So last week I couldn't help myself and picked up an M&P9c. So far I am lukewarm about it.

I dig the way it points in my hand. Much better and natural than my 915 or any other 3rd gen I have ever held. But it is CHUNKY. It will not fit (width-wise) in my 915 holsters.

Comparing the gun's width to the diameter of a j and K frame cylinder I find that the M&P's slide width is about 7/8 of the diameter of a J frame cylinder and about 3/4 of a K. So I guess it should be OK, it's just different from what I am used to.

Nobody local had any leather that I liked for it so I had to order. I was tempted to order a kydex rig from Raven Concealment Systems just to get something quick (lead time about a week) and then replace it with leather but that seems awfully expensive since a Raven is $65 and most leather holsters are as much or more.

So since I have several others to carry anyway I decided to just order leather and wait. Looking around I found Kirkpatrick Leather Company which seems to make quality stuff and have a reasonable wait of about 6 weeks.

I ordered their Hidden Defense IWB in brown, which looks like this:



Report to follow after I get it and break it in. In the meantime any feedback on Kirkpatrick is appreciated.

I love my Defender holsters from K&D but a six month wait sucks.

www.mernickleholsters.com

quote:

Originally posted by Nanook 450:
www.mernickleholsters.com

Thanks, but I only do IWB for CC.

Wyatt,
Don't have any of their conceal holsters but I do have one of their western belts with a crossdraw holster for my Ruger Redhawk that I've owned for probably 8 years. This is my carry revolver when hunting, riding my mules in the mountains,or just camping out in the hills. It's a great setup, nice work, good leather, securely holds the gun in place - whats not to like. For the price their hard to beat. Think El Paso quality with a more molded holster. I think you'll be more than pleased.

I got cold feet today.

I cancelled my order and placed an order for another excellent Cochise Defender from K&D. I already have two of them (one for a 915 the other for a 65) and I cannot imagine a more concealing and more comfortable holster.

Since K&D is delivering in about 16 weeks, I also ordered a Comp-Tac CTAC to see me through until then. The good thing about a CTAC for an M&P compact is that I can either keep it as a spare/alternate or I can easily sell it for almost what I paid for.

Wyatt, I was reading an article on Argentine knives the other day and came across your Martin Fierro signature line about 2/3 of the way down the page. I own the knife in the picture, it is made around a bayonet blade stamped "Modelo Argentino 1909", for a Mauser I imagine.[IMG][/IMG]
Steve

Stevens, pretty cool, ain't it?

I am not Argentino, but I am of a Latin American culture and upbringing and have read quite a bit of Latin American and Spanish literature. I have never read the Martin Fierro through (it is huge), but that verse captures the essence of why we arm ourselves.