Anyone use a pocket holster with a Shield 9mm?
Anyone use those inexpensive "polymer" holsters, either on the belt or a paddle type?

I am curious about the first question, and thinking of doing the second with this pistol. I THINK I'd like to try a pancake holster, but thought I'd ask around first......I'd like to hear form those who use the Shield, or something similar for daily carry. I don't need a thumb break or any sort of security strap/mechanism.

On the magazine carry thought, what are folks using to carry extra magazines? Does everyone do that? And which of the two mags available? The 8 rounder with pinky rest or the more compact 7 rounder? I have never had a CC pistol where I had a choice......I am still thinking about which mag makes more sense for me. Anyone recommend a brand of mag carrier/pouch?

PS - I am retired now and don't have a department to pick up the tab, so please keep your recommendations reasonable!

In my experience, inexpensive usually means unsatisfactory for daily carry. My everyday carry is a Kahr P9 in a Milt Sparks VM-2 IWB holster but occasionally use a DeSantis Nemesis if the pockets are deep enough to conceal it. The spare magazine is worn on the belt. With so many cell phones, Leathermans, etc., nobody will recognize a magazine pouch. Summer dress is normally with the shirt out, in colder weather a jacket or coat covers everything.

It's just as easy to carry and conceal the 8 rounder so for me that's a no brainer. Holsters are a very personal choice, what works for me may not be the best for you but I have four Milt Sparks holsters!

Inexpensive is not a word that I want to use to describe a holster, carrying a gun in that I am counting on to keep me alive. You need a dedicated quality holster made for your gun in a holster. Perfect fit and good retention are important. Carry it on a gun belt for proper support.

The Shield is so easy to conceal with an OWB holster it just isn't a problem. All summer I wore shorts a Hanes light weight tee tucked in with a button type shirt left open and un-tucked. the light weight shirts are about 1/2 the weight of the Beefy Tees.

There are a very few times that I would consider pocket carry for the Shield. One would be when I am driving all day and want to stop at a rest spot. I have ordered a Remora holster for that and they are on sale at 35% off now, plus a free mag holder. The free mag holder answers your other question. I am just going to put it in my pocket in the Remora Mag Holder.

I carry with the 7 round magazine and will pocket carry the 8. Easier to conceal that way.

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

On occasion, I pocket carry my shield in a desantis pocket-tuk. Only in shorts with a cargo pocket that's not too low down your leg (swings too much). A bit too bulky to carry in a front pocket IMO.


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JR
SD40VE and Shield 9

I've been front pocket carrying my Shield for over two and a half years in either a Galco Pocket Protector (Leather) holster, or a Remora (Sticky type) holster.

Not everyone can pocket carry a pistol the size of the Shield. Being able to do so depends on the Style of pants/jeans, the length/cut of the slash pocket and build of the user.

'Skinny Jeans' and 'Regular Cut' jeans many times are too snug to accommodate a pistol. Relaxed Fit jeans offer more room in the thigh area. The angle and length of the slash pocket are a major factor. With Some brands, the length of the slash is so short, one can barely get one's hand, let alone a hand and pistol in and out easily. The angle of the slash can make access awkward. When trying pants/jeans, insert your hand, make a fist and try to withdraw your fist. If you can't, you wouldn't be able to draw a weapon.

For me, Wrangler's Relaxed Fit jeans, Cargo pants and Slacks work the best.

I carry my Shield in my pocket most of the time. I bought a Blackhawk #4 pocket holster at Walmart for about $13. It fits in my from pocket and when I withdraw the gun, it comes out smooth and clean. The holster stays in my pocket. I have a Blackhawk CQC for OWB. As far as an extra mag, i just pocket it if I carry one.

I tried using a Desantis Nemesis size E1 to pocket carry my Shield, but since the rear sights weren't covered, I got a bit of road rash on my upper leg from the sights rubbing. I read where another forum member recommends a Sticky MD4.

A good paddle holster, that I've been using is a Comp-Tac.
Outside Waistband Holsters - products new home - Paddle Holster

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Inconsistently consistent

That holster above is looks interesting....what is that? Looks great.

