Well I finally decided to go get my CCL....found a good ccl course and getting it next month. With that said I'm trying to find a good holster and these two seem to stick out for IWB I'm thinking of checking out either a SuperTuck Deluxe or a Foxxholster Hybrids for Smith & Wesson

Just curious if there are any better options out there for a SD9VE?

Also I'm a heavy sweater (work out in the heat as well) and I break out easily to chemicals/rubbing so I wanted to add a "comfort layer" between myself and the holster, I was thinking of getting a cheap cotton tank top under my shirt and between myself and the holster and was curious if this would be a good solution for sweat and comfort? I'm 6'3 230 pounds but I'm losing weight...goal is 190-200.


Any advice/knowledge from you veterans would be appreciated....sadly no shops in my area to go test conceal carry options so I'm kind of shopping blind.

I just carry a 2" J frame (31-1) or my Ruger LCR in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster.

Foxx is good. Hidden Hybrid Holsters is the most comfortable I have tried yet. I have a Shield, but none of it matters because everyone has their own "favorite" holster and that is because holsters fit people differently. Some companies tend to provide better quality than others but in the end, you'll just have to decide what is best for yourself. Generally, that means you will end up getting several holsters or you might just get lucky and buy the perfect one for you to begin with. Either way, good luck.

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M&P Shield 9MM

You might want to look at N8 Tactical. They make some very nice IWB holsters. I especially like the soft material that would be against the skin if you are not wearing an undershirt of some kind. And their top-of-the-line holsters (only for certain model guns) have an interesting and very functional locking feature that does not inhibit drawing quickly but can make it much less likely to ever accidentally come out of the holster or be grabbed by someone else. I've got a few of their holsters and they are my top choice for IWB for my 642, or either my Ruger sr40c or LC9s.

Another brand well worth considering, and in fact is the line of holsters that I use most often, is Remora. They work as both pocket holsters and IWB, and amazingly stay put without any type of clip or other fastener; its the nice non-slip material that they are made of.

And a final comment: if you are like most of us on the forum that carry, you will, over time, build up a drawer full of various holsters as you continue the search for the "perfect" holster for every occasion. I have quite a few to cover all of the 4 different guns that I carry at different times, and for each one an IWB, OWB (the most comfortable way to carry, without doubt, but requires an out-of-pants shirt or a jacket) and pocket carry.

Short answer? There's no way to CC comfortably, especially if you carry IWB. A gun the size of your SD9 will constantly be poking and jabbing you. That said, the Super Tuck is cut so the gun doesn't touch your skin. That's the holster I'd suggest, although there are many like it. It won't be long before you've got a box of holsters, like the rest of us.

For me the most comfortable way to carry is with a pancake holster on my belt with a J frame snubby.

Since I make holsters, I gotta have some prototypes and some that I send out are so nice, I just gotta make one (sometimes more than one) for myself. I've got holsters for research, for use and for stock.
My wife sometimes complains about the holsters all over the house.

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Keep on Chooglin'

What do you mean by "it sticks out". I'm asking cause first most of them do stick out a little but that's around the grip area. That part gets covered by a shirt/sweater. Second, you can adjust it so it rides lower but it still won't completely disappear inside your pants.

I wear a tank top under my shirts all year long. I don't break out or anything but I don't enjoy the constant rubbing of leather against bare skin. I have no problems with sweat in summer. Today there are very few places that don't have AC and if you're outside it because you are going from one air conditioned place to another (house/car/store). If you're outside all day or in a place without AC then you're gonna sweat anyway

This is mine right now



As you can see, the holster does stick out a bit and I do wear a undershirt

Yeah, you probably do need to clean the place up a little bit.

I have room at my place, and no wife, so you can just send your overflow down here to me.

Nelson Holsters has several holster models made with Neoprene on your skin side and a layer between the neoprene and the leather to prevent the holster from getting sweaty. I have 2 from him, a Dakota Defender for my ECO and a Phoenix for my railed Caspian full size. Both are incredibly comfy and hold the gun close. Custom holsters in the $100-$120 range, he had mine done in less than 2 weeks and had to wait for some of the hardware to come in! He has the Blue Gun for that pistol, and can do mag pouches, belts, etc, too.

