I have a Springfield 1911 5" and want to find a nice conceal carry in the waistband holster. Prefer something comfortable and that will ride somewhat low for better concealment. Something that will cause minimal holster wear.

I have taken my CHL class and sent all my paperwork in to Austin. Have never carried before so looking for any help or suggestions please. Pictures/Links would be nice as well.

Thanks

Crossbreed Supertuck made of horsehide. Crossbreed link Put some baby oil on the leather when you first receive it, and then occasionally. It will mold to your body shape within a couple of weeks and become very comfortable. Anti-skid tape on the outside of the kydex will help keep it from slipping on the draw. With and without the pistol pics are below.

As for wear, if it is really carried, wear will happen, as will sweat, sand, knicks and scuffs from bumping, seat belts, and the knocks of life. It's going to look like it is carried and not a safe queen.

Also, wear a stiff belt.

As for other suggestions, take a defensive pistol class. The course offered by Tac Pro is very well worth the money to increase proficiency, and understanding of what to do, and what not to do.
Tac Pro link

Jeffbird, I couldn't have asked for a better reply. Thank you for the depth you went into and links/pictures you provided. All great information!

Crossbreed x2! I love mine and wear it almost every day I'm not working.

You're welcome.

I can't get as fancy with pictures which I have to say are wonderful, but I use two different holster to Conceal Carry a 4" Kimber, the main one is a Wilson Combat IWB holster, it is small, comfortable to carry with and easily concealed with a t-shirt. One thing that I like is that it has two snaps that make it removable without taking the belt off, I use that when I am going in somewhere that doesn't allow carrying for an extended time. The customer service is awesome also, I did have one snap break and I contacted Wilson Combat and the exchange was quick and easy. I also use a Galco Leather Miami Shoulder holster when I am riding my motorcycle, it is very comfortable and easily concealable. The holster is molded for the 1911 frame and it fits perfectly. There are many holsters and I have also heard great things about the Cross Breed, just never got one. My experience is that quality costs money, if you buy a cheap anything it is usually cheap.

I use this one primarily and have several others
works well with steel 5" 1911s as well

get a GOOD gun belt
the support they supply make a huge difference

You don't have to spend a ton on a custom leather belt
I have a Wilson Combat leather one and a 511 tactical with a stiffener in it, that was like 35 bucks

Both work a LOT better than a regular belt

http://tacticalgunreview.com/2011/08/09/secret-city-weaponry-isotopes-leather-1911-holster/

Jeffbird, I had not thought about the anti-skid tape on the outside of the Kydex. Marvelous idea! Doing that to mine right now!

My Crossbreed looks about as worn as yours. I bought holster after holster after holster until I ordered a Crossbreed.... Last holster I'll buy(until it wears out and then I'll get another).

Thanks to everyone for all the information. Glad I asked before I went out and bought a cheap one I wouldn't like.

After reading this thread myself I am looking into the Crossbreed holsters, I am always looking for a new and better way to carry. I just want to ask the Crossbreed guys how the holster are when riding in a vehicle, is there much discomfort? I expect a little discomfort, but it is minimal with my Wilson Combat.

I had a Wilson holster and think the Crossbreed is more comfortable as it better covers the grip, and pistol profile than the Wilson. Having said that, if it is a longer ride, say over 30 minutes, I usually will take it off and keep it in the console and then put it back on when I arrive.

to the OP,

the articles on this link might be helpful to you if you are new to the 1911, especially the user's guide article:

10-8 Hilton Yam 1911 link

Thanks jeffbird, that was a good read. I appreciate the information you are providing.

I have a Galco SOB (small of the back) for mine...hides well under a coat, which is the only time I would mess with carrying a 1911.

When I got my CHL, I think all I had was a 1911. I have since gravitated to smaller and smaller pistols that I can just drop in a pocket. I carry a .380 (LCP) now though I am waiting for a good quality tiny 9mm to come out....maybe the Sig p938 if they make one with a steel frame.

Still love shooting the 1911 though.

I own a cross breed my self. I also carry a full size 1911. I will be trying one of these as well.

http://www.nm-holsters.com/products

I've been extremly happy with every one of the holsters I've ordered from DM Bullard in Texas. He's West of Fort Worth and is at a lot of the gun shows.

http://dmbullardleather.com/

I especially like his Dual Carry. It's all leather, wet molded, and tough as nails. They come already pre-curved a lot so they fit your body perfectly, right out of the box. I'm actually wearing my Dual Carry right now with a Kahr CW9 in it. I forget its on me most of the time and I've never had it come loose or try to move. Stable, secure, safe, and extremely comfortable.

If you go to the first page of his website and click on his online store they have an extensive collection of holsters "in-stock" right now. He always has a lot of 1911 holsters in different styles. I've never waited after ordering from his "in-stock" items more than 3 days. I recieved my current holster on the second day after ordering.

If you order a fully custom holster it can take 16-18 weeks I've heard. Well worth the wait, although I've never done that myself.

I've also had a few pocket holsters from him and they were awesome.

I'm not affiliated with them at all, but cannot say enough good things about them, their hosters, and their service.

Remember, go to his online store, then click on in-stock items. I checked today and he has over 304 various types that are ready to ship.

Great guys.

Milt Sparks, either Summer Special or VM2. You can get the SS at Brownells. Milt Sparks Summer Special

Most IWB comfortable holster I've ever worn. Read the reviews...

Thanks everybody for all the useful information. At the moment I choose to go with a cheaper "crossbreed" that will arrive in a couple days. If I like the feel I will custom order a true crossbreed holster and spend the extra money. Plus I will have to wait about 6 weeks for it to deliver.

Again, thanks everybody.

Crossbreed