1911’s in general, 9mm versions specifically

[fwafwow]

Thank you very much for such a detailed response. You have also made me feel better about myself (it's a low bar) about me looking at multiple holsters for a single pistol. (Not the first time.)

I ordered the Custom Wing Claw AIWB 2.0 (code AIWB-WC2) with the 1.5" overhook belt loops and full guard, and the Custom R/C OWB (code R-C-OWB-Holster).

Not a lot of time with either yet - the OWB was a temporary holster while I waited for my GX Products Vice holster to arrive (by Lafe Kunkel: https://gxproductsusa.com/gx-vice-holster/).

Some thoughts though:

AIWB
The claws on the JM AIWB are pretty flexible. I don't know if this is common, but found that it makes donning and doffing a bit more fiddly than other AIWBs I've used.

I also got the carbon fibre exterior - I wanted to standardise on this for all of my 1911 Kydex, so I would know at a quick glace which holsters are for which guns. JM's carbon fibre is more textured than GX. There's a chance this texturing might lead to more abrasion on a merino undershirt if worn regularly, but I can't say for sure. It did raise concerns about whether it's more likely to delaminate or not / have fibres come loose. Again, I've not heard of this and don't know if it's a 'thing' for CF holsters - but I used to work in manufacturing for a common household product that involves lamination ... and I now try to avoid laminated products wherever possible. Not sure how I didn't think that through regarding CF, but there you go.

This helps. I will probably hold off on getting the JM.

The previous 1911 AIWB I'd tried was from Fricke, based on recommendations on one of the 1911 forums. That one is no serviceable-ish, but the single pull-dot retention should surely be considered years out of date by now, and the fit and finish was fairly basic ... reminded me of early Kydex knife holsters from the 90s. Not sure why Fricke had the strong support on the 1911 forum ... maybe that was one of the first available and people just hadn't caught up with more recent Kydex makers and techniques? Maybe they're "Kydex for Fudds"? Dunno.

Good warning. Kydex for Fudds

In any case, the Fricke was uncomfortable on me (could be the spare tyre) and was instantly set aside.

The next option I'm likely to try is the Tenicor (https://tenicor.com/collections/all-holsters/2011/1911) - I'll likely get both the Certum 3 and Velo Lux to experiment with. I appreciate that the Tenicors have more options for finding the perfect place for comfort and concealment, and the hardware to then allow that to work.

Their video (I think I linked to it earlier) has some great tips about this ... I wish I'd watched it first; I'd definitely have not bouth the Fricke, and possibly not the JM, based on a better understanding of how to go about fitment. It's worth watching whichever AIWB you go for.

I will look at the Tenicor. Thanks. I found the Tenicor video (I think in another thread).

I think LAS Concealment are probably worth a try, but are not as customisable as the Tenicor. I did have a look at the Tier 1 Concealed, but they had limited options, some of videos were a bit too "hell yeah brother", and the fact they partnered with the Modern Samurai Project set off alert bells ... at this stage, I think Tenicor would be the clear stand-out.

OWB
The JM is serviceable, and I now have it on more of a working/training rig.

The GX Products Vice on the other hand ... is next level. Far better fit and finish than the other Kydex holsters I have. The Kydex is beefy-thick and well-finished / deburred. As mentioned above, the carbon fibre is very smooth - while the JM CF feels only one step away from very fine sandpaper, the GX feels like the gentle ripples of an auriole ... did I just say that? ... I just mean, it's nice to touch, and the gentle bumps are smooth, not annoying.

The Vice feature is great for added retention on the range, and helps keep the peace with the Nervous Nelly safety officers when I'm running as an RO with a holstered pistol. The GX lives on my more tricked-out compeition belt, on a Stoeger Pro Shop Boss Holster Hanger.

It's probably too thick, and too specialised, for daily use though.

I had not thought about an OWB, but now I will.

I think Joel has mentioned Crey Concealment on a couple of recent videos, their OWBs have magnets in the bottom for added retention.

Hope that's of some help!

I saw that on a Ben Stoeger video - Carey Concealment.

