Top 6 American Tactical 1911 - 3" Holsters

Top American Tactical 1911 - 3" Holsters

The right place to find your perfect American Tactical 1911 - 3" holster is right here. Read what we have to say about these holsters and find yours. Check out the top 6 holsters for American Tactical 1911 - 3" in various carry styles with detailed reviews, pros and cons and tips and tricks on how to find your personal favorite. The road to the perfect fit for your American Tactical 1911 - 3" is just a few scrolls away. We also included our personal favorite at the end. Don't forget that they are all custom made and the fit is guaranteed.

American Tactical 1911 - 3" Holster List

Finding the perfect holster has become much easier. Read more and get yours.

6. Open-Muzzle IWB Holster

Are you looking for an inside the waistband holster for your American Tactical 1911 - 3" that has been tested by many and complained about by very few? Then this holster is your go to option. Just as the name suggests, the muzzle part of this IWB holster is open, but so is the top of the holster. This allows for easy draw and re-holstering, but you’ll be able to put some small attachments on as well.

The holster comes with a dual belt loop system, which means two things. Firstly, you won’t need to take your belt off when (dis)mounting. This is a great feature as having to constantly take your belt on and off when attaching a holster is very tiresome. Another benefit of this feature is the added stability. The entire holster body is crafted from premium Italian leather and stitched together by high-quality German threads.

Does this holster have any disadvantages? Well, it’s true that if there’s no thumb break, your American Tactical 1911 - 3" can be snatched a bit easier. At the same time, you might need to adjust the belt loops screws, otherwise you might feel like the holster is a bit flimsy. Another thing it could use is at least a partial sweat guard. However, I’d still say this IWB holster isn’t that far from perfect and if you decide to go for it, I’m sure it will definitely become a very neat and affordable addition to your EDC set.

$89
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Pros

Cons

Pros

  • Convenient (dis)mounting
  • Quick draw secured by open top design
  • Open muzzle design allows for minor attachments

Cons

  • Could use a thumb break for more security
  • Holster can be flimsy if not properly adjusted
  • No sweat guard

5. Open Top Belt Holster

Looking for a new American Tactical 1911 - 3" OWB holster? Well, then don’t go any further. This outside the waistband holster is a synonym of simplicity, just look at it! It features an open top, open muzzle design, so your American Tactical 1911 - 3" gets a lot of fresh air and you won’t have any problem accessing it. If you’re looking for a holster allowing for quick draw and re-holstering, you won’t be disappointed.

When I first saw the holster I actually confused it for a pancake one. However, it’s a bit narrower and although I still prefer pancakes, this holster offers a much lower profile. This is vital especially if you’re looking for an OWB with high concealability. If you get this holster, you’ll get it molded specifically for your gun, so you can be sure about the perfect fit.

Now not everything is ideal and this holster is no exception. The absence of thumb break will result in lower security and retention, although the custom molding prevents the American Tactical 1911 - 3" from falling out, so don’t worry about that too much. It’s also not the sturdiest of leather holsters, which could be a problem for some of you.

What made this holster a keeper for me, however, is definitely the double-stitching it features. As you can see in the picture, all the key parts of the holster are double-stitched, which makes the holster much more secure and prevents it from falling apart. If you’re looking for an OWB holster you won’t have to change for a new one anytime soon, then this is the one to get.

$79
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Pros

Cons

Pros

  • Quick draw and re-holstering
  • Extremely low profile
  • Double-stitching

Cons

  • Lower retention
  • Not as sturdy as you might like
  • Absence of a thumb break strap

4. Shoulder Holster System

Shoulder holsters have lately become probably the most favorite carry option. They look stylish and if it’s not too hot outside, they are also easy to conceal. And that’s also the case with this horizontal shoulder rig. When I first tried it on, I was impressed. The first thing was the premium leather it’s made of, the second the fact that it comes assembled, so you won’t have any issue using it straight out of the box.

A huge benefit of this American Tactical 1911 - 3" holster is that you can make great use of it even if it’s hot outside. The back of the holster body is equipped with a belt slot and belt panel and if you detach the holster from the harness, you can simply carry it as a belt side holster. The rig also features a thumb break. However, if you decide to get it for a bigger pistol or revolver, don’t be surprised if it’s non-detachable. They do this to make the bigger guns more secure inside the holster, which I think is great.

A frequent problem of shoulder rigs is their balance. However, the mag/speedloader pouch this system comes with solves the issue and works as a great counterweight. If you don’t feel like this is enough, there’s also the attachable belt tie-down strap the system comes with.

