Holsters; Shield and M&P 9c same?

[papersniper]

I think I know the answer is NO, but thought I'd ask anyway.

That said, any suggestions on sizing a holster for the M&P 9c (compact 3.5 barrel, 12 round mags) I plan to purchase soon? I know that Smith makes the 9mm M&P a 4.25 inch barrel length also. Anyone care to recommend specific holsters for the shorter barreled M&P 9c? Has anyone had problems finding holsters for the M&P 9 compact?

I plan to use the new M&P 9 compact on a rotational basis for carry duties along with my Shield 9mm and occasionally my XDS 9mm....and rarely a Glock 42. I usually wear an IWB holster such as Roth's or Raw Dog's single clip IWB models. However, in cooler months I often wear an OWB leather holster under a jacket, like a Blackhawk's Compact Askins.

Suggestions and recommendation are always welcome! BTW, anyone else have the Glock 42 (380 acp)? I just got it and think it's "cute". Actually I bought it for a specific situation where its tiny width and general small size make it a better choice than my Shield.

Thanks ya'll!

[B0308]

I'll leave your "No" hanging.

However on a sample of two, a Shield 9 and Glock 43 (Milt Sparks SS and concealed carry kydex ) will "almost" fit the same. The holsters are made for the Shield, but the G43 will fit both, the kydex better than the leather. In a pinch and for concealed use, they would work. Don't have a G42 so can't compare. YMMV

[bluelund79]

There are enough holsters out there specifically for the 9c. I have both pistols as well. I use a Galco leather OWB (made for the 9c), and a Crossbreed type holster for IWB. I prefer 2 attachment points on the 9c, while the Shield has 1 attachment point type IWB kydex holster.

[redwood0_7]

DeSantis makes holsters for 9c. Will also fit fs

[Motorsporting]

There are plenty of holsters for all. If you want a holster that fits a 9c and be available for a FS, then get something like Comp-Tac's "slide" option (available for all models I think). The kydex doesn't quite cover the compact slide, and the FS sticks through the kydex about an inch.

[papersniper]

Thanks for all the replies. That answers my questions fully. I believe I'll get holsters for the 9c that are similar to the ones I have for the Shield; I've been happy with them.

[Ballenxj]

Interesting question. I am thinking that a 9c will fit the same holster as a full sized M&P9? I think they are both have the same dimensions excluding barrel and slide length, and grip length as well? I haven't proven this yet as I don't have the C yet?

[spirit4earth]

For the 9c, I liked the UGB Regulator for an OWB, and the Sideguard Minimal Clip for IWB.

[boomerguy49]

Originally Posted by Ballenxj

Interesting question. I am thinking that a 9c will fit the same holster as a full sized M&P9? I think they are both have the same dimensions excluding barrel and slide length, and grip length as well? I haven't proven this yet as I don't have the C yet?

The M&P 9c will fit in all holsters that are made for the full size M&P 9. However, the converse is not necessarily true because of the barrel length. If the 9c holster is closed at the bottom, the longer barrel of the 9 will "hit bottom" too soon.

I have two holsters for my 9c that were designed for the full size 9: Triple K leather shoulder holster set (sold by Sportsman's Guide) and a Safari 6378 ALS paddle/OWB holster.

Remember that the Shield is a single-stack magazine design and the 9c is a double-stack magazine design. My 9c holds the full size M&P 9 magazine with an X-Grip adaptor.

[Skeptic 9c]

I am a Galco fan, but I note practice and 250 dry fire presentations are highly recommended.
Geoff
Who watches that bloke in the mirror carefully, he looks like my Grandfather, who was a very questionable character.

[Ballenxj]

Originally Posted by boomerguy49

The M&P 9c will fit in all holsters that are made for the full size M&P 9. However, the converse is not necessarily true because of the barrel length. If the 9c holster is closed at the bottom, the longer barrel of the 9 will "hit bottom" too soon.

Thank You. I have a Safariland Level II holster for my fulsize M&P9, and was thinking it would also work with the C model.
I am aware of the difference of height and length between the full size and the compact, but was wondering if the C will lock in the same in my level II holster. I'm thinking it will.
I'm a fairly cheap guy, and so wondered if I could use the same holster for both the M&P standard, and Compact.
I'm also aware that the Shield is a completely different gun, but thanks for clarifying that any way.

[boomerguy49]

Originally Posted by Ballenxj

Thank You. I have a Safariland Level II holster for my fulsize M&P9, and was thinking it would also work with the C model.
I am aware of the difference of height and length between the full size and the compact, but was wondering if the C will lock in the same in my level II holster. I'm thinking it will.
I'm a fairly cheap guy, and so wondered if I could use the same holster for both the M&P standard, and Compact.
I'm also aware that the Shield is a completely different gun, but thanks for clarifying that any way.

Yes, the 9c will lock in the same as the full size. My Safariland is a locking holster for a full size and it works perfectly with my 9c.

[mikesal34744]

Nope.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ballenxj]

Originally Posted by boomerguy49

Yes, the 9c will lock in the same as the full size. My Safariland is a locking holster for a full size and it works perfectly with my 9c.

Thanks, can you post a photo of the 9c in that holster?
I would appreciate it. If not, that's OK too.

[boomerguy49]

Originally Posted by Ballenxj

Thanks, can you post a photo of the 9c in that holster?
I would appreciate it. If not, that's OK too.

I don't have a picture but the holster is the Safariland 6378 ALS (Auto Locking System) which comes with the fantastic paddle and just fair belt attachment. The paddle attachment holds the holster extremely secure to your hip with the large contoured paddle -- much better than the OWB attachment. You can find this holster at different prices on the internet. Once holstered, my M&P 9c looks just like the full size M&P 9 but with the smaller beaver tail which does not affect the holster at all. The locking mechanism holds the ejection port instead of the trigger guard and is thumb activated with a natural move. The end of the barrel is less than 1/8" from the open end of the holster which is almost an exact fit. I am extremely pleased with it.

[Ballenxj]

Originally Posted by boomerguy49

Once holstered, my M&P 9c looks just like the full size M&P 9 but with the smaller beaver tail which does not affect the holster at all. The locking mechanism holds the ejection port instead of the trigger guard and is thumb activated with a natural move. The end of the barrel is less than 1/8" from the open end of the holster which is almost an exact fit. I am extremely pleased with it.

Thanks, I think I have that exact holster already for my full size M&P9, but the package it came in is stored in a box somewhere, so I can't check right now. I like the holster.
I was more curious about if the C had enough size advantage in compactness of carrying over the full size in that holster? I already have other smaller weapons, so I may just stick with what I already have instead of spending more money.