Sig Ultra and the Alabama Holster “Hooker” a.k.a. The Hooker with a heart of……lead.

“The Hooker” by Alabama Holster, for the Sig Sauer Ultra (compact 1911)

Sign up to win this holster, on the right>>> Looks like we are up to our 5th review and giveaway! Thank you to everyone that has participated by signing up and winning! This week we are looking at the Hooker, from Alabama Holster. I’m sure there is an Alabama Hooker joke in there somewhere, but I’ll leave that one alone and focus on the holster. I’d also like to say that this review will center on using the Hooker in AIWB carry mode. You can also use it in other inside the waistband positions, but I ordered one specifically for AIWB, with the straight drop molding (i.e. no FBI cant). For me, even a lightweight 1911 does not hide easily in other waistband positions, without a substantial cover garment. In those cases, I carry with a paddle holster, as it mitigates the weight. Just my preference. So without further adieu, here is my review. Sign up and stay tuned. More holster reviews for Sigs, Glocks, Rugers, 1911s of different types, etc., are on the way! We might even do 2 1911 reviews in a row……(hint, hint)

The Holster:

On the table is “The Hooker” molded holster from Alabamba Holster. I’m going to put a link here: http://www.alabamaholster.com , so you can find them, but know that it is NOT SPONSORED. In other words, we receive no compensation for the reviews. That lets us give an unbiased review. This model came in at $55 and there were no added charges for the options I picked (1.5 inch belt, straight drop, Sig Ultra)

Best looking Hooker I’ve seen in awhile.

Shipping was a flat $7. Both prices are competitive in this arena.

First Impressions of the Alabama Hooker Holster:

Although I could not find specific mention of it, I’m almost positive that this holster is constructed of Kydex. The reason I hesitate a litte is that the material is so rigid, thick, and tough, you might think it is some other plastic. If you are used to the Kydex in a Hybrid holster, this stuff is in a different class. Very robust. I’m going to say that you could whip this at a brick wall all day and it would hold up. It also has minimal flex/give. I see it as a lifetime holster, assuming that the retention holds over the long term. More on that, later.



The belt loop is molded into the holster and so, you have to commit to a belt size if you want to wear this with different wardrobes. However, all of my carry belts are 1.5 inches, so that’s not an issue for me. One big advantage of the molded loop is that it is VERY easy to take this holster on and off. It is the only model I’ve tried for AIWB that is as easy to take on and off as a paddle holster. The loop is a j-hook design, which means it does not use the belt to support the weight. Rather, the hook loops under the belt, so the holster stays put when you draw.

Molded in J-hook makes it easy to take off.

Concealability and Carry:

Pop it on and off in about 5 seconds, including the time it takes to fold your shirt up and down. The J-hook belt loop is awesome for this function. Alabama Holster lets you choose from 1.25, 1.5, or 1.75 inch belt widths, plus one they call “duty belt” width. I’m not a LEO, so I’m not sure how wide those belts are. I’m guessing 2 inches….. The J-hook, of course, lets you remove the holster without taking off your belt.

Open carry AIWB? No, just showing how it sits.

Appendix carry offers certain advantages in draw speed and comfort (at least while standing or walking). We won’t debate the Pros and Cons of carrying here, since this is not a tactical review. We’ll assume you’ve already decided on appendix carry and want a good holster. I WILL say that I personally, am not comfortable carrying a pistol over my Johnson, unless it has a safety or very heavy trigger pull. Training is everything and you may be perfectly comfortable with a Glock up there, but I carry my Ruger SR9c, Bersa Thunder .380, or a 1911 for this position, as they have a safety. I’d also be comfortable with a long heavy DA pull, like on a Kel-Tec P11 or DA/SA Sig . That said, you can address these concerns by putting the gun in the holster before putting it in your pants, when carrying AIWB. Training and the best approach for your situation, is up to YOU.