The only problem I’m having with this rig is that it’s only designed for horizontal carry, which could be a problem if you decide to get one for a really big pistol or revolver. Also keep in mind that if you’re a bigger guy, you’ll have to ask for a harness customization as by default this holster only works for up to XL sizes. All in all, this is a perfect shoulder rig that you’ll most definitely dig.

$189
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Pros

Cons

Pros

  • Ready to use straight out of the box
  • Works as a belt holster too
  • Great balance and stability

Cons

  • Only horizontal carry
  • Thumb break makes drawing slower
  • Bigger guys need to ask for harness customization
Premium 5-Year Warranty

Premium 5-Year Warranty

Always buy a holster with a 5-year warranty. The prolonged time should cover the whole wear and tear period in which you can find out what quality means. It is always good to have your back and your firearm covered.

3. Cross Draw Holster

Are you a fan of cross draw carry? Then you’re in the right place. This custom leather holster for American Tactical 1911 - 3" is probably the most popular cross draw holster on this list and there are a couple of reasons for that. You know that cross draws require a good cant, strong leather and proper stitching. This holster has got it all. As you can see, it comes with belt loops on either side of the holster, which enhances its stability.

You’ll enjoy this cross-draw holster especially when driving or sitting at your desk, at least that’s when I prefer to carry it. When it comes to the material, the holster is built of premium Italian leather and sewn together with high-quality German threads. The leather covers the entire barrel, which further enhances safety this leather cross-draw holster offers.

You’ll feel secure about your American Tactical 1911 - 3" thanks to the featured thumb break. It’s true that it takes a bit longer to draw and re-holster, but you’ll master that in a couple of hours. Moreover, the thumb break is reinforced by steel, so it won’t get flimsy over years of use. You can get this holster in two colors - mahogany and black. Just don’t forget to select the correct hand. If you’re looking for a comfortable cross draw holster that’s been well received by many, then you should get this one.

$85
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Pros

Cons

Pros

  • Perfect cant
  • Very stable thanks to belt loops on either side
  • One of the most popular cross draw holsters

Cons

  • Not the most ideal quick draw option
  • Be cautious when selecting the preferred hand
  • Takes a bit to get used to, just like most cross-draws

2. Small Of Back Holster - Grizzly

This is an ideal SoB (small of the back) holster for your American Tactical 1911 - 3". The construction of this small of the back holster is quite sturdy, which makes it resemble the mighty Grizzly. The key points of this holster are double stitched and the leather it’s made of is reinforced. Just like other SoBs, it’s best to carry it in the 6 o’clock position. Not that many people are fans of this carry style, but the palm-in design of this one eliminates drawing and re-holstering issues that some SoBs have.

Also not that many SoBs are as stable as this one. Its high stability is achieved by 2 belt loops, one of which is a bit wider. The biggest downside of this holster is that it is designed strictly for right-handed shooters, so if you’re a leftie, I advise the other ones on the list. If you want it to really look like the animal it’s named after, then the mahogany version is the one you should go for. If you’re a fan of the dark side, don’t worry, you can also get one made of black leather. All in all, if you’re looking for a solid small of the back holster for your American Tactical 1911 - 3" at great price, Grizzly is your go to option.

$49
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Pros

Cons

Pros

  • Palm-in design for easy draw and re-holstering
  • Key parts are double stitched
  • 2 belt loops for increased stability

Cons

  • Only comes in right-handed version
  • No thumb break
  • Takes practice if you haven’t carried SoBs before

1. Urban Concealed Carry Pouch

This concealment pouch is ideal for anyone who lives in a state that doesn’t allow open carry. The bag is designed for off-body concealed carry and, just like its name suggests, it’s ideal mainly for urban environments. If you’ve previously used mainly belt holsters, then you won’t need much time getting used to this pouch, as it’s also designed for belt carry.

The pouch is attached via adjustable Velcro belt loops, which means it fits belts of pretty much any size. The entire concealed carry pouch is made of high-quality polyester. Moreover, all of the key parts of this product are double-stitched, which results in its high durability. What I love about the pouch is that it allows me to carry all of my daily essentials. I carry my American Tactical 1911 - 3" in the separate, extra lined section, but there are also other compartments in which I can store the rest of my EDC (such as documents, spare ammo, cary keys and more).