I always wear a tank top type shirt underneath my shirt to keep my gun / holster off of my skin. I've tried every IWB carry position around the clock and found that appendix carry is, hands down, the most comfortable by far. Also the easiest to conceal since there's no bulges on my hips / side. I wear untucked button up work shirts, dickies and flannels, which also help concealment.

Your carry option, however, doesn't work for me and my preferred carry method. The full size grip and slide make for an uncomfortable carry. Compact models like an M&P c, G26/27, or Ruger SRc work well in this position for a few hours.

My smallest options... 642, Sig P938, or LCP disappear in this position and cause zero discomfort all day long. I'm going on over ten hours of carry time with my P938 and have no desire to remove it, even though I'm relaxing on the couch.

Of course, every body type is different and we all have to find our sweet spots. I personally wouldn't try to carry an SD9VE for a prolonged amount of time while being active.

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- The Federalist #46 -

Clint Smith says "carrying a gun is not supposed to be comfortable, it's supposed to be comforting."

That said, we all face challenges carrying handguns on a daily basis. I found pocket carry of a 642 to be my perfect compromise after 20 years of carrying a Beretta 950 BS in .25ACP. I can't always hide a gun on my belt but nobody ever notices the pocket gun. It's not 100% comfortable but it's VERY bearable, all the time.

Funny thing is, the only time it's really not super bearable is if I wear slacks with deep pockets. That's a little annoying when the gun is so low on my thigh but not enough to stop me from carrying.

When I lose weight I'll give belt holsters more of a try - I still carry guns that way sometimes, depending on the situation.

***GRJ***

I use an Alien and a 938. Wear it all the time except sleeping, and find it the best in comfort that I have tried so far.

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God, country, family.

I have never been able to wear an IWB with any comfort at all. I carry my Shield in a Wright Leather Works OBW holster. I wear a tee shirt tucked in (This keeps your gun from rubbing on your skin and it stays dry) and a button type shirt untucked and unbuttoned. A short sleeve one in the summer and long sleeve in the winter. No problems and all day comfort. Remember your belt is as important as the holster. With jeans I use a 1/4"x1 1/2" bull hide solid one piece gun belt from Wright and with shorts I wear a Wilderness Instructor belt with the 5 rows of switching. Both do the job.
Classic Collection Leather Holsters | Wright Leather Works LLC

Whatever you decide, order your holster and belt asap as most of the quality holster makers have long lead time. Wright is at 6-8 weeks.

[IMG]S&W Shield 003cf3 by Jerry Jaynes, on Flickr[/IMG]

I m large. 5' 11", 360lbs. I never have felt comfortable wearing a belt. I have no butt, so my pants were always slipping down, even with a belt. I found the best compromise, for me, is pocket carry with a light weight, micro autoloader. My EDC is a Kel-Tec P32. Its a perfect little pistol for me. I wear suspenders UNDER my shirt, to keep my pants up, and under, because I dont like the look of suspenders. I can move about, in complete comfort, dont have to keep pulling my pants up, and no one knows I have a pistol. The .32 acp isnt something I would want to get into an extended gunfight with, but I have confidence it would protect me in almost every situation.

I have a few medical problems that limit me to a 442, or the like, in a pocket holster. My orbits are pretty tame in retirement and I like to go about minding my own business, not confronting anyone. For those that carry larger guns more power to them. I practice often and feel confident w/my EDC.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Everything in holster design involves compromises among the 4 basic factors of comfort, accessibility, security, and concealment. There is no "perfect" holster for every user or circumstances. Whenever one factor is emphasized there will be compromises in the other factors.

What works very well for one person will not work equally well for all people.

Think about your requirements. Daily routine, usual wardrobe, usual activities, physical limitations. How much are you willing to change in your daily life? How much can you spend on a new wardrobe to accommodate a specific carry method? How many times per day do you need to pass through a metal detector? Does your employer allow you to carry on company property or business trips?

It's all a simple academic exercise until you apply your brain to it. Even then, what your brain perceives may not be possible in the real world you occupy every day.

An undershirt makes a huge difference in comfort, but they just don't get it in South Texas in the summer. I've found that moleskin can make all the difference when you find the holster which is perfect in all other respects.
Google "moleskin holsters" and you'll find several sources. The one I use is about 7" x 9" and has an adhesive backing. I've wondered if I couldn't do the same thing with an old tee shirt and some rubber cement, but I haven't figured out how to keep the edges from unraveling.
I've also been thinking of hitting the leather store for a piece of sheepskin fleece, but the moleskin is comfortable enough that I haven't gotten down there, yet.

