Thanks in advance.

Too vague! What pistol? IWB or OWB? Duty carry, concealed carry or competition.

Garbage in=garbage out!!

m&p shield 9c with safety. CC for sure. I don't know how I want to carry it just yet.

This could go just about anywhere...

Google Lightning Arms.

They carry some of the best.

I carry a good holster almost every day.

I'm very impressed!!

I like alien gear. I carry IWB but they offer all options. I think they have good pricing and their delivery has always been good for my experience.

Welcome to the S&W Forum!

For off the shelf selection, DeSantis holsters have a few nices ones:

SMITH & WESSON M&P SHIELD 9/40 - available from DeSantis Holster

I have a large box of lightly used holsters, and a couple well worn ones.

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

I use Garrett Industries gear for concealed carry and competition.

Do you have any experience carrying? Knowing where you're coming from and your intent would make it easier to make appropriate suggestions.

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Don't kiss smiling dogs!

IWB, most comfortable for me, is Stealth Gear ventcore...a little pricey, and don't have every option.

Second is Alien Gear, great price, selection and service, and also pretty darn comfortable. I spoke with Alien Gear about doing a one off and they said no, but if I was handy I could mod it myself, and they would still warranty it after I modified it...that's pretty good.

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Something really smart

My username is davecarries but I haven't done that yet. I'm a total newbie but trying to learn fast. I know I'm asking some dumb questions on the forum at times so bear with me. I looked at Alien Gear today on the advice of my son. I like their IWB cloak holster "from the online picture" they show. My son has an IWB that feels very uncomfortable to me. I forget what brand it is at the moment.

Defensive Carry Holsters & Carry Options

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Jason Winnie Leathergoods - all day, every day!



Jason Winnie Leathergoods

Estrada Armory, LLC - Photos | Facebook

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Jorge

Look up Simply Rugged Leather, custom made stuff at really reasonable prices.

Good stuff in that link. It also shows what a broad topic this is, with over thirteen thousand threads in that one forum. There is no one right answer for this one. Everyone goes through a lot of trial and error. What works for your son may be quite wrong for you or the next person. Whatever you decide on, you need a good belt first. The best holster in the world won't be a very satisfying carry experience without a good belt to hang it on.

I am subscribed to that link just to keep up with the latest trends. You're right, there isn't one right answer, a good belt and lots of trials. I've been through 3 and settled with Product Details

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Not dumb questions IMO...you don't know, so you ask...sounds pretty smart to me.

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Something really smart

I agree, these are made to use and hold up well. I don't know about IWB as I can only afford one size pants and only carry OWB.

I second Alien Gear

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Big Rob's Gun Leather - Big Robs Gunleather

I'm another vote for Alien Gear holsters. I have owned them in the past, and my husband owns the new IWB 3.0, I'm in LOVE!

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Wife. Mother.

Don't we all.

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CSM, U S Army(Ret) 1963-1990

Currently, I'm carrying my shield in an ALien Gear Cloak Tuk 3.0.

I ordered it for the 1911 when I bought it and picked up the shell for the shield at the same time. It's the most comfortable holster that I've bought ...................................................................................so far.

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SDMF

IWB: Alien Gear, Galco King Tuk. Both are composite leather/kydex. OWB: Savoy Leather and Off the Grid Concepts for Kydex.

Indeed sir, indeed.

If you are going for IWB and like the Alien Gear then make sure you look at the N82 Tactical Pro. From my experience I liked it better than the Alien Gear. I also never like to suggest a holster without telling people to look At Bell Charter Oak Holsters. Gentleman makes some very well thought out Holsters. I've had very good luck with several models. Also nothing beats quality leather work. Last thing I can say is don't think you'll only buy one holster for one gun. You may find yourself with different types or styles to meet needs of everyday carry Year round . This is why you will eventually have a drawer full of Holsters

Dave, first welcome to the forum. Sadly finding the right holster is a matter of trial and error. There is no one size fits all, so don't give up if your first or even second holster is not ideal, for you.

I've use Lobo Leather holsters, in several different styles, for sometime now. All in all they are high quality and work well.

Best of luck in your search.

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Always Stay Strong!

I was dissapointed with the aliengear I bought, felt like I was wearing a brace it was so stiff. Its in the drawer with the others I wasted money on. I am still looking for a good IWB for an M&P 40c.

Wright leather works makes really nice leather holsters if you are looking for leather. I have one on order for my P320c.

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+1 for Jason Winnie. Had one for my Shield. Have one for the 9C and carry my 1911's in a JW holster as well. Good price, not long wait time.

I've used Don Hume, Galco, and others. Just be sure to get one that 1. Is stiff enough to re-holster easily; 2 easy to draw from; 3. Has a sweat shield/guard.

I more often carry IB (inside belt) with a sweatshirt, t-shirt, etc.

Something else to consider... check out the customer service and warranty. When I had a small issue with mine, the owner gladly took it back, fixed it and sent it back asap.

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It's about impossible for a retail store to carry much in holsters because of all the different models, barrel lengths, makes, etc. A store might have several hundred holsters and probably wouldn't have the one you wanted. Contact the custom makers for your specific make and model of gun for best fit. But, that's why most of us have a large box of holsters, slightly used and just a couple well used.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Just google A.E. Nelson, Scio Oregon. The quality is supreme and if they don't have it in stock, they will make it within a few days.

