Regardless of their execution and details, double-stack 1911 pistols all have the original Colt M1911 as their common ancestor. Although double-stack guns tend to retain the thinner slide of the progenitor in their construction, holsters are not typically interchangeable because of the different trigger-guard profiles on each pistol. Fortunately, Dark Star Gear offers a version of its utilitarian Apollo holster that fits most of the popular double-stack 1911s on the market today. Even if you shoot a single-stack 1911, keep reading because this review still applies to you.
Dark Star Gear Apollo For Double-Stack 1911s Overview
The Apollo is Dark Star Gear’s economically priced concealment holster. It is manufactured from a thick Boltaron sheet, shipped with Raven Concealment’s overhook clips and primarily intended to be carried as a modern Appendix Inside-The-Waistband (AIWB) holster. However, with some adjustment, the overhook clips or similar belt attachment accessories can also be canted for classic IWB carry behind the hip. In addition, the Apollo’s screwhole pattern allows compatibility with a wide variety of aftermarket belt-clip choices and systems like the popular PHLster Enigma.
As the Apollo specifically pertains to a double-stack 1911, this version of the Apollo was designed from the outset to hold a full-size duty model, like the Staccato-P 2011 pictured above. Even if one isn’t carrying a full-size model, I find that this Apollo’s tall shape lends itself very well to stability during concealment thanks to the inherent keeling effect its length provides while worn inside the waistband. This version of the Apollo works by grabbing onto the squared-off trigger guard found on the vast majority of double-stack 1911s. This is the profile that Staccato pioneered during its STI days. The 2011 Apollo will fit most square trigger guard 2011 frame pistols, 5 inches and under, including those from Tisas Duty, Pinnacle and other square trigger guard double-stack 2011 pattern guns like those from Stacatto/STI, Nighthawk and Chambers Custom Pistols.
Despite the more affordable price point, there’s no “catch” to these holsters. Dark Star Gear’s strategy is to offer a simple and streamlined product. For example, you can have an Apollo in whichever color you’d like, as long as it is black. The reality is that Apollos are only available in that color because black Boltaron is the most cost-effective choice while still leveraging the benefits of that material. Likewise, all Apollos come standard with Raven Concealment’s nylon overhook clip, which are also cost-effective and practical. Similarly, the Apollo’s retention tension is fixed and built into the holster shell itself. There’s no need for the complication or expense of an additional tensioning screw. On that note, this holster is tuned to provide middle-of-the-road retention on the draw: It’s not too tight nor too loose.
Dark Star Gear also makes an Apollo version for single-stack 1911s with a few tweaks that better conform to the rounded trigger guard typically found on 1911 frames. The single-stack 1911 version still offers that easy-to-carry flat profile with a long keel.
For those who carry 2011-style pistols, I think the biggest challenges are likely to come from their gun’s large and squarish grip, especially because the classic double-stack magazine pattern can be so notoriously wide. This is something to look out for, and adhering some type of pad or wedge would not be too difficult.
The Takeaway
Upon its launch, Dark Star Gear set up its Apollo product line to fit various popular handguns including the most popular 9mm Glock pistols, the SIG Sauer P365 series, the Springfield Armory Hellcat and the like. As mentioned above, the Apollo doesn’t skimp on quality and instead delivers value very strategically by focusing on the basics. With a standard retail price of only $49.99, Dark Star Gear drives a hard bargain.