My two cents, Alien Gear Holsters | The most comfortable concealed carry holsters in America. is great alternative at a great price. You can get much like the Nelson Holsters mentioned above at a much better price.

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Recovering Pacifist

I’d suggest a microfiber shirt vs. cotton. It tends to wick away moisture better than cotton. Merino wool t-shirts also work well as a base layer vs. cotton but tends to be more expensive…I know it might sound weird but they do a great job of keeping you cool and moisture wicking too. Most think of wool when it comes to sweaters, but arguably they do as great a job, if not better than synthetics.

As for holsters it really depends on your body shape. One kind of holster will fit two different people totally different. IME, regardless of what position you carry it does take your body some time to get used to it. In the beginning you’ll get hot spots and it will feel uncomfortable, even if you get a new brand of holster but carry in the same spot, it’ll create a different set of hot spots in different areas.

I can’t say I can carry all day and not feel it at all, but I wouldn’t say it’s uncomfortable…not anymore. I carry a FS M&P everyday AWIB. I will end with saying that it’s taken a long time to figure it out and I have a box full of holsters to show for it over 23+ yrs.

I am 6'2" and 230 lbs as well. I have the SD40VE and I use Aliengear holsters. I have three of them. Black, tan and the new 2.0 with the neoprene backer. The only time I don't have my holster on is when I'm sleeping. The price is right and their customer service is amazing. They also have a full money back guarantee as well. But i will agree with others here and say that everyone is different and has different needs. What is perfect for one may not be for you.

And I have a bunch of his holster and all of them, real cool guy I would recommend him.

I find a leather holster to be much more comfy than the leather/kydex hybrid. I have 2 Old Faithful holsters that never get used. I also have holsters from MTR Custom Leather called the Sentinel. Leather full wrap around holster with a separate leather backer that the clips are on so it's almost like an all leather hybrid style. The leather backer can be swapped out for an included belt clip to have a paddle style holster as well.

Holsters are subjective, but I greatly prefer an all leather holster for my pistols!

For price, guarantee and comfort, I feel Alien Gear is the way to go. AG gives you a FREE thirty day trial period. Like it? Buy it! Don't like it? Return it! No questions asked. Visit their site for complete info. You won't be disappointed.

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Accidents don't just happen...

I use High Noon Holsters to carry inside the waist band. I carry a S&W 5906 and a CS9.

For IWB I would suggest Adams Holsters dimply because they work. I am RT handed but found that with his I can carry the sigma or SD 40 all day without discomfort. I have started carrying a spare (loaded) SD on my left side due to back pain, it spreads the weight of the gun, while putting pressure at the right spot. For that matter I could send you my spare if you order one from him, ( no it is not for sale ) till yours arrived. Be Safe,

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I BACK OUR BLUE

I also carry a Model 60 in a Desantis pocket holster. My problem with that now is that I've lost 25 lbs since I bought it. Now it tends to drag my pants down. Guess I just have to get suspenders or tighten my belt a tad. Still the best way for me to go.

I wish I could remember who stated this quote: "Carrying a pistol should not be comfortable, but comforting"
Some times we forget why we carry. It's for protection, not physical comfort.
Just my 2 cents worth.

Concealed Carry With Comfort?

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M&P Shield 9MM

I use both IWB and OWB. I do not care what anyone says, the outside the waste band or belt holster is far more comfortable than any inside the waste band rig..... p e r i o d. The question is what you are doing, where and most of all what really works for you. I have a bunch of holsters, leather and kydex that i do not use. I use a Tucker IWB southern comfort style and Lobo gun leather for OWB for both my 1911 and S&W Mdl 19. I do wish I had found Lobo first.... and not brand X.

Comfort is also impacted by the gun that you carry. Although I totally agree that OWB is much more comfortable than IWB, carrying a smaller and flatter gun makes either way more comfortable than carrying a larger and/or thicker gun. Lately I have been carrying a small 9mm semi much more often than my 642 (a Ruger LC9s) and find that whether IWB or OWB the Ruger is less intrusive than the j-frame (although while OWB it is close to a draw between the two guns). And for a really small gun like my Ruger LCP, I can carry it in a small pocket holster like an Uncle Mike's even in lightweight dress pants, or suit pants in relative comfort.