The Urban Concealed Carry Pouch is ideal for both right and left-handed shooters as it comes in an ambidextrous design. It’s also available in multiple colors - black, coyote, olive, and natur grey. And if you decide to drift away from the American Tactical 1911 - 3", it can be made for many other gun makes, as long as they’re not longer than 8 inches.

$119
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Pros

Cons

Pros

  • Ambidextrous design
  • Ideal for deep concealed carry
  • Ample room for your entire EDC

Cons

  • Doesn’t look as stylish as traditional leather holsters
  • Can only be carried in the waist area
  • The size isn’t universal

MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES

Materials

A perfect American Tactical holster material is sometimes also a hard choice. Read more about what each material has to offer and then jump to custom made holsters made directly out of the individual materials.

Leather

Leather

Leather holsters have been present since the very beginning. The offer great retention and leather itself has well-known and reliable features. Plus - nothing beats a leather holster when it comes to comfort and being skin-friendly. A classic is a classic.

Nylon

Nylon

Nylon has found its way to the gun owner mainly because of its low price and easy maintenance. The light weight build also helps many shooters decide to carry a nylon holster. If you choose a nylon holster you get something that has almost no weight and holds your handgun firmly.

How to Choose The Best Holster For Your American Tactical 1911 - 3"

If you are having trouble deciding between holsters because you don't know which questions to ask yourself read our tips below on how to properly choose a holster for your American Tactical 1911 - 3". Let us bring some clarity into your decision making.

Be sure to always go for a perfect fit holster (no one fits all holsters, never)
Be sure to be able to draw with one hand - you never know how the situation will end up.
Can you draw while seated and belted in your car?
If you plan on going concealed don't waste your time with thumb breaks of push-releases
You get what you pay for - the cheap option is not always the best option.
The size of your handgun should tell you the type of holster. Let's be hones, concealing a 5" barrel is not the easiest.

6 Best Carry Styles For Your American Tactical 1911 - 3"

Find out which holster carry style will work best for your style of carry and your American Tactical 1911 - 3". Carry styles below will provide you with basic info and you can browse holsters by clicking on the buttons.

IWB

IWB

Inside the waistband carry. The perfect concealed carry option. Conceals the firearm and keeps it on your body. An IWB holster can be placed all around your body, so there's added versatility.

OWB

OWB

Outside the waistband carry. Reliable, offers fast draw and easy re holstering. OWB holsters can feature thumb breaks, retention screws and many more. Very versatile carry.

Concealed Carry

Concealed Carry

Concealed carry holsters are designed conceal your handgun to the point of almost no visibility. Features such as J hooks, belt clips or tuckable variations allow the firearm to be depply concealed.

Cross Draw

Cross Draw

Crossdraw holsters are loved by many drivers and/or people that spend their days mostly sitting. They fit, they ride close to the body and allow an easy and intuitive draw.

Concealment Bag

Concealment Bag

Concealed carry bags for offer the carrier an option to conceal the firearm without having to carry it on body. They can be simple nylon bags or made of premium leather to be carried around.

Shoulder Holsters

Shoulder Holsters

Vertical or horizontal, with or without tiedowns. Stationary or rotary. Shoulder holster carry offers great versatility and ease of not having your pew on your belt. Ideal for driving or everyday carry.

The winner

Open Top Belt Holster

Open Top Belt Holster
Open Top Belt Holster
Open Top Belt Holster

This Open Top Leather Belt Holster is definitely one of the best outside the waistband holsters for the American Tactical 1911 - 3" out there. Compared to other OWB holsters, it’s extremely easy to conceal. This is secured mainly thanks to the extremely low profile the holster boasts. It resembles a pancake-style holster a lot, but it’s a bit narrower, which further enhances the holster’s concealability. Although the holster looks very simple (which I actually like a lot), the double-stitching it features makes the holster extremely durable and you won’t have to look for another anytime soon. The open top design results in a very quick draw and re-holstering. If you’re looking for a simple looking, yet very reliable OWB holster, this one by Craft Holsters is definitely the one to get.

$79

About American Tactical 1911 - 3" model

The American Tactical model 1911 - 3” is a single/double action, semi automatic pistol. The American Tactical 1911 - 3” features a 3 inch long barrel, which makes it a great choice for self defence for its balance of firepower and ease of carry. The American Tactical model 1911 - 3” uses a single stack, box, detachable magazines with a capacity of 7 rounds. American Tactical model 1911 - 3” is chambered in the classic 1911, .45 ACP caliber. The American Tactical model 1911 - 3” is overall a very well balanced firearm in term of concealment, ease of carry and firepower,