What's good for me may not be good for you. My advice is just start buying and you'll be like the rest of us before you know it.

The basket contains holsters from: Lobo, Milt Sparks, Galco, Alien Gear, Michael Cole and several no names.

Vedder Holsters- America's Most Comfortable Concealed Carry Holsters

owb / iwb
American made
color options
gun specific
lifetime warranty

I would check out Crossbreed Holsters. They specialize in concealed carry rigs, and their service and warranty cannot be beat. The main reason I recommend them is their "two week try it" policy. You can order a holster from them and try it/use it/wear it for two weeks and if it is not working for you or is uncomfortable it can be returned no questions asked. Their is a lifetime warranty on their products as well.

I have not tried their "Super Tuck" but I plan to. My son is a LEO and I purchased a holster from Crossbreed for him to carry his BUG. It didn't work for his needs so when he called they are upgrading to a more expensive holster for him at no extra charge. Now THAT is customer service. My Son told me after talking to them on the phone he would never buy another holster from anyone else.

Dan

I too have the box-o-holsters. Different holster for different carry style. Most recently I ordered a Lobo and am very happy. This one is for deep CC. Rides nice and tight carrying a very heavy revolver.

I OC a semiauto in a Mernickle. Had it engraved and she is a beauty. Lobo also does some beautiful engraving.

As others have mentioned, I also have a simply rugged which does an admirable job but IMHO has a bit more leather than I like in a holster. I use it rarely but it does the job just fine.

One other I will mention because it is my current BUG holster is an Old Faithful

Good luck - you WILL have different holsters for different carry options!

The Shield is so easy to conceal with an OWB, I saw no reason to wear it uncomfortably in an IWB. Wright Leather Works makes quality leather holsters and I own two. One for my Shield and another for my 640-1. I do not see any need to have a drawer full of holsters if you do it right the first time. Remember a quality gun belt is just as important as the holster.
Concealed Carry Leather Holsters - Wright Leather Works LLC


S&W Shield 003cf3 by Jerry Jaynes, on Flickr

99 percent of my holsters are from Bianchi, Galco, Desantis, Milt Sparks and El Paso. I buy them, try them and sell the ones that don't work out.

LOBO GUN LEATHER

I suggest you do a search for Lobogunleathers and see what the members here say. Quality holsters at a good price and short waiting times.

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Why duck?? It's a 9mm!

Hi I'm new to the forum and I'm looking for input on a good tuckable IWB holster . I carry a smith 637 everyday and I mean everyday. Usually a good 14 to 16 hours a day . I own a small body shop in a town where crime can be high at times. Heck the pizza shop owner rt around the corner got shot last week when it was robbed. Anyway back to my point. I carry a revolver because of the mess I'm in everyday ( guaranteed to fire ) I currently have a n82 tuckable but it's to soft I guess. Forms so well to the pistol that after so much time you can't draw it from the holster without the holster coming with the pistol. Not good. I want a leather holster that protects it from sweat so it doesn't start to rust so to speak. Corrode it's aluminum. But I roll around with it all day . Sorry for the long description . Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks

Who makes a good one that works well , protects the gun from sweat and dirt ?

I would never want to carry a BAD holster!

For OWB my Kramer Leather Horsehide Belt Scabbard Holster, Belt and Ammo pouch is the BEST I've ever had!

For pocket carry, I use a DeSantis Nemesis - GREAT holster!

For IWB I use the soft Suede type.

To me these are the BEST of the bunch in each type. YMMV of course.

First off welcome to the forum, sorry so many decided it would be fun to jump on you for asking a question, makes them feel good I guess. I will say you did get several good answers to your question after awhile. There are several holster makers on the forum here. I have had good luck myself with Galco, just to mention one. Good luck with your search and I hope to stay with the forum.

I am a newby to this great forum, but I have been teaching CCW in many states for 20+ years now. I also have the "box O holsters" actually its a duffel bag that I haul to classes to show students what I like and don't like about each and what for sure NOT to buy.
That said my all time favorite leather maker is a guy named Eric Larson out of Utah. He owns and operates HBE leatherworks
Leather Gun Holster Maker - Eric Larsen
He is a one man show because quality is what matters to him. His prices are reasonable for what you get. He will need to spend 15-20 min on the phone and ask you many questions.
The only drawback is timing........you will not get your leather in a couple weeks. my last 3 as I recall took 3-4 months, then he shocked me and made and delivered the last one in right at a month.
I have been using and recommending Eric for 20 years and everything I own now rides in HBE leather. Check him out.

With some practice you can make a very good holster. Some good Herman Oak leather, some thread, some time on a leather workers forum, and you can make something nicer than most can afford to buy. Patterns are available, and instructions on how to make patterns are available. Takes a few starts and drawers do fill up and as soon as you get good, family shows up wanting free holsters, but it is fun. You can start with cheap leather until you get good so you don't toss out expensive mistakes, and yes, your fingers will bleed when stuck with an awl or needle. But you can get exactly what you want. Just tell everybody that its a feature, not a mistake.