Welcome aboard and congratulations on a fine pistol.
I prefer IWB with a Milt Sparks VM II, but there are MANY fine holstermakers out there and not all rigs fit everyone. Leather lined is the way to go for a blued steel 1911, IMHO. I don't much care for a suede lining and kydex will eat up a finish quicker than leather.
I don't mind a worn in look, but lack of a finish can only help corrosion. I've got enough problems with that here in Texas already. :bawling:

 

Here are a couple of holster makers I use: Tucker, Kirk Patrick, Galco, or
http://www.c5leather.com/ this guy does outstanding work and is very fairly priced. I prefer OWB lined, most , all quality of craftsmanship and design.....

Clyde

 

All holsters, whether kydex or leather (lined or unlined), will eventually wear the finish off the gun. Make enough draws and holstering and you'll have wear. If you don't want to wear the finish, don't put it in a holster.

 

I use the Serpa level 2. Reasonable price, very secure and very usable. Just depends what you are doing with the holster. Get one that feels right to you and you practice with until it is instinctive to use.

 

If your going to carry it often invest in a good holster, there's a lot of nice ones out there it's just finding what works for you.
John Ralston is one of our forum members makes some very nice stuff and may be worth a look. I have the CBS OWB and it's a very nice holster and for an IWB I've been thinking of getting an Uncle Lou from him also.
http://www.5shotleather.com/index.htm

Another forum member I've been planning on buying from is Rokey @ Pure Kustom Leather, you can do a search on here or go to his web site and find some fantastic stuff.
http://www.purekustomleather.com/

Also for some eye candy check this out also, it's the holster makers show case that just started at the top of this sub forum.
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=241236

 

What do you guys recommend?

I recommend that you first have your new pistol thoroughly "dehorned" (aka, "carry beveled") by a reputable pistolsmith. The many, essentially razor-sharp edges on pistols of that type will eat any leather holster alive.

IMO, the (only?) logical alternative is to buy cheap (i.e., disposable) holsters and be ready/willing to replace them as needed.

Then again, if you don't really plan to carry it much, the 'point' is moot. (No pun intended.)

-AC

 

CC Holsters.com Carl makes a very good "convertable" holster. You can wear it IWB or OWB. All Hand Made and nice. Reasonable and pretty fast turn around time. Great person to deal with.