 

[Dobermann]

Thank you very much for such a detailed response. You have also made me feel better about myself (it's a low bar) about me looking at multiple holsters for a single pistol. (Not the first time.)

No problem. I think buying holsters is like buying shoes online ... there's only so far that internet research can take you, unless you already know what you want.

This helps. I will probably hold off on getting the JM.

JM makes good stuff and is great to work with; his OWBs are very serviceable (I have one for my CZ). I just think the Tenicor has more to offer for AIWB custom fitting.

I will look at the Tenicor. Thanks. I found the Tenicor video (I think in another thread).

That's the one. Don't be put off by what looks like kindergarten craft at the beginning, or the video length ... that video contains more than the half-dozen books I read and likely 50 videos I watched on concealed carry ... Jeff has thought, researched, and experimented with this stuff a lot. It shows in that video, and in his holsters.

I saw that on a Ben Stoeger video - Carey Concealment.

Yep - sorry for typo when I first posted; have fixed now. I hadn't seen Carey in a Stoeger video, but it makes sense if they're trying to get their stuff in front of the comp audience.

Let us know what you get and what you think ... ditto for leather, which I haven't decided on yet!

 

[fwafwow]

No problem. I think buying holsters is like buying shoes online ... there's only so far that internet research can take you, unless you already know what you want.


JM makes good stuff and is great to work with; his OWBs are very serviceable (I have one for my CZ). I just think the Tenicor has more to offer for AIWB custom fitting.


That's the one. Don't be put off by what looks like kindergarten craft at the beginning, or the video length ... that video contains more than the half-dozen books I read and likely 50 videos I watched on concealed carry ... Jeff has thought, researched, and experimented with this stuff a lot. It shows in that video, and in his holsters.


Yep - sorry for typo when I first posted; have fixed now. I hadn't seen Carey in a Stoeger video, but it makes sense if they're trying to get their stuff in front of the comp audience.

Let us know what you get and what you think ... ditto for leather, which I haven't decided on yet!

Will do. And I almost posted a meme in response to your areola comment

 

[Dobermann]

Will do. And I almost posted a meme in response to your areola comment

Glad you didn't, or you'd get us both in trouble ...

 

[Southernfried]

So, trying to decide between the Kimber 5" DS Warrior and the Tisas Carry 4.25" DS. From what I can tell from very limited knowledge, they seem to be very similar, both have internal extractors, carbon/graphite type grips, etc etc. Is there really one advantage over the other? I know the 4.25" would be easier for carry, but for an all around hand gun, which would rank over the other? Really the only difference that stands out spec wise is the new 2026 Tisas has a bushingless bull barrel and the Kimber has the standard bushing/barrel. Anything else? Also does the bushingless design better or worse? Thanks for any help

 

[Dobermann]

So, trying to decide between the Kimber 5" DS Warrior and the Tisas Carry 4.25" DS. From what I can tell from very limited knowledge, they seem to be very similar, both have internal extractors, carbon/graphite type grips, etc etc. Is there really one advantage over the other? I know the 4.25" would be easier for carry, but for an all around hand gun, which would rank over the other? Really the only difference that stands out spec wise is the new 2026 Tisas has a bushingless bull barrel and the Kimber has the standard bushing/barrel. Anything else? Also does the bushingless design better or worse? Thanks for any help

Not sure there are enough DS Warriors out in the wild to have many data points vs the Tisas ... but if the reviews of the other Kimbers (and a few looks at the Warrior at SHOT) are any indication, there's a chance the Kimber will be better than the Tisas.

 

[Dobermann]

I have not- I greatly dislike bobtails.

Form - I think I've seen you say this before ... curious as to why? Cheers.

 

[Bittereinder]

Anyone using the Ruger 1911's? I remember seeing good things about them when they came out.

View attachment 978976

I have a Ruger lightweight Commander in 9 mm. At least 3000 rounds through it and never a malfunction using various bulk FMJ, including aluminum casings. I shoot it almost every week.