Rolled Edges = Comfy

The bottom edges of The Hooker are rolled in, which goes a long way toward mitigating any chaffing. As I’ve said before, this isn’t the best position for every body type. Walking around is fine, but when I sit down, I find I have to “adjust” a little for the best comfort. If you are a dude, you’re probably doing a bit of adjusting when you sit down, anyway. If you carry your six pack on your abdomen, it should work great for you. My six pack is in the fridge, so….there are more comfortable options. However, that is less a reflection on the holster than it is on my gut. Where AIWB really shines for me is when I’m going to be walking around for most of the day. You can conceal a lot of gun in the AIWB position. Especially if your belly gives you a little bit of “curtain overhang”. It’s the ONLY place on the beltline where I can completely hide (not print) a 1911.

A 1911, completely concealed.

Note that one favorable aspect of a J-hook that goes under the belt is that it makes the holster less obvious. Most IWB holsters have hooks that go over the top of the belt and so, if you tuck your shirt, the trained eye can spot a holster. Compounding the issue, some manufacturers emboss their logo, which screams, “I’m packing” to anyone that is has ever seen an IWB holster. Hello, Crossbreed, I’m talking about YOU. The casual civilian won’t notice, but I’m more concerned about the bad guy that uses something similar. Not all thugs carry in their drooping jeans. Of course, this is all largely irrelevant here, since this is NOT a tuckable holster. Some over garment must be worn. This means that the only advantage here is the easy on/off factor. The trade-off of the J-hook is that the weight of the gun is not supported by the belt. At least, not directly. The belt being drawn tight, holds it to your body, but there is no contribution in the vertical plane, from the belt. I’ll address why this is important, below.

Retention:

No retention adjustment, but enough flext that it should last a number of years. I’m a little concerned that the sharp edges of this particular gun might wear into the holster, reducing tension over time. I don’t see that issue with a Glock, or one of the other soap bar pistols. Even with those sharp edges, the draw is smooth. Release from retention happens over the first half inch of draw, rather than a distinct “click” point. Not good or bad, just different. In my opinion, it does enhance the smoothness of the draw. I did the feet on the wall test (I can’t manage a headstand anymore) to get this rig inverted and I can assure you, it’s not going anywhere, even if you end up in a wrestling match.

What We Liked:

Smooth, well molded, and nicely crafted.

Very SMOOTH craftsmanship. There are no sharp edges to dig at you. The exterior has a nice pebble finish, which keeps it from slipping out of your hands when moving from your belt to the nightstand. That might sound minor, but if you’ve ever handled a molded holster with the gun still in it, it tends to want to walk out of your grip. The thickness of the Kydex and the belt loop hold everything in place. If you are looking for an AIWB holster, this one fills a niche. The fixed belt loop makes it a tad harder to situate the holster around your pants belt loops than say, the Shaggy. But, it goes on and off in a jiffy. Everything in life is a compromise.

What We Didn’t Like:

A couple things. These aren’t really a reflection on the holster, since a different cant and or carry position would change things, but here goes:

Side view of the J-Hook

1) The J-Hook. As I’ve mentioned, the hook makes it easy to take the holster on and off. So, that is an advantage that needs to be balanced by the following. The J-hook means that the holster and gun weight are carried on the top edge of your pants, rather than on the belt. So, no matter how tight I pulled my belt, the holster would push the pants down slightly, until the grip rested on my belt. That made it challenging to get a full combat grip. Really, with my flab in there, it was impossible. Drawing would require a couple fingers and then a shift in grip, losing most of the speed advantage to AIWB. But to be fair, a slimmer guy or gal, might do better.

It hides perfectly…but the trade off is that it’s hard to grip.

2) No retention adjustment. Honestly, the retention as it stands now, is fine. Perfect really. However, I’m concerned that over the long term, the Kydex could wear and loosen up. There IS a bit of spring to the whole assembly, so there is some room for wear, but an option for active tension adjustment would be worth say, an extra $15.   But, as long as you are aware of these “issues” I don’t think either is a deal breaker. I also think that with a lighter gun or a different carry position, they wouldn’t be worth mentioning. If you are looking for a super holster and it doesn’t bother you to have 230 grains of JHP pointed at the family jewels, there is a lot to like for $55! I would still consider this a “recommended” holster. Conclusion (except for the gunporn, below): Warning–reprint, but it bears repeating: If you want to try AIWB……train. A mistake with a paddle holster might put a bullet through your butt cheek, but here…….ugh, I don’t even want to think about it. Train and train some more. However, appendix carry has some real advantages. The speed is amazing and you are never really in an undefendable position, with one hand behind you. Plus, the “tell” is less, as you reach for your gun. Hey, there must be a reason why you see it in so many holdup videos! For a chance to win this holster in our monthly drawings (starting in May, to give people time to sign up), put your email in the box above this post.

