The Diamond D Leather Alaska Hunter Holster with Drop Loop add-on swaddling a Springfield Armory 1911 TRP Operator in 10mm.
As a full-fledged member of the Cult of the 10mm, I am a fan of the new Springfield Armory 1911 TRP (Tactical Response Pistol) Operator in 10mm. I was lucky enough to do the reviews on all four models, the 5 & 6-inch models with iron sights and Trijicon-equipped RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) red dot sights. And since I live in a place where bears and mountain lions are a real thing, I ended up keeping the 6-inch with iron sights. You know, just in case I need to regulate Mother Nature.
That briefs well, but it doesn’t address the issue we have when a new gun comes out. Springfield didn’t slap a 10mm slide on a .45 ACP frame, they designed a new gun from the ground up. The dust cover is thick, and the 6-inch has more rail section than a 2002 model M-4. You might be able to find a normal 1911 holster to accommodate the 5-inch, with some minimal fitting. But 6-inch models aren’t that common in any caliber. I suppose I could just go on a hike with a handful of gun, but that would get uncomfortable eventually. Besides, I’m retired. I already humped my miles at the low ready.
SEE ALSO: Springfield 1911 TRP Operator Now in 10mm! – Full Review
Fortunately, this week, the problem got solved. When I think of leather for a legitimate hand cannon, only one place comes to mind. Diamond D Leather, of Wasilla, Alaska. Residing in the last frontier, they make my potential animal problems seem tame by comparison. For decades, they have been the go-to source for outdoorsmen, hunters and fishermen venturing off to Grizzly Country. They cover the gamut of critter calibers, from .454 wheel guns to the Glock 20. And now, they cover the Springfield Armory 1911 TRP Operation in 10mm as well.
Like all quality leather, there is a break-in period required. Even so, this is a rather comfy rig right out of the box.
When I did a review of the Diamond DLeather Guide’s Choice Chest Holster for the Glock last year, I walked away super impressed. Knowing that they’re now making them for the 10mm TRP Operator, it was a no-brainer. But I realized the chest holster might not be everyone’s cup of tea. So this time, I got a more traditional setup.
My Springfield now rides in an Alaska Hunter Hip Holster ($120), complete with an Alaska Hunter Drop Loop ($55).
I opted for the Drop Loop to give myself more room around my waist. When I’m hiking, I like to buckle my waist straps on my backpack to better disperse the load.
The Hip Holster is a solid piece of craftsmanship made from high-quality leather. The loop is secured with three Phillips-head screws, which gives you the option to slide it onto your belt or secure it to the straps of your backpack. The drop loop is an add-on feature that sets the butt of the gun approximately two inches lower than it would be if you just had the holster on your belt. I really like this option, as it allows me to still wear a pack with a waist belt. It also sets the gun closer to where my hand falls naturally, much like military drop leg holsters.
SEE ALSO: Springfield Armory Heavy Operator 10mm w/RMR
My holster came with a retention strap, though a full cover flap is also an option if you’re really worried about protecting the pistol from the elements. For a backcountry gun, the extra security of the retentions strap is worth the slight penalty in speed. And if you need to get ready for the O.K. Corral, it is easy to move it out of the way.
If you already bought your 10mm and are in need of an affordable and durable holster, check out Diamond D Leather. They are the preeminent choice for backcountry holsters. Time to get your industrial-size 1911 out of the safe and into the wild.
The Diamond D website says “The drop loop option is NOT designed to be used with the flap attached.” You should probably edit this article to get it in line with the Diamond D guidance which I think has changed since the June 2018 date the article was published. I don’t know what prompted the change but I bet it was contemplative.
Ah, XYZ Clay.
10mm is the powderpuff chambering for the LAR Grizzly pistol.
I own and shoot a 10mm glock and it you think a 10 mm is a hand cannon please don,t buy a 500 S&W mag or even a 44 mag. I own and shoot both. A 500 is a hand cannon. A44 mag is not and a 10 mm is not even in the running.
Long time 10 owner here. If you think the 10mm is a hand cannon you need to go out to JD Jones SSk and educate yourself. Pro tip, if it comes in an auto loader, not a hand cannon cartridge.
Put that jewel on a 21/4 belt and it will not ride up like that.
In a bind, that is dangerous, and could be fatal.
I’ll never buy another 10 from Springfield. I use my omega10 as a paper weight… due to lack of parts”
Diamond D fit up my Sig Sauer P220 Elite match 10mm with a non retention belt holster and it is first class fit and finish. I looked around alot prior to settling on them and you cannot go wrong with their quality and customer service.
Say Clay, in your opinion, where does the Springfield 10mm barrel ramping compare with lets say, a Delta Elite (which has none), vs other brands that you have seen (like Kimber)? Do you feel it is safe to shoot SAAMI grade ammo with the Springfield?
I too am a long-time member of the brotherhood of 10mm–I was just wondering if you’ve tried going down the 9 x 25 Dillon rabbit hole yet. It’s sorta a “hidden option” for the 10mm–sending a 9mm bullet at nearly 2000 fps out of a 10 mm case is pretty heady stuff. ; )
It’s not a “hand cannon” if you get proper springs at 22 to 26 lb.
Sure, you’ll have a hard time pulling the slide back but it will tame even the +P+ Extreme Penetrator rounds (700+ ft-lb) from Underwood ammo. Standard 10mm (500+ ft-lb) will shoot like 9mm +P.