Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

I've been looking into some different options for carrying my 1911 Colt Combat Commander. I can't decide which type of holster would work the best for me.

I'm thinking of buying one of those Fobus Roto tilt paddle holsters. I'm thinking that it will allow me to try a lot of different cants and get an idea of what would be the most comfortable and best way to carry the commander.

Although very frowned upon for open carry, my favorite carry position for CCW is cross draw. I'm thinking the fobus will allow me to use it both as a cross draw and strong side holster, which will allow me to reassess the best carry methods for me.

Has anyone used one of these for CCW? Are they any good?

Thanks for any insight.

http://image.sportsmansguide.com/dim...0,320&cvt=jpeg

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

No insight here.
I'm just flabbergasted at the very idea that such a holster could be used to carry such a gun CONCEALED?!?!

Body size must make a world of difference. I would look like I was carrying a tactical nuke with just an empty holster on my hip. Putting a 1911 in it, or anywhere else on my body even sans holster would make me look like a lead role in a Western flick.

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/29332 ... I USE THIS HOLSTER , i have Fobus Roto tilt paddle holsters that i do not use i just don;t like it

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

I have a couple fobus holsters. The roto paddle sticks away from you body too much to be an effective concealment holster. The regular fobus aint much better.

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

Got one on the shelf. It'll stay there. POS.

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

I have a few of them. No experience with the Roto-tilt. The newest ones (like the one below) work fine for casual carry, range, around the homestead, etc. Not for CCW. And probably not the best for serious weapon retention in a wrestling match with a gorilla.

My son uses one for off-duty carry. For on-duty, his holster has 3-point retention...friction, thumb snap, button release.

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

Thanks for the tips everyone.

I decided that it will probably be junk (considering the comments seem to indicate that it is a POS), but I am going to purchase one for the sole reason of using the roto tilt to try to figure out what type of position I like carrying in best for when ordering a real holster. Right now I like cross draw, but would love to find another position to carry in that was comfortable and concealable. I'm thinking this may save me from having to buy a ton of different holsters that I don't really like.

As far as concealing a 1911, yeah I can see where it can be a problem for many. That is why I am partial to carrying cross draw. It seems to disappear on me with an untucked shirt... Carrying in any other way, in an OWB holster just prints too much on me for concealed carry.

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

They're not junk, but they're not a "nice" holster, either. Of course they're WAY cheaper. I agree with SC above, good for range or just around the ranch carry, no good for concealment.

No paddle holster will work for conceament, unless you're built like Jabba the Hut. They place the pistol away from your body by design.

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

I have a phobos BR=2 for my Kimber pro carry II and use it all the time open carry. It does a great job and I work with it in a heavy industrial environment and am always banging into shit. Since it has a hard shell I generally do not have to worry about banging into shit. This is good for my environment. Its awesome for me. No complaints. I would not like it if it swiveled though. That would be bad.

I can draw out of this holster quick like lightening. I only change it up to allow for my back muscles to heal or a change of firearm. I would only put something as small as the above mentioned .45 in it though.

I could not conceive on using it for concealment. That is not a realistic option.

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

I got sick looking for that "perfect" holster and just built my own. Its not PERFECT, but its close enough and cost me about 10 bucks.

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

Even if they weren't inherently crap, I wouldn't buy them since they're made in Israel by the Israeli war machine.

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

If you want the best killing accessories go right to the experts!
You wouldn't go to a carpenter to get a tooth pulled?

I think the standard Fobus is decent, but I had to heat it with a hairdryer to loosen it a bit (stretch it apart), so my g26 is easier to pull out.
Don't get the robo...it sticks out to far.

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

Fobus is okay for general use, I don't find it conceals glock 30 well - puts gun too far away from body. I like the Galco Matrix holster for an inexpensive kydex holster that conceals Glock 30 very well. It is a high ride,belt slide,strong side holster. I have a few holsters,but use the matrix the majority of the time. Get a good gun belt also,just as important as a good holster. imo. ymmv

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

I used a Fobus paddle (non-roto) years ago for several pistol classes - it worked OK for range use, but no way would I use it for concealed carry, as it was too bulky for that purpose.

You may want to consider an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster paired with a good gunbelt (at least 1.25" wide). Don't use a regular thin 1" dress belt to carry a pistol, or the gun and holster will tend to flop over and make you look like you have a colostomy bag under your cover garment.

Crossdraw is good if you spend a lot of time seated (in a car, at a desk, on a horse, or as a pilot) but it has the drawback of the gun being easily trapped by your opponent at close quarters if you try to draw it.

