Fistful's holster topic reminded me of a question I've wanted to ask the brain trust:
I've seen a lot of holster makers (including the "top dogs") who, under "firearm model", simply list "1911" with barrel length, but might also have a specific model listed (e.g., Springfield TRP).
I'm curious if there really is a ginormous fit difference between the generic 1911 and a specific model. Stuff like rails/no rails not withstanding, is there really a significant fit difference between say, a compact Kimber and a compact Springfield? Or a Colt Government and a Rock Island?
I'm thinking in (quality made) all leather, there probably isn't, as the leather somewhat molds to the gun anyway. I would see more chance of a sloppy fit in an all Kydex or hybrid holster.
As someone who has tested and written articles about more than a few 1911s, I think I'm qualified to respond to this one. With very few exceptions, the only shape difference from one 1911 to another is the barrel (and slide) length -- and the presence or absence of a light rail. Holsters boned (molded) to fit a Colt 1911 (which is what most of the blocking models are made to duplicate) will accommodate virtually any other 1911 of the same barrel length. That even includes Para-Ordnance and Rock Island double stacks -- the only part of those that's fatter is the grip frame, and that's outside of the holster.
An exception is Sig Sauer. They, in their infinite wisdom, decided when they jumped into the 1911 pool that it was important to make
their 1911s look like Sigs rather than 1911s, so they changed the profile of the slide. This, of course, rendered 90+ percent of holsters made for 1911s unsuitable for the Sig pistols. More recently, Sig introduced a "Classic" line of 1911 pistols, which look like 1911s, and which should fit standard 1911 holsters. Most of their 1911s, though, still have their proprietary slide profile.
Then there are some outliers. The "standard" barrel/slide lengths for 1911s are 5", 4-1/4", 3-1/2", and 3". A few manufacturers offer pistols with a 4" barrel rather than 4-1/4", and I've seen a few with barrel lengths like 3-1/8" or 3-3/16". For the outliers, you just have to use the holster made for the next longest "standard" length.