Appreciate all the information and advice.....will have to take some time this weekend and investigate all these holsters and see what I can check out locally first (don't see one I like then I go to the internet and gamble lol) Thank you again.

When we did the CCW course here the instructor said that it is likely that many of us would spend more money on finding the right holster rather than on the right gun.

I contacted Clint Smith and told him i wanted to change his mind...

This is the thunder ranch website links page...
Thunder Ranch® Oregon Hotlinks

Notice how many holster makers are listed.

Sorry but i couldn't help but post on that.

undershirts are almost manditory down here in FL... i love Milt Sparks VM II. best thing ever for 1911 or Hi-powers. that said i IWB a (gasp) Glock 17 everyday in a holster from Multi-holsters.com. Tony and Norm are great guys with a darn fine product. they also make real nice mag carriers to match. check 'em out!

Until the NFL made a big stink in regards to domestic violence, wife beaters worked well as a protective under garment.

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Memory of Randy Freas-Rimfired

I carry a model 60 in a milt sparks vm2

I too EDC IWB a "Hidden Hybrid Holster" with my Block 19 Gen 3 and as soon as I add my 5903 to my CCW I will see if the guys there have an HHH holster for it too, very serviceable and durable rigs , give em a look.

This whole comfortable vs comforting thing's getting a bit over used.
I'm greedy, I want both.
During this; Weekend road trip
During the drive I carried my snubby in an inside jacket pocket in this;

Because it was more comfortable and accessible while driving.
After we reached our destination(s), it rode on my belt in one of these;

Not because it was more comforting but because it was a comfortable and accessible way to carry my snubby.
Ever since Clint Smith said, "carrying a gun is not supposed to be comfortable, it's supposed to be comforting," people have been parroting it like it's the Gospel. While I'm not a firearm or self defense expert, I still like to carry in comfort.

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Keep on Chooglin'

I love the little pocket rigs for hammerless snubbies ...

I carry a sig 245 in a jasonwinnie.com IWB. It is the best I have found. A bit expensive but I have a closet full of holsters that I would sell real cheap. If you are going to carry all the time, spend the money on a good holster.

My 638 is 15 oz. Not a target gun but it will"Getter done" Target 9 yrds. i use a IWB for carry or pocket

Attached Images

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My mod 10 does better but not a easy to carry as the 638

I'm with Vito on this one. I have several options for my j frame .357, sometimes it's IWB , sometimes ankle holster sometimes a belly band. One thing to consider with the ankle holster is to bring your leg up to retrieve the weapon rather than bending down to your ankle.
I also utilize a vest with a concealment pocket from time to time. This past fall I also purchased an iPad case with a concealment compartment.
All of these options allow me complete flexibility in my wardrobe.

I actually found the Remora holster to be my best option for comfort/concealment. The downside is I bought the "tuck" version with sweat guard and thought I could cut the piece off If I didn't like it...but they didn't put the sticky material on the side where the tuck side is so I gotta buy a new one for 24/7 carry.

The tuck version was to test at church (yes I got permission) where I'm in dress shirts....thinking about buying a suit jacket so I can use a shoulder strap though :P

one more thought on this... at home i carry my 442 in a Galco horsehide front pocket. I forget its there most of the time. i get a good reminder at night when it bounces off the top of my right foot when getting ready for bed!

Sorry to drift, but I don't see how anyone can carry IWB everywhere, everyday and be comfortable. I can't, I have to be comfortable no matter what I'm doing. This is why I carry a pistol small enough to fit in my front pocket. I haven't missed a day since I started pocket carrying 3 years ago.

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I'm Proud To Be An American!

3dots,

I carry IWB all the time and experience no difficulties, even though I swear my clothes are shrinking as I get older.

In all serious, though, I can tell you from personal experience that a quality holster and belt make all the difference in the world insofar as comfort is concerned. In some cases, having properly sized trousers helps also; rule of thumb is to go up one waist size from what you normally wear.

It doesn't work for everybody, natch, but it's worked for me.

I have found over the years that there is no way to carry comfortably. There is always some compromise you have to make. I have tried just about every way possible. But one way I will never carry is in an ankle holster. Just too slow to get to it. I know some people will not agree with that but that's my opinion.

Carrying a firearm is not always comfortable, however, it is always comforting.