Also 100% reliability for my full size Ruger 1911 in 45 but I don't shoot it as often. I had the "trigger click" problem in the 45, more of a nuisance and didn't seem to affect function. I fixed it using the Brownells 1911 disconnect scraper tool.

I can't compare the Rugers against a higher end 1911 because I've never shot one.

 

[Southernfried]

Not sure there are enough DS Warriors out in the wild to have many data points vs the Tisas ... but if the reviews of the other Kimbers (and a few looks at the Warrior at SHOT) are any indication, there's a chance the Kimber will be better than the Tisas.

Thanks for the reply. Kind of what I was suspecting. I maybe a little biased, I have a 45 1911 Kimber Custom made in 2001, that has had no issues, including riding around on a lawn tractor for shooting creatures that did not have any legs lol. I may wait another month to see how things shake out. Thanks again.

 

[Formidilosus]

Form - I think I've seen you say this before ... curious as to why? Cheers.

They look stupid… and, the missing spot on the palm feels poor.

 

[Billogna]

Is there a decent 1911in 22RF, or a conversion kit that is good.
If going a conversion it would probably go on a cheap Springfield.
Preferably suited to a dot as I’m getting a bit long in the tooth for open sights

So far the Hammerli Forge has eaten 425 rds straight with one FTE in the final 50 or so. It’s quickly becoming one of my favorite pistols. There’s also some aftermarket support for it which is nice. I dug into it and deburred the sear and hammer hooks. Now she breaks clean!

Edit to add: Adams Arms also has conversions. I'm not familiar with any 22LR 1911 that is milled for red dots yet.

 

[Southernfried]

Over on ar15.com one guy just posted this. This may make my mind up for me between Kimber and Tisas. Will be intersting how it shakes out. I know on their website, they dont even list any of the 1911's except for the link to the MAC line, and they are listed several hundred higher in cost than the Kimber DS Warrior. I really dont know what is going on. Tisas link on ar15 Course if I were just interested in their 1911's, any issues can be easily fixed from the millions of 1911 parts. But, the ds versions, is a whole different ballgame I am guessing. But I could be wrong.
"
Thank you for contacting SDS Arms regarding your Tisas product. We regret to inform you that Tisas USA service support has been discontinued effective immediately. The manufacturer has ended all service and parts support, and we are no longer able to process repairs, warranty work, or parts requests for these models.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and understand this may be frustrating. Unfortunately, this decision was made at the manufacturer level and is outside of our control. Dependent on your warranty claim, you may consider third party options from your local gunsmith.
We appreciate your understanding and thank you for allowing SDS Arms to be part of the Tisas USA journey.


Reyes
Customer Service Supervisor
Main Phone Line: 865-604-6894
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am 4:30pm EST
https://sdsarms.com/ "
I wonder if this press release has anything to do with it?:
TISAS ARMS CORP BEGINS GEORGIA OPERATIONS

BUFORD, GA – Firearms manufacturer and 1911 behemoth Tisas announced today the launch of their new US division located in Buford, Georgia. After twenty years of importer partnerships, Tisas Arms will receive shipments directly from their manufacturing facility in Trabzon, Türkiye, to be sold through their US distribution network for US consumer sales.

To expedite organizational development and minimize disruptions to the supply chain, Tisas Arms CEO Erdal Kaya announced the addition of Tisas-veteran Tim Mulverhill as Vice President of Operations, “I look forward to Tim’s assistance standing up the new organization. He brings several years of experience developing the Tisas brand as well as two decades of industry knowledge to our team”.

Mulverhill added, “I thank Kaya and the Tisas Board for this opportunity. I have always enjoyed working with the Tisas team and look forward to working with Kaya to bring the full range of Tisas products to the United States and further develop the brand”.

Kaya concluded, “We are working around the clock to establish our customer-facing teams to support Tisas customers regardless from whom they purchased their firearm. We will continue to provide great products supported by great service and continue to stand by the Tisas lifetime warranty”.

Customers in need of warranty assistance or general product questions can contact Tisas Arms at [email protected] or reach out through the new website at www.tisasarmsusa.com.

