GALCO - I have one of those now. The angle adjustability i useful - the small plastic paddle does not stabilize well. Thumb safety exposed.

DESANTIS - Top Cop 2.0 is a strong maybe. BUT - not shown as offered for 4 1/4" bbl.

THANKS for the suggestions - I'd not seen a couple of those....

 

[nchristie]

Personally, I don’t believe you will be pleased with a paddle holster (JMO). Paddle holsters tend to be a little sloppy on me. My recommendation would be a Milt Sparks Criterion with magnetic snaps for easy removal. You might find a gently used Criterion in the classifieds, but even if you order it - it’s well worth the wait. Best of luck!

I normally carry in a standard belt-slot crossdraw, with dual mags offside. The paddle is to wear when I'm driving to someplace where I will need to remove and secure the firearm before I go in - like, work - but I may want to have the gun on me when I stop for gas or to get coffee. So the key attribute is crossdraw and easily removed or donned, without un-looping 3/4 of my belt.

Thanks

 

[jtq]

The paddle is to wear when I'm driving to someplace where I will need to remove and secure the firearm before I go in - like, work

Andrews Custom Leather Carjacker Crossdraw Andrews Custom Leather - Carjacker Crossdraw

 

[jtq]

not a crossdraw.

I understand you may prefer muzzle forward cant for your cross draw use, but see Bill Wilson and Ken Hackathorn referencing the straight drop Nelson #1 Professional beginning at the 3:27 mark

 

[Trick1911]

I'm really happy with my N8 holster. Very comfortable.

The Professional IWB Holster (Inside The Waistband) | N8 Tactical

The Professional IWB Holster From N8 Tactical Concealed Carry Holster Is Comprised Of Firearm Specific Polycarbonate To Securely Hold Your Sig P365 Or Your 1911.

n8tactical.com

 

[jtq]

While not a paddle holster, Andrews has a cross draw Saddle Style Andrews Custom Leather - Saddle Style Holsters

they also have an easy on/easy off version of the Saddle Style known as the Wrapid. It is only shown in their Exotic catalog, but folks on the forum have shown pictures of their's in cowhide.

Andrews Leather Exotic Skins Catalog

Andrews Custom Leather - Fine Handmade Holsters

www.andrewsleather.com

Both the Wrapid and Saddle Style are available with sweat shields.

While I haven't seen a cross draw Wrapid, since it is essentially the same holster as the Saddle Style with just the easy on/easy off snaps, it may be worthwhile calling Andrews and asking. He could probably adjust the cant to whatever you want.

I've got to believe a snap on/snap off holster would be easier to put on and take off and more comfortable and secure than a paddle holster.

Edit to add: Andrews also shows a paddle holster in their Exotic catalog.

 

[SaltySixty6]

I have bought IWB leather and kydex holsters for the same pistol and decided that both was to my liking.

 

[nchristie]

Hi all

Thanks for the info

The Andrews "Carjacker crossdraw" looks like an excellent choice.

This "Cross Draw Driving" looks like a similar product.

Cross Draw Driving / Riding Leather Gun Holster [OTP-RL23S] : OldTradingPost.com Western Store is an industry leader in Old West and Modern Western Leather Products and Western Wear. OldTradingPost.com Leather Native American Frontier Buckskin Clothing, Buffalo Fur Coats, Clint Eastwood Poncho, Western Wear, Old West Clothing, Western Belt and Holster, Western Holsters, Old West Shoulder Holsters, Cartridge Belts, Rifle Scabbards from makers like Shady Brady Hats, Geier Gloves, Outback Trading Company, El Paso Saddlery, Oak Tree Farms Boots, Ross Gun Leather, Footwear by Footskins Deerskin Moccasins, Scully Leather Rangewear and Wah Maker, Whites Boots and much more., OldTradingPost.com Western Store

OldTradingPost.com Western Store is an industry leader in Old West and Modern Western Leather Products and Western Wear. OldTradingPost.com Leather Native American Frontier Buckskin Clothing, Buffalo Fur Coats, Clint Eastwood Poncho, Western Wear, Old West Clothing, Western Belt and Holster...

www.oldtradingpost.com

 

[jtq]

Mitch Rosen has the CCR, but I don't know how it attaches to the belt, so I didn't recommend it earlier. It may not be an easy on/easy off holster.

On the Belt Holsters

mitchrosen.com

 

[vortec]

Give Nelson Holsters a call. He worked with me to design a low ride holster that was ideal for me. Reasonable prices and timely service.

Nelson holsters

 

[xtrtsqrt11]

Have you looked at Garrity's Gunleather?

Garrity's Gunleather - Exquisite Hand-Crafted Holsters

Garrity's Gunleather - Custom handcrafted holsters in the finest leather and exotic skins, combining artistry and experience for unique designs that work in the real world.

www.garritysgunleather.com

I don't actually have any experience with his products, but I have been tempted to try out his adjustable paddle...