Should You Get a Kydex or Leather Holster for Your Colt 1911 Original?

Congratulations, you’ve just become the proud owner of a Colt 1911 original. These are among the most famous handguns in history, certainly one of the more popular American handguns of all time, and are infamous for their build quality, general durability, shooter friendliness, reliability, and longevity.

If you intend to carry yours, you need to ask yourself a serious question: how do you intend to carry, and should you get a Kydex or leather holster for your 1911?

This short post should break down some of those details.

Leather Holsters for Your Colt 1911 Original

Leather is the classic option for a 1911 holster, and even though it might be considered dated by comparison to modern thermoplastic resins like Kydex, leather still offers a lot of value.

For one, the main difference between leather and Kydex 1911 holsters is how they contact the gun. Usually a Kydex holster will only offer a friction fit; leather holsters sometimes offer a friction fit, but they also sometimes offer secondary or tertiary retention in the form of locks, straps, and snaps. Some completely cover the pistol except for the butt and magazine well, fully enclosing the gun and upholding a high standard of safety.  

Leather holsters require a break in period, but though they can be waxed pretty stiff, they usually soften up with time and become quite supple. For this reason, most people consider leather holsters to be considerably more comfortable than thermoplastic holsters like Kydex or nylon. 

Over time, leather will become more comfortable, too, and aesthetically, it will improve as it develops a patina that will be as unique as a fingerprint.

Lastly, if you like classic style, there is no comparison for a leather 1911 holster. Some of the older leather 1911 holsters we sell here are without equal in terms of character, class and style. Of course, some of these models are also historically significant as well.

However, with leather 1911 holsters it should also be noted that they’re going to require a lot more maintenance. They should be periodically oiled in order to prevent them from warping, cracking, or if made from genuine leather, from delaminating.  

Leather is also finicky about water and moisture absorption can result in warping and cracking. Leaving a Colt 1911 original inside a leather holster for a prolonged period of time is also inadvisable because it can accelerate rust.

Kydex 1911 Holsters

By contrast to leather holsters, Kydex holsters (and similar plastic options, like nylon) typically only offer a friction fit, although there are locking thermoplastic holsters. As a result, more of the gun is usually exposed, which can make these types of holsters ideal for fast access, or as “quick draw” holsters.

Another nice thing about Kydex holsters is that there is no break in period. As soon as you get the holster it will afford a custom-like fit for the gun. At the same time, because Kydex is not a natural material, it is not prone to the same issues of swelling, warping, cracking or rotting that leather is, and requires no routine maintenance to keep it serviceable.

The flipside of this is that Kydex holsters will not get more comfortable with time, and in fact, one of the main gripes associated with them is that they are not comfortable to begin with. Some have sharp angles and corners that some who practice concealed carry find to be somewhat uncomfortable.

One other potential drawback associated with Kydex holsters, and other plastic holsters that utilize a friction fit, is that they can incur accelerated wear to the gun’s finish.  

Kydex is also every bit as durable as leather, and will afford protection as good if not better to your gun. On top of that, many find that reholstering with a Kydex holster is easier and safer than it is with leather. 

Kydex holsters also offer consistent retention, are easy to clean, and will not be damaged by water, weather, or the elements. This makes them a lot easier to own and use than leather holsters, which have much more stringent maintenance requirements.

Explore Colt 1911 Original Pistols and 1911 Holsters Here

Ultimately, both Kydex and leather 1911 holsters are excellent choices. It all comes down to how you carry and what you are looking for in terms of a holster for your Colt 191 original.

And whether you’re in the market for a Colt 1911 original or a 1911 holster for it, we can help. Take a quick look through our catalog via the links contained in this post, and if you have any questions about what we sell, about 1911 holster compatibility, leather holster care, or anything like that, get in touch with us directly at 610-250-3960.