Hello all, I have only recently become a gun owner, mostly for self defense. I first purchased a Shield 9mm with the idea of carrying it. I was just approved for a CCP and now I am in the hunt for a good Conceal holster and some ideas of maybe what position to carry. I am thinking in the belt to my front right. Not on the side at 3 O'clock, more like 1:30ish.

Also, I have been enjoying shooting pistols so I bought a CORE 9mm, ordered a FastFire III and an Apex tactical forward set sear and trigger set. So I am looking for some recommendations for a range holster.

I originally purchased a DeltaPoint pro for the CORE, only to find out it doesn't fit withought modification. It didn't seem like it would be all that difficult to do the mod, but I didn't want to start hacking on new parts. I was thinking of getting a Trijicon RMR06, but didn't feel like I needed to spend that much as I am no professional shooter.

Anyway, thanks in advance. This forum has been helpful so far.

Comp Tac and Blade Tech are popular range holsters for the M&Ps.

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Science plus Art

i agree with Blade Tech or Comp Tac for range. For CCW, Ive used a hybrid (Alien Gear or Crossbreed) IWB at 4 o'clock everyday for past 7 yrs. For comfort, nothing is better IMO

The 1:30 position is considered appendix carry. Some folks like it and some do not. I don't because everything for me is good until I sit down and the the barrel sticks in me and it's not at all comfortable. I carry at the 3 to 3:30 position and it works well for me. About the only true way to find out is to try different positions and see what you like.

Holsters are another very personal decision. I like the N82 Professional model. It's very comfortable and I can carry all day with no problem. Again, other folks don't like this holster. Look around and make a decision based on what you feel will work for you. You might hit it on the first try but most likely will go through at least a few different holsters before you find the one that works for you.

Since you're a new shooter I would highly recommend taking a training course. A good instructor from the beginning will teach you proper techniques which is much easier now than trying to get rid of a bad habit later down the road. Good luck and welcome to the forum.

Welcome to the forum and an interesting and rewarding hobby. Also, taking responsibility for your own safety is commendable.

I echo the above comments, especially about getting some real training on fundamentals. You have shown a commitment to get gear, and that is good, but training is even better and more important.

A Burris FF is a start, as is a CORE. Neither is state of the art for a slide mounted red dot sight. The first is a budget optic; the second a generic compromise. However, you are headed in the right direction for a modern pistolero.

Your holster choices and direction I like also. I prefer AIWB carry for all its advantages. I appreciate though that it is not for everyone. I carry a 4.25" slide full size M&P with a threaded barrel, essentially making it a 5" gun in a Keepers "SafeKeeper" holster every day. With a stiff belt and a good covering garment, a large gun works very well in AIWB.

I use my Shield for deep concealment when I can't wear a covering garment (suit). I use Thunderwear that is really AIWB but below the belt line.

If you do searches in this forum on these topics you will find many good threads that have a broad range of responses to your questions.

Agree with ballistic about carry position. It will just depend on what is comfortable for you. When i first started carrying i uaed to carry at 1 o clock but soon learned that it was not for me. It was uncomfortable when sitting and really hard to get to if i needed it while driving. And this is with a bodyguard 380 (very small gun).

I now carry at either 4 o clock.

Practice drawing from the hip (unloaded)

Lots of good and useful information, thanks.

I should reiterate, I am new to owning guns. I have been shooting since I was a young boy. Still, I will look into an instructing lesson or 3. When I was at the range with my CCP instructor, he pointed out a few things the I could improve on. I had no idea I was doing it wrong.

With that in mind I would suggest a basic defensive handgun course. A class like that will cover self defense techniques and using the correct form. These classes aren't for the "beginner" with no knowledge of guns. After that an advanced course would be good. I try to do a course once a year and always learn something new and useful. It's good to see someone wanting to do things right. Too many get the concealed permit but never practice or get any type of training.

Stay open minded. Even a lot of "seasoned" shooters and instructors just don't know what they don't know. Take a class from at least two different instructors, hopefully they won't be completely opposite. Look around and check prices. There are a couple very famous schools that charge 2-3X what some others charge for instruction. Some people say it's worth it, others disagree.

Check credentials, there have been some instances of instructors claiming to be what they are not. You know what you can afford, sounds like your concealed carry instructor may know a thing or two, and if you liked him, maybe start there. After you learn, put in the work, both live fire and dry fire. Maybe a local guy will have an available "tune up" after a couple months to see if you've developed any bad habits.

Just my opinions, they're worth what you paid for them.

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Hi Kennedy,

I see have "acquired" the hobby, which will lead to "favorite occupation". Once you start shooting, and the family gets involved - well it's like B-B-Q's.

As for holsters, like other have stated Bladetech is good. I purchased a BladeTech "Kilpit" and carry my Shield appendix style at about 1 o'clock position.
I then purchased a Leather holster from Braids Holsters off eBay

Link: ebay
I'm still breaking the holster in. Good quality work, and holster can be inside waist belt (IWB) or Outside Waist Belt (OWB). Clips can be moved around, holster covers the trigger guard and mag release.

As for my M&P Pro 5 inch with Crimson Trace Laser I bought a Big Daddy Holster from eBay. Link: ebay

The Big Daddy works well for me. Also has a pouch for an extra magazine, or light, or knife. Whatever you need to carry.

Welcome to S&W forum and I hope I helped,

I could not agree more! Instructors for any sport are different, have varying experiences, and some think they are the "only" one to talk too. Tennis instructors, Golf instructors, Shooting instructors, etc....

I shoot with some LEO's and they all definitely have their opinions. I say, go out have some fun shooting. Get familiar with your handgun(s) and you will shoot better.

Just my two cents,

Thanks. I have about 500 rounds through the Shield. Think I'm going to replace that trigger also. I have zero shots through the CORE yet. I am waiting till i get the sight and trigger set before I shoot it. Although, it's eating at me and I ,ugh the end up at the range this week, haha.

I ordered an alien IWB, if I don't like it I'll order an appendix type holster and so forth and so on.

I have been a competitive fisherman for 15 years, redfish tournaments, so I can understand just how much money this newest hobby can cost.

I have 4 children including twin 10 yr old boys which love to shoot. The shoot my Shield and I bought a Henry Classic 22 last weekend for them. My wife has come a time or two, but my girls are stand of fish for now.

I have access to 42 acres in the country, with a shooting range in it. Its about an hour away, but there is a pond and go karts with trails on the property, so my family really enjoys going there. It means I can shoot as much as I want...��

I have yet to settle on an OWB for my M&P9c so can't help you there. OTOH, I carry my Keltec (near identical in size to the Shield) in pocket holsters in my RF pocket. That is so easy and so well hidden that I find no need for any other type of holster at all.

I put a Vortex Viper on my 40 core, Lines up with the sights to co-witness.


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The retired cop that taught my CCL class said that when you start shooting, the first thing you should buy is a large storage container to hold all of the holsters you'll likely acquire along the way.