Holster Query - The Firearms Forum

kilogulf59 · 03-07-2009, 09:52 AM

OK folks I need opinions preferably from actual owners of these holsters. I recently dusted off my old Government Model MKIV Series 70 and need a holster for it.

I am down to two models currently. One is the Bianchi Minimalist and the other is a Don Hume Open Top Belt Holster H721 OT.

The Minimalist appears to allow the pistol to ride a bit lower, a good thing IMO but, being open bottomed, I am afraid of abusing the exposed portion of my pistol. Also of the pistol being pushed up while I’m seated.

The Hume H721 OT appears to be a bit higher of a ride but it is enclosed to protect the pistol.

Do any of you have experience with either of these two holsters and a 1911? How the lining? What about retention? Assistance is much appreciated – Thank you.

Pistolenschutze · 03-07-2009, 10:11 AM

I did try the Minimalist once, kilo, with a Glock, and found that I didn't like it worth beans, primarily for the reasons you cite. For one thing, if you are carrying concealed, and the pistol barrel happens to poke out from under your shirt or jacket inadvertently when you bend over, some Little Old Lady from Pasadena might have a coronary.

If the barrel is fully covered, at least it might be taken as a cell phone case or the like, rather than a gun holster. Personally, I like a holster to ride high rather than low because it is generally more comfortable and gives better concealment, but that is strictly a matter of personal preference.

kilogulf59 · 03-07-2009, 03:03 PM

Thank PS I agree. The Minimalist might be OK for a snub nose or short auto but not a full size .45.

So far it's lookin' like the DH for the .45...as soon as I get the $$$...LOL

tex45acp · 06-11-2009, 03:47 PM

I cannot see the 721 being any better for the 5" 1911. I have one for my Ruger SP-101 with a 2" barrel and it is perfect for that gun, but I would have to say no for the big 45.

kilogulf59 · 06-12-2009, 08:44 AM

"but I would have to say no for the big 45."

Can you elaborate?

Shooter45 · 06-12-2009, 04:04 PM

To date, the most comfortable holster I've worn is the Lo-Profile from www.wilsoncombat.com

The Lo-Profile® holster is designed for the person that carries all day long and demands maximum comfort and concealability. This holster's pancake style design actually conforms to the shape of the waist, blending its lines to those of the person wearing it. This feature has obvious benefits for concealment, but also helps the holster feel more comfortable with less likelihood of it hanging up on objects or shifting position.

The two-belt slot design positions the holster with a slight forward cant while providing incredible stability. This carry position offers maximum comfort and concealability while allowing a very smooth draw from just about any position. The low-cut front will have you clearing leather just above the belt line. A custom-formed safety guard is incorporated in this design to protect the thumb safety and your clothing during carry. Bill Wilson says: "It's one of the most comfortable holsters I've ever worn." Meets I.D.P.A. criteria.

Only Available For: All 1911-style single-stack pistols with 3 1/4" - 5" barrels

carver · 06-12-2009, 08:39 PM

I carry a .45, and it's a heavy gun, don't want any more weight hanging from my belt than necessary. While I don't use the Minimalist, I do use a Yaqui style holster. My gun doesn't hang up on things, and I have no problem bending over and exposing the gun. To each his own.

tex45acp · 06-15-2009, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kilogulf59

"but I would have to say no for the big 45."

Can you elaborate?

My problem is the length. The big 5" gun, with the slots positioned for such low carry, means you have to wear a long cover garment to keep the bottom of the holster/muzzle from peeking out. This is true with just about any holster and the ones that don't cover the slide/muzzle can even be worse. I know that there are those, more than likely some here, that carry the 5" 1911 that way, and I do not want to offend anyone that does. Actually, I appluad them for their efforts. I have however seen quite a few 1911 muzzles/holsters peeking out from underneath cover garments. This could be because I am a bit more aware than non-carrying public, but I watch the LEO's as well and they also notice and sometime make the person carrying aware they are showing.

Carrying a 5" 1911 can be done with a holster that mounts the gun higher above the belt or IWB style carry. There are several holster makers out there that specialize in that type of high mount carry. Don Hume may have a holster that mounts the gun higher above the belt, but the 721 OT's, that I have seen do not.

tex45acp

kilogulf59 · 06-15-2009, 09:38 AM

OK, thanks that could be an issue but I prefer a lower ride holster. I'll have to think about this and thank you again.

