I could use info on the purchase of a holster

[ceci]

I just purchased a Shield 40. I'm looking for suggestions on a good holster for this handgun. Not interested in IWB. I have tried those & cannot seem to feel comfortable with them. From Illinois. Just finished my conceal carry training. Now waiting for the state to say I can carry. I'm also a vet. & they waved some of the hours. Going to take my time on this because I want a good holster. There are a ton of holster makers out there. Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[Buford57]

If you have ruled out IWB, I would recommend a good (emphasis - good) quality pancake style holster. I have no experience with the nylon pancakes, but a good leather version will allow you to anchor the holster by running the belt through the rear slot, under a belt loop and out the front slot. They hold the firearm close to the body, break up the outline somewhat and the 3-slot types allow some adjustment of cant as well as a cross-draw option. I carried a M39 and a 469 that way and both are larger and heavier than your Shield.

A good quality holster is worth the extra money. I have heard good things about Bell Charter Oak and Simply Rugged among custom makers and I believe Safariland and Galco still have versions of the pancake on the market, I would assume with the popularity of the Shield, they have a model to fit it.

 

[Blue9]

I would recommend the raven phantom with the OWB pancake belt loop option. This is a great holster, and it will keep the pistol very close to your body. As long as your shirt is long enough to cover the muzzle, the phantom is a great OWB holster to use for concealed carry.

Best part is, the phantom also makes a terrific range holster so you will actually train with what you carry.

The holster will run you about $85 with the options desired, but it is a very high quality holster.

Smith & Wesson Phantom Modular Holster - Raven Concealment Systems

 

[JBUS]

Off The Grid Concepts

Raven Conealment

Liion Defense

Just to name a few good kydex OWB holster companies that also do IWB & AIWB.

 

[The Sarge]

I have carried for serious business purposes for many years and fine, custom leather is my choice in holsters. The only holsters I use now are www.highnoonholsters

Well worth serious consideration. The Slide Guard model would work very well with your Shield. Bill

 

[GtownGeorge]

I also just finished the permitting process and I am waiting for the permit. I stopped by a LGS that I respect and was talking to the owner about CC handguns and he had some very helpful info. Then I asked about holsters, he laughed and said "Do you want to see the box of them I tried out until I found one I liked?". He commented that for something this important it has to be perfect and don't expect the first one you buy to be perfect. I just wish there was a place for holster rentals like there are for handgun rentals.

 

[mac12]

I have carried for serious business purposes for many years and fine, custom leather is my choice in holsters. The only holsters I use now are www.highnoonholsters

Well worth serious consideration. The Slide Guard model would work very well with your Shield. Bill

Thanks for the link. I think I found one there that I would like for my 442.

 

[The Sarge]

Thanks for the link. I think I found one there that I would like for my 442.

You are welcome and I thank you for your military service. You will like anything from High Noon. I have been exclusively using their gear for 15 years now. And I have tried all of the other "big name" holsters. Bill

 

[eaglefrq]

I'm strictly OWB. These manufacturers sell both OWB and I highly recommend any of them. I normally wear just a polo or t-shirt as a cover garment. You may notice that I like holsters that I can take on/off without having to remove my belt based on my recommendations.

Kydex:
Panther Concealment: The paddle holster is very sell made and holds the pistol high and very close to the body.
http://pantherconcealment.com/owb-holsters.html

Aholster: The belt holster has soft belt loops that allow you to take the holster off without having to remove your belt.
Belt Holster

Zero Concealment: I got the "Hideous Holster" and under options, added the soft belt loops.
Zero Concealment Systems

ETA: I just looked at Zero's website and they have different holsters now.

Leather:
Lobo Gunleather: I have the Model 1-SL Pancake and it is very nicely constructed and holds the gun close.
Lobo Gun Leather - Model 1-SL Pancake style with Snap-Loop belt attachment

UBG Leather: I have the Regulator and it is very nicely constructed and holds the gun close.
UBG Holsters

 

[buck1483]

check out zero9 holsters.com. theyre located in cleveland ohio. owned/operated by LEO. top notch kydex rigs. good prices and fast shipping.

 

[formernuke]

Don Hume and armory express both make some excellent holsters

 

[t1.8matt]

Bonecarver just showed me this holster, you can use as pancake or IWB which is pretty cool.
HHH C1 IWB/OWB hybrid kydex holster

 

[JRC332]

I have been using a Desantis Mini Scabbard for my Shield the past 1 1/2 years. It's leather and has a very low profile. So far I have no complaints.

 

[GerSan69]

+1 on the Desantis Mini. One of the more comfortable designs I've found.

 

[HeavyDuty Ken]

Ceci, where in IL are you? If you're close to me (Kane County) I'd be happy to show you a few that I have so you can get a feel for what's out there.

 

[ginzo]

Panther Concealment Custom Kydex Holsters and Knife Sheaths also. Pics available.
2 guns, 2 panthers.