Most folks who know me are aware that, in addition to all things 1911, I have another ever-looming addiction... holsters. I never had a passion or desire to make holsters but I always appreciated the efforts and skill that went in to designing and making truly good holsters.
And I own and have owned
allot of holsters! My holster addiction started not long after I began carrying a gun at the age of 21. I was ever interested in holsters and related gear and I’ve enjoyed using and owning something from just about every good maker. From past makers like Chic Gaylord, Seventrees, and my friend Lou Alessi to current shops and icons like the ever impressive crew at Milt Sparks and one-man shops like Matt DelFatti, Thad Rybka, and LTW’s own John Ralston, just to name a few. Some people call me a “holster snob” (and I probably am) and some of my favorite examples of “snobbery” come in the form of products from the late Bruce Nelson. So when gathering props to accompany a classically styled Colt Commander it seemed fitting to show some of the classic holster designs from one of the true innovators in modern concealment holsters.
While I’m more of a Government Model fan, I was happy to build this Commander in same basic format that I would do for my self. A full-house Colt from our shop always starts with a weld-up frame and slide fit with Kart barrels being the order of the day. This gun was no different and, in addition to only the best quality internals throughout, the lines were straightened and the front strap and mainspring housing were hand-checkered at 30lpi. The slide top was flattened and serrated and fit with a Gold Line front sight and PG rear sight with the rear of the slide serrated to match.
Seen below, the polished blue and ivory just seem to fit right in with the Nelson #50 Single Magazine Pouches and original Nelson Summer Special which was gifted to me by it’s original owner, thanks pally!
PG rear sight, EGW thumb safety and grip safety with one of Bruce Nelson’s “Quick Two” shotgun shell carriers in the background.
PG rear sight blended flush wit the slide top and the granddaddy of all IWB holsters the original single loop Summer Special seen in the background.
Along side the Colt is what is widely recognized as the first “snap-on/snap-off” OWB holster, the Nelson Patriot
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