There is no one "good" holster for everyone, it all depends on your situation.

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

I have many questions that are not within the scope of this thread but very much related concerning carry positions, terminology and pros/cons of each position. Does anyone have any comprehensive links to provide for research?

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

Good question. Let's look into it.

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

might as well go ahead and ask them here, or start a whole new thread for it. Im sure tons of valuable information will be gleaned in the processes, so it never hurts!

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

I have one of them for my XD, they are nice holsters, but not what I would call a concealment holster, they are too bulky.

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

Should have posted this earlier, but I did get the Fobus Paddle Holster, and like some others have stated, it was terrible. It felt cheap and would not hold the Colt Combat Commander snug. I returned it and was thinking that I was not going to find a holster that would allow me to conceal the 1911.

I ended up giving the Blackhawk leather pancake holster a try - and I love it. I can conceal the Colt Commander easily, under even a moderately tight short sleeve shirt very comfortably. Even though the Commander is only .75 inches shorter than a full size 1911 - it seems to really help in keeping it concealed under a regular length t-shirt. I carry crossdraw, and the cant on the holster is perfect. It also allows the 1911 to ride high and snug. I had some friends over and told them I was carrying. I didn't tell them I was carrying crossdraw, and they couldn't tell where it was. I had been through a bunch of holsters and this is by far my favorite.

Thanks for all the replies - and if anyone is trying to conceal a 1911, I highly recommend it. I don't have pictures yet, but will try to post some later.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/i...1/36/36433.jpg

http://image.sportsmansguide.com/dim...0,320&cvt=jpeg

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

If you are serious about carrying get an IWB holster. Skip the fobus crap. It works for a range holster, but not for daily carry.

Look at a kydex IWB holster from bladetech, comptac, or sidearmor. These holsters cost significantly more than a Fobus, expect to pay ~$60. It is well worth the money as you will not find a better way to conceal your weapon. The IWB (inside the waist band) holster actually sits inside you pants waistband, hence the name. By doing this you eliminate the possibility of the muzzle being revealed and it also places the weapon right up against your body which further reduces the possibility of "printing".

http://www.blade-tech.com/

Bladetech is currently offering a magazine holder with the purchase of any IWB holster.

http://www.sidearmor.com/store/index...products_id=20

http://www.comp-tac.com/catalog.php?cPath=28

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

Thanks for the recommendation. I've heard great things about the holsters you have recommended. The problem is that I have tried many different IWB holsters, but have never been completely comfortable carrying my 1911. Even with a shorter barrel length of 4.25", I just could not get used to it. Most of the IWB holsters, on my body at least, needed to be placed somewhat behind my hip, and I have never been comfortable drawing from that position.

After trying for a long time to get IWB to work - I have been converted to an OWB holster guy. The comfort is great, and I can easy draw while sitting in my car - which is a big plus for me. The Blackhawk leather pancake holster is really high quality, and fits the Commander perfectly, and is as easy to conceal as an IWB (at least for me), while providing a lot more comfort. The reason I wanted to mention this is because I have never really heard anyone talking about these holsters, and I almost overlooked it due to that fact.

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

Sorry, I missed that you were the OP. Forget I said anything.

I am glad you found the right holster.

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

As many have stated most of these kydex holsters hold the pistol too far away from the body for CCW, I tried several brands including paddle and belt models and they just didn't conceal well.

Here are 3 different 45 holsters a kydex belt holster, a leather paddle and a leather belt holster...it is very easy to see which will sit closest to the body for carrying concealed.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z...thickness1.jpg

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

I think the standard Fobus for the G26 works fine. It also holsters the G19.
As I said in the other post, I had to heat it a bit to stretch it, so it wasn't so hard to pull the weapon out.
I like it.

The next one I buy, I'll look at these. http://www.c-rusty.com/pages/Holsters.html
Check them out...they look to be the highest quality I've seen.
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/b...G26holster.jpg
http://www.c-rusty.com/Resources/holsters/ankle2.jpg

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

They do seem to work well for smaller, lighter guns. My Springfield XD Subcompact came with a paddle type holster - and it actually works ok. I would imagine that a Fobus would proabably even be better. It seems that the heavier, larger handguns become a problem with regards to concealability and support. My 1911 just seemed to stick out far, in part because the holster could not hold it tight to my body, probably due to its weight and the full size grip.

My XD Subcompact rides nicely in the paddle, like your G26 does in the picture.

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

I think this spot on. The full size guns ride completely differently.

Re: Anyone use a Fobus Paddle Holster?
 

and its easy to see which one gets the most use:emotions16: