Praetor Defense 1911 Holster Update
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?
Praetor Defense/Blade-Tech 1911 Holster Received for Review
I've just received my second Praetor Defense holster (this one I'm paying for). This one is for a full-size 1911. Naturally, while traveling, I have more firearms than pairs of socks, so I'm able to compare it with the Praetor Defense holster for the Glock 19 that I previously reviewed. I love the Glock holster, but have mixed feelings about the 1911 one. We'll see what I think after several months with the holster.
Praetor Defense Holsters
Inside the Rock River Arms Polymer Single Stack 1911
I took two photographs of the RRA polymer 1911's guts at SHOT 2012. Here they are.
According to the spec sheet, the "polymer frame body" will allow "interchangeable colors." The weight is listed as 2.04lbs.
Note the screw on the forward portion of the trigger guard where it meets the dust cover
Polymer dust cover, trigger guard, and grip/magazine well, but the rails and guts are composed of a steel chassis. Doesn't appear to have a Swartz type firing pin safety.
Electroless Nickel Plating Two Year Followup
It's been two years since I first started electroless nickel plating firearms, and I figured it was time for a two-year followup. The original post is located here. Although I posted that in October of 2009, I started using the kit in July of that year.
I am very pleased with the results. If you are familiar with the process, you may find the first few minutes of the video boring. If you aren't, it's a general description of the electroless nickel plating kit, which might be as good of a decision for you as it was for me.
As you can see here, Caswell was also impressed with my results.
Smith & Wesson “E” Series 1911: 21st Century 1911?
I was recently loaned this Smith & Wesson 1911 for a review, and have spent the last few weeks inspecting, carrying, and shooting it. I came away with one big reservation, but overall, a positive opinion of the pistol. It - and the other E series 1911s from S&W, all of which cost less than this tricked-out model - should bring some much-needed quality competition to the factory production 1911 market.
Also, please read Hilton Yam's review of a similar pistol, which goes into more detail, and comes from the mind of an experienced 1911 gunsmith.