What is "OWB"? I am familiar with IWB (in the waist band, right?) but not OWB. Something-something-Belt maybe?

Thanks, I will do some research on the Remora and they mag pouch you mentioned.

Thanks for all your replies. I am surprised so many do use an in the pocket holster. I have one for the Kel-Tec 9mm and Kel-Tec 32 I sometimes carry. I forget the brand, but it's not Remora. Maybe Uncle Mikes? Works pretty good, but I think it might be a bit bulky with the Shield....but then I haven't taken delivery of that pistol yet.
I use a holster similar to the brown one above, but it has only one belt loop visible, the other is behind the pistol, so it takes up very little space on my belt. I use that with my Kel-Tec 9mm, and might see if that will work with my Shield, or try to find another of similar design. I don't think I could manage an inside the waistband holster, so that's pretty much out. I like a paddle holster best as it's easier to put on/off......I am a lazy guy and always try to find the easiest way to do things! <g> I have only used one paddle holster, and it was somewhat unsatisfactory due to the large size/weight of the pistol I was using at the time (Sig 228). But I will keep checking to see if I can find one that works with the much smaller/lighter Shield. The one above recommended looks good.....I do want something that allows a forward tilt, and being adjustable is a requirement.
Thanks for all the help, ya'll.

"OWB" meaning Outside Waist Band.

Welcome to the Forum.

There's a difference between cheap, inexpensive , value for money and affordable....

The Shield 7rd 9mm mag will fit in a Rainbow of California Swiss Army knife case.

The 8rd mag will fit in their large knife case without the grip insert. The case is a touch too long but does not seem to pose a problem.

If you have a REI store near you they sell them in there in black color. Both use a belt loop and are in the $6-$7 range at rei.

Otherwise they are available online at rainbowofcalifornia.com in a large selection of colors and camo patterns. They are a lot better quality than the China import cases you see on places like ebay.

Thanks and thanks!

Yes, they are all relative terms to the speaker! Totally agree!

Thanks for that suggestion.

You'll find some insights on Shield holsters, magazines, etc., at Sidearm Sam's.

I tend to not think in terms of inexpensive in relation to firearms & accessories. I usually think of the best fit & function stuff. I am reminded of a conversation with a long retired LEO who, as we discussed this area, bluntly asked me: so, just how much is your life worth?

Just my thoughts, sir.

For pocket carry I use a Desantis Superfly model M44BJU4Z0. I use a Little FoxX for IWB. For a mag carrier, I use a Safariland 123 Concealment Magazine Holder, Horizontal Model 123-18-2. It installs without removing your belt. I also use a Galati Gear Single Magazine Pouch, but you have to remove your belt to use it.

I use three different holsters for my Shields depending on the situation:

Most of the time it's a PJ Holsters Kydex IWB with his clip-on loop. It's a comfortable holster that works really well, and it's easy to put on and take off in the car without calisthenics (IL has a lot of GFZs.)

When I'm going to be in a higher threat environment and can wear a cover garment for OWB, it's a Safariland ALS holster - a 6377. A close friend lives on the edge of the 'hood, so this gets worn more frequently than I would like.

Lastly, I have a Kydex pocket holster that I only use in my winter coat. The Shield is a little too big for me to pocket carry in my pants.

I don't usually carry a spare mag, only in higher threat environments. I do keep a spare in the glove box, and when I carry on body it's with either an IWB or OWB clip-on from PJ. I only carry the smaller mags for either caliber, and all my smaller mags have Pearce grip extensions.

Thanks for that info, Ken, especially on the holsters. I am hearing a lot of good stuff on the PJ products.

It looks like a Wrights Leather OWB. Wrights makes nice holsters. I use a High Noon Bare Asset and it works well. IWB with high and tight ride and thin leather. Solid clip keeps the gun in place. Great budget holster that has actually replaced my Comp-tac Minotaur, believe it or not. The Shield is just a great CC gun.

Since I bought this, I always comfortably carry a spare mag and am confident that it will be very easy/fast to access - MagHolder.com - Fast. Comfortable. Concealed.