Established in 1993, TİSAŞ (Trabzon Silah Sanayi AŞ) is a globally respected manufacturer of firearms with customers in 26 countries and products in service with 23 government agencies worldwide. For more information about Tisas Arms or Tisas products, please visit the website at www.tisasarmsusa.com or email [email protected] .

 

[lak2004]

Over on ar15.com one guy just posted this. This may make my mind up for me between Kimber and Tisas. Will be intersting how it shakes out. I know on their website, they dont even list any of the 1911's except for the link to the MAC line, and they are listed several hundred higher in cost than the Kimber DS Warrior. I really dont know what is going on. Tisas link on ar15 Course if I were just interested in their 1911's, any issues can be easily fixed from the millions of 1911 parts. But, the ds versions, is a whole different ballgame I am guessing. But I could be wrong.
"
Thank you for contacting SDS Arms regarding your Tisas product. We regret to inform you that Tisas USA service support has been discontinued effective immediately. The manufacturer has ended all service and parts support, and we are no longer able to process repairs, warranty work, or parts requests for these models.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and understand this may be frustrating. Unfortunately, this decision was made at the manufacturer level and is outside of our control. Dependent on your warranty claim, you may consider third party options from your local gunsmith.
We appreciate your understanding and thank you for allowing SDS Arms to be part of the Tisas USA journey.


Reyes
Customer Service Supervisor
Main Phone Line: 865-604-6894
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am 4:30pm EST
https://sdsarms.com/ "
I wonder if this press release has anything to do with it?:
TISAS ARMS CORP BEGINS GEORGIA OPERATIONS

BUFORD, GA – Firearms manufacturer and 1911 behemoth Tisas announced today the launch of their new US division located in Buford, Georgia. After twenty years of importer partnerships, Tisas Arms will receive shipments directly from their manufacturing facility in Trabzon, Türkiye, to be sold through their US distribution network for US consumer sales.

To expedite organizational development and minimize disruptions to the supply chain, Tisas Arms CEO Erdal Kaya announced the addition of Tisas-veteran Tim Mulverhill as Vice President of Operations, “I look forward to Tim’s assistance standing up the new organization. He brings several years of experience developing the Tisas brand as well as two decades of industry knowledge to our team”.

Mulverhill added, “I thank Kaya and the Tisas Board for this opportunity. I have always enjoyed working with the Tisas team and look forward to working with Kaya to bring the full range of Tisas products to the United States and further develop the brand”.

Kaya concluded, “We are working around the clock to establish our customer-facing teams to support Tisas customers regardless from whom they purchased their firearm. We will continue to provide great products supported by great service and continue to stand by the Tisas lifetime warranty”.

Customers in need of warranty assistance or general product questions can contact Tisas Arms at [email protected] or reach out through the new website at www.tisasarmsusa.com.

Established in 1993, TİSAŞ (Trabzon Silah Sanayi AŞ) is a globally respected manufacturer of firearms with customers in 26 countries and products in service with 23 government agencies worldwide. For more information about Tisas Arms or Tisas products, please visit the website at www.tisasarmsusa.com or email [email protected] .

They are importing direct moving forward and saying they will warranty anything imported through SDS previously.

 

[fwafwow]

No problem. I think buying holsters is like buying shoes online ... there's only so far that internet research can take you, unless you already know what you want.


JM makes good stuff and is great to work with; his OWBs are very serviceable (I have one for my CZ). I just think the Tenicor has more to offer for AIWB custom fitting.

JM confirmed that their CUSTOM AIWB Holster – Wing Claw 2.0 does fit the 2024 C. (I figured, but wanted to confirm.)

Carey said that none of their holsters are really designed for the 2024 C and he removed the C reference for the Mach 1. He said the C would require the Mach 2, although it's designed for the P (but that I could put in a special request to have the Mach 2 chopped from the P to the C size). I am going to hold off on that.

That's the one. Don't be put off by what looks like kindergarten craft at the beginning, or the video length ... that video contains more than the half-dozen books I read and likely 50 videos I watched on concealed carry ... Jeff has thought, researched, and experimented with this stuff a lot. It shows in that video, and in his holsters.