GunPorn:

We are not a gun review site, but I think that we should at least add a little info about each gun used in the reviews, because weight can have a lot to do with how the gun carries in each holster. Especially here. I’ve picked a pistol that is really on the outside edge of what this holster is good at. Don’t mis-understand, it can take the weight of the gun, it’s just that it is a lot of gun to carry in the first place.

Stock, except for the finger grooves. That was an $9 mod.

Today’s review was done with what might be my all time personal favorite pistol, and certainly my favorite “1911”, the Sig Sauer Ultra 1911, in .45 ACP (as all 1911s should be). 28 oz is pretty light for a 1911, even a compact (3.3 in barrel). Sig uses an alloy frame here, to reduce carry weight. But, it’s still heavier than most other compacts. Add 7 rounds of 230 JHP + one in the pipe, and it’s a fairly heavy carry. Maybe I’m a pansy, since I know of a few people carrying 40 oz government models in their pants, but 28 oz (plus ammo) is about the limit for me. However, that weight is also what makes it a real pleasure to shoot. This is a very comfortable gun to shoot, even as a “compact”. I added the Hogue finger grips because I like the extra purchase (and to match my Ruger 10/45 that I use for Bullseye shooting), but you don’t need them to handle the recoil. It is more of a shove, than a slap. In other words, it shoots like a .45, albeit without the “slow motion” feel of a Gold Cup or similar large 1911. Trigger break is crisp, like breaking a glass rod, with minimal takeup. I might like it a bit lighter for a target gun (by half), but it is near perfect for carry.

Sorry for the poor focus on these two shots, the lighting was weak that day.

Whenever I’m shooting the Ultra, someone always seems to ask me about reliability (the poor 1911 will never live down it’s partially deserved reputation). I tell them it functions like a Sig. I had two or three failures to extract in the first two mags full. This was on a gun fresh from the box, with zero cleaning. Since then, I’ve put about 750 rounds through it (yeah, only 750: .45 costs a bit more than 9mm) with ZERO problems of any kind. Speaking of zero, my Sig Ultra came in with a perfect alignment on the tritium night sights. I can put all rounds in a 4 inch circle at 30 feet and a 12 inch circle at 50.



A better shooter could probably do better; the gun exceeds the capabilities of my eyes. I paid top dollar for my Sig Ultra, about 2 years ago. $1150, if memory serves. But, now that the panic has subsided a bit, you can find them for under a grand, making this a VERY nice 1911 for the money. Polish and finish is 90% that of a Kimber (if that is important to you) with the reliability of a Sig. I was deciding between a S&W 1911 E series (really like the rounded heel) and a Colt Defender at the time I made this purchase. Shot all 3 and decided on the Sig. Purists may not like the external extractor. However, I’ve found that it works flawlessly, although you may have to go looking for your brass. Go buy one, now, and pick up a Alabama Holster to go with it!

Notes about our Reviews:

Please look at our “Categories” section and read the About info. There, you can see some photos of my “body type” (no, I’m not naked, nobody needs to see that). I’m a middle-aged guy with a little bit of flab. Not a whale, but the six-pack abs passed by about 300 cases ago. You need to have a look, because the comfort of any holster system is strongly dependent on body type and any review will be biased accordingly. Next, the belt. Hold the “get a proper gun belt” comments. I’ve got one. But, it’s hard to see where the holster starts the belt stops, when I use a 1.5 inch black leather strap with no markings. So, I’m using a 5.11 Nylon belt, which provides a nicer background for the photos. For that reason, I don’t comment on belt sag, because, some of it is the dang belt! Please comment and add your experiences with this or any other holster for this model of firearm. Thanks! –Hank

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