03-07-2009, 09:52 AM	#1
kilogulf59 Former Guest Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 177	Holster Query OK folks I need opinions preferably from actual owners of these holsters. I recently dusted off my old Government Model MKIV Series 70 and need a holster for it. I am down to two models currently. One is the Bianchi Minimalist and the other is a Don Hume Open Top Belt Holster H721 OT. The Minimalist appears to allow the pistol to ride a bit lower, a good thing IMO but, being open bottomed, I am afraid of abusing the exposed portion of my pistol. Also of the pistol being pushed up while I’m seated. The Hume H721 OT appears to be a bit higher of a ride but it is enclosed to protect the pistol. Do any of you have experience with either of these two holsters and a 1911? How the lining? What about retention? Assistance is much appreciated – Thank you. -->

03-07-2009, 10:11 AM	#2
Pistolenschutze Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 13,094	Re: Holster Query I did try the Minimalist once, kilo, with a Glock, and found that I didn't like it worth beans, primarily for the reasons you cite. For one thing, if you are carrying concealed, and the pistol barrel happens to poke out from under your shirt or jacket inadvertently when you bend over, some Little Old Lady from Pasadena might have a coronary. If the barrel is fully covered, at least it might be taken as a cell phone case or the like, rather than a gun holster. Personally, I like a holster to ride high rather than low because it is generally more comfortable and gives better concealment, but that is strictly a matter of personal preference. __________________ --Pistolenschutze (Pistol Shooter)

03-07-2009, 03:03 PM	#3
kilogulf59 Former Guest Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 177	Re: Holster Query Thank PS I agree. The Minimalist might be OK for a snub nose or short auto but not a full size .45. So far it's lookin' like the DH for the .45...as soon as I get the $$$...LOL

06-11-2009, 03:47 PM	#4
tex45acp V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: The Great State of Texas Posts: 190	Re: Holster Query I cannot see the 721 being any better for the 5" 1911. I have one for my Ruger SP-101 with a 2" barrel and it is perfect for that gun, but I would have to say no for the big 45. __________________ *The only thing needed for evil to exist......is for good men to stand by and do nothing!!!*

06-12-2009, 08:44 AM	#5
kilogulf59 Former Guest Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 177	Re: Holster Query "but I would have to say no for the big 45." Can you elaborate?

06-12-2009, 04:04 PM	#6
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,790	Re: Holster Query To date, the most comfortable holster I've worn is the Lo-Profile from www.wilsoncombat.com The Lo-Profile® holster is designed for the person that carries all day long and demands maximum comfort and concealability. This holster's pancake style design actually conforms to the shape of the waist, blending its lines to those of the person wearing it. This feature has obvious benefits for concealment, but also helps the holster feel more comfortable with less likelihood of it hanging up on objects or shifting position. The two-belt slot design positions the holster with a slight forward cant while providing incredible stability. This carry position offers maximum comfort and concealability while allowing a very smooth draw from just about any position. The low-cut front will have you clearing leather just above the belt line. A custom-formed safety guard is incorporated in this design to protect the thumb safety and your clothing during carry. Bill Wilson says: "It's one of the most comfortable holsters I've ever worn." Meets I.D.P.A. criteria. Only Available For: All 1911-style single-stack pistols with 3 1/4" - 5" barrels

06-12-2009, 08:39 PM	#7
carver TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DAV, Deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, just west of Shreveport, LA Contributor Posts: 11,554	Re: Holster Query I carry a .45, and it's a heavy gun, don't want any more weight hanging from my belt than necessary. While I don't use the Minimalist, I do use a Yaqui style holster. My gun doesn't hang up on things, and I have no problem bending over and exposing the gun. To each his own. Attached Images __________________ Y'all be safe now, ya hear! Lamentations Chapter 5: 1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. 3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows. 5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest. 16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! 21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.

06-15-2009, 09:38 AM	#9
kilogulf59 Former Guest Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 177	Re: Holster Query OK, thanks that could be an issue but I prefer a lower ride holster. I'll have to think about this and thank you again.