I thought the video was very helpful.

As of now, I will probably try the Velo5. The Staccato site also sells the the TXC X1 Pro AIWB (along with a few other brands that are only left hand). Have you heard about the TXC?

I will spend some more time looking at these.

Let us know what you get and what you think ... ditto for leather, which I haven't decided on yet!

I finally shot the C today. Almost did this by meme, so imagine Borat "Very nice!"

 

[Dobermann]

As of now, I will probably try the Velo5. The Staccato site also sells the the TXC X1 Pro AIWB (along with a few other brands that are only left hand). Have you heard about the TXC?

I hadn't seen that one before. Curious as to why only one clip and no claw ...

I finally shot the C today. Almost did this by meme, so imagine Borat "Very nice!"

And now I don't now if I picture you in fishnet baselayers or a mankini ...

But seriously, good score on the C. Let us know more about how it goes.

 

[fwafwow]

I hadn't seen that one before. Curious as to why only one clip and no claw ...


And now I don't now if I picture you in fishnet baselayers or a mankini ...

But seriously, good score on the C. Let us know more about how it goes.

They are not mutually exclusive - fishnets with a mankini.

My shooting today was probably the best I've shot a pistol, which isn't saying much. The RMR HD is now in the mail (literally, USPS - smh).

I used the Mantis for live fire today for the first time. Probably not surprising that the issues to correct dry firing are very different from the issues identified with live fire.

Just pulled the trigger on the Velo5.

 

[kad11]

Anyone have a spare Staccato ST or HD trigger bow lying around they'd be willing to sell? Trigger shoe design doesn't matter, I'm just looking to check fitment in a different platform...

 

[JohnJohnson]

Finally got a day off work and took my Sig P211 to the range for its first shots. I was anticipating a rough break-in and put 400 rounds through it today. Had a FTRB midway through the first mag, another FTRB midway through the second mag, and one last FTRB when dropping the slide on the third mag. After that, it ran without issue to 400 rounds. That was with PMC Bronze 124gr ammo for the first 300 rounds and the last 100 was CCI Blazer 124gr. I witness marked the red dot screws and compensator screw beforehand and neither of them loosened during the session.

All in all it wasn't perfect but for a gun that I paid $0 for it appears to have broken-in well and seems good to go for now. The actual experience of shooting it is very impressive. The compensator works very well and the LOK grip panels I put on it keep my hands anchored through recoil.

 

[RockAndSage]

Finally got a day off work and took my Sig P211 to the range for its first shots. I was anticipating a rough break-in and put 400 rounds through it today. Had a FTRB midway through the first mag, another FTRB midway through the second mag, and one last FTRB when dropping the slide on the third mag. After that, it ran without issue to 400 rounds. That was with PMC Bronze 124gr ammo for the first 300 rounds and the last 100 was CCI Blazer 124gr. I witness marked the red dot screws and compensator screw beforehand and neither of them loosened during the session.

All in all it wasn't perfect but for a gun that I paid $0 for it appears to have broken-in well and seems good to go for now. The actual experience of shooting it is very impressive. The compensator works very well and the LOK grip panels I put on it keep my hands anchored through recoil.

My guy, you tell us you got this for $0, and don't give details on how you made that happen, or provide photos of your 211?

 

[JohnJohnson]

My guy, you tell us you got this for $0, and don't give details on how you made that happen, or provide photos of your 211?

It's just a normal 211-GTO with LOK grip panels and a Vortex Defender XL, not an Infinity or anything. I get the occasional free gun from work. I do appreciate that the optics footprint, while being SIG-LOC, comes with removeable recoil bosses for DPP footprint optics like the XL I have. No adapter plate needed. In general I think the 211 has a lot of upside for its price point. I haven't done anything bold like convert it to a Series 70 with a Wilson Combat shim like I see some people have done.

Side note: Mine came with a metal guide rod plug as did a friend's as well. I guess they made the switch a month or two ago.