Like my friend Jason Burton, I'm a huge fan of the Summer Special holster. I got my first one in the mid 80s and it's been my go to rig when I carry IWB. I've also used Lou Alessi great PCH holster, Sparks Nexus and I just acquired John Ralsto's IBS (co designed by Jason Burton). I just can't make myself carry a 1911 in plastic, it has to be cowhide or maybe horse. No matter what holsters I have, I always find the original Summer Special as the most comfortable and quickest rig.
I received the new "retro" carved Summer Special this week and I had to compare it with the original carved SS. I was told that Milt Sparks did the original carving himself. What an artist he was. A good friend and mentor gave me that old rig.
So here it is, side by side, the new one has their 50th anniversary stamp and is lighter in color.
Optical illusion is making one thinks that one holster is much longer than the other. Actually, the new SS is only about 1/4" longer, as the muzzle area is more covered. Both guns are full size 5", yet for some reason, one looks smaller.
The new holster has a 1.5" belt loop as opposed to the vintage rig with its 1.75" loop. Granted the 40 year old holster has soften up and the loop is very flexible. The new loop is stiff and does a great job of holding the holster stable when fitted to a 1.5" belt. The new holster's loop is placed slightly more forward than the original, not much but just a little. I've worn both holsters and both are equally comfortable. I know which one is the original because it's softer due to its age, but other than that they both are rock solid. It's way more comfortable than any of these hybrid half padded leather, half plastic contraptions they're selling now.
All Sparks holsters bought in 2019 will have the 50th anniversary stamp. This one was made by Jim Wall.
The carving on the modern holster gives homage to the original, it's not an identical copy, but I believe it's their modern interpretation of the original. I think they did good.
The modern SS has a slightly longer muzzle coverage and is tapered slightly at the muzzle. The original holster muzzle was flush with the end of the slide, the barrel is almost exposed.
The muzzle/barrel is seen peeking out with the old SS.
Overall, we think the new model's quality is better than 50 years ago. I believe this holster will out live its owner.
I received the new "retro" carved Summer Special this week and I had to compare it with the original carved SS. I was told that Milt Sparks did the original carving himself. What an artist he was. A good friend and mentor gave me that old rig.
So here it is, side by side, the new one has their 50th anniversary stamp and is lighter in color.
Optical illusion is making one thinks that one holster is much longer than the other. Actually, the new SS is only about 1/4" longer, as the muzzle area is more covered. Both guns are full size 5", yet for some reason, one looks smaller.
The new holster has a 1.5" belt loop as opposed to the vintage rig with its 1.75" loop. Granted the 40 year old holster has soften up and the loop is very flexible. The new loop is stiff and does a great job of holding the holster stable when fitted to a 1.5" belt. The new holster's loop is placed slightly more forward than the original, not much but just a little. I've worn both holsters and both are equally comfortable. I know which one is the original because it's softer due to its age, but other than that they both are rock solid. It's way more comfortable than any of these hybrid half padded leather, half plastic contraptions they're selling now.
All Sparks holsters bought in 2019 will have the 50th anniversary stamp. This one was made by Jim Wall.
The carving on the modern holster gives homage to the original, it's not an identical copy, but I believe it's their modern interpretation of the original. I think they did good.
The modern SS has a slightly longer muzzle coverage and is tapered slightly at the muzzle. The original holster muzzle was flush with the end of the slide, the barrel is almost exposed.
The muzzle/barrel is seen peeking out with the old SS.
Overall, we think the new model's quality is better than 50 years ago. I believe this holster will out live its owner.