I’ve been using the Praetor Defense non-rail 1911 holster for a few weeks since I bought it from Weapon Outfitters. While I’m going to continue to use and test it, here are my initial thoughts.
I was excited to try out the 1911 version, because I love the Praetor Defense Glock 19 holster more than I love ice cream. The elements are all there – the compact layout, the quality hardware, the tough belt loops, and the flowing lines that result from the way Blade-Tech molds holsters.
This holster, like its Glock-oriented brother, places the pistol higher on the waist than some competing holsters. While I was happy with this placement for the Glock 19, I’m not in love with the positioning of the 1911 version. It seems to print quite a bit more than my Raven Concealment kydex 1911 holster – although the Raven is currently configured as IWB. And I’ve still not gotten used to the higher placement in terms of how the beavertail/grip safety, hammer, and thumb safety rub against my side.
Also, while I’m just fine with the lack of a sweat guard on the Glock 19 holster, its disappearance on the 1911 version means that the safety can be disengaged by the carrier’s body in the normal course of a day’s movement. This has only happened a few times, but it’s still a little annoying.
That said, I’d still buy this holster. In comparison with the Raven, I like the lack of cant, in that I can easily draw the pistol with my left hand from behind my back if I need to. It’s available immediately (here and here), is built like a tank, looks great, and offers excellent passive retention of the pistol.
I’d like input from those who have used this holster – do you agree or disagree with my comments?
You know, I just picked up a desantis holster for my Ruger SR1911, and I wore it out for the first time on Starbucks day… I found that the strap button has a bad habit of flipping off the safety… which makes me pretty nervous, since I normally carry either a .32 DAO pistol or a decocked 9mm DA/SA pistol (plus the .32). So a .45 1911 that’s cocked and UNlocked on my hip is a little bit … concerning. I know the trigger is still protected, and the grip safety isn’t being squeezed, so It shouldn’t be too much of a problem.. but something about a gun de-saftied way without my consent makes me very very nervous. I’m hoping it will break in and stop doing this, but maybe not if you’re having the same issue with a different holster. Does this often happen with high-riding 1911s?
Kinda depends – some holsters prevent it, some allow it, and some cause it. Sounds like your DeSantis causes it, while my Praetor simply allows it – meaning that it doesn’t happen often. Kydex holsters that are molded with a sweat guard that comes over the safety will actually prevent it from moving.
I have a Praetor and Raven for my G19, and I like both, but definitely find that the Praetor prints more as a result from riding higher without a cant. I also find it feels heavier in the Praetor on my belt as a result from the clips being closer together. Sometimes the tradeoff for the more compact shape is worth it, though, and I like having both.
For me, the main draw to the Praetor/Blade-tech is that their production means you can have one in your hands in a few days instead of a few months, and some people will prefer its really compact size. I’d love to play with some IWB systems that drop it lower.
Does Praetor make holsters for any model of gun, or only the ones listed on their website?
Just the ones listed, so far.
For a model of handgun not listed on their website, I assume you recommend Raven Concealment?
Yes.
Wright said Smith, a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division certified Concealed Weapons Permit Course instructor, was unaware a round had been chambered into the pistol.
http://m.goupstate.com/article/20120219/articles/202191029/1083/student_accidentally_shot_at_concealed_weapons_class;jsessionid=2034006BFEFA6A5A43263C768E82A25D.m2
Well, that’s all the rules broken at once, isn’t it? This guy is ex-mil and current police – there is absolutely no excuse for this.
When I first took my CPL class the range time came before any class time, which made me REALLY nervous considering that a number of the students were brand new to the shooting world. Even when a new-ish person (and obviously sometimes a very experienced person) has been taught the rules, there is still no guarantee that they’ll remember to follow them.
This is the major reason I still haven’t thought too much about teaching my own classes – the thought of an accident like this pretty much scares the poopoo out of me. I am happy to take people to the range and teach them how to shoot one-on-one, or maybe one-on-two, but anything more than that and I feel like they’re not getting enough supervision to be safe.
I was fortunate to take my CHL class with an armed security guard training center that had plenty of blue plastic training Glocks and a cut-away demo Glock 19. Everyone was pretty familiar with safe handling and function of a Glock before hitting the range later in the day.
Raven Concealment has an option for neutral cant holsters.
On the topic of sweat guards on holsters, I’d like to ask you to bring to attention the need for magazine release buttons being made from rust resistant metals. This seems like something that should be taken care of at the design and factory level.
More to do with finishes, I think; even if the rest of the pistol is good to go, I often encounter rust on slide releases/stops, sights, and, as you say, mag releases.
Andrew,
The 1911 in the photos looks awesome. What is it and how is finished?
It’s a Kimber Custom II…with almost every small part changed. I electroless nickel plated the frame using a Caswell kit (several posts on the blog about that) and Jim Linch of Cerakoter did black Cerakote on the slide, barrel, and other small parts.