Today I ordered the Pro Core 9L 5"
This will be my first pistol other then a buckmark .22 that I shoot BE with.

I'm looking for a holster for competition. No carry laws in NJ so carry is not an option.

Don't want a Serpa as it seems it maybe a contributing factor to ND's and some ranges have banned them.

What inexpensive holster would you guys recommend that would allow an optic in the future?

You didn't say what kind of competition you're intending to shoot, so here's a couple of ideas.

1 Blade Tech Revolution, inexpensive, will accept a Core with or without optic, meets all production category requirements (IDPA and USPSA) (Picture 1 below)

2. Blade Tech Speed Holster, won't work for production classes but is cheaper than option 3. (Picture 2)

3. Safariland 014, good for USPSA limited and open, this is what I use now (picture 3)

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	blade tech fs (Small).jpg (76.2 KB, 696 views)
	BT right.JPG (148.0 KB, 680 views)
	SL holster 1.jpg (100.3 KB, 751 views)

No sure which competition yet, but defiantly want to get involved.

The revolution looks like a good starting point. I've seen on YouTube some people showing the revolution with sw and m&p logos, but so far can't find them, are they available?

Saw another, comp Tec that looked interesting, anybody have any info?

Thanks!

Nice thing about the Revolution made for a 9c is that all the full size M&P's will fit. I can use mine with a 9c, a 4.5" and a 5", the muzzle just sticks through and the sight channel is tall enough for the core tall sights. I've never seen them with a S&W logo, but I've never looked either.

I bought a Safariland Duty Gear 578. Mine is a left handed model.

It retains good and adjusts to your pistol. You use your middle finger to unlatch it as you put your hand on the grip. It works great.

It comes with the paddle and a belt loop back.

My vote is for the Blade Tech, have ran black hawk serpa's, and Fobus. For a little more the Blade tech DOH ASR provided the best fit and position of the pistol for competition shooting in production and limited classes.

One tip, as or more important than the holster.. Don't over look the belt! If your going to compete get a quality belt it will make even a cheap holster a little better.

Good luck

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Is this the one you recommended?
Blade-Tech DOH Dropped Offset Holster Right Hand S&W M&P Pro 9mm ASR

Check out the Comp-tac line. Well made and very popular on the competition circuit.

Is there a specific one you would recommend?
There are so many different ones

Comp-tac has a very complete line, but there are only 2 that they recommend for competition. Those are the Paddle and the International. I personally use the Paddle 3:00 with FBI cant for my MP9 5 inch Pro and really like it as its easy on / off but very stable on the belt and frictionless on the draw. It also does not have to be positioned relative to your pants belt loops, unlike a belt mount. They also offer it in a speed draw cant. The International is interesting, as its pretty much the paddle holster part that includes options for paddle, on belt and drop - offset ( not legal for men in IDPA and USPSA ). You may want to give them a call - they are great at giving advice on their product line. They also will allow you to return / swap holsters if you don't like them, but shipping charges can get a little steep.

Drop offset holsters are legal in USPSA, the rules are very different between the two disciplines. IDPA is .750" and USPSA is 2.125" from the belt to the holster. (approximately, they measure the distances differently). USPSA requires that the back of the pistol grip be above the top of the belt (I forget the IDPA rule about that, been a while).

I don't use a standard holster much anymore

Attached Images

SJC comp 3.JPG (60.8 KB, 285 views)

I have a core with Trijicon red dot optic. It works well with the Blade Tech "Black Ice OWB".

The Blade Tech Pro-SPro Speed Rig holster fits, but it is for fast drawing, and improper re-holstering can lead to the pistol falling out!

Hi JCase,

In NJ only 15 round mags are legal. Is this a special order?

JCase, yes that is the link to the holster I am using, and it works well. The inside is very slippery and while you can easily set the retention the pistol draws cleanly.

Good Luck

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Shoot Straight and Shoot often

The NJ ffl I deal with is going to pin the mags at 15 rounds. You won't find a better ffl to deal with anywhere. He also has the best prices you'll find.

Not sure if I can list who he is on the forum???
Pm me and ill give you his contact info.

I use a safariland gls 578 with my pro core with a deltapoint sight, fits perfectly, easy draw and reholster, not expensive...

Moose,
Is that a 5 inch in that 578? Or a 4.25 inch barrel.

it will fit either one, its adjustable to fit something like 77 different pistols

Thanks for all the info everyone, I went with

Did the combo with the Fobus Mag pouch

Since you're planning on shooting with an optic, you need to do the legwork and figure what divisions you're eligible for, and what the restrictions are on gear.
I use a DAA Racer (well, will eventually once it gets modded) for limited but it's a full blown race holster.

USPSA Carry Optics division with the optic installed (or Open, but you won't be very competitive without a comp as well). IDPA SSP or USPSA Production without the optic.

Thanks, going to start without an optic. Figure without it I might be able to be competitive, with it, I doubt it. lol

Start with IDPA. It's typically more low-key and usually have a greater variety of people (including those with lower skill levels). Plus, since there isn't any prize money, people are much more likely to help you along... although if it's a good group of people, both are usually willing to help. If you let them know that you're new, people will usually bend over backward to give you guidance. Don't forget a mag holder and extra mags. IDPA usually requires a cover garment, but most clubs will bend that requirement for new shooters.

Also most USPSA matches have great competitors. Always ready to help someone if needed. I have been involved in USPSA since the 1980's. 99% of the people I have encountered have been wonderful people, people I count as friends to this day.

BTW, I use a BladeTech holster and the hubby uses a Safariland (he has a comp on his C.o.r.e.). With my new core (PC ported) I can still use my BladeTech holster with my optic.

My Compact, Pro, CORE, and CORE Ported all fit in my Comp-Tac holster, with both CORE's fitted with optics.
I use the offset attachment so it's away from my body when I compete.

+1 and I use the Safariland ELS belt with a Ben Stoeger BOSS Plus holster hanger for 3-gun and steel matches.





I originally bought the 578 for a 3.8" SA XDm 9mm. With its adjustment feature it fits my CORE perfectly. I was afraid the front sight might snag